ECABC Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

ECABC is proud to announce that Bill Strain and Rob Tate will be inducted into the ECABC Electrical Hall of Fame this June.

Bill and Rob have devoted their careers to the electrical contracting industry in British Columbia. Induction into the Electrical Hall of Fame is the highest honour the Association can bestow upon a member.

A ceremony celebrating Bill and Rob will take place on the evening of June 2nd during the ECABC Conference & AGM Gala Awards Dinner. This event will take place at the Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna. Registration is available here.

Learn more about their journeys below.

Bill Strain’s Impact

Bill Strain grew up in Calgary, and after attending the University of Calgary for three years, he changed his plans of becoming a dentist to following in his father’s footsteps as an electrical contractor. 

His electrical career began with an apprenticeship at Calgary’s CJ Coons Electric (formerly his father’s company, Strain Electric), and in 1974 he would help start Villa Electric in BC and was the majority shareholder. He became the independent owner of the company in 1980, whereupon Villa Electric (1980) Ltd. was born.  

A natural leader, Bill became involved with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association in the 1980’s and would go on to become Chairman of the Board of the Homebuilders Association Vancouver, President of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC, and President of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association nationally. During his time there, he was proud to be part of a successful lobbying effort that led to a 50% reduction in GST for new housing.  

He also led the creation of the Home Builders’ education and training program, a field of passion for Bill. After ECABC granted voting rights to open shop contractors, Villa Electric (1980) Ltd. became a member of the Association, and Bill would lead the development of ECABC’s education and training program.  

During his time with the Association, Bill represented ECABC on the Electrical Technical Advisory Committee, BCIT’s Program Advisory Committee, the Electrical Inspectors Association (now International Association of Electrical Inspectors, where he remains a member of its Board of Directors) and both ECABC’s Technical Safety BC and BC Hydro committees. Through his service in these groups, his passion has been instrumental to provincial policy and apprenticeship curriculum development. He also served on ECABC’s Board of Directors from 2007-2026, holding the role of Chair from 2017-2020. 

In his personal life, Bill is a tireless volunteer for his community. He spends a minimum of two days a week serving the Langley and  Aldergrove Foodbanks as a volunteer and is also  Chairman of the Board of the Langley Food Bank Society. He is also a passionate member of Brookswood Baptist Church and is currently Chairman of the Board for the BC Baptist Conference.  

In reflecting on his career, Bill is filled with gratitude for an industry that has been “really good to [him], and wouldn’t complain a day. He would recommend it to anyone,” and encourages anyone interested to get involved with the trades. “They’re not going away, and [we] will need them forever.” 

We hope the same is true for you, Bill. Your legacy, both as a member of ECABC and as a member of the Canadian electrical industry, is forever. Thank you.

Rob Tate’s Impact

Born in New Westminster and raised throughout the Fraser Valley, Rob Tate is proud to call BC home. After graduating high school in 1977, he began his career with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn, starting as a “go-fer” at Stag Electric, and quickly gaining valuable early exposure to the electrical industry. He also credits a year working at McDonalds as pivotal in instilling in him the importance of customer service, teamwork and accountability – qualities that would define his career.

A chance encounter led Rob to Union Electric, where he advanced rapidly from the warehouse to the customer counter, and, within three years, to manager. This pivotal opportunity laid the foundation for more than four decades in electrical distribution. In December 1985, Rob joined Gescan, playing a key role in launching its Abbotsford location and spending the next 15 years supporting operations across Abbotsford, Surrey, Winnipeg and Vancouver.

In 2000, Rob joined Guillevin in Burnaby, marking the most senior chapter of his career. Appointed Vice President of BC in 2008, he provided steady leadership until his retirement on December 31, 2024.

Committed to giving back, Rob served for more than a decade on the ECABC Vancouver Chapter Executive, contributing as a Social Director and as a member of the Golf Committee. He is also a passionate voice for membership, encouraging both competitors and contractors to learn more about the Association.

Beyond the workplace and ECABC, Rob has long been committed to child- and youth-focused community service. His volunteer work though the years includes coaching Friday night basketball, participating in church social initiatives, and spending five years as a Big Brother. He is also a strong supporter of Janeece Place, in memory of his grandson Jack, and currently volunteers at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice in Abbotsford. When he is not working or volunteering, Rob can be found with family, and is an active grandfather of seven little ones.

After 46 years in the industry, Rob reflects on a career guided by a few enduring principles:

• Always take responsibility when you’re wrong—own it and fix the problem.
• Never burn a bridge.
• Learn something every day.
• Get involved and work to make your industry better.

Rob’s legacy is one of integrity, generosity and genuine connection. Thank you for making ECABC – and the broader electrical industry – better. We are grateful for you.