All the best, The Editorial Team We will keep adding business units that enhance our offering and separate us from our competition. “ ” Editor From The Dear Reader, Welcome to the latest issue of Construction Source Canada, the magazine that highlights the best in building and building products across the country. In this edition, we’ve highlighted a variety of companies who contribute to the construction industry across Canada, from home builders, to architects, landscape architects, earthworks providers, not-forprofit housing providers, and public works departments from various municipalities. The organizations featured in this issue are diverse and varied, but they all share at least one key commonality – they are all passionate about making a positive impact on the communities in which they work. bsq Landscape Architects, like their name implies, is an example of a landscape architecture firm. Since founding in 2008, they have been transforming outdoor spaces across the Greater Toronto Area with an approach that blends design expertise, project management, and construction consultation. In our conversation with company cofounder and owner Robert Boltman, we dived deep into that approach. We also discussed their firms’ commitment to sustainability, and how they have showcased that commitment in their recent highlight projects. Also in this issue is MCM Architects, a longstanding architectural firm founded and based in Manitoba, though with a growing reach that includes Saskatchewan and Ontario. To learn more about their expanding sphere of influence, we caught up with David Hoag, a partner in the firm since 2016. He talked about how MCM has evolved in his time there, about their recent work in First Nation communities in Ontario, and about some of their recent projects closer to home, including their work on the Kiddie Sunshine Centre in Altona. This edition also includes a look at Woodbecker, a Toronto-based industry leader in construction management and general contracting. They are a company that has made a big impact on Toronto’s Distillery District. They started working there when it was underutilized historic area, largely abandoned and used as a backdrop for film shoots, and they have played a pivotal role in helping build the district into a world-class architectural destination. We talked to founder and owner James Becker about that impact. We also discussed some of their more recent projects, which are fairly diverse and varied. In particular, we talked about some of their recent collaborations with acclaimed creative studio II BY IV DESIGN, and their desire to keep working with similarly high calibre design partners. For those stories – and many more like them, about other industry leaders across the building space – keep flipping the pages. We hope you enjoy, and that we’ll see you back here next time.
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Laying the Ground Work to Make Life Easier VANBREE.CA
MARCH 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA With a readership exceeding 145,000 senior executives, The Construction Source takes immense pride in providing an enticing platform to amplify your message to the most pivotal audience – your valued customers. Whether your aim is to promote an exciting new condo development, attract crucial financial investments for upcoming projects, or establish a commanding brand presence, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. To explore opportunities for featuring your company or showcasing your latest project in The Construction Source, please reach out to our Group Publisher. Jermaine Poulsen e: info@theconstructionsource.ca The Costruction Source Canada 202 - 1200 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M5R 2A5 E: info@theconstructionsource.ca Executive Publisher Jermaine Poulsen COO Alexandra Box Editor in Chief Zach Janes Director of Operations Jacqueline Van Belois Derrick Pelley Director of Business Development & Marketing Tamara Breen Business Development Managers Mary Ann Taylor Douglas Thomson Marnie McGhie Chad Hamilton Production Manager Brennan Midghall Digital Strategist Pranim Thapa Administration Manager Belyn Quijance-Dorero
MARCH 2025 bsq LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Crafting outdoor elegance MCM ARCHITECTS Serving clients and serving the community WOODBECKER Moving quickly and getting it right PARAMOUNT LANDSCAPING Transparency and accountability make the difference NOVAK CONTRACTING & CONSTRUCTION Getting it done right CDN BUILDINGS Crafting unique steel structures with a family touch NOR MECH ENGINEERING Up for a challenge RHINELAND MB Committed to road improvement SKYRISE PREFAB Building with conscience CARDSTON COUNTY All in on development ADRENALINE EARTHWORKS INC Our work is our image INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS INCINERATING TOILETS IN THIS ISSUEMARCH 2025 RHINELAND MB ADRENALINE EARTHWORKS INC
