All the best, The Editorial Team We will keep adding business units that enhance our offering and separate us from our competition. “ ” Editor From The Dear Reader, Welcome to the latest issue of Construction Source Canada, the magazine that highlights the best in building and building products across the country. In this edition, we’ve looked at a wide range of players from across the construction industry – including playground suppliers, providers of roofing solutions, civil contractors, design and architectural firms, builders and developers of homes, offices, and institutional facilities, and much more. Bridge Road Developments, for example, is a Canadian company that designs, develops, and builds active adult living communities, primarily for people aged 55 and over. They are a company built on a strong foundation of over 100 years of combined experience in entrepreneurship and construction, and powered by a commitment to “quality and community,” according to Harry Funk, vice president and founding partner. We spoke with Harry about that legacy and about many of Bridge Road’s projects to date. In particular, we talked about their recent activity in the City of Dryden, Ontario, where they have multiple completed projects and multiple projects under construction. Harry talked about what drew Bridge Road to Dryden, and about how their tailored development approach makes the company a good fit for a community like that one. Savage Construction, meanwhile, is a custom building company based in the hamlet of La Crete in Northern Alberta. Within their niche market, they are well known for their high-quality craftsmanship and ability to handle large-scale projects. We talked to company founder and owner Brenton Wiebe about that reputation and what went into earning it. We also talked about some of their recent projects and what makes them stand out, including a 20,000-square-foot fertilizer shed valued at almost $2.5 million. This issue also features a look at White Knight Construction – an Edmonton-based builder behind a long list of varied projects across a range of sectors, with a portfolio including everything from medical and dental clinics to retail fit-outs, light industrial expansions, to ground-up steel-framed warehouses. For more on their story, we caught up with second generation director Mario Vani, who co-owns the company with his brother Dom. Mario talked to us about the family values that have long-powered White Knight’s success, as well as the technological advancements they have made recently in the office, which has had a “game-changing” effect on both their schedules and budgets. For more on those stories – and a lot more stories like them, about other industry leaders spanning the construction spectrum – just keep reading.
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Laying the Ground Work to Make Life Easier VANBREE.CA 1310 CREDITSTONE RD. CONCORD, ON L4K 5T7 • TEL: 905-738-8311 CONNECT WITH US AND DISCOVER WHAT IS POSSIBLE. VISIT: WINDSPEC.COM ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINUM SOLUTIONS DESIGNED, ENGINEERED, AND MANUFACTURED IN CANADA
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THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA With a readership exceeding 145,000 senior executives, The Construction Source takes immense pride in providing an enticing platform to amplify your message to the most pivotal audience – your valued customers. Whether your aim is to promote an exciting new condo development, attract crucial financial investments for upcoming projects, or establish a commanding brand presence, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. To explore opportunities for featuring your company or showcasing your latest project in The Construction Source, please reach out to our Group Publisher. Jermaine Poulsen e: info@theconstructionsource.ca The Costruction Source Canada 202 - 1200 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M5R 2A5 E: info@theconstructionsource.ca Executive Publisher Jermaine Poulsen COO Alexandra Box Editor in Chief Zach Janes Director of Operations Jacqueline Van Belois Derrick Pelley Business Development Managers Mary Ann Taylor Douglas Thomson Production Manager Brennan Midghall Digital Strategist Pranim Thapa Administration Manager Belyn Quijance-Dorero
JULY 2025 BRIDGE ROAD Quality and community WHITE KNIGHT CONSTRUCTION LTD. Taking it personally SAVAGE CONSTRUCTION Getting it done right WESTPARKS+ASSOCIATES People matter BDI - CANADA Designing fun LJM DEVELOPMENTS A positive impact KAYS CONTRACTING It all comes down to teamwork PANATCH GROUP Carrying on the legacy BRIDUCO ENTERPRISES INC From trenches to trust SUN CITY EXTERIORS Getting better all the time VALLEX CONSTRUCTION Supporting northern construction SCOTT CONTRACTING & DEMOLITION Taking care of people NATIK PROJECTS Supporting northern construction INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS INCINERATING TOILETS IN THIS ISSUEJULY 2025 SCOTT CONTRACTING & DEMOLITION VALLEX CONSTRUCTION
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA WHITE KNIGHT CONSTRUCTION LTD. LJM DEVELOPMENTS SAVAGE CONSTRUCTION
JULY 2025 Industry INNOVATIONS MODERN & ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TOILET SOLUTIONS
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Water connection not required Requires little space No odour Easy installation No frost protection needed Secure for children ash to be emptied No waste handling, only and more Bunkies, For Home, Cottages, Shops, 3 - 4 visits per hour High capacity Propane&Electric models ABOUT CINDERELLA ECO GROUP Cinderella Eco Group is a family-owned company located in the north-western coastal community of Midsund in Romsdal, with deep roots in the beautiful Norwegian fjord-landscape. We have more than 20 years’ experience with the Cinderella Incineration Toilet, a water-free, ecological solution for the management of toilet waste. Cinderella, the natural first choice for those who place high demands on quality and functionality. HIGHLIGHTS OF INCINERATION TOILETS:
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Getting it done right
