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’re excited to highlight a select list of contractors, developers, and other important industry contributors from all across Canada, from Prince Edward Island all the way to British Columbia. Empresa Enterprises, for example, is a building and development company based in Victoria, British Columbia. Their goal from the start has been to create purpose-built rental housing that strengthens neighbourhoods rather than merely occupying space within them. We spoke to Karl Robertson about how his family legacy informed that goal, and how each of the company’s projects has reflected it. We also dived in-depth on their current project, called Tallinn, which represents the company’s most ambitious and personal undertaking to date. This edition also includes WILMAC Construction, a company based on the other side of the country, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Since forming about six years back, they have evolved rapidly from a small consulting company into a turnkey general contractor behind some of the most notable projects in the region. For more on that evolution, we caught up with Tyler Macdonald, the company’s founder and owner. We discussed what’s powered their rapid growth and we highlighted some of their recent projects, including the Regent – a roughly $15 million five-storey timber frame mixed-use project in Summerside. Moving our spotlight west again, this edition also features a look at Magnus Construction Services, a Saskatoon-based company specializing in thermal, moisture and fire protection systems. Throughout their history, they have completed more than 7,000 successful residential and commercial products, and they have been rewarded with a long list of industry accolades for their efforts. Conrad Correa, the company’s founder and president, talked to us about some of those accolades. We also talked about the company’s service offering, which has consistently expanded, and they are in the process of expanding even more. For those stories, and many more like them – about more industryleading innovators and key industry players from all ends of the country – just keep reading.
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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 Business Development Managers Douglas Thomson Cheryl Ezinicki Mehdi El Oudghiri Production Manager Brennan Midghall Digital Strategist Pranim Thapa
FEBRUARY 2026 EMPRESA PROPERTIES Building with meaning WILMAC CONSTRUCTION Delivering for clients MAGNUS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Tailored insulation solutions for every project AXIS VAC & HDD A culture of safety and production MELCHERS CONSTRUCTION LIMITED Space to grow RBW CONSULTING Solving the hard problems TOOKETREE PASSIVE HOMES Sustainable, ecological, efficient, durable EMCO & THE ENSUITE STRATFORD Towning their market FRONTIERS DESIGN BUILD A culture of craftsmanship DROP IN SKATEPARKS Strengthening communities BLACK DIAMOND HOMES Building with intention INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS INCINERATING TOILETS IN THIS ISSUEFEBRUARY 2026 WILMAC CONSTRUCTION RBW CONSULTING
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA SAVI INDUSTRIAL The integrated advantage TSH DEVELOPMENT GROUP Being of service FLEXSPACE LOGISTICS A partnership approach TSH DEVELOPMENT GROUP SAVI INDUSTRIAL
FEBRUARY 2026 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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Building with meaning
From the very beginning, Empresa Properties has been guided by a clear vision: to create purpose-built rental housing that strengthens neighbourhoods rather than merely occupying space within them. Founded in 2015 by Karl Robertson, the company focuses on multiresidential infill developments across Vancouver Island, with an emphasis on walkable, communityoriented projects in and around Victoria. Karl’s path into development was shaped by both formal education and family legacy. After graduating from the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business with a focus on entrepreneurship, he gained hands-on experience with a local development company, learning the fundamentals of real estate development. “I had a deep passion for real estate development,” Karl says. “But more than that, I had a drive to create something meaningful.” That motivation was reinforced by Karl’s grandfather, a first-generation Estonian immigrant who arrived in Canada with very little and went on to leave a lasting mark on Vancouver’s skyline. “He came with nothing and built a legacy that still resonates today,” Karl explains. Inspired by European design, his grandfather introduced balcony-forward residential buildings to Vancouver – an approach that was uncommon in North America at the time. “He saw something in Europe and thought, ‘Why can’t we do that here?’” That same mindset underpins Empresa’s approach today. “We want to build housing that doesn’t just fit into a community, but actually enhances it,” Karl says. “It’s not just about how a building looks – it’s about how it functions and how it improves daily life for the people who live there.” From the outset, Empresa has specialized in FEBRUARY 2026
