CKCA Announcements

Local MeetUps BC

CKCA Local MeetUps – BC – Port Coquitlam

Here’s what we’ve lined up so far for BC this year and watch this space for future events!

Thanks to our MeetUp Champions Sofo Kitchens and sponsor McKillican

Program Details and link to Register:

Sofo Kitchens – Port Coquitlam – April 10, 2025 – Click here for details.

Future locations:

J&S Doors – Surrey, BC – Dates TBA

Sunrise Kitchens – Surrey, BC – Dates TBA

Local MeetUps – BC – 2024 – A Success!

CKCA hosted a second local meetup for it’s BC members on April 25 in Coquitlam at Troico, a CKCA member’s showroom.

Troico had recently undergone a showroom upgrade and were excited to show their new layout to the industry. Michael Richter, Founder and Owner welcomed 17 attendees to this event. In addition, Blum Canada was kind to sponsor the food and Cameron Porter from Blum provided a presentation “hot off the press” on the trends coming out of Eurocucina that just wrapped up in Europe a week ago.

Michael Richter says “The event went well, some good conversations and some connections made. A worthwhile event for sure!”

Amrita Bhogal, People & Culture Manager at Sunrise Kitchens (and incoming CKCA President) also attended this event and says “I think these local meetups are so important for the community to get to know each other and share insights about our industry. I would also like to thank Michael at Troico for hosting and showing us your beautiful showroom and to Blum for sharing the upcoming general information about our industry.”

Local MeetUps are a way to connect the industry in any region across Canada. The format is a Thursday evening, 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm. We are always looking for local champions who are willing to host a gathering in their facility. The agenda includes a topic of discussion and food is served by the sponsor. These events are free to members and non-members. The goal of meetups is to foster collaboration and industry community in a geographic area. While CKCA works to build the national community, it’s a big country and we know that creating smaller “pockets” is a personable way for industry to connect.

We look forward to seeing everyone at future local events in BC. If you’re a CKCA member and would like to host a meetup, get in touch with us at sandra@ckca.ca.

Local MeetUps – Alberta

CKCA Local MeetUps – Alberta – Calgary – Edmonton – Stony Plain

Here’s what we’ve lined up so far for Alberta this year and watch this space for future events!

Thanks to our MeetUp Champions Gem Cabinets (Edmonton), Superior Cabinets Showroom (Calgary) and Rodina Cabinets (Stony Plain)

Program Details and link to Register:

Edmonton – March 6, 2025

Calgary – March 13, 2025

Stony Plain – June 12, 2025 – Registration and details open April 2025.

We had great attendance at these local meetups in 2024!

Calgary here». Edmonton here».

Local MeetUps – Ontario

CKCA Local MeetUps – Ontario – Mississauga

Here’s what we’ve lined up so far for Ontario this year and watch this space for future events!

Thanks to our MeetUp Champions Marathon Hardware (March) and Blum Canada (June – date TBA)

Program Details and link to Register:

Marathon Hardware – Mississauga – March 6, 2025

Blum Canada – Mississauga – June, 2025 (Registration and details May 2025

CKCA Local MeetUp 2024 – Ontario – Our first Ontario Local MeetUp was a hit!

Oakville, ON – June 13, 2024

We welcomed over 30 attendees to a local meetup at Woodoer in Oakville on June 13, 2024. We received great feedback that the event was worthwhile and lots of valuable conversations were had.

Here’s what local meetup champion, Alain Albert of Wooder had to say:

“It aligns with our commitment to fostering community and collaboration within the industry. A meetup provides a platform for sharing knowledge, networking and discussing industry trends and challenges. We believe that coming together helps drive innovation and growth for everyone.”

These local gatherings are a way to connect industry for a few hours in a geographic area that is easy to reach. We plan to do more of these in Ontario. If you would like a meetup in your area, be sure to contact sandra@ckca.ca.

