The 2026 Gerald Inch Memorial Award for Outstanding HRAI Chapter Leadership by Peri Hayes Steve Gilbert is the ongoing President in his third year of Peter Inch and Associates Heating + Air Conditioning. For several years and counting, Steve Gilbert has been involved with Peter Inch and Associates Heating + Air Conditioning. Meanwhile, Steve has also been the local Chapter President of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) for approximately six years. Established in the 1960s, the HRAI of Canada is a non-profit trade association which represents contractors, manufacturers and wholesalers in the HVACR industry on a national scale. Recently, Steve became the 2026 recipient of the Gerald Inch Memorial Award for Outstanding HRAI Chapter Leadership. In honour of Gerald Inch, a founding member of the London HRAI Chapter, this nomination-based award celebrates dedication to the industry and to the community. As a uniquely local connection, both the late Gerald and Steve hold roots in St. Thomas. This acknowledgement specifically focuses on volunteers who help to keep chapters, and local or regional groups viable. About his continued passion for this industry, Steve enthuses, “I really have a love for learning, and I also have a love to serve. I strive to give back where I can, using all that I have learned.” The dependable Steve has been immersed in his career for 33 years, receiving this latest award at their Annual General Meeting which was held in Gatineau, Québec. Celebrated in Halifax last year, Steve describes the ways in which this event moves from province to province and will be facilitated in Winnipeg, 2027. As Vanessa Holmes-Bell, Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Peter Inch + Associates, shares, “Steve’s achievement is a wonderful example of the principles that guide our business as the President of Peter Inch and Associates Heating & Air Conditioning, and the President of the local HRAI Chapter.” Reflected in the spirit of this award is Steve’s commitment to support the HVAC industry as he spreads his sunshine across the community. Asked what this recognition on a national scale means to Steve, he pensively replies, “It’s quite humbling to be recognized by your peers in this industry. I get to be involved with all of the local contractors, and I appreciate that we are all trying to
grow. I strive to create improvement for those in our industry.” In particular, Steve has seized opportunities to travel to Ottawa and Queen’s Park for Day on the Hill, meeting with politicians and ministers for thoughtful conversation surrounding advancing the HVAC industry, strengthening the workforce and supporting their rebate programs. “Our goal is to be here as a friendly advisor.” Humbled and honoured, this is Steve’s debut experience accepting this meaningful award. With a full heart, he graciously concludes, “This is honestly something that I love to do, and it’s overwhelming to be recognized.” Steve Gilbert is on the right.
Steve (left) accepting his award.
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Hometown St. Thomas • November 2026 • Page 3
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