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infill projects that respect the scale of existing neighbourhoods while introducing quality, purpose-built rental housing. “We’re huge advocates for walkable, compact communities,” Karl notes. “We want to add density in a way that strengthens the city, rather than sprawling outwards.” Since their formation, Empresa Properties has completed two major projects and is currently advancing a third, each reflecting the company’s commitment to design excellence and urban integration. The first, Cortile Verde, is a 30-unit mixed-use development in downtown Sidney. Completed and fully leased in 2022, the project includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental units, livework spaces, and retail at grade. “It was a really challenging building to construct,” Karl says, referring to the combination of wood frame, structural steel, and brick on a tight infill site. “It wasn’t your conventional build.” The defining feature of Cortile Verde is its singleloaded corridors and a series of green courtyard spaces between the buildings. “Those garden spaces are really the heart of the project,” Karl explains. “They create light, air, and a sense of connection you don’t always see in rental buildings.” The live-work units at street level have attracted small, community-focused businesses. “We wanted those spaces to be flexible,” Karl adds. “You can live there, you can run a business there, or you can do both and that adaptability really adds to the neighbourhood.” Lessons learned from Cortile Verde directly FEBRUARY 2026
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FEBRUARY 2026 shaped Empresa’s next development, Monashee, a 42-unit purpose-built rental project in Victoria’s Fairfield neighbourhood. Completed and fully leased in 2024, Monashee followed a lengthy rezoning and redesign process after an initial proposal was turned down by council. “That was a gut-wrenching experience,” Karl admits. “But it forced us to completely rethink the project and in the end, it made it much better.” Working closely with Cascadia Architects, Empresa drew inspiration from historic U-shaped apartment buildings throughout Fairfield. “We toured a lot of older buildings in the neighbourhood,” Karl explains. “They had this way of creating courtyards that felt protected and human-scaled.” The resulting design features a recessed central courtyard and a terraced form that steps down toward nearby single-family homes. “It gives relief to the street,” Karl says. “It makes the building feel more approachable, while placing the density where it makes the most sense.” Natural materials and undulating forms give Monashee a distinctive identity, inspired in part by the Monashee Mountain Range. “That range has a lot of meaning for my wife and I,” Karl notes. “The name, the materials, the movement of the building – it all ties back to that landscape.” A standout feature is the prominent ground-level bike room, designed to encourage alternative transportation. “We gave up almost the size of a three-bedroom unit to create that space,” Karl says. “But we wanted biking to be easy and inviting, not an afterthought.” The impact was
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA immediate. “Instead of going down into a dark parkade, residents can just grab their bike and go,” he adds. “We’ve seen a real shift in how people get around, and that’s incredibly rewarding.” Empresa’s current project, Tallinn, represents both the company’s most ambitious undertaking and their most personal. Planned as a 55-unit purpose-built rental building in Victoria’s North Jubilee neighbourhood, Tallinn will include studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, along with three commercial spaces at grade. The project occupies a flatiron-shaped site long associated with the former Turner Building. “It’s probably one of the most recognizable derelict properties in Victoria,” Karl explains. “People have a real emotional connection to that corner.” Rather than erase the past, Empresa’s design pays homage to it. “We wanted the building to feel reminiscent of what was there before,” Karl says. “That flatiron shape is essential to the identity of the site.” The name Tallinn is a deliberate nod to Karl’s grandfather and his Estonian roots. “My grandfather built a project in Vancouver with the same name,” Karl says. “This is our way of honouring that legacy.” Plus, in collaboration with the City of Victoria, Empresa is also exploring the closure of a portion of Birch Street adjacent to the site, transforming it into a pedestrian plaza. “The idea is to create a gathering place,” Karl explains. “Somewhere that connects the building, the retail, and the neighbourhood in a meaningful way.” Across all their projects, Empresa emphasizes long-term partnerships. Cascadia Architects
FEBRUARY 2026 continues to play a central role in the company’s design work, while STORY Construction served as general contractor on Monashee. “They were open, transparent, and shared a similar culture to ours,” Karl says. “It never felt transactional – it felt collaborative.” Looking ahead, Empresa Properties focuses on sustainable, measured growth. “We’re not trying to be the biggest,” Karl says. “We want to prioritize quality over quantity and build things we’re genuinely proud of.” The company plans to continue developing mid-rise, mixed-use rental buildings while remaining open to other infill opportunities. “At the heart of it,” Karl concludes, “our goal is simple: to create high-quality, liveable spaces in neighbourhoods we love – and to protect our reputation by doing things the right way.”