Savage Construction, based in the hamlet of La Crete in Northern Alberta, is a custom building company well known in the region for their highquality craftsmanship and ability to handle largescale projects. Since forming over a decade ago, they are a company that has grown at a steady and consistent pace, largely as a result of their team’s passion for building, which starts at the top with company founder and owner Brenton Wiebe. “I deal with clients personally, and I really care about quality,” Brenton says. “I think those are the two big things that set our company apart –our personal customer service and our dedication to quality. And it’s not just me. Our whole team cares. Our whole team is willing to go the extra mile to make sure things are done right and our clients are happy at the end of the day.” Brenton initially formed Savage Construction in 2013 along with one of his friends from high school, who was also carpenter. They started off framing houses and doing foundations. In 2018, Brenton bought out his partner and took over the business. Under his leadership, the company continued to grow and get into bigger and better projects. The company has also expanded their reach – over the years, they have worked all over Alberta, in Saskatchewan, in British Columbia, and even the Northwest Territories. These days, however, Savage Construction mostly works within a 500-kilometre radius of their home base in la Crete. That’s possible, Brenton says, because “there’s a huge demand here in our community.” Mostly, they take on luxury custom homes, along with multi-family buildings, largerscale commercial buildings, and farm buildings, all with values typically exceeding $1 million. JULY 2025
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The company’s largest project to date was a 20,000-square-foot fertilizer storage shed valued at almost $2.5 million, which they completed earlier this year. Once again, Brenton believes what sets Savage Construction apart in that niche is their service. Though they are capable of taking on large-scale works, they still have what Brenton calls “a small company feel.” “Our clients are dealing with me personally,” he reiterates. “We’re not such a big company that they’re dealing with a salesperson at the beginning and then with a project manager during construction and they never meet the owner. I’m literally on the job sites every week. I’m in tune with and in touch with everything that’s going on every day. I’m still involved in everything.” Savage Construction also enjoys equally close and personal relationships with their team members, especially their direct team members. Brenton calls their team a “close-knit group” with not a lot of turnover – which is not the standard in their region. “I don’t have to advertise for employee,” he says. “A lot of contractors around here are constantly advertising for help, and I’ve never had that issue. I think that that speaks to how we treat our employees and just the positive atmosphere we have here.” Savage Construction’s relationships with subcontractors and suppliers also tend to JULY 2025
be strong and lasting. When it comes to subcontractors, Brenton says they have a large roster with multiple trades per category – “we do a lot of big projects, so no one sub would be able to handle everything we do,” he explains – but the vast majority of those relationships are repeat ones. “We know their numbers, we know their guys, and if they do good work for us then we keep them busy,” he says. When it comes to suppliers and vendors, meanwhile, Brenton says the company’s relationships are also typically longstanding. For example, one of Savage Construction’s main suppliers is the La Crete Home Hardware Building Centre, the locally-owned franchise of the Canadian home improvement retailer. They are a store with over 50,000 differen items available, including a wide array of building supplies. Their goal is to bring their customers – including local builders like Savage Construction – exactly what they need, at the best prices and with the best service. In Brenton’s experience, they are very good at achieving that goal. For paint supply, specifically, Savage Construction also works frequently with Polar Paints, which is also locally-based. They carry a wide variety of primers, paints, stains, and specialty coatings to suit any project, including industrial paint and automotive paint. They also offer the full gamut of paint supplies. They were founded over 15 years ago by men who recognized the need for high-quality, affordable paint in La Crete, and they have been fulfilling that need ever since. Savage Construction also has relationships with professional services providers that are equally strong and equally close-knit. For example, they are longtime partner of MMI Insurance – a company that provides trusted property and liability insurance for homes, farms, and businesses exclusively in Alberta. As local business owners themselves, they understand the unique needs of Alberta businesses like Savage Construction, and they work closely with those businesses to create customized plans that optimize coverage and minimize premiums. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Here for a long time As a recent example of what Savage Construction is capable of, Brenton points to the aforementioned fertilizer storage shed, which they did for CropMaxx, a locally owned, independent ag retailer based out of nearby Westlock. That project, Brenton says, demonstrates that Savage Construction can take on some really large-scale projects and deliver them to a really high-standard of quality, on time and on budget. Moving forward, Brenton says the agricultural industry is an industry they want to explore more. He also says they hope to take on more projects of that scale, and potentially even bigger projects – not only agricultural buildings, but also commercial buildings and multifamily buildings. “That’s the road we want to go down,” Brenton says. “We want to JULY 2025
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keep getting into bigger and better stuff. We don’t want to leave residential behind, since that’s where a lot of our sub-trades are most comfortable, but we do want to keep expanding.” No matter how big the company grows, however, Brenton says their vision is to always maintain that “small town feeling,” because that’s what they believe has driven their success to date. “We want to keep that feeling,” he says. “We want to keep providing a really personal service and we want our clients to know we really care about quality, because that’s why I think they like working with us. We want to grow, but we never want to grow too fast and risk losing that feeling. I’ve seen companies do that. They grow too fast and then they run into issues and then they go away. I don’t want that to happen to us.” “I want Savage Construction to stick around,” Brenton concludes. “Right now I have a lot of my nephews working here, and I hope they all take the company over one day. I want this company to be here for a long time.” JULY 2025
