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. With this edition, we start the chapter on 2026 – on what’s sure to be an interesting year full of innovation, as the construction industry continues to tackle an array of challenges, with the nationwide housing shortage chief among them. Our cover this edition features two companies – Remdal and Gorman Mazzon Limited, both of which have key roles to play in the ho. Remdal, for example, is a company working diligently to renew and rehabilitate the existing housing stock of Birtish Columbia’s Lower Mainland. They provide a variety of property renewal services, including painting, waterproofing, and building envelope renewals, and have for over 50 years. These days, under the leadership of Ken Ewart – the principal owner and chairman of the board – and Michael Prpic – the president and CEO – Remdal continues to expand and add services to their offering. We spoke to both Michael and Ken about that expansion. For that story, we also spoke to Nima Banihashemi, Remdal’s building envelope and waterproofing operation manager. He highlighted the company’s recent work on the Manhattan, a high-rise in Richmond they finished last year, where they devised an innovative and costeffective renewal solution that added an estimated 10-to-15 years to the buildings life. Gorman Mazzon Limited, meanwhile, is a custom home builder based in Richmond Hill, Ontario. They are similarly longstanding – since forming in 1984, they have delivered a long list of high-end residential and commercial projects, and grown entirely through word-of-mouth and repeat business. We spoke to director Lou Mazzon about that history and about a recent clubhouse they did for a golf course in Pickering. Also featured in this edition is Coolearth Architecture, a Torontobased architectural firm dedicated to designing functional, highperforming, and highly energy-efficient buildings. Sheena Sharp, the firm’s founder and principal, talked to us about how buildings can be designed to be beautiful, profitable, and sustainable all at once – and why the idea that you need to choose between those qualities is a pernicious misconception. For those stories and many more like them – about architects, builders, developers, and a variety of innovators from across the construction spectrum – 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
JANUARY 2026 REMDAL Growing, thriving, and leading GORMAN MAZZON LIMITED Always welcome COOLEARTH ARCHITECTURE Sustainable, beautiful, profitable FBP ARCHITECTS Addicted to problem-solving EDIFICE ENGINEERING INC. Meeting a need NEOTERIC DEVELOPMENTS Building with Purpose, Passion, and Precision HILLSTONE AGGREGATES #WeRock LUMAR ELECTRIC The relentless pursuit of excellence BEVERLY BUILD Functional, beautiful, accessible EVERGREEN CLIMATE SOLUTIONS A culture of problem-solving BRIDGEWOOD ENGINEERING SERVICES Precise and proactive INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS INCINERATING TOILETS IN THIS ISSUEJANUARY 2026 BRIDGEWOOD ENGINEERING EVERGREEN CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA LUMAR ELECTRIC GORMAN MAZZON LIMITED COOLEARTH ARCHITECTURE
JANUARY 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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Growing, thriving, and leading
Remdal is a Surrey-based company that provides property renewal services, including painting, waterproofing, and building envelope renewals. They are a longstanding company, with roots going back over 50 years. Over those years, the company has grown and evolved significantly, adding employees and crews, expanding their service offering and capabilities, and completing hundreds of major painting and building envelope renewal projects each year across British Columbia’s Lower Mainland and beyond. These days, under the leadership of Ken Ewart – the principal owner and chairman of the board – and Michael Prpic – the president and CEO – Remdal continues to expand and add services to their offering. As they expand, they are also working hard to cultivate a “people-focused culture” that brings beauty and renewal to the lives of everyone they work with. “We care a lot about people,” Ken says. “We want people lives to be better because they are working with us. Our company mission statement is ‘to be a community of enterprising people who grow, thrive, and lead.’ That’s what we’re always working towards. That’s why we’ve been able to grow.” Remdal was originally founded in 1974 by Don Rempel and Arnold Daling. In 1991, Ken purchased the company with the goal of growing it while still maintaining the reputation for service excellence that the founders had spent almost two decades building. “When I came aboard, the company already had a good name and good customers, but it wasn’t making much money,” Ken recalls. “I thought there was an opportunity to keep that good name while operating a little more efficiently.” JANUARY 2026