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Empresa Properties, their story, their mission, and their past projects – and to get in touch with Karl and the rest of his expert team – visit www.empresaproperties.com
Delivering for clients
WILMAC Construction is an acclaimed and fastgrowinggeneralcontractorbasedinCharlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Since forming in 2020, the business has evolved by leaps and bounds, from a small company doing consulting work for other general contractors to a turnkey general contractor providing a comprehensive range of services across the commercial, residential, and industrial construction sectors. In recent years, as a result of their reliable service and high quality workmanship, they have been trusted with the most notable projects in the region – including the recent JBJ Centre medical clinic in Charlottetown, as well as the Regent development in Summerside, both projects valued at over $15 million. “We’re a company that takes pride in delivering exceptional workmanship, competitive pricing, and outstanding results,” says Tyler Macdonald, the company’s founder and owner. “Since our founding, we’ve dedicated ourselves to building and maintaining a stellar reputation as a leading construction company in Prince Edward Island.” Currently, WILMAC Construction employs a team of roughly 45 people, and they deliver projects across the province with values ranging from approximately $500,000 to $20 million. Within that niche, Tyler believes what sets their company apart is their ability to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to quality expectations. Despite being a relatively young company, he says they have put the right systems in place, enabling them to assist clients in all aspects of project management, including planning, budgeting, risk assessment, scope definition, and scheduling – all while ensuring timely progress and budget adherence along the way. “I think the number one thing our clients look for FEBRUARY 2026
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is a contractor that delivers,” Tyler says. “We’ve certainly proved that we can do that. We’ve built a track record for it.” WILMAC’s systems and processes also ensure that the company is delivering to a high standard of quality workmanship every step of the way. At every stage of the construction process they conduct rigorous quality checks, ensuring that the outcomes they are achieving align with both the client’s specifications and the company’s own benchmarks. If any issues are discovered during those checks, they resolve them before moving on, rather than leaving them to the end, which ultimately helps the client save both money and time. The company also self-performs all their own carpentry, which is also helpful when it comes to quality. According to Tyler, the team at WILMAC is full of some “really great and talented people.” He says some of those people have been working with him throughout his whole career in building, while others have been working with the company ever since they got into general contracting and started self-performing. “We’ve been able to put some great people together – not only people from Prince Edward Island and Canada, but internationally as well,” he says. “We’ve got people from all over the world, and they’ve come in and they’ve done an amazing job. They’ve thrived and done very well in our business.” AU Living Building Construction specializes in commercial and multi-unit interior construction, delivering high-quality drywall, steel stud framing, insulation, and finishing services. With experienced crews and a strong focus on quality, safety, and scheduling, we work closely with general contractors to deliver reliable results on every project. www.aulivingbuildingconstruction.ca Commercial Interior Construction Specialists Drywall · Steel Stud Framing · Taping & Finishing · Painting 2016 500+ Union MultiProvince Year Established Completed Units & Interior Projects Commercial Ready Teams Operations info@aulivingbuildingconstruction.com 782-772-8001 COMMERCIAL INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS FEBRUARY 2026
WILMAC’s has formed similarly loyal and lasting relationships with clients as well. Tyler goes so far as to say that “almost every client we’ve worked with so far has been a repeat client.” “We haven’t really had to advertise,” he says. “We’ve been able to grow almost entirely through word of mouth, referrals, and repeat business. That’s been our marketing. I think that shows we’re doing something right.” As previously mentioned, WILMAC Construction recently played a key role on the JBJ Center, a $15 million five-storey medical clinic in Charlottetown. They worked with client Health PEI on the base building and they are almost finished doing some interior fit-ups. Additionally, WILMAC is now working on the Regent in Summerside – which is a roughly $15 million five-storey timber frame mixed-use project comprising 40 residential units, 10,000-squarefeet of commercial space, as well as underground parking. That project is playing an important role in the revitalization of Summerside’s downtown, as it will be bringing much needed residential stock and modern office space right in the heart of the city’s growing core. On both those projects, WILMAC was involved right from the design stage. Tyler describes planning those projects as “very challenging,” but he’s proud of the results they have achieved and the efficiencies they have found for their clients. Moving forward, he hopes to get the chance to THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
CONTRACTORS START HERE! SUMMERSIDE • 902-436-1100 MATERIALS, EXPERTISE AND SERVICE THAT KEEP YOUR PROJECT MOVING. Preferred Contractor Pricing • Material Takeoffs Jobsite Delivery • Dedicated PRO Support FEBRUARY 2026 do more design-build projects of that size and scope – particularly commercial and industrial projects. The company will still do the occasional residential project, mainly on behalf of repeat clients, but Tyler says their team has “a pretty big passion for commercial construction.” “We want to continue growing in that area and taking on bigger and bigger projects,” he says. WILMAC Construction also wants to continue giving their team members room to grow. That means continuing to grow as a company so that opportunities arise for their men and women to advance and take on new roles. As part of that growth, they are looking at expanding geographically, at first into New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and then maybe even further. “The next step is definitely in the Atlantic Canada region, and then we’ll take it from there,” Tyler says. “We certainly have the right people in place to achieve that. We’ve got a great group working towards that goal.” “We’ve done a really good job of bringing in really great people to work with us,” he adds. “And those people have brought in great people, and we’ve continued to grow as a group and get better and better every day. I think that’s been the key to our success – we’ve hired the right people and we’ve let them build.”