Thanks to our MeetUp Sponsor:

Thanks to our CKCA Local MeetUp Champion – Woodoer

Agenda:

4:30 – 4:45 PM – Introductions and Welcome from CKCA, Woodoer and CNC Automation
4:45 PM – Tour at Woodoer
5:30 – 6:30 PM – Themed discussion (Topic: Changing the layout of your shop – Presented by Alain Albert at Woodoer who has just gone through this process!).
6:30 PM – Enjoy some food & refreshments
6:00 – 8:00 PM – Roundtable discussions and networking

Trends for 2025 – IDS Show

CKCA asked member Blum Canada to give us a rundown of what they saw recently at the IDS Show in Toronto. Here’s a useful summary of trends to watch in 2025 and beyond.

Trends Shaping 2025: Smart Spaces, Bold Statements, and the New Minimalism

The IDS 2025, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from January 23rd to 26th, had the interior design world buzzing with excitement. Designers, architects, and students gathered to dive into the latest trends shaping the future of interior design. As I walked through the exhibit hall, I couldn’t help but feel eager to discover what’s in—and what’s out—for 2025 in this ever-evolving industry.

A standout trend at IDS 2025 is the growing emphasis on private, multifunctional spaces that adapt to the needs of today’s modern lifestyle. While open-concept layouts have long been a staple, the surge in remote work has sparked a major shift in how we view and design our home spaces. Homeowners are craving spacious, open environments that also provide the flexibility to create distinct areas for work, exercise, and relaxation. Smart solutions like the pocket systems were making waves at the fair for their innovative technology to transform home spaces in a split second. With a simple touch, doors glide effortlessly into the pocket, converting a home area into a vibrant gym room, a private office, or even a chic bar.

Another major trend emerging at the show is the shift toward creating warm, inviting spaces that prioritize comfort and coziness. While all-white and all-black kitchens continue to be popular, natural wood tones are making a notable comeback. These earthy tones not only brighten up the space but also create a more welcoming atmosphere to the heart of the home. A booth featuring a blend of warm wood cabinets and a timeless white marble wall and countertop perfectly illustrates how wood accents are being seamlessly integrated into kitchen design. Soft, warm lighting in cabinetry is also becoming an essential feature, enhancing the ambiance and functionality of modern kitchens.

Minimalism is still going strong in 2025, but it is the thoughtful, subtle details that truly re-define minimalist home. This made the new concealed hardware the star of the show. Its fully integrated design conceals the lift mechanism in the cabinet side, creating a clean, streamlined look that takes minimalism to the next level.

Vibrant patterns combined with earthy tones also stood out across many booths. Terracotta, olive green, and various shades of brown laid a soothing foundation for living areas, bringing calm and grounding energy. Bold accents—whether it’s a tan velvet chair, luxurious brass fixtures, or vibrant wall coverings—elevated home spaces, adding layers of personality. These vivid details not only created a dynamic visual impact but also served as a true reflection of personality, individuality, and unapologetic creativity.

In 2025, interior design is all about blending innovation with warmth and practicality with personality. The trends that took center stage at IDS 2025 are paving the way for spaces that focus on comfort, versatility, and bold self-expression. I believe we are witnessing an exciting time for design, where function meets flair in the most thrilling ways!

For more information, please contact:
Tony Henry tony.henry@blum.com
Lucy Traetto lucy.traetto@blum.com

New CKCA Advanced Manufacturing Peer Group

ANNOUNCEMENT

New CKCA Advanced Manufacturing Peer Group to collaborate on manufacturing technology initiatives

January 23, 2025 / OTTAWA – The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) has launched a transformative initiative for the industry, the CKCA Advanced Manufacturing Peer Group, tasked with harnessing advanced manufacturing technologies to address business challenges such as low-cost imports, demographic changes and labour shortages, and the rising costs of operations in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The CKCA initiative is a model approach for collaboration and innovation in the industry, designed to empower Canadian manufacturers with their technological evolution. By pooling resources and knowledge, members can collectively develop solutions tailored to industry needs.

The Peer Group will begin its work with a “CKCA BEST Audit” that identifies business improvements by assessing operational efficiency, sustainability, and technological readiness.