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Ken ended up seizing that opportunity, but he didn’t do it alone – from the start, he says he’s been surrounded by “a number of really excellent people.” “The way we’ve built the company is we’ve had a shared ownership model,” he explains. “We’ve found great people and we’ve built the company together. That’s the foundation of our success. The reason we’ve been able to grow and do such great work is the people we have, and I feel privileged to have them.” When Ken took over Remdal, the company focused mainly on painting, plus “a little bit of carpentry” on the side. A few years later, they began to do what they then-called ‘restoration work,’ and now call ‘building envelope and waterproofing work.’ In recent years, they have continued to add to their capabilities – most recently by acquiring a hazardous material abatement company, as well as an HVAC and plumbing company. Remdal is also now capable of providing general contracting services. On interior renovation projects, they can work with subcontractors and manage lighting, flooring, and other updates in addition to their various painting services. On exterior building envelope renewal projects, they are similarly capable of working with subcontractors and managing, coordinating, and communicating the vast number of details on the project to ensure it gets completed on time and on budget. Over the past few years, Remdal has been exercising those capabilities more and more, and they are proud of the results they have JANUARY 2026
achieved. Much of the company’s recent growth has taken place under the leadership of Michael Prpic, who joined about three years ago. He came from a background in finance and technology, and he was brought in specifically to help facilitate that growth. “We got to a stage where we started looking at the next phase of the company,” Ken recalls. “We started considering how we could take what we had built and bring it to the next level. It seemed to us the next stage was to look at other property renewal services we could offer. So we started looking at other companies that were like-minded, that we could either partner with or acquire. Once we started doing that, I had to consider if I was the right person to lead us into this expansive stage, or was it better to bring in someone a little younger with capacities that I didn’t have?” “We did a search and interviewed a lot of candidates and talked to some very competent managers,” Ken continues. “The reason we chose Michael was his character, his core values, and his vision. That’s why we brought him in and gave him the CEO role.” Michael, for his part, was similarly drawn to Remdal by their core values. He was also attracted to their corporate culture, which he describes as “entrepreneurial” while still being “very healthy” and “non-toxic.” “I’ve worked in many different companies in THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
JANUARY 2026 different countries, and I haven’t found many companies that have achieved that mix of qualities,” he says. “It’s really special. I was really thrilled about the opportunity to come and be a part of it, and help the company build on top of what they’ve already achieved.” Remdal’s unique culture is reflected in the longstanding loyalty of its staff. According to Ken, they have many employees that have been with the company more than 20 years, which he describes as “unprecedented in the industry.” Nima Banihashemi, for example, is the company’s building envelope and waterproofing operation manager, and he joined Remdal about 16 years ago. He describes the company as a “community,” just like their mission statement says. “We see ourselves, our crews, and the people that work for us and with us as part of our community,” he explains. “As such, we take care of each other. We make business decisions with our people in mind. That’s the biggest difference about working here.” “I think that our people trust our integrity,” Ken adds. “They know that when we articulate our core values, we actually believe in them and we’re actually willing to be held accountable to them. There’s a lot of trust there, and I think that’s why we have a lot of people who’ve been here a long time.” Plus, because of the company’s shared ownership model, their people also have an entrepreneurial motivation to stick around and do their best work. “We give our people an opportunity to prosper financially if they do a great job leading our crews,” Ken says. “So it’s that combination of community, trust, and entrepreneurial opportunity – those three things are why we’ve been able to lead the industry in terms of retaining great people.”
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Collaboration and teamwork When Ken first joined Remdal, the company’s larger projects were valued around $100,000. These days, the company’s larger projects are valued at over $1 million. Within that higher-end niche, Ken knows that clients choose Remdal not because they’re the cheapest, but because of their high levels of professionalism and reliability. Ken knows that – he doesn’t just believe it – because a lot of their clients were recently asked directly by a third party. “We recently worked with a branding consultant who interviewed our customers, and what he told us is that our customers know they’re paying a little bit more for us -- and they’re happy to pay it,” Ken recalls. “They know what they’re paying for. They value what we bring to the table. They know they’re going to get a professionallyrun project run by a top-notch team, and that’s what really matters to them.”
