You don't have to be a builder to have an impact on housing construction.
Toby Seward, the city's director of development, was recently named as one of British Columbia's 20 Most Influential People in Residential Construction of 2011.
Seward was recognized by B.C. Homes Magazine and the Canadian Home Builders' Association of B.C., because of his long-term positive influence on Nanaimo's construction industry.
Seward said he is humbled by the nomination.
He is also modest about his role in construction and passes credit for the nomination to the teamwork with city manager Al Kenning and city council for, day-to-day, successfully working with local builders.
"If there' any message I want to get out it's [city council] saying work with the industry and my bosses through them are saying work with the industry, so that's what I do," Seward said.
Byron Gallant, president of the central Island branch of the Canadian Home Builders' Association, praised Seward's dedication to his work and as advocate for both homebuilders and homeowners.
"He's been an advocate of the construction industry for many years," Gallant said. "During business hours and on his own time he puts in so much effort I'm surprised he hasn't been nominated before," Gallant said. "He goes above and beyond all the time."
Chris Erb, former B.C. president of the Canadian Home Builders Association and current chairman of the Mid Island Construction Association, said he is not surprised Seward is receiving the award.
Erb said Seward has always been a good friend of the construction industry and listened to builders' needs and concerns.
"It's about time they started recognizing other parts of the industry, not just the guys who are builders or whatever, so I certainly thinks it's a good thing," Erb said.
Seward came to Nanaimo in 1987.
"I came here not thinking I was going to stay and it has not only been a great place to grow and work, but it's also a great place to raise kids and have a family and enjoy the opportunities in Nanaimo," Seward said.