Another focus of the Peer Group is to find solutions to close the productivity gap with U.S. manufacturers, an issue that has increasing importance given the threat of U.S. tariffs. CKCA recognizes that U.S. factories often leverage more advanced automation and processes, resulting in a higher output at lower costs. The Peer Group will equip Canadian manufacturers with the tools to bridge this gap, securing their position in domestic and international markets.

Chris Leonard, Chair of the CKCA Advanced Manufacturing Peer Group, relates that the group is open to all CKCA members meeting the participation criteria. The distinct benefit of joining is that members gain access to cutting-edge technologies, shared resources, and industry-leading expertise. For specific questions on possible membership, contact cleonard@kaizenlp.com.

Luke Elias, Vice-President of the CKCA Board of Directors, says:

“In many ways the kitchen cabinet manufacturing industry in our country is at a crossroads and I am excited for the potential of the CKCA Peer Group to take great strides forward for the Canadian industry. By addressing challenges like labour shortages and increased operations costs, the peer group will develop practical, easily adaptable real solutions to increase productivity, positioning our member manufacturers for a resilient and innovative future,”

Chris Leonard, Chair of the CKCA Advanced Manufacturing Peer Group, says: “CKCA’s initiative empowers manufacturers and is a critical step for the kitchen cabinet industry toward sustainability, competitiveness, and growth. By collaborating, we’re building solutions that keep Canadian-made cabinets relevant and competitive. At the core, this is about safeguarding the future of our Canadian industry.”

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA), established in 1968, is a national trade association representing the kitchen cabinet industry in Canada. CKCA works to inspire progress and innovation in the industry, by promoting excellence, facilitating continuous improvement and working to ensure high standards for design and manufacturing are upheld. www.ckca.ca

For more information please contact: Sandra Wood, Executive Director, CKCA

Kitchen Cabinet Industry “Dodge Bullet” with Government Regulation

ANNOUNCEMENT

Kitchen Cabinet Industry “Dodges Bullet” With Government’s Formaldehyde Regulations

January 16, 2025 / OTTAWA – The Government of Canada has published its final amended regulations of the Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations (CANFER) and the good news for the kitchen cabinet industry is that the regulations that had manufacturers required to track wood products using formaldehyde through their supply chain have been removed.

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) was part of a wood products industry coalition, The Right Reg, that advocated for changes to proposed regulations that would have placed onerous record-keeping responsibilities on Canadian businesses. The industry coalition argued that the primary record keeping responsibility should be on the company that is first placing the product on the Canadian market—either a domestic manufacturer or an importer of composite wood product. Read the coalition’s arguments here: The Right Reg’s Key Points.

The final regulations read that the primary burden for record keeping falls on the panel manufacturer or the importer of the product. All proposed language in the draft regulations regarding “Attestation” has been removed and no record-keeping is required by downstream companies or retailers.

Further technical changes to the regulations were made that have eased the regulatory burden and cost of doing business on domestic manufacturers and retailers of laminated products and finished goods. The Government specifically cited consultations with The Right Reg as key to clarifying industry concerns and positively impacting the revisions made to the regulations document.

CKCA reminds its members who work with wood products containing formaldehyde that they are still required to register with the federal government. An email must be sent to Environment Canada (formaldehyde@ec.gc.ca) that includes the following information.

31 (1) Every person that manufactures, imports, sells or offers for sale a composite wood product that contains formaldehyde must provide the Minister with the following information in writing:

(a) its name, civic and postal addresses, telephone number and, if any, email address as well as the name of its contact person; and

(b) a statement of whether it manufactures, imports, sells or offers for sale composite wood panels, laminated products, component parts or finished goods, as the case may be.

Read here the final regulations amending the Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations (CANFER).

Amrita Bhogal, President of CKCA says:

“CKCA is pleased to have played a part in ensuring CANFER did not overwhelm Canada’s kitchen cabinet industry. The originally published regulations would have drowned manufacturers in a sea of paperwork. Larger manufacturers would have had to have a full-time person assigned to manage the compliance requirements. So, it is very good news that we have dodged the bullet. The Right Reg representation to government demonstrates how important industry advocacy is, and the positive outcomes that can result with effective advocacy.”