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA STUDIO ONE ARCHITECTURE A Legacy of Thoughtful Design CAMPHILL FOUNDATION CANADA Leading their best lives PLAINSMAN CONSTRUCTION Building trust, value, and the future of Kamloops NORTHSTAR ACCESS (NORTHSTAR SCAFFOLDING SERVICES INC) BUILDING A SAFER AND STRONGER CANADA Northstar Access shines light on its growth, culture and Canadian values STUDIO ONE ARCHITECTURE NORTHSTAR ACCESS CAMPHILL FOUNDATION CANADA
MARCH 2025 Industry INNOVATIONS MODERN & ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TOILET SOLUTIONS
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Water connection not required Requires little space No odour Easy installation No frost protection needed Secure for children ash to be emptied No waste handling, only and more Bunkies, For Home, Cottages, Shops, 3 - 4 visits per hour High capacity Propane&Electric models ABOUT CINDERELLA ECO GROUP Cinderella Eco Group is a family-owned company located in the north-western coastal community of Midsund in Romsdal, with deep roots in the beautiful Norwegian fjord-landscape. We have more than 20 years’ experience with the Cinderella Incineration Toilet, a water-free, ecological solution for the management of toilet waste. Cinderella, the natural first choice for those who place high demands on quality and functionality. HIGHLIGHTS OF INCINERATION TOILETS:
MARCH 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Crafting outdoor elegance
Crafting outdoor elegance
Since founding in 2008, bsq Landscape Architects has been transforming outdoor spaces across the Greater Toronto Area with an approach that blends design expertise, project management, and construction consultation. Co-founded by university classmates Robert Boltman and Alex Bartlet, bsq has built a reputation for thoughtful landscape design that balances creativity, functionality, and environmental considerations. At the core of bsq Landscape Architects’ success is their ability to tackle projects that are both creative and practical. “We pride ourselves on being good listeners,” says Robert. “It’s not just about giving clients what they ask for, but helping them see what’s possible—while also ensuring we stay within budget.” Those budgets, Robert adds, typically start at around $60,000 – “but we also work on high-end projects that exceed a million dollars.” bsq handles a variety of projects, from smaller-scale renovations to larger, more complex endeavors. These might include custom patios, new decks, and elaborate outdoor living spaces with pools, spas, and outdoor kitchens. Additionally, BSQ takes on commercial projects, including condo landscaping, terraces, and public space design. Whether designing a rooftop garden or a grand backyard oasis, each project is approached with meticulous attention to detail. “We want our outdoor spaces to feel like extensions of the home,” Robert explains, emphasizing that a landscape should both look beautiful and be a place people actually want to use. Unlike firms that focus solely on design, bsq takes an integrated approach. “We’re not just drawing plans and handing them off—we stay involved to make sure the project is executed properly,” Robert explains. This means working closely with MARCH 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
contractors, navigating permitting processes, and ensuring that design intent is realized down to the finest detail. With years of experience in landscape construction, bsq knows what it takes to execute a project from start to finish, advocating for clients and managing trades to keep projects on track. Their work is widespread throughout the GTA, extending from Toronto’s urban core to areas like Hamilton, Pickering, and even farther afield for the right project. “We’ve worked as far as cottage country,” Robert says, emphasizing that they take on projects that align with their expertise and vision. One of bsq’s strengths is striking the balance between creativity and practicality. While clients often approach the firm with a vision, bsq helps them understand what additional opportunities and constraints their site may have along with what is realistic within their budget. “Sometimes we have to be the ones to tell clients, ‘Here’s what your vision probably might cost,’” Robert explains. “It’s an important conversation, and it helps clients make informed decisions before they get too far into a project.” bsq also has extensive expertise in navigating the complexities of permits, zoning laws, and conservation regulations, ensuring projects are compliant without unnecessary delays. This expertise makes bsq a valuable partner, particularly for projects involving sensitive environmental areas or municipal approvals. Having spent years in both design and construction, bsq understands the realities of building landscapes. The firm once operated its own construction crew, giving them firsthand knowledge of the challenges that come with execution. Although they no longer build inhouse, their experience gives them a sharp eye MARCH 2025