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“The hard work that everyone has been putting in, from the ownership group on down, has started to really pay off,” he concludes. “We’re seeing the fruits of our labour. And I’m happy to say that based on what I see every day, the future looks very bright.” WWW.BLUEELECTRICAL.COM 902 394 1935 COMMERCIAL . INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL Where law is practiced and relationships are perfected. coxandpalmer.com FEBRUARY 2026
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on WILMAC Construction, their services, capabilities, and past projects – and to get in touch with Tyler and his expert team – visit https://www.wilmacconstruct.com/
Tailored insulation solutions for every project
Magnus Construction Services – formerly called Magnus Insulation – is a Saskatoon-based company that specializes in thermal, moisture and fire protection systems. Since forming in 2008, they have completed more than 7,000 successful residential and commercial products, using only the best Canadian products, engineered for the extreme weather of their prairies. In that time, they have also been awarded a long list of industry accolades, in recognition of their excellence in everything from safety, to community investment, Indigenous relations, and overall business operations. Conrad Correa, the company’s founder and president, began his career in the building industry after moving to Saskatoon from Vancouver. When he and his business partner formed Magnus Insulation, they originally intended to specialize in spray foam insulation, but they quickly expanded their offering to include other types of insulation as they learned about other products and technologies. Eventually, the company grew to the point where they were offering virtually “every solution for a home or a building related to the building envelope,” and the company’s name was changed to Magnus Construction Services to better reflect the depth of their services. These days, Magnus Construction Services actively works with clients in both the residential and commercial sectors. In the residential sector, their services include: whole-home envelope systems including attic, wall, basement, garage, under slab and foundation spray foam; fiberglass and mineral wool options; air seal; insulation extraction and renovations; drywall; texture and waterproofing services. In the commercial sector, meanwhile, the FEBRUARY 2026
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company’s offering includes: thermal barriers; fire-proofing, fire-stopping, high-performance foundation waterproofing systems; flat roof restoration; vapour barriers; drywall; asbestos abatement, and more. They also do specialty projects, providing spray foam and specialty coatings for Quonsets, metal buildings, containers, restoration services, and transport applications like custom vans. No matter what kind of project they are working on, however, Conrad is confident clients choose Magnus for the same few reasons. One of the main reasons is their unrivalled depth of knowledge and experience: “We know what works and what doesn’t,” he says. “We’ve done over 7,000 jobs since we started. We have a really happy base of customers. Our Google reviews are overwhelmingly positive.” As previously mentioned, Magnus’ overall excellence has also been recognized and validated in other ways. For example, they were named the 2022 Business of the Year at the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce’s SABEX Awards – which highlight companies that demonstrate exceptional growth and resilience in the Saskatoon business community. The following year, the company was also recognized by COMPASS, a platform by Bespoke Metrics that offers an unbiased third party assessment of subcontractors based on transparency and performance across finance, business and health and safety metrics. Every year FEBRUARY 2026
since 2022, they have released a list recognizing the top subcontractors as recognized by their COMPASS Prequalification Tool. In 2023, Magnus Construction Services made that list. Later, in 2024, MAGNUS Construction Services was recognized as a winner of the ‘Employer of Choice Award – Small Enterprise’ category at the 8th Annual Diversity Awards Gala. That event was hosted by the Saskatoon Open Door Society to celebrate organizations making a significant impact on diversity and inclusion within the community. Finally, the Consumer Choice Awards have been recognizing and promoting business excellence in North America for almost 40 years. Their awards are not chosen by a panel of judges, but by consumers, and their rigorous selection process ensures that only the most outstanding service providers in each category are recognized. Magnus Construction Services was proud to be a receive Consumer Choice Awards Insulation Contractor category for Saskatoon in both 2020 and 2025. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
FEBRUARY 2026 Win-win relationships Over the years, Magnus Construction Services has worked with some homebuilder clients on “hundreds of houses.” According to Conrad, some of those client relationships go back over a decade. The company has similarly loyal relationships with employees and subcontractors. Multiple subcontractors even started as employees before going on to form their own companies, which Magnus has always been supportive of. “We have no problem with our employees building their own businesses,” he says. “We like to grow and help the people around us to grow with us. We don’t look at them as competitors. Most companies think that when the employees go in their own, they become the competitors, and they’re afraid that they’re going to be losing market to them. We’re not afraid of that. We know that