Sandra Wood, Executive Director of CKCA says:

“CKCA wishes to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all members of The Right Reg including CKCA members who wrote letters to Government to campaign for revisions to the regulations. In addition, we want to extend our sincere thanks to several associations who stepped up on this issue, particularly the International Wood Products Association and the Composite Panel Association. A special thank you to Elizabeth Baldwin of Metropolitan Hardwood Floors who quarterbacked much of the coalition’s efforts. It was an onerous task as, collectively, the members of The Right Reg submitted over a hundred pages of very detailed commentary to substantiate its suggested revisions to the formaldehyde regulations.”

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA), established in 1968, is a national trade association representing the kitchen cabinet industry in Canada. CKCA works to inspire progress and innovation in the industry, by promoting excellence, facilitating continuous improvement and working to ensure high standards for design and manufacturing are upheld. www.ckca.ca

For more information:

Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director

613-493-5858

sandra@ckca.ca

CKCA Welcomes 2024/2025 Board of Directors

PDF Version here»

ANNOUNCEMENT

June 20, 2024

CKCA Members Elect 2024/2025 Board of Directors

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association held their 2024 Annual Meeting on Thursday,

June 20 at 1pm (ET) via Zoom.

Members voted to elect by acclamation the Board of Directors for 2024/2025. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, the newly acclaimed and Board then appointed the Executive Officers. We are pleased to provide the following update:

Executive:

As Directors, these representatives also hold executive officer roles.

Amrita Bhogal, Sunrise Kitchens – President (Continues second term as Director and newly appointed as President for two years)
Luke Elias, Muskoka Cabinet Company – Vice-President (Continues second term as Director and newly appointed as Vice-President for two years)
James Dewinetz, Pacific Rim Cabinets – Treasurer (Continues third term as Director and as Treasurer)
Pete Fournier, Triangle Kitchen – Past-President (Continues third term as Director and first year of a two-year term as Past President)
Sandra Wood, CKCA Staff – Secretary (Annual appointment)

Directors:

Terms of office are 3 years and may run for 3 consecutive terms.

Rick Hurst, Richelieu Hardware – Director (Begins first of term)
James McKenna, Glenwood Kitchen – Director (Begins first term)
Trevor Chaulk, Chaulk Woodworking – Director (Continues first term)
Craig Atkinson, Marathon Hardware – Director (Begins second term)
Joerg Brauns, Cyncly – Director (Begins second term))
Giuseppe Castrucci, Laurysen Kitchens – Director (Begins second term)
Heidi Boudreault, Denca Cabinets – Director (Continues third term)
Chris Havey, CNC Automation – Director (Continues first term)
Gerald Van Woudenberg, Van Arbour Design – Director (Begins third term)

CKCA would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank departing Board members Varun Gajendran, Lucvaa Kitchens who served for 6 years and Earl Ducharme, Hafele Canada who served for 3 years. Through their continued support, CKCA has been able to deliver more programs and services to the membership.

Link to Board members photos and bios can be found here.

CKCA President, Amrita Bhogal says:

“CKCA continues to evolve as the national voice for the industry. The CKCA Board are committed to representing the interests of the membership. We believe the Canadian industry is innovative and embraces a skilled and talented workforce that is an integral part of the Canadian housing industry. We are proud of what we do, and we love what we do. As your newly appointed President, I look forward to continuing the amazing work that my colleague, Pete Fournier has done to lead this organization and I look forward to working with Luke Elias, Vice-President and the Board on the many important initiatives we have underway that support our industry.”

The CKCA National Forum will be held October 2 – October 4 in Winnipeg, MB. Registration opens this summer.

CKCA established in 1968, is a national trade association representing the kitchen cabinet industry in Canada. CKCA works to inspire progress and innovation in the industry, by promoting excellence, facilitating continuous improvement and working to ensure high standards for design and manufacturing are upheld.

For more information:

Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director

613-493-5858

sandra@ckca.ca

Local Edmonton CKCA MeetUp – Great turnout!