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Turning Vision into Community Quality and community
Bridge Road Developments is a Canadian company that designs, develops, and builds active adult living communities, primarily for people aged 55 and over. They are a company built on a strong foundation of over 100 years of combined experience in entrepreneurship and construction, and powered by a commitment to “quality and community,” according to Harry Funk, vice president and founding partner. Working mostly in the Canadian Prairies and Ontario, their goal is to create housing that supports independent, connected living for seniors, especially in towns and smaller cities where there are limited local options – as Harry says those are the places “where our developments can truly make a difference.” Harry founded Bridge Road in 2007 alongside his partner Wayne Peters. The idea first came from Harry’s mother – she was looking for a decent place to live near her small town in Manitoba, and Harry decided to “be a good son” and develop something for her. “The company started with a clear vision: bring thoughtfully designed, senior-friendly housing to smaller communities that need it,” Harry says. “From there, we’ve continued to grow and evolve, always staying focused on quality and local impact.” From the beginning, Harry says the response to Bridge Road’s offering has been overwhelming: “As soon as we developed one community, we had people jumping up and saying ‘Hey, do one of those for us.’ And the thing that surprised me most is the appreciation we feel from our seniors. They’re just so appreciative of the fact that they can stay living near their kids and grandkids. They don’t have to move to bigger cities and towns. They can retire near their families. They never JULY 2025
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thought they would be able to do that, and it means a lot to them.” To date, Bridge Road has developed projects across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, in towns such as Headingley, Moosomin, Unity, and Dryden. They specifically target areas where there’s a need and “where we can really contribute to the community in a meaningful way,” Harry says. Bridge Road’s communities are designed to be secure, maintenance-free, and “feel like home.” Their buildings typically range from 24 suites up to 48, and they tend to feature one and twobedroom suites with full kitchens, in-suite laundry, and private balconies or patios. They also include shared spaces for socializing, wellness, and recreation. Beyond just building housing, they are focused on creating a lifestyle where people feel connected and comfortable. These days, however, Bridge Road doesn’t only develop independent living communities –remain the company’s main focus, but over the years they have also expanded into other types of projects that support aging in place. For example, they have built a multi-level care home in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. They have also developed and built hotels across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. “Our goal across all these projects is the same: create thoughtful, well-built spaces that meet real needs in growing communities,” Harry says. On every project – whether it’s an independent living apartment, a supportive care home, or a JULY 2025
hotel – Bridge Road also brings the same handson approach, from planning and permitting right through to construction and long-term involvement. Because they are fully-integrated, they can always ensure quality from start to finish, and they can take on a range of project types while maintaining quality, efficiency, and long-term value. On every project type, Bridge Road also takes the same intensely local approach, wherein they work closely with local investors who want to bring these projects to their own communities. “We like to build strong relationships with the communities we’re in,” Harry explains. “That means connecting with local leadership and other stakeholders early on to make sure there’s alignment and support for what we’re bringing. Whenever possible, the company also prioritizes hiring local trades and suppliers. Harry says that “keeps the investment and the jobs in the community, which just makes the whole project more rooted and more sustainable.” “What sets us apart is our commitment to staying local. We work with local investors, we try to hire local trades, and we build in communities where we know the need is real – not just where it looks good on paper. We’re not a big corporate machine – we’re a team that’s hands-on, from the first planning meeting to the day residents move in. That personal, community-driven approach makes all the difference in how our projects are received – and how they perform long term.” THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Speaking of local partners, Harry says they strive to build strong, reliable, and long-term relationships – without those relationships, he says, “we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.” “We’ve built long-term relationships with contractors, material suppliers, consultants, and service providers who understand the quality we expect and the timelines we work under,” he explains. “That consistency allows us to move efficiently, solve problems quickly, and deliver a better product in the end.” “Whether it’s a large supplier we’ve worked with for years or a local trade we’re partnering with for the first time, we treat everyone like part of the team. The goal is always the same: deliver a solid project, on time, with a shared sense of pride in the outcome.” “At the end of the day, construction is about people – good buildings come from good relationships. We know that, and we don’t take those partnerships lightly.” JULY 2025