for project management. “We act as an advocate for our client,” Robert says. “If a trade tells me something will cost a certain amount and I know that’s inflated, I push back. We hold contractors accountable and ensure the right materials and methods are used.” This level of oversight is crucial for ensuring projects stay on time, on budget, and up to bsq’s high standards. Whether working with developers, homeowners, or interior designers, bsq serves as the bridge between vision and reality, keeping projects moving smoothly and ensuring the final result aligns with expectations. Their business thrives on referrals and repeat clients, particularly in commercial and condominium projects. “In residential work, repeat business is less common—people typically redesign their landscapes once,” Robert explains. “But in commercial and development work, we see repeat clients who trust our expertise.” Referrals play a major role in bsq’s growth, a testament to the firm’s commitment to quality and client satisfaction. “Things don’t always go perfectly—there are always challenges in construction,” Robert acknowledges. “But it’s how you manage those challenges that matters. If eight out of ten projects go smoothly, we know there will always be one or two that present difficulties. The key is managing expectations and problemsolving along the way.” While bsq is known for their creative designs, the firm places just as much emphasis on longterm sustainability. Thoughtful material selection and water-conscious landscaping techniques are incorporated into many of their projects. “A beautiful landscape isn’t just about how it looks when it’s completed,” Robert says. “It’s about THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
MARCH 2025 how it functions over time—how it matures, how easy it is to maintain, and how it holds up to the elements.” This philosophy has driven BSQ to explore innovative solutions, such as guiding their clients towards design and materials selections that they know will hold up to over time. bsq also is well versed in the newest availability for permeable pavers for better water management and native plant selections that require less irrigation. bsq’s focus on sustainability extends beyond just energy-efficiency, however. The firm also works to design landscapes that maximize usability, creating outdoor spaces that encourage people to spend more time outside. Whether it’s a small backyard or a sprawling commercial property, their goal is to craft spaces that feel like an extension of the home or building. “We want people to actually use their outdoor spaces, not just look at them,” Robert says. Over the years, bsq has formed some key partnerships with other industry stakeholders who feel the same way. For example, one of their most trusted building partners is The Little Building Company based out of nearby Lakefield. They are a company with deep roots in building sustainability – their leaders actually first connected at Sustainable Building and Design course at Fleming College – and they have a sincere passion for delivering outdoor spaces where family and friends can congregate and come together. Looking ahead, bsq aims to continue building relationships with those kinds of likeminded partners. They also aim to continue expanding their reach while maintaining the high level of client engagement that has set their company
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
MARCH 2025 apart. As the demand for well-designed, functional landscapes grows, BSQ remains dedicated to creating outdoor spaces that are both visually striking and durable. Their approach, which combines creativity with practicality, ensures that each project is a success. By remaining true to their design principles and fostering close collaboration with clients, bsq is well-positioned for continued growth in the competitive landscape design industry. “We want to take on more unique, challenging projects—ones that allow us to tap into our creative side,” says Robert. “Last summer, we completed a Japanese garden-themed front yard renovation in Toronto that was so rewarding. Being on-site, setting the stones, integrating the deck into the walkway—it was pure artistry. That’s the kind of project we love. Nothing beats taking on something challenging and seeing it through to completion.” bsq’s commitment to quality is not only reflected in their designs but also in their client interactions. “We treat every project as a collaboration,” Robert says. “Our clients are definitely part of the process, and we want them to feel heard, respected, and involved from start to finish.” This clientfocused approach has helped bsq establish a loyal following, with a reputation for providing an exceptional experience throughout every project. Their expertise and commitment to sustainability will ensure that bsq remains a leader in the landscape architecture field for years to come.
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on bsq Landscape Architects, their range of services, their eyecatching past projects, and to contact Robert and Alex, visit www.bsqdesign.com.