CKCA continues to reach out to members and non-members across the country. When an opportunity to hold an event in Edmonton on May 9, 2024 thanks to our local meetup champion, Selen Yuen of Selenium Interiors, we couldn’t pass it up! Selene rounded up companies to attend this event and the turnout was impressive. An evening of updates about trends coming out of Eurocucina, combined with great conversation with industry made the evening valuable for building a stronger community for the kitchen cabinet industry in the Edmonton and surrounding areas.

Selene was proud of what was accomplished at this meeting and told us:

“A good turnout with lots of energy. Richelieu did a super job of creating a warm, welcoming space with great food. They set the bar high for the next event and put CKCA in a positive, professional light. It was great to see people from the local college attend because it added extra depth to the conversations.”

Thank you Selene and thank you Richelieu for your sponsorship. You are both the reason this event was a great success.

We can’t wait to be back in Edmonton for future meetups!

Local Calgary CKCA MeetUp – Well attended!

CKCA continues to reach out to members and non-members across the country. When an opportunity to hold an event at Richelieu’s brand new distribution centre in Calgary came along we grabbed it! An evening of updates about trends coming out of Eurocucina, combined with great conversation with industry made the evening a great success. CKCA Past President and President of Denca, Heidi Boudreault, was the “local champion” who helped get this event off the ground.

Heidi was so excited about having this event she posted this on social media:

As someone deeply passionate about the cabinet industry and having served as the past CKCA president, I’m thrilled to champion this Calgary event for the CKCA Local MeetUps in Alberta. These gatherings hold special significance to me as they offer a platform to raise awareness for the CKCA and to connect with potential manufacturing members. CKCA membership warmly welcomes cabinet manufacturers, millwork manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and associates from all corners of Canada. Let’s come together to strengthen our community and shape the future of our industry. Join today at ckca.ca

Thank you Heidi and Richelieu for making this event a great success. We look forward to hosting next next meetup in Edmonton on May 9 and here’s to future meetups and all the valuable connections that are yet to be made!

Partnership Opportunity with UBC’ Wood Products Co-op Program

Dear CKCA Members,

As the woodworking industry continues to evolve, finding skilled and innovative talent is essential to staying ahead of the curve. We’re excited to announce an exceptional opportunity for CKCA members to partner with the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Advanced Wood Processing | CAWP at UBC Forestry Co-op Program and access a pool of talented students ready to tackle your company’s most pressing challenges.

Why Choose UBC Co-op Students?

UBC’s Wood Products Co-op Program currently has students available for 4 or 8 month terms starting in May/June. Students would be ideal for projects such as:

Quality Control: Ensure the highest standards of quality in your products by engaging co-op students to assist in quality control measures and process improvement initiatives.
Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Streamline your operations and enhance efficiency by working with students to develop and refine SOPs tailored to your company’s unique needs.
Facility Layout: Optimize your workspace for maximum productivity and safety with the help of co-op students skilled in facility layout design.
Production Planning and Scheduling: Improve your production processes and minimize downtime by enlisting co-op students to assist in production planning and scheduling tasks.
Machinery Evaluation: Evaluate and optimize your machinery and equipment to ensure they meet your company’s production requirements and goals.

Benefits of Partnering with UBC Co-op Program:

Access to Specialized Skills: Leverage the expertise of students trained in Wood Products Processing to address specific challenges and opportunities within your organization.
Flexible Work Terms: Choose between 4-month and 8-month work terms to accommodate your company’s needs and project timelines.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Benefit from cost-effective staffing solutions while gaining access to motivated and talented individuals eager to contribute to your company’s success. (BC companies may qualify for Wood First Funding)

Connect with Us:

Ready to take advantage of this exciting opportunity? Reach out to alberto.renteria@ubc.ca to learn more about how you can partner with UBC’s Co-op Program and harness the potential of our talented students.

Let’s work together to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth within the woodworking industry!

Jason Chiu B.Sc

Managing Director

UBC – Centre for Advanced Wood Processing

2939 – 2424 Main Mall

Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4

Tel: 604 822-0082

Email: jason.chiu@ubc.ca