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA if we take care of them, they’ll take care of us. When we help them succeed, it usually pays off.” Additionally, the company has relationships with suppliers and vendors that go back many years. For example, Conrad says when it comes to spray foam, their main supplier is Elastochem – a Canadian company that specializes in the research and development and manufacturing of outstanding polyurethane and epoxy-based materials. For over 35 years, Elastochem have been at the forefront of innovation both domestically and globally, with expertise spanning a wide range of industries. Over those man years, they have built longstanding relationships with many customers like Magnus. They have achieved that loyalty by offering rigorously-tested solutions that are effective, safe, and reliable, and by pairing those solutions with personalized service and support every step of the way. Magnus Construction Services has been working with Elastochem for over 16 years. Conrad says they are their “favorite supplier,” not only because “they build the best foam in the market,” but also because when they really need them, “they’ve been there for us.” “We like to stick with all our partners,” Conrad says. “We want our suppliers to be able to count on us as much as we can count on them. We don’t like to shop around and keep jumping from one supplier to another just because of price. We like to sit down with our suppliers and figure out ways
that we both win.” Moving forward, in collaboration with their longterm suppliers, the goal for Magnus Construction Services is to continue growing, both in terms of their service offering and in terms of their company size. On the service side, now that Magnus Construction Services can provide the full scope of building envelope services, their next step will be to offer a complete exterior solution, including exterior finishes. Eventually, their goal is to expand into doing complete projects and becoming an overall general contractor. As for the size of Magnus Construction Services, Conrad says they will keep growing organically, as they have for almost 20 years now. “We like the direction we’re headed,” he includes. “We’re going to remain dedicated to innovation and quality, we’re going to keep investing in people and training, and we’re going to keep satisfying our customers. We believe if we do all that, the growth will take care of itself.” FEBRUARY 2026
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Magnus Construction Services and everything their company has to offer – and to get in touch with Conrad and the rest of his expert team – visit https://www.magnusconstruction.ca/
A culture of safety and production
Axis Vac & HDD Services is a privately owned and operated directional drilling, hydrovac, and utility construction company based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Founded in 2017 by Mitchell Willie, the company has grown from a single hydrovac truck operated by Mitchell himself into a full-scale civil construction contractor with more than 100 pieces of equipment and a workforce of approximately 60 people. Today, Axis Vac & HDD provides services to the oil and gas, municipal, utility, telecommunications, and construction sectors, delivering complex infrastructure work across Saskatchewan. Mitchell’s path into construction is unconventional. Before launching Axis Vac & HDD, he spent his career as a firefighter and paramedic. Through that work, he became closely familiar with hydrovac excavation while responding to emergencies at refineries, where hydrovacs are routinely used around fire mains and underground utilities. When economic pressures, the Fort McMurray wildfires, and refinery shutdowns converged between 2015 and 2017, widespread layoffs followed. Faced with the need to pivot, Mitchell purchased a used hydrovac truck at auction in 2017 and entered the industry with no prior experience running a construction business. Axis Vac began with one truck and one operator. From the outset, growth was driven by necessity as much as ambition. The hydrovac market was highly competitive, and to keep equipment working, the company gradually took on additional scope. Hydrovac services led to directional drilling, drilling led to underground construction, and underground work expanded into full turnkey utility delivery. Over time, Axis Vac evolved from a specialty service provider into a prime utility contractor capable of managing entire projects FEBRUARY 2026
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from excavation through final restoration. Today, the company self-performs the majority of their work. Axis Vac & HDD provides underground and aerial utility construction, directional drilling, hydrovac excavation, telecommunications builds, fibre installation, traffic signal construction, and powerline work. Their operations span municipal and provincial infrastructure as well as large-scale telecom programs, with crews working yearround. While the company maintains a trusted group of subcontractors to manage seasonal peaks, their business model prioritizes inhouse execution to maintain quality control and operational consistency. That approach allows Axis Vac to take on large, multi-faceted projects without relying heavily on external parties. The company completes telecom and fibre programs across Saskatchewan, often working on high-volume builds that require tight coordination, documentation, and restoration standards. Fibre work, in particular, remains a major focus, with multiple years of continued activity expected as network expansion continues. In parallel, Axis Vac recently launched a powerline division, marking a significant expansion of their capabilities. With dedicated line crews now established, Mitchell notes that powerline construction represents the company’s most significant growth opportunity over the next decade. Quality and professionalism are central to Axis Vac & HDD’s reputation. The company is frequently brought in to remediate or complete projects FEBRUARY 2026