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Projects that fit In recent years, Bridge Road Developments has been particularly active in the City of Dryden, Ontario. They were first introduced to the city in 2017, when a group of local individuals invited the company to explore building there, and Harry visited and liked what he saw. Construction on their first project started in early 2019. Since then, the company has completed two 24-unit multi-level buildings – Phase 1 and 2 of a community called Timberland Estates – as well as one 24-unit ranch-style apartment, called Hillside Estates, which was designed for active adults. This summer, they are kicking off Phase 2 of Hillside Estates. On top of those projects, Bridge Road has built two four-plexes in the area, they worked with a First Nations band just outside the city, and they are currently the general contractor for a new 48-unit apartment building. JULY 2025
“It’s been exciting to grow alongside the community and be part of Dryden’s development,” Harry says. Dryden has been a good fit for the company, Harry believes, because they understand the unique needs of smaller communities. “We’re not a big city developer dropping in with a one-size-fits-all approach. We build with the community in mind – always focusing on quality, liveability, and long-term value.” “From day one, we listened,” he adds. “The group that first invited us out shared their vision, and we worked closely with them to bring it to life in a way that made sense for Dryden. Our experience in active adult living, our ability to scale projects appropriately, and our willingness to invest in the local economy – through trades, suppliers and partnerships – all played a role.” “What’s really rewarding is that most of our growth in the region has come through word of mouth. Nearby communities have seen what we’ve done in Dryden and have started reaching out to explore similar opportunities. That kind of trust and reputation doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of working closely with people, following through on commitments, and genuinely being invested in the community’s success.” Currently, Bridge Road Developments is also building in the Town of Langenburg, Saskatchewan, which is another community that means a lot to them. There, the company is currently delivering a project called Smith Creek Villas, which is a ranchTHE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
style apartment specifically for active adults. That project originated back in 2022, when the team at Bridge Road learned of strong local interest in bringing more senior-friendly housing to the community. They started talking to a local group, the conversation picked up steam, and after some planning and design work, we officially broke ground in the summer of 2024. Harry reports that construction has been progressing well and they are on trck to open by summer 2025. Smith Creek Villas consists of 12 apartment units. All the suites are single-level with private entrances and patios, making them perfect for aging in place while maintaining independence and comfort. Each unit features an open-concept layout, insuite laundry, and quality modern finishes. We also included indoor heated parking, which is a huge bonus – especially during Saskatchewan winters. One of the highlights of the building is the beautiful common room, which residents can use for group gatherings or to host their own private events. “It’s a well-rounded, thoughtfully designed project that supports a relaxed, low-maintenance lifestyle right in the heart of the community,” Harry says. Again, Harry credits their success on that project so far to Bridge Road’s intensely local approach, and to the relationships they have formed with their various partners and project stakeholders. On their approach, Harry says “we have a lot of JULY 2025
experience building across Saskatchewan – we know the province, we understand the unique needs of smaller communities, and we’ve delivered similar projects successfully in towns just like Langenburg.” “From day one, we worked closely with the local group to make sure the project reflected what the community actually needed,” he adds. “It wasn’t about dropping in with a cookie-cutter design – it was about building something that fit Langenburg and would serve residents well for years to come. As for their stakeholder relationships, Harry says they are working with an external architect based out of Kenora, Ontario, with whom they have partnered on multiple projects over the years, “so by now we’ve built a strong, efficient working relationship.” “We understand each other’s processes and expectations, which really helps keep things moving smoothly. There’s a great level of trust and communication between us, and that makes all the difference when bringing a project like this to life.” Bridge Road has also previously worked with many of the subcontractors now working on the project. “We have found that the subcontractors that have worked on our projects welcome opportunities to work on future projects due to the relationship we are able to develop. We all have the goal of keeping the project on schedule and in budget without sacrificing quality. Beyond that, clear communication throughout the project ensures THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
their time and resources are respected.” And the relationship with the local client group, Harry says, has been seamless. “I worked closely with the local group at the start of the project to help get things off the ground. They had a clear vision for what they wanted to see in their community, and we collaborated to shape that into a viable project.” “Once everything was in motion, our team took the lead on construction and project management. It’s been a positive working relationship built on trust, and it’s great to see how invested the community is in making Smith Creek Villas a success.” Moving forward, Bridge Road’s goal is to continue working in communities like Dryden and Langenburg all over the country – communities that want them there and where they know their product can make a difference. Within those communities, they want to continue delivering independent living communities, as well as other project types. “We are always looking for communities to partner with that desire to provide housing that allows their seniors to remain in their community, while freeing up housing for young families,” Harry concludes. “We envision continued growth in Northwest Ontario, further west, perhaps into Alberta while continuing to meet the needs of communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Beyond that, as we have begun in Dryden, we welcome opportunities to meet other development needs within the communities that we are working in.” JULY 2025