JANUARY 2026 As a recent example of Remdal’s expertise in action, Ken points to their renewal work on the Manhattan, a high-rise in Richmond they finished working on last year. That project was multifaceted and had a total contract value of $3.2 million. Nima ran point on the job, and he says it “had it all.” “We did everything from eaves repairs to sealant repairs to window refurbishments and door refurbishments, to a full balcony membrane renewal,” Nima says. “They had tiles on the balconies, we took them all off, and we did a decorative finish with the waterproofing system. We fully painted it, we installed the flashing, we did a lot of concrete work – it was intense. A lot went into it.” By the end of that project, Remdal had achieved a highly durable finished product that’s expected to last the building another 10-to-15 years. The company recently caught up with the strata council president of that building, who reported that after two winters they haven’t had any issues. Nima credits that to the thoughtful solution they devised with the engineers on the project. Notably, that solution wasn’t just to “take it all off” and start over, which likely would have cost the client over $20 million. Instead, they worked closely with the engineering company and also with the client, and they came up with a more cost-effective approach that solved the client’s problem and greatly extended the building’s life. Even as more issues came up during the project – which often happens when working on old buildings – and the contract value grew, the team at Remdal was able to work with the client
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JANUARY 2026 to come up with a payment deferral plan to help them reach their objectives and complete the job. “It was a good collaborative effort from everyone involved,” Nima says. “It all came down to teamwork and it worked out really well for all parties.” Moving forward, Remdal is excited to take on more projects of that size, scope, and complexity. They are also excited to continue expanding their range of services and capabilities. To that end, they recently acquired an HVAC and plumbing company, as well as a hazardous materials abatement company, as previously mentioned. According to Michael, they are currently in the process of integrating those two companies into the group, which he expects to be at least a 12-month process. Lastly, as the company continues to expand, and continues to acquire other companies, they are committed to fostering and promoting the same kind of “people-focused” culture across the group that has propelled Remdal to so much success over the years. “I really want to see a very positive company culture carried forward,” Ken says. “As we grow, that will be our challenge. Can we create or sustain a very trusting and people-focused culture in the companies that we bring in?” Again, Ken refers back to the company’s mission statement, which is “to be a community of enterprising people who grow, thrive, and lead.” “To me, the most important question is ‘can our people prosper within our company?’” Ken concludes. “If they can and they are, then we know our company is going to grow. So that’s what we’re working towards and I anticipate a lot of growth.”
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Remdal, their complete range of services, and examples of past projects – and to get in touch with their expert team – visit their website as https://www.remdal.com/
Gorman-Mazzon Limited Always welcome
Gorman-Mazzon Limited is a custom design-build contractor based in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Since forming in 1984, they have delivered a long list of high-end residential and commercial projects, and developed a reputation among their clients for their responsiveness and ability to meet the specific and individual requirements of their projects. As a result, the company has been able to sustain and grow entirely through repeat business and word of mouth. “We don’t have an online presence because we don’t need one,” says Lou Mazzon, director. “If someone calls me about a job, it’s because they were referred by somebody I worked for – or it’s because they’ve worked with me before.” “Very few of my clients are one-off,” he adds. “In a lot of cases, I’ll build the offices for their business, and then they bring me back later to build their house. When I get a new client, we usually end up becoming friends, and we end up working together over and over again. We’ve never been out of work, ever. We always have something going on, and we’ve always been busy.” In past years, Gorman-Mazzon Limited has been larger in size. When Lou originally founded the company, it was with a partner who did interior design, and they had an interior design department in-house. When his partner retired, that department closed and the company shifted its focus solely to building – though Lou still has a BCIN stamp that allows him to do drawings and obtain permits for single-family residential projects. These days, the company’s in-house team includes Lou, a carpenter, a laborer, and a bookkeeper, and they rely on a trusted team of loyal subcontractors to do the majority of the work on-site. JANUARY 2026
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The majority of Gorman-Mazzon Limited’s projects, both residential and commercial, are high-end with significant budgets. According to Lou, the company is set apart in that niche by a few major factors. One factor is their ability to get jobs done efficiently – their sites are almost never dormant, for example, because they know that clients are demoralized when their sites are empty. Another factor is their ability to get the most out of every dollar the client spends. “Anybody can go and pick the most expensive option of every product and it’ll look great,” Lou explains. “But I like to spend a million and make it look like 10 million. That makes the client happy. Additionally, Gorman-Mazzon Limited works with only the highest caliber of subcontractors and tradespeople. As Lou says, “I’m only as good as the trades that are doing the work.” “It’s not about finding the cheapest guy,” he says. “It’s about getting the work done right and making sure the client’s happy. We only work with trades who understand that.” Before working with a new trade, Lou conducts a thorough vetting process. That includes personally reviewing some of their previous projects. In the case of millwork providers, he’ll visit their factory and look around. “If I see a guy that’s spraying the kitchen doors in his back laneway, that’s not the right guy,” he explains. “If he has a spray booth and he’s professional, then we can talk.” JANUARY 2026