that were poorly executed by others. Rather than rushing through work, Axis Vac emphasizes inspection, documentation, and site restoration. Crews photograph completed work, quality control inspectors review installations, and sites are left in the condition they were found. Mitchell explains that this attention to detail has resulted in a notably low rate of customer escalations and complaints, particularly on municipal and government projects. Much of this mindset is rooted in Mitchell’s background in the fire service, where professionalism and presentation are inseparable from trust. He explains that looking prepared, organized, and capable is often half the job. Axis Vac reflects this philosophy through a modern, well-maintained fleet and standardized field practices. All hydrovac trucks are new, modern models and the company maintains their equipment through full-time, in-house mechanics. Clean trucks, reliable equipment, and consistent branding reinforce the company’s professional image on every jobsite. Safety is another defining pillar of the organization. Axis Vac has been COR certified since their second year of operation, a milestone that reflects a long-term commitment to safety systems and continuous improvement. Mitchell notes that the certification process was a learning curve in the early years, particularly for a growing company building systems from scratch. Over time, the company refined its safety program, transitioning from paper-based documentation to fully digital systems that streamline audits, inspections, and THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
field-level reporting. Today, Axis Vac uses digital platforms to manage safety documentation and ensure compliance across all crews. Every worker completes their own field-level hazard assessment, contributing to a safety culture that emphasizes accountability and practicality rather than unnecessary bureaucracy. Mitchell explains that safety, professionalism, and execution follow a clear order of priority, reflecting lessons learned both in emergency services and in utility construction, where day-today risks are significant. The company’s operational strength is matched by their investment in people. Axis Vac employs approximately 40-to-60 full-time workers yearround, with additional personnel engaged during peak seasons. Despite the size of the business, leadership remains highly visible in the field. Mitchell continues to operate equipment and work alongside crews whenever possible, a practice he believes plays a major role in maintaining morale and trust. Management, including his business partner Joel Snider, regularly works in the field, reinforcing a culture where leadership is directly involved in execution. Employee retention is a point of pride. Several team members have been with Axis Vac for five years or more, including the company’s first employee, who began as a hydrovac operator and now serves as a construction manager. Employees receive full benefits, registered savings plan matching, and wages that Mitchell notes are above industry averages for the region. summittruckequipment.ca As the exclusive Foremost hydrovac dealer, Summit offers the full Foremost and Rival hydrovac lineup, backed by service, parts, accessories, and in-house graphics solutions. ONTARIO 705 435 5822 REDDEER 403 347 1400 FEBRUARY 2026
Consistent year-round work provides stability in an industry often defined by seasonal layoffs, allowing employees to plan long-term and build secure lives. Axis Vac’s approach extends to their supply chain as well. The company works with a consistent group of subcontractors who return year after year, particularly to manage seasonal demand spikes. Rather than engaging unfamiliar vendors, Axis Vac prioritizes long-term relationships built on trust and performance. Some subcontractors have grown significantly under this model, expanding from single crews into multi-crew operations while maintaining stable workloads through Axis Vac’s projects. In terms of sustainability and environmental responsibility, Axis Vac emphasizes nondestructive excavation methods and careful site restoration. Hydrovac excavation allows crews to expose underground utilities without damaging surrounding infrastructure, reducing rework and disruption. Across all projects, the company prioritizes leaving sites as they were found, an approach that aligns with municipal expectations and minimizes long-term environmental impact. Cleanup standards are treated as an essential part of project delivery rather than an afterthought. Axis Vac’s growth trajectory continues to accelerate. Alongside their expanding powerline division and ongoing telecom and fibre work, the company recently entered into a new joint venture called New Feathers Utilities, an Indigenousled organization representing multiple First THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Nations. Announced in 2025, the partnership brings together complementary expertise across utilities, engineering, pipe supply, and heavy civil construction. While still in its early stages, the joint venture positions Axis Vac to participate in larger, more complex infrastructure projects while supporting Indigenous-led economic development. Looking ahead, Mitchell anticipates continued expansion, particularly in powerline construction, with the company potentially growing toward 100 employees as new work comes online. While growth remains a priority, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining culture, safety standards, and trusted leadership as the organization scales. Developing experienced managers is identified as one of the company’s next major steps. From their origins as a single-truck operation to their current position as one of Saskatchewan’s most capable utility contractors, Axis Vac & HDD’s story is defined by adaptability, discipline, and a commitment to doing work properly. As infrastructure demands increase and new opportunities emerge, the company remains focused on steady, sustainable growth built on professionalism, safety, and people. FEBRUARY 2026