For more on Bridge Road Developments and everything they have to offer, and to get in touch with Harry Funk, and the rest of their team, visit https://bridgeroad.ca/ THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Taking it personally
In 2002, Mario Vani’s father laid the first foundation – literally and figuratively – of what would become White Knight Construction in Edmonton, Alberta. At just 12 years old, Mario personally spent his summers working with his dad, hauling lumber, mixing concrete and soaking up every lesson on site. Construction wasn’t just a family trade; it was a way of life shared by uncles, cousins and longtime friends. After college, Mario and his brother Dom formally joined the family enterprise their father envisioned. Today, the siblings co-own White Knight, carrying forward a legacy of handson passion, craftsmanship and unwavering commitment. Over the years, White Knight Construction has delivered a long list of varied projects across a range of sectors. Their portfolio runs from medical and dental clinics to retail fit-outs, gray-box landlord spaces, light-industrial expansions, and ground-up steel-framed warehouses – covering nearly every facet of mid-sized commercial construction. Budgets typically range between $750,000 and $1 million. Within that niche, Mario believes what sets them apart is their intensely personal service. “When someone entrusts us with their project, “I’m in the trenches right alongside them – answering questions at any hour, staying engaged from survey to sign-off,” Mario says. That ownerinvolvement ensures swift decisions, transparent communication and a personal commitment that larger firms often struggle to match. Delivering that experience relies on a team built as carefully as any project. White Knight’s core group of 25-to-30 in Edmonton, five in Calgary, plus seasonal hires during peak months – shares a culture grounded in trust, accountability and JULY 2025
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craftsmanship. “We hire people we want to grow with,” Mario says. “If you need to drop off a sick child or attend an appointment, we trust you to manage your time – because we know what you deliver matters more than the clock.” Comprehensive onboarding, mentorship programs and clear advancement paths mean new hires feel invested in White Knight’s future from day one. Annual performance reviews include goal-setting and skills development, while informal check-ins make sure people feel heard and supported. “We’re building more than buildings,” Mario adds. “We’re building careers – and a community where everyone can thrive.” Camaraderie is just as important. Quarterly barbecues, annual golf tournaments and impromptu gatherings remind everyone that construction is as much about people as it is about concrete and steel. That same focus on people extends beyond internal staff to the trade partners and subcontractors who help bring each project to life. Some have collaborated with Mario and Dom since they first started with the company, developing an instinctive grasp of White Knight’s rigorous quality standards. “When a crew shows up knowing exactly what we expect – no extra questions, just get it done – it keeps projects moving and costs down,” Mario notes. At the same time, White Knight Construction remains committed to offering opportunities to newer owner-operators and small crews eager to prove themselves. For multi-location rollouts – like franchise clinics expanding across Edmonton, Calgary and soon Vancouver – Mario strives to assemble dedicated traveling crews. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
“The same team works every site,” he says. “That way, we guarantee the same level of care and craftsmanship, regardless of geography.” While strong relationships drive the business, technology plays an increasingly critical role in keeping projects efficient and on track. Earlier this year, White Knight rolled out a mobile fieldreporting app that lets supervisors upload daily progress photos, safety checklists and RFIs directly from their smartphones. Within weeks, internal email traffic dropped by 40 per cent, and decisions that once took days were resolved in hours. “When a supervisor can snap a photo of a problem and get an answer in real time,” Mario says, “that’s a game-changer for both schedule and budget.” The firm is also piloting modular concrete pours – precast wall and slab panels assembled on site – to minimize weather-related delays in Alberta’s harsh winters. Composite decking panels, which cure faster than traditional wood, are being tested as a more efficient alternative for light-industrial mezzanines. But speed and efficiency never come at the expense of safety. White Knight holds active memberships with the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) and the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA), ensuring that bestpractice guidelines and provincial regulations inform every decision. Weekly safety huddles, mandatory toolbox talks and quarterly thirdparty audits reinforce a culture where every team member – from summer student to co-owner – understands that a safe site is a productive site. “Our commitment to safety isn’t a line on our JULY 2025