Once he identifies a reliable tradesperson, Lou tends to stick with them, so long as their pricing remains reasonable and transparent. He says many of those relationships go back 10-to-15 years, and that a lot of his previous relationships only ended due to retirement. “Loyalty is important,” he says. “I’m loyal to my trades and they’re loyal to me. I think that’s a big part of why I’ve been so successful for so long.” Recently, Gorman-Mazzon Limited concluded a clubhouse for a golf course in Pickering, which has long been in the works. Before Lou was brought on board, the design of that building went through a few different iterations, a different contractor was originally hired, and the budget ended up being really off. Lou worked with the architect and re-drew the building, and ultimately “it worked out very well,” from both a quality and price perspective. “It looks great,” Lou reports. “It’s a far cry from what they had before. It looks nice, it has everything they need, and it came in on more or less on budget. The owners were very happy.” Moving forward, Lou is open to doing more commercial projects of that size and scope, but his true passion is residential building. He says custom homes are more difficult than commercial projects, but he welcomes that challenge. “They’re harder because the client cares more,” he explains. “The project is more personal to them. It’s their home. It’s where they live. They care THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
very deeply. That’s why I like doing residential – because I get to know the client very well, and they almost always become friends. I don’t have one past client that I can’t go back and knock on their door and be welcome. That means a lot to me.” As far as the size of Gorman-Mazzon Limited, Lou believes they are already at his ideal. At this stage of his career, he’s not interested in growing much bigger and managing a larger team of people. He prefers to limit the amount of projects he takes on and oversee every element personally. “I don’t think I’m going to grow anymore, because I don’t think I have the patience,” he concludes. “When you have employees, your employee’s problem is your problem – so the more employees you have, the more problems, the more you time you need. I don’t know if I can deal with that anymore at my age. I just want to keep doing what I love doing – which is working one-on-one with clients and building them the best building possible.” World Leading Manufacturer of Exterior and Interior Architectural Details Exterior and Interior Mouldings Limestone Fireplace Mantels Woodgrain Panels and Beams Call us at: 905-264-4436 Visit us at: canamould.com Proud to work with Gorman Mazzon for over 40 years. JANUARY 2026
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Sustainable, beautiful, profitable
Founded in 2008, Coolearth Architecture is a Toronto-based firm dedicated to designing functional, high-performing, and highly energyefficient buildings. Guided by a mission the firm describes simply and clearly – to create “buildings for human prosperity within a flourishing planet” – Coolearth approaches each project with a focus on balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. At the helm is Sheena Sharp, principal architect, for whom architecture has always been about more than buildings. It is about responsibility – to people, to communities, and to the planet those buildings will serve for generations. After more than 16 years at a large firm focused primarily on development-driven projects, Sheena sought a more intentional approach to the impact of her work. That personal shift became a professional one as she connected with likeminded collaborators who shared her concern about climate change and the role buildings play within it. While the firm has evolved over time, that original focus – designing buildings that respond intelligently to environmental realities – has remained constant. Today, Coolearth Architecture operates as a fullservice architecture practice, working across design, detailing, and delivery, with a particular depth of expertise in low-emissions and energyefficient buildings. The firm’s size – roughly 10 people – has proven to be a strategic advantage rather than a limitation. By focusing deeply rather than broadly, Coolearth has developed the technical knowledge required to support complex, high-performance projects, often partnering with larger firms to bring that expertise to scale. That depth is increasingly being applied to multiJANUARY 2026
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family residential buildings, which now represent the firm’s primary focus. Coolearth is currently collaborating with SvN Architects on two significant apartment developments – one in York Region and another in Waterloo – totalling hundreds of residential units. These projects reflect a growing demand for buildings that balance affordability, comfort, and long-term operational resilience, without sacrificing architectural quality. At the heart of Coolearth’s approach is a belief that sustainable design does not require compromise. Sheena is outspoken about what she sees as persistent misinformation in the industry – the idea that sustainability must come at the expense of aesthetics or financial viability. In her experience, that trade-off is largely imaginary. “You don’t have to choose sustainability over beauty, or sustainability over profitability,” Sheena explains. “You can do all of it.” The key, she says, lies in understanding buildings as systems and making informed decisions about where investments deliver the greatest value over time. A significant part of that thinking is driving the firm’s transition toward all-electric buildings. Moving forward, Coolearth is prioritising designs that eliminate on-site fossil fuel use, relying instead on electric systems paired with carefully designed building envelopes. For Sheena, this shift is not about chasing trends or adopting untested technologies. It is about using tools that already exist – and using them well. The performance of a building, she notes, is JANUARY 2026
