Kelvin Toews
- What is your current job title and which area do you cover?
My current position is Fire Chief for the City of Steinbach and as the Fire Chief I am responsible for performing Fire Inspections and ensuring Fire Code compliance.
- How long have you worked with in the industry?
I began with the City of Steinbach in 2006 as a building inspector and in 2013 I was hired as the Fire Chief.
- How long have you been a member of MBOA?
I have been a member of the MBOA since 2006
- Why did you become a member of the MBOA?
The MBOA offers a great opportunity to connect with other building officials and compare experiences. It also provides training and education opportunities on topics that are relevant to the industry.
- What do you love most about being a building inspector?
What I liked about being a building inspector was that the industry is constantly evolving with new technology and building materials. There were always new challenges and something to learn. I find the same to be true of my current job performing fire inspections.
- Has becoming a member of the MBOA helped you in your career?
The MBOA has helped in creating contacts and alliances with inspectors in other jurisdictions that I find I am still using to this day.
- Do you have any mentors in your professional life?
When I was hired by the City of Steinbach my trainer and mentor was Barry Plett. I learned a lot from Barry, and I carried a lot of what I learned into my current position with the city.
- What is your favourite hobby or leisure activity?
My favourite leisure activity is cycling. Through my advancing years I have traded the more intense mountain biking for pavement but I still enjoy the occasional ride on single track.
- What is your favourite sports team?
I am a fan of football (the real football) and my favourite team is Manchester United. I do also follow American football where I am a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.
- What is something unique or something we may not know about you that people in the MBOA might find interesting
The character of James Bond was based on my life.