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website,” Mario emphasizes. “It’s the reason every one of us walks home to our families each night.” That same focus on doing the right thing extends to how the company thinks about recognition. Despite an enviable project portfolio, White Knight has never pursued formal industry awards – and Mario sees that as a point of pride. “We’ve never chased trophies,” he laughs. “Our greatest recognition is when clients keep coming back – some for more than twenty years.” A recent downtown Edmonton office gut-andredo exemplifies how the company builds that trust: the firm demolished the space to a gray box, upgraded mechanical and electrical systems, rebuilt custom workstations and met a tight occupancy deadline – all without shutting down neighboring suites. The client’s glowing praise led to a multi-year partnership encompassing every major capital project in their portfolio. Sustainability is another area where White Knight quietly leads by example. Although not pursuing formal LEED certification, the team specifies low-VOC paints, recycled-content insulation and high-efficiency LED lighting in every renovation. Winter concrete pours employ insulating blankets and heated admixtures to reduce energy consumption, while rigorous on-site wastesorting ensures that wood, metal and concrete debris are recycled whenever possible. “We owe it to our community – and the next generation – to build responsibly,” Mario reflects. In vendor negotiations, he prioritizes suppliers committed to eco-friendly packaging and cradle-to-grave product stewardship, reinforcing a company-wide JULY 2025
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ethos of environmental accountability. Marketing, much like everything else at White Knight, is personal and purposeful. Prospective clients browse a showcase-style social media presence on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, where high-resolution photos of completed projects serve as a living portfolio. But the real connection starts when Mario or Dom picks up the phone. “If you call me on a Sunday night, you’ll hear my voice,” Mario admits. “Because your project matters that much.” Looking ahead over the next five years, Mario and Dom intend to continue offering clients that personal connection, which they expect will result in steady, purposeful growth. As they grow, however, they don’t want to compromise on the quality or service they have become known for. In order to maintain those values, they plan to empower their Calgary office with in-house estimators and project managers, fully staff their Vancouver branch, and add only those hires who share White Knight’s culture of care, accountability and craftsmanship. “We’re not chasing size,” Mario insists. “We just want to be the best home for our clients and our people.” In an industry where deadlines loom and budgets tighten, White Knight Construction stands out by treating every build as if it were their own – because for Mario, Dom and the team, construction is never just a job. It’s personal. JULY 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on White Knight Construction and to contact Mario, Dom and their team, visit www.whiteknightconstruction.com.
People matter
Since founding Westparks + Associates in Toronto in 1996, Theo West-Parks diligently shaped her business into more than just a design firm – she has made it a deeply collaborative, hands-on studio where trust, transparency, and human connection are central to every project. Throughout those years, the company has quietly earned a reputation for thoughtful, transformative design, carried by a commitment to people as much as to the spaces they inhabit. Theo’s passion for design took root during her time studying Environmental Design at what is now known as OCAD University (formerly Ontario College of Art). Even before graduating, she was already working in the industry, immersed in a career that quickly became a lifelong calling. “I love it. It’s part of my life,” she reflects. For her, design is never just about finishes, materials, or layouts – it’s about improving how people live, work, and interact with their environments. That guiding belief has been the foundation of Westparks + Associates from the beginning. Theo explains that one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is helping clients who may have a clear vision but struggle to bring it to life. “I’ve worked with CFOs, presidents, and leadership teams who know what they want, but they don’t know how to get there,” she says. “It’s our role to interpret that vision, make sense of it, and help them realize it.” This ability to translate abstract ideas into tangible spaces is part of what has earned the firm a loyal following. Today, nearly all of Westparks + Associates’ work comes through word-of-mouth referrals – something that didn’t happen by accident but through years of investing in authentic, transparent relationships. “In the early years, we did traditional marketing, JULY 2025
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mailing campaigns – this was before email blasts were common,” Theo says. “But for the last eight or nine years, I haven’t done any marketing. It’s all referrals. Our clients come back, and they recommend us to others.” That referral-driven model has allowed Theo, her senior associate Shannon Todd, and the rest of her team to focus on what they do best: working directly with clients, understanding their needs, and staying closely involved at every stage of the process. Unlike larger firms where clients might never interact with leadership after the first meeting, Theo makes it a point to be fully present from the first conversation to the last walkthrough. “I don’t send an associate to meet a new client. I make a promise from day one that I will be the one they work with throughout the entire project,” she says. “That level of trust and accountability is the cornerstone of how we operate.” It’s an approach that resonates in an industry where firms often prioritize scale over intimacy. Westparks + Associates has intentionally remained a small, agile team. While the company has grown to as many as 13 employees in the past, Theo prefers the current size of four fulltime staff, supplemented by regular consultants when needed. “I believe a smaller group fosters collaboration,” she explains. “I also believe in mentoring. I don’t like pigeonholing people into one role. Everyone here learns about all aspects of the business.” That philosophy has long roots. In fact, when THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA 905-662-7446 info@regionalsignsinc.com