Serving clients and serving the community
MCM Architects is a longstanding architectural firm with over six decades of experience delivering exceptional architectural solutions. Over the course of their lengthy history, they have earned an unrivalled industry reputation for the thoughtfulness of their designs, the depth of their technical expertise, and the strength of their project management. Over the years, they have completed more than 1,500 projects at varying scales of size and cost, mostly in their home province of Manitoba – though they have recently worked with a lot of First Nation communities in Ontario, and one of their directors has opened an office in Saskatchewan, so their reach is growing. David Hoag, director of the firm, credits that growth to MCM Architects’ deep portfolio of successfully-delivered projects. In turn, he credits that history of success to their design approach, which involves working closely with their clients and all other projects stakeholders throughout “all phases” of project development. “Our pursuit is a collaborative, creative approach with our clients by encouraging open communication throughout the different phases of the project,” Dave explains. “Working with multidisciplinary teams of talented consultants, we cultivate an atmosphere that allows for rigorous and passionate investigation in pursuit of the highest standards of design and project management. This results in added value to our clients and excellence in the final built work.” Dave studied architecture at the University of Manitoba, where he received his Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Masters of Architecture degree. He first joined MCM Architects in 2005. He was later made Associate in 2014, and then became a partner at the end of 2016. Aleksandr Olivson and Isaac Hayes MARCH 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
joined him as partners in October 2023, with Alek working out of the company’s second office in Brandon and Isaac concentrating on MCM’s expansion into Saskatchewan. Dave continues to lead the head office in Winnipeg, where the company was formed. These days, though the firm is expanding, most of their work still takes place in Manitoba, and their projects run the gamut in terms of typologies. In recent years, Dave says they have actually purposefully attempted to diversify in order to become more resilient as a firm. “We do a lot of educational projects, and we do a lot of commercial, institutional, recreational projects – YMCA is a big client of ours,” he explains. “We’ve done everything from fit-outs for automotive dealerships to dental offices. We’ve even done some multi-residential, mostly within First Nations communities.” Dave believes that all clients, no matter the typology or sector, choose MCM Architects for the same set of reasons: “We’re a service-orientated firm,” he says. “We’re not focused on getting published or winning awards. We’re more focused on providing a product that suits the needs of our clients. That means we’re very conscious of scheduling and price. We pay a lot of attention to details and we put a lot of care into coordinating the different consultant teams.” As a result of that customer service orientation, Dave estimates that “probably 90 per cent” of the firm’s work is repeat business. “Our clients come to recognize that we deliver high quality projects on time and on budget, with MARCH 2025
a high level of attention to detail and a high level of service,” he says. “That’s how we get out work.” The firm’s other stakeholder relationships tend to be similarly loyal. For example, they have some staff members who have been there between 20 and 30 years – just like Dave has. He credits that to their corporate culture and their emphasis on professional development. “We’re very open and inclusive,” Dave says. “We have a very diverse staff with different cultural backgrounds. We emphasize communication. We make sure everyone feels respected and appreciated for their work. We offer competitive salaries and benefits – but I think the main thing is we really want to give our staff the opportunity to learn and advance. We find a lot of staff will come over here from larger firms where they’re pigeonholed or have limited opportunities to advance and grow and learn new things.” When it comes to contractors and other project stakeholders, MCM Architects also emphasises communication and strives to form collaborative and positive relationships. “We try to emphasize that everything has to be a team effort,” Dave explains. “We have to work together and listen to each other. When it comes to contractors, we have to act as an agent to the client to be sure that the client group is getting what they paid for. We have to make sure that everything is constructed in general conformance to the contract documents. At the same time, it’s one thing to see lines on the page; it’s another thing to actually build a building.” “We all recognize that sometimes extras are required,” he continues. “Sometimes you run into unknown conditions, there are bumps in the road, supply chain issues, what have you. We THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
MARCH 2025 want to work just in open communication with the contractor and if change is warranted and extras are warranted, then we’ll support that.” “We work in a small community, so chances are you’re going to work with someone again in the future,” he says. “So we want to be sure that everyone does feel like they’re being treated with respect and that they can all work together towards a successful project.” One example of an external partner that MCM works well with would be Steckley Consulting Engineers – a company that provides structural engineering and civil and municipal engineering to clients in southern Manitoba. Much like MCM, they are a very longstanding local company with a rich history. In their case, they formed in 1989 to support the growth that was happening in and around their home base of Winkler. For over 35 years, they have successfully done that, serving as a valued partner for builders and designers, including MCM.