influenced as much by its exterior envelope as by its mechanical systems. Insulation levels, airtightness, window performance, and thermal detailing all play critical roles in reducing energy demand. By lowering the load a building requires in the first place, mechanical systems can be smaller, simpler, and more resilient, reducing exposure to future energy cost volatility while improving occupant comfort. This philosophy is evident in one of Coolearth’s most notable completed projects: the Mount Dennis Early Learning & Child Care Centre, which was designed in conjunction with CS&P Architects. Finished in 2024, the facility holds the distinction of being Toronto’s first net-zero child care centre, completed under the City’s TransformTO policy, which requires new municipal buildings to achieve net-zero emissions. While the net-zero designation is significant, Sheena is quick to point out that performance targets never come at the expense of function. “It’s not a net-zero building unless it works as a child care centre,” she says. That meant meeting stringent programmatic requirements, ensuring abundant natural light, and creating a calm, welcoming environment for children and staff alike. The design incorporates large windows, natural finishes, and warm interior spaces, while carefully addressing the structural and thermal challenges that come with high-performance envelopes. Material choices were also informed by embodied carbon considerations, with extensive use of wood THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
JANUARY 2026 where possible, including cross-laminated timber floors. These decisions reduced the building’s overall carbon footprint while contributing to its aesthetic character and interior comfort. The project has been well received since opening, earning positive attention for both its environmental performance and its thoughtful design. More importantly, it demonstrates Coolearth’s belief that sustainable buildings should feel familiar, welcoming, and normal – because ultimately, they are meant to serve people. Looking ahead, Coolearth Architecture is continuing to refine its approach to all-electric, low-emissions buildings, particularly within the multi-family sector. The firm is exploring panelized façade systems, improved envelope assemblies, and construction methods that enhance quality while reducing risk during on-site assembly. Factory-built components, Sheena notes, allow for greater precision and airtightness, improving performance while supporting more predictable construction outcomes. Throughout this work, Coolearth maintains a pragmatic view of cost. Rather than focusing on narrow payback calculations, the firm encourages clients to think strategically about long-term value – comfort, durability, adaptability, and reduced exposure to energy price fluctuations. “We’re not inventing new technology,” Sheena says. “We’re using what we already have, just more intelligently.” That clarity of purpose has helped position Coolearth Architecture as a trusted partner for clients and collaborators navigating an increasingly complex regulatory and environmental landscape. By going deep rather than wide, the firm has carved out a role as both designer and problemsolver, capable of integrating sustainability seamlessly into projects of real scale and realworld constraints. For Sheena, the goal is not to design buildings that stand apart because they are sustainable, but buildings that stand the test of time because they are well conceived, comfortable, and resilient. In an industry often pulled between competing priorities, Coolearth Architecture offers a clear counterpoint: sustainability, design excellence, and economic viability can – and should – work together.
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Coolearth Architecture, their mission, their range of services, and their past projects – and to get in touch with Sheena and her expert team – email info@coolearth.ca
Addicted to problem-solving
FPB Architects is a longstanding and industryacclaimed design firm based in Vaughan, Ontario. From their inception almost 50 years ago, they have been a progressive, client-focused practice, providing personalized architectural and planning services to both private and public clients. The founding philosophy was to deliver innovative design solutions and progressive development strategies that address complex architectural and urban design challenges – and that philosophy remains at the core of the firm today. With every project they take on, they are committed to guiding their clients seamlessly through every phase of the development process, and to ensuring the final product meets the needs of both the client and the community. “At FBP Architects, we take pride in translating our clients’ visions into built form,” says Elizabeth Nocon, the firm’s principal. “We believe a collaborative design process results in a superior solution.” “What sets us apart is our careful site analysis, respect for topography, and sensitivity to the existing urban fabric,” she adds. “Whether contemporary or heritage-inspired, each project is crafted to strengthen community identity and enrich its surroundings.” FPB Architects was founded in 1979 by John Henry Beresford, Walter Flanagan, and Wilfred Mark Patteson, originally under the name Flanagan Beresford & Patteson Architects. Elizabeth joined the team after graduating from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture in 1986. At the time, the firm was focused on custom homes, cottages, and residential renovations throughout Muskoka, Georgian Bay, and Toronto. Following the retirement of the second of the JANUARY 2026
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original partners, the firm rebranded as FBP Architects Inc. In 2022, leadership transitioned to Elizabeth Nocon after the passing of the remaining founder, who was her husband and long-time collaborator. Today, FBP Architects Inc. continues the legacy of the founders through a dedicated team of 12 professional, technical and administrative staff, each bringing 10-to-40-plus years of experience in residential design, site development, and project delivery. Together, that team works diligently to advance the firm’s tradition of thoughtful, highquality residential design, focusing on small-tomedium-density developments up to six storeys in both wood and concrete construction. Geographically, the firm serves a broad geographic area of Southern Ontario including the Greater Toronto Area, Kitchener-Waterloo, the Blue Mountains, and Prince Edward County. Current projects span the GTA, Kitchener, Cambridge, Collingwood, Alliston, and Quinte regions. Within their niche, Elizabeth believes that FBP Architects apart is set apart by a few key factors. One of those factors is their approach, which is rooted in contextual design thinking – meaning they “embrace site constraints as creative opportunities to achieve well-resolved, sitesensitive solutions.” Additionally, Elizabeth describes the firm as very approachable and responsive. She also says they take a lot of pride in meeting their client’s timelines. She credits that reliability to “time JANUARY 2026