Theo first founded the firm, her father – a retiring partner from a large architectural firm – joined her to stay active during his retirement. His presence brought not only expertise but also a culture of teaching, mentorship, and hands-on problemsolving that continues today. “He loved coming into the office, working alongside us, sketching ideas by hand, helping with complex challenges. Everyone loved learning from him,” Theo recalls. This spirit of collaboration extends beyond the internal team to the firm’s long-standing relationships with suppliers and subcontractors. In Theo’s view, suppliers aren’t just vendors – they’re critical partners. “Suppliers are your education and your backup,” she says. “When we’re facing a material challenge or don’t know what product best fits a solution, we reach out to them. They often come back with ideas and options we wouldn’t have arrived at alone.” That level of teamwork has been essential in tackling projects of significant scale and complexity. One of the firm’s most notable projects was a 100,000-square-foot facility for 400 staff at the Ontario-based Recipe Unlimited (formerly Cara Operations). The project included everything from design planning to move coordination and was executed to LEED standards, reflecting both design excellence and sustainability goals. “I had worked with them for years as a consultant before that project, so when it came time to design the new facility, they trusted us to handle it,” Theo says. Currently, the firm is deeply engaged in a 28-story JULY 2025
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multi-residential tower for Kaneff Group, an established real estate developer, builder, and property manager within the GTA and Golden Horseshoe. On that project, Westparks + Associates is responsible for designing all of the public spaces throughout the building – elevator lobbies, corridors, amenity spaces, and more. It’s a project that highlights the firm’s capability to handle large-scale, multifaceted work while maintaining their signature hands-on approach. Additionally, Westparks + Associates has built a strong portfolio of multi-residential renovations. These projects often come with unique challenges – older buildings with outdated infrastructure, unexpected repairs, and logistical hurdles. “Sometimes you’re dealing with lighting systems that are decades old, or materials that need replacing, or even things like mold or asbestos,” Theo explains. “It’s a whole other layer of problemsolving before you even get to the design.” The firm has also completed standout commercial work, including a jewelry store set inside a historic building in Toronto’s Old Town. Preserving the character of the heritage building while constructing a completely new interior was no small task, but it’s exactly the kind of challenge the firm thrives on. They’ve also designed office spaces, including Mandrake’s two-story penthouse headquarters in Yorkville / Toronto, where the team worked closely with builders from the ground up to align materials, layouts, and aesthetics with the client’s vision for their commercial building. JULY 2025
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For some designers, accolades and awards are the ultimate goal. But for Theo, that’s never been the driving force. Despite serving as president of ARIDO’s Toronto chapter, then Ontario, and now sitting on the national board, she doesn’t chase recognition. “Submitting for awards takes time, and I’d rather spend that time working on projects and seeing the reward of a satisfied client,” she says. “At the end of the day, the projects come and go – but it’s the people you remember. It’s their stories, their gratitude, and the relationships we build that matter most.” Looking ahead, Theo has no intention of turning Westparks + Associates into a larger enterprise. While many firms use growth as a measure of success, she views success differently. “I’d rather focus on doing excellent work with the right clients than grow just for the sake of it,” she says. With market uncertainty, shifting workplace trends, and construction costs climbing, she feels her decision to stay small and focused is the right one. At the core of it all is an unwavering commitment to the human experience – whether it’s the client trusting her with their vision, the employee growing under her mentorship, or the supplier collaborating to solve a tricky problem. “The joy comes from working with people,” Theo says. “It’s the energy that comes from learning together, solving challenges together, and knowing you’ve created something that genuinely improves people’s lives.” JULY 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Westparks + Associates, and to get in touch with Theo and her team, visit their website at www.westparksassoc.ca
Designing fun
BDI Play Designs, based near Lethbridge, Alberta, is a trusted one-stop-shop for playgrounds in Western Canada. The company specializes in the full spectrum of playground services – from design and distribution to professional installation – while also proudly manufacturing many of its own high-quality components. BDI works closely with clients and a network of respected Canadian manufacturing partners to deliver play environments that are safe, durable, and ecofriendly. “Complete client satisfaction” is the goal on every project, says Falon Brovold, Marketing and Client Relations. “At BDI Play Designs, we are passionate about providing safe and fun playground and park equipment to communities across Southern Alberta and Southeastern British Columbia,” Falon says. “Our team prides itself on being able to create custom-designed playgrounds that meet or exceed all safety standards. We believe that the most important thing is the safety and happiness of children and community who enjoy on our equipment.” BDI was first formed by Elbert and Tanya Van Hierden in 2010, originally with the purpose of acting as a distributor for Blue Imp – one of Canada’s leading manufacturers of playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, park furniture and related products, based out of nearby Medicine Hat. Over the years, BDI’s relationship with Blue Imp has remained strong, while BDI has continuously grown, evolved, and added to their capabilities under General Manager Brendon Van Vierden. Early on, for example, they added installation services to their service offering. More recently, they started manufacturing their own signature collections of pieces to compliment Blue Imp’s vast inventory, including StoneWood – Concrete JULY 2025