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Axis Vac & HDD Services and their capabilities – and to contact Mitchell Willie and his team – visit www.axisvac.com
Space to grow
For almost 40 years, Melchers Construction has been delivering high-quality residential and commercial spaces across Southwestern Ontario. Throughout their history, they have completed a wide range of projects for a variety of satisfied clients, including home renovations and additions, custom homes on rural and infield lots, medical and detail offices, restaurants, retail spaces, warehouses, and more. Over the years, they have also taken a lot of pride in developing not just their own homes, but their own communities. In recent years, especially, they have created some of the most desirable and fast-growing communities in the region, all of which were designed to “feel like home from day one.” “At Melchers Construction, we build more than homes – we build neighbourhoods where life unfolds naturally,” says Elaine Melcher, designer and business development manager. “Rooted in small-town values and surrounded by the beauty of Southwestern Ontario, each of our communities is thoughtfully planned to offer a slower pace, a stronger sense of connection, and the space to grow.” Melchers Construction was originally founded by Ted Melchers in 1987. Initially, the company focused on home renovations, with Ted prioritizing ethics, transparency, and adherence to industry standards – and those values have continued to guide the company in the years since. Chris Melchers – Ted’s son, now the owner and president of the company – grew up around the construction industry, learning from his father’s work ethic and seeing firsthand the positive impact their work had on the lives of their clients. Under his leadership, Melchers Construction has grown and diversified considerably. These days, FEBRUARY 2026
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the company continues to do home renovations, but they also do “quite a bit” of commercial work, as well as develop their own residential communities. Within their own communities, Melchers Construction offers clients the opportunity to select from their thoughtfully-designed models (which they can then amend) or to create a custom design from the ground-up. In either case, their team is committed to providing exceptional service every step of the way – from the initial planning stages through to construction and beyond. According to Elaine, clients tend to be drawn to Melchers communities for a few reasons, but one of the main reasons is their choice of locations. She says they excel in building in communities that offer “small town charm” while still retaining the conveniences that come from being in proximity to bigger cities. “We have these great subdivisions that are in these smaller communities that are five-to-10 minutes away from London, but still have a small town feel to them. So residents can be within earshot of anything and everything they might need, but they still feel like they are living that quant Canadian country life.” Again, however, Melchers Construction doesn’t just build in subdivisions – “we build where our clients need us,” Elaine says. No matter the location, she believes a big part of what sets them apart is the extent of their in-house capabilities. They FEBRUARY 2026
have in-house drafting and design capabilities and can help clients with everything from design consultations, to permits, to construction and finishing touches. Having that level of control under one roof enables the team at Melchers to closely monitor budgets and timelines. It also helps them ensure that their clients are getting exactly what they want and intend. When building companies outsource design and drafting and hand clients off to third parties to make selections, the client’s original design intent can often become distorted, and budgets and timelines can spiral because not everyone’s on the same page – Melchers Construction is able to mitigate those potential issues by taking care of everything in-house, and also by being “very frank and transparent” in their discussions with clients. “We believe it’s important to work with the client until they’re happy, but we also think it’s important to be transparent,” Elaine explains. “I think when people think you aren’t being honest, then that’s where you lose trust. So we don’t believe in holding anything back. If something can’t be done – or if can be done but has to be be done a certain way – then that’s what we tell the client. If the client doesn’t want it done that way, then we try to come up with a different solution that might meet their objectives. But the important thing is we address everything head on. We’ve found that clients ultimately appreciate that. That appreciation is reflected in the company’s high rate of referrals and repeat business. On both the residential and commercial sides of the company, Elaine says that’s how they have always THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
generated most of their work. “We’ve perpetuated a really good name in the industry,” she says. Of course, that good name is also a testament to the quality of work that Melchers Construction delivers. Elaine credits that quality to the excellence of their team, from their selection specialists, to their draftsmen, to their project managers, to their site supers, all the way to their general laborers and office staff. She says many of those team members have been around “close to 30 years with us now” – and she’s personally been there since 1999, so she’s seen that loyalty first hand. The company’s subcontractors also tend to be longstanding. Elaine believes the value of that longevity cannot be overstates: “They know what we’re looking for,” she explains. “They have a familiarity with the quality and the finish and the aesthetic that we expect. They know what you’re looking for and they’re able to execute it.” “We’re not opposed to using new trades by any means,” she adds, “but it’s handy when you have people that you know and trust and. It makes the build easier. We value those relationships very highly.” FEBRUARY 2026