management, project management, efficient project management, and a dedicated staff.” Many of those dedicated staff members are longstanding. According to Elizabeth, that internal loyalty and retention has played a key role in earning the loyalty of their clients. “Most of our employees have been around for a long time, and we also have a lot of returning clients, and we believe that’s related,” she says. “Our people understand our clients very well. They know how they think. They know how to communicate with them.” “Every client has a different agenda, a different goal,” she adds. “If the same person has been working with the same client for a long time, however, they come to understand their goal. They come to know exactly what they’re after. There is less that needs to be explored or investigated. They know exactly what the clients wants, what they need, and how to get there. There’s an efficiency that comes with that.” One example of a longstanding repeat client would be Sierra Building Group. Over the years, FBP Architects has done a number of subdivision and smaller infill projects with them, and together they also worked on 68 Main Street in Markham – which is among FBP’s proudest achievements. 68 Main Street was a heritage-inspired mixeduse development in the heart of Markham’s historic downtown, located between Dublin and Centre Streets. The project began in 2005 and THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
was completed 2014 through a comprehensive approvals and construction process. Features included: 14,950 square feet of fully glazed ground-floor retail; 143 condominium apartments in a four-storey Main Street structure and a ssixstorey rear structure; two levels of underground parking for 202 cars; and rooftop green space with outdoor amenity areas. The project replaced an outdated one-storey retail plaza and parking lot, introducing a fullblock mixed-use development that reconnected Main Street’s fragmented heritage fabric. The four-storey heritage-inspired façade transitions to a six-storey contemporary apartment building behind, framing an internal pedestrian piazza. According to Elizabeth, that development re-energized Markham’s downtown core, strengthened the historic retail strip, and supported local businesses – all while “maintaining architectural continuity through thoughtful massing, rhythm, and materials.” “It respected the scale and the repetition and the rhythm of what a heritage commercial street would look like,” she says. “It was very successful,” she adds. “People still mention it to us today, and it’s been 10 years. So clearly it has some longevity and it’s made an impact on Markham.” Like many of FBP Architect’s projects, that project came with a lot of challenges –in order to get it moving forward, they had to come up with a JANUARY 2026
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design that satisfied the varied expectations of the municipality, the residents, and the builder. That wasn’t a simple task, but FBP Architects enjoyed the challenge. “We don’t shy away from problem sites,” Elizabeth says. “We’re addicted to problem solving. We love it when there are unique issues that need to be dealt with.” Again, Elizabeth emphasizes that the team at FBP Architects embraces it when a site has constraints they have to consider: “We have builders that come to us with all their sites that have either floodplain or a highway exposure, or their leftover sites that used to be school zones,” she says. “Those sites come with lots of constraints, but those restraints aren’t negatives in our opinion. They make the site more exciting and the project more interesting. “ Moving forward, FBP Architects’ goal is to continue taking on interesting and challenging projects. They also want to maintain the commitment to “design excellence, contextual sensitivity, and personalized service” that has defined the firm for over four decades. As for the size of the firm, Elizabeth says they are happy where they are, but they also have a proven ability to scale up if the market calls for it. “We’ve been up to 25 people in the past, and that’s been fun and dynamic, but my current expectation is we’ll stay at the size we’re at now,” she says. “We’re comfortable with it. We’ve got an amazing team. We have this wonderful blend of people who know how to do the job and do it well.” “If something happens and the economy suddenly reignites and we need to get bigger, I’m happy to do that too,” she concludes. “But what I’d really love to do is just build something that can be handed over to the next generation of architects in our firm. That’s where we’re headed.” JANUARY 2026
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on FPB Architects, their range of services, and their past projects – and to get in touch with Elizabeth and the rest of her expert team – visit http://www.fbparch.com/
Meeting a need
Edifice Engineering is a structural engineering firm based in the rural community of Dauphin, Manitoba. The firm was formed in 2002 by Darren Eddie, a professional engineer and Manitoba native with a background in civil engineering. After studying at the University of Manitoba, he worked with a Winnipeg firm on a number of large and small projects, then after taking paternity leave started doing some residential designs for friends, neighbours, and family. Upon moving to Dauphin, he realized that rural Manitoba lacked proper support for engineered design and drafting services, and he decided to form his own company to fill that void. In the years since, Edifice Engineering has grown from a one-man operation into a well-known regional practice with a 2,400-square-foot office, and a reputation for providing clients professional services in a timely and cost-effective fashion. Early on, Edifice Engineering focused mostly on residential projects – everything from decks, to garages, to cabins, to renovations and new homes. The firm later progressed into commercial projects, where their scope has also varied – they have done sheds, daycares, and recently a Wayway Foodmart on the Waywayseecappo First Nation. Geographically, they mainly work in rural Manitoba, but Darren is also certified to work in Saskatchewan, so the firm also often works in the southeast part of that province, where they are closer to clients than a lot of their competitors. “Our goal is to meet the needs of the community,” Darren explains. “That means taking on a variety of projects, and it means going where we’re needed. We used to get asked about doing projects in Saskatchewan a lot, and that’s why I ended up getting my certification. I wanted to meet that need.” JANUARY 2026