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Play, SteelCore – Rope Structures, CedarScape – Timber Playgrounds and UnderCover – Shade Features Tyler Van Hierden, Productions Manager, joined BDI about six years ago. In his time there, Tyler has personally witnessed much of the company’s significant evolution. Today, he says they are capable of taking on all manner of playground projects, big and small. “We can do just about anything,” Tyler says. “It all depends on what the client wants.” These days, BDI’s clients are mainly school boards and municipalities, and their work tends to take them across southern Alberta and south-eastern British Columbia. According to both Falon and Tyler, there are several key reasons clients in that niche tend to choose BDI. Those reasons include: their locality (all their products are proudly manufactured in Alberta), the top quality of their products (which they back with “the best warranty in the industry,” Tyler says), and their start-tofinish service offering (which includes support and maintenance afterwards). “We pride ourselves on being a one-stop playground shop,” Falon says. “We truly offer a turnkey service.” “We do everything from A-to-Z,” Tyler elaborates. “We’ll help clients with grants, we’ll help them to figure out their needs in terms of accessibility and budget, we’ll figure out what type of surfacing they want, and then we’ll install everything and take care of the project from beginning to end.” JULY 2025
“We really want to support and help our clients from conception to installation and long after,” Falon adds. “Whatever we can do to make the process as easy as possible and as enjoyable as possible – that’s what we try to do.” As for the quality, Tyler says they only work with the best manufacturers, and they only select the highest quality materials. He gives a lot of credit to Blue Imp, their main supplier. “Most of their equipment is steel, and whatever isn’t steel is a very high-quality plastic. We’re not talking the blown plastic parts. We’re talking about just solid plastic components. It’s all stuff that lasts, and it lasts a long time.” “The same goes for the stuff we manufacturer,” he adds. “It’s high quality. We can stand behind it. We can guarantee that it’s going to last.” Tyler adds that he’s personally been to a lot of older playgrounds that were made using the products they offer. Some of those playgrounds, he says, have been there 25 years, and he’s always proud of how well they stand up. “If you look at the monkey bars, the powder coating and the paints may have worn off, but there’s very little, if any, rust,” he says. “And I can honestly say after 20-to-25 years of use, there’s still no rust to be seen in these products. So the quality is definitely outstanding.” As a result of that quality, BDI has been able to grow steadily over the years largely on the back of referrals and repeat business. Falon says “we have a lot of loyal customers that swear by Blue Imp and our team,” and she says they don’t take that loyalty for granted. “We’re very fortunate to work with such great clients. We want to make sure we work hard to give them the level of service and quality they deserve.” THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
The best product possible As an example of what BDI Play Designs is capable of, Tyler and Falon point to the recently upgraded Mount Nelson Athletic Park Playground, which is located in the scenic town of Invermere, British Columbia. He calls that project a “shining example of inclusive, accessible play design.” The Mount Nelson Athletic Park Playground was designed with both accessibility and excitement in mind, and features a range of innovative equipment from Blue Imp, including the several accessible pieces of equipment, ensuring children with disabilities can “actively engage and enjoy every moment.” For children seeking more physical challenges, the park also features the equipment that offers climbing, balancing, and agility-building experiences. Additionally, the park includes three slides that provide JULY 2025
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a variety of sliding experiences, catering to different comfort levels and preferences. The entire play area is built on FallSAFE Rubberized Pour-In-Place (PIP) surfacing, offering a safe, impact-absorbing foundation that is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible – making it ideal for families and caregivers navigating mobility challenges. “The project honestly turned out amazingly well,” Tyler says. “It’s a place where a lot of people drive by and they want to stop there to let their kids play.” “The project turned into an wonderful destination playground, and our clients loved it! This is what drives us!” That project also received some media attention; Falon says the feedback they have received from community stakeholders has also been exceptionally positive. “It just seems as a whole, the community has really been able to embrace it and enjoy the accessible playground that they truly needed and deserved.” Moving forward, BDI’s goal is to continue taking on projects like Mount Nelson Athletic Park Playground – projects that enhance the communities in which they are built, and that give children of all abilities a place where they can come together and play. The company also wants to continue growing and adding to their manufacturing capabilities. As far as growth is concerned, Tyler says “we’re not setting a limit.” JULY 2025
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“We want to get out there and see what we can do,” he says. “We want to keep finding opportunities and seizing them, and we want to see how far we can get. We want to keep running with it until we can’t anymore. If we can continue to find the right people and find the right work, then I don’t see any reason why we would stop growing.” Falon, for her part, joined BDI Play Designs relatively recently, but she says it didn’t take long for her to recognize the team’s genuine drive “to provide the best product possible.” Seeing that, she says, has been “inspiring.” That’s why, when it comes to growth, her perspective is the same as Tyler’s: “As Tyler said, there are no limits, because we’re open to all opportunities,” she says. “We’re not static; we’re not set in our ways. If an opportunity comes up to do something different, we can jump on it.” “We’re all about meeting the playground and park equipment needs of the communities we work in,” she concludes. “As those needs evolve and change, we’re looking forward to being there and being the provider of choice for many years to come.” JULY 2025
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