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Labors of love Currently, Melchers Construction is working on a variety of projects. In Strathroy, they are now building the second the second of three rental buildings on the same property. The first building comprised 24 units and occupancy began in July of 2025. They are now taking names for the second building, which should be ready for occupancy by end of May this year. In Grand Bend, meanwhile, the company is starting a brand new subdivision called Sol Haven, which will comprise 15 lots. They are currently working on a brand new model home for that new community. At the same time, Melchers Construction is also continuing to build in their existing subdivisions, which are located in in Belmont, Port Stanley, Ilderton, Kilworth, and Komoka. Furthermore, they are
currently working on the second of two daycare projects – so their workload is definitely diverse, which is how the company likes it. “We like to ensure we have the capacity to pivot as the market changes,” Elaine explains. “Right now, we have our hands in a lot of different baskets, and that’s working well for us. We’re doing new builds and renovations, some commercial work, and now we’re getting into developing rental properties – I think we’re touching all on pieces of the market.” Ultimately, however, Elaine says the company’s truest passion is creating homes, especially custom homes for clients. “I think we love and find great satisfaction in curtailing a home to a particular client,” she says. “That’s always a lot of fun and it’s something we all really enjoy. Those projects are labors of love – for the client, but also for us. The greatest feeling in this line of work is when we make a client’s dream come true. We definitely want to keep doing that well into the future.” 833 Central Ave., London, ON N5W 3R1 Tel: 519-672-1631 Fax: 519-672-5251 WWW.BROUWERPLUMBING.COM FEBRUARY 2026
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Melchers Construction, their services, capabilities, and past and present communities – and to get in touch with Elaine and the rest of their expert team – visit www.melchersconstruction.com/
Solving the hard problems
Founded in Red Deer, Alberta, RBW Consulting has quietly built a reputation for taking on the projects others hesitate to touch. Established in 2011 and evolving significantly since 2015 under the leadership of Darren Zubot, the employeeowned construction management firm has carved out a niche in complex commercial renovations, tenant improvements, and design-build projects that demand both technical depth and practical experience. RBW Consulting’s origins trace back to the three original partners who gave the company its name: Reg, Brett, and Wayne, who initially incorporated the company with a business model rooted in property development. Early on, the firm specialized in guiding tenants through the process of becoming property owners – finding land, designing buildings, aligning financing, constructing facilities, and even managing properties long after completion. When Darren joined the company in 2015, that model was still in place, but Alberta’s economic downturn soon forced a major pivot. “The entire marketplace here in central Alberta took a huge dive,” Darren recalls. With new builds stalling and vacancies rising across Red Deer, RBW Consulting had to adapt quickly. Drawing on his decades of experience with firms such as PCL, Clark Builders, and Scott Builders, Darren redirected the company’s focus toward construction management, renovations, and specialized projects – areas where expertise, problem-solving, and creativity matter more than market cycles. Today, RBW Consulting offers a full spectrum of services including design services, cost consulting, project management, and construction. While FEBRUARY 2026
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the company still occasionally participates in development-style projects, roughly threequarters of their work now lies in commercial renovations, tenant improvements, and what Darren describes as “projects that are a little bit out of the ordinary.” That mindset is evident in one of RBW Consulting’s most notable projects to date: the multi-milliondollar transformation of the former Glover International building on 67th Street into what is now Canada’s largest Mitsubishi dealership. The project was anything but straightforward. It involved hazardous materials abatement, partial demolition, foundations and structure manipulation and refurbishment, complete new site services, extensive renovations, tenant improvement spaces, and new construction – all coordinated under a turnkey delivery model. RBW Consulting handled everything from land acquisition site analysis and design development to land-use bylaw modifications, ultimately delivering a facility that touched nearly every aspect of modern construction. While high-profile projects like the Mitsubishi dealership stand out, much of RBW Consulting’s work happens in technically demanding environments where precision and coordination are critical. The firm has completed interior fit-outs for RCMP 911 call stations, extensive upgrades for the Red Deer Public School Board, renovations to provincial and federal government buildings, and ongoing work within correctional facilities under multi-year standing contracts. Municipal projects with the City of Red Deer – including new FEBRUARY 2026
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