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The majority of Edifice Engineering’s clients are contractors, either builders or independent drafters/designers. According to Darren, those contractors tend to seek out Edifice because of their “accessibility and responsiveness.” “We hear from a lot of clients that they usually don’t hear back from their engineers for six weeks or longer,” he explains. “To me, that’s not how you build a relationship. I take a lot of pride in answering emails and phone calls and getting back to people. Even if we’re busy doing other things and we can’t take on a job, we make sure to send a note saying ‘It’ll be a little while.’” Oftentimes, Darren says clients who receive those notes are willing to wait, which is a testament to the strength of their relationships. “I’m often surprised,” he admits. “I’ll say ‘I really can’t get to this for two months,’ and they’ll say ‘Okay, I’ll wait for you.’ I think that shows that people appreciate our transparency and our customer service. If they can wait, they will.” Another thing that sets Edifice apart, Darren believes, is the pride they take in making sure their plans look good. In order to make their plans as detailed and accurate as possible, they use Autodesk Revit and some other design software, and they are very particular when teaching new staff about what they want to see. “We get a lot of good feedback on our plans,” Darren says. “One of our past clients is a teacher at the middle school, and in his drafting class he has one of my old plans up on the board to use JANUARY 2026
as a reference. I think that’s a nice little pat on the back.” Over the years, Edifice Engineering has contributed to several daycare projects, which Daren describes as “close to my heart,” as he has four children and he understands the value of those facilities, and he is well aware there are not enough of them in the region. From 2020 to 2023, the firm did three daycares in Swan River, St. Agathe, and Dauphin – which is a proud accomplishment, as they overcame the obstacles of the pandemic and helped address a significant need in the community. In 2020, they also started working on the aforementioned Wayway Foodmart in the Waywayseecappo First Nation, which is also one of the firm’s proudest achievements. “It was a large project and we put a lot of time and a lot of effort into it,” Darren reports. “We made quite a few trips out to the site. We wanted to make sure it turned out well, and it did.” “The reaction from the client was really positive,” he adds. “They had a small food store there to begin with, but during COVID they were noticing that everyone was shopping closer to home and their turnover was going way up, it was more than doubling, and they needed more space. So we quadrupled the size of their store, which ended up fulfilling a great need for their community.” Moving forward, that’s what Edifice Engineering hopes to continue doing – meeting the needs THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
JANUARY 2026 of their community. That means continuing to pursue a wide variety of projects, including smaller residential and medium commercial. They also do a lot of insurance claim reviews and assessments, and they will continue taking those on as well. “Those aren’t necessarily exciting, but they involve helping people out, and that makes us feel good about what we do,” Darren says. “We’re happy to keep helping.” As for the size of the firm, Darren says they are satisfied with their team as it stands, but they have room to grow if the opportunity arises. They moved into their new 2,400-square-foot office nearly 10 years ago and that has room for other engineers or technicians if any want to come over and “enjoy the Parkland life.” “We have our niche here and we’re quite happy with where we are, but if someone wanted to come out this way and wanted to see and do something a little different and then join in the practice, we’d be open to that.” BLUEPRINTS FOR: ■ New Homes / Cottages & Garages ■ Additions / Renovations ■ Agricultural & Light Commercial ■ 3D Renderings 306.217.8222 tim@twdrafting.ca www.twdrafting.ca
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Edifice Engineering, including more on their capabilities, partnerships, and past projects – and to get in touch with Darren and his expert team – visit their website at www.edificeengineering.ca
Building with Purpose, Passion, and Precision
In a market crowded with home builders, Neoteric Developments stands apart – not by volume, but by vision. An award-winning residential builder in the Greater Ottawa Region, Neoteric Developments has earned a reputation for creating homes that are as thoughtful as they are striking. Backed by deep industry expertise and a designforward philosophy, the firm specializes in highly customized residences that prioritize quality, innovation, and lasting value. Supporting Neoteric’s residential work is ND Management, the company’s project management and advisory arm. Together, the two brands form a rare, fully integrated platform capable of delivering projects that range from bespoke custom homes to complex, city-shaping developments. From early concept through final delivery, Neoteric approaches every project with the same rigor, creativity, and attention to detail. At the centre of it all is Or Bielak, President and Owner of Neoteric Developments – a leader whose path into construction is anything but conventional. JANUARY 2026
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JANUARY 2026 An Unconventional Journey, A Distinct Perspective Before entering the world of building and development, Or Bielak spent over a decade as a professional singer and member of the clergy. Originally from Toronto, his career was rooted in creativity, performance, and service – experiences that would later shape his leadership style and design sensibility. Or Bielak’s transition into construction began with a major renovation of his own home. The project’s success sparked interest from friends and family, who encouraged him to consider building professionally. He listened – and quickly realized that his passion for design, problem-solving, and people translated naturally into development. Early on, he also recognized the importance of surrounding himself with experienced professionals who understood Ottawa’s construction landscape inside and out.