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Projects to be proud of With every project, MCM Architects’ goal is to create a positive impact on the community where the project takes place. According to Dave, making that kind of difference is the most rewarding part of what they do – far more rewarding than winning industry awards or being featured in industry publications. He says that focus has been part of the firm’s DNA since the beginning. As recent examples of MCM making a difference, he points to their work in First Nations communities in Ontario, where they have done a lot of work in the fields of elder care and multi-family housing. Looking closer to home, he also points to their recent work on the Kiddie Sunshine Childcare Centre in Altona. The Kiddie Sunshine Childcare Centre is a 10,525 square foot onefloor facility that is designed to accommodate 118 children and will provide before and after school care services. The facility also
MARCH 2025 includes parking spaces for up to 25 staff and accommodations for a drop-off zone for up to 20 vehicles. The interior includes an activities area in a large open concept room subdivided into smaller zones to accommodate small group and/ or individual activity. The windows within vary in size and height, as they were designed to enhance the interior environment by allowing in natural daylight. According to Dave, MCM’s goal on that project was to “create a flow of space where form, texture, and colour invite children to play, interact, and imagine.” He believes they accomplished that goal, and that the finished design facilitates growth in different areas of development, including physical growth, social skills, emotional growth, verbal skills, cognitive ability and creativity. Critically, Dave also believes that project has made a very positive impact on the community: “Manitoba – and I think probably Canada, in general – has a chronic shortage of childcare spaces,” he explains. “Fortunately, those clients were so motivated and so relatively selfless to put the time and effort into developing a space like that for their community. We were proud to be involved.” Moving forward, MCM Architects’ goal is to continue doing projects they can take pride in. “We’re really proud of the work we’ve done in the province and in our community, and we want to keep that up,” Dave says. “We want to contribute to our community. We want to be a part of schools, rec centres, daycares – buildings that contribute to the community’s wellbeing. Maybe those buildings won’t be on the front page of a magazine, but they will make a difference in people’s lives. That’s ultimately the most important thing for us.”
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
MARCH 2025 In the coming years, MCM Architects also intends to grow and add staff. Currently, the firm employs a team of about 18 people. Dave says they would like to get that number somewhere between 25 and 40. At that size, he believes they will be able to compete with some of the larger firms in their market. Lastly, although Dave sees a lot of growth potential in Saskatchewan and Ontario, he also wants to make sure the firm’s existing clients in Manitoba always feel taken care. He wants it known that MCM Architects isn’t going anywhere. “We want to maintain all our provincial, federal, and private client groups,” he concludes. “We’ve been fortunate, we’ve been around 65-plus years, we’ve got a significant history and we’ve built a really strong and diverse client base across the province. We want to continue to serve those clients. We want to be here when they need us.” High Performance? Think FiberWall™ duxtonwindows.com mcm architects inc. m architects inc.
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on MCM Architects, their services, their design approach, and their past projects – and to get in touch with Dave and other members of their expert team – visit https://mcmarchitects.ca
Moving quickly and getting it right
Woodbecker Inc. is a Toronto-based industryleading construction management and general contracting company that utilizes innovation and tradition to deliver award-winning residential and commercial projects. Over the last two decades, they have curated longstanding relationships with key industry stakeholders; clients, architects, engineers, interior designers, and trades. The strength of those relationships is a credit to the company’s mission, to provide “the highest level of professionalism, accountability, transparency, and reliability,” as stated by owner and founder, James Becker. Woodbecker’s reliability keeps clients satisfied; “we place enormous emphasis on schedule and budget deliverables,” James explains. “In today’s construction climate, it is imperative that our clients utilize their spaces as quickly as possible, as property costs are at an all-time high. It is our philosophy and intent to deliver projects within the expected timeframe.” With cabinetry and construction coordination experience since graduating university, James founded Woodbecker in 2002. Initial job requests came from the owners in the Distillery District, at the time an underutilized historic area in Toronto, largely abandoned and used as a backdrop for film shoots. Woodbecker has maintained a strong relationship with the Distillery’s owners, and the company played a pivotal role in helping build the district into a world-class architectural destination. Woodbecker has also built relationships with several residential developers and restaurateurs in the city, helping to grow the company from MARCH 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
custom millwork to full projects with high design elements. Those hospitality projects include restaurants, bars, brewpubs, and hotels