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA A Strategic Partnership Built on Experience That insight led Or Bielak to Marco Manconi, a professional engineer and seasoned construction manager with the City of Ottawa. Introduced through a mutual connection, Manconi became a trusted advisor during Neoteric’s early growth. Over time, that relationship evolved into a full-time partnership. Manconi brought with him 18 years of experience at the City of Ottawa, where he worked on major infrastructure and redevelopment projects – many valued well over $100 million. Most notably, he served as construction lead for the original Lansdowne Park Redevelopment, a complex, high-profile initiative that required navigating politics, public scrutiny, legacy infrastructure, and demanding delivery schedules. That experience would prove invaluable.
Today, ND Management is part of the integrated project team leading the $418-million Lansdowne 2.0 initiative, working alongside the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. The project includes a new event centre, rebuilt North Side stadium stands, new housing, and revitalized public spaces – an undertaking that will leave a lasting imprint on the capital. ND Management is serving as a senior advisor, supporting strategy, delivery, and execution across the project. “For me, that’s what this company is about,” Manconi says. “We’re passionate about building up Ottawa and making it a better place. Or wants Neoteric to be more than a home builder – he wants every project to improve the city. Lansdowne 2.0 will do exactly that, and I’m proud that we’re part of it.” JANUARY 2026
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Testing the Limits of Custom Homebuilding On the residential side, Neoteric recently demonstrated their full capabilities with a nearly 5,000-square-foot custom home in Rideau Forest, aptly titled Twin Peaks. The project pushed boundaries in both design and execution. Highlights included a dedicated prep kitchen enclosed with glass partitions and equipped with commercial-grade ventilation – allowing serious cooking without compromising an open-concept living environment. The home also featured a German-engineered, stone-clad kitchen system by Bauformat Kitchens; it balanced durability with refined aesthetics; and carefully orchestrated daylight strategies drew natural light deep into the interior, illuminating spaces well beyond the home’s façade. Every detail was intentional. Every solution was tailored.
Despite pandemic-related challenges that extended the project timeline to more than three years, Neoteric remained uncompromising in their commitment to the original vision. That dedication was rewarded at the 2025 GOHBA Housing Design Awards, where Twin Peaks earned wins for Custom Home (3,001 sq. ft. or more) and Any Room in the House. “To be judged by GOHBA-appointed experts – our peers in the industry – and to be recognized that way means a great deal to us,” Or Bielak says. “But even more important than the awards is the client’s reaction.” The homeowners, who work in the food industry, had specific functional concerns – particularly around ventilation and cooking aromas. Neoteric’s response was not a compromise, but an innovation. “They wanted a true chef’s kitchen experience,” Or Bielak explains. “So we designed a prep kitchen that functions like a professional environment, while still integrating beautifully with the rest of the home. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.” JANUARY 2026
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JANUARY 2026 Fewer Homes. Better Homes. Looking ahead, Neoteric Developments plans to continue building homes of this calibre – intentionally limiting the number of residential projects it takes on each year. According to Or Bielak, that restraint is essential. “Our commercial and advisory work allows us to stay immersed in best practices and complex problem-solving,” he says. “It also gives us the freedom to focus on a small number of highly customized homes. That’s where we do our best work.” For Or Bielak, the goal isn’t volume – it’s impact. “What excites me most is creating something that hasn’t been done before,” he says. “Homes that people love. Homes that people remember.” In fact, Neoteric is actively encouraging future clients to push boundaries – so much so that Or Bielak says the firm would consider financial incentives for projects that embrace truly unique design challenges. “We’ve all seen enough cookie-cutter homes,” he says. “The homes that stand the test of time are the ones people are passionate about creating. Ottawa is the capital of Canada – we should be building homes that reflect that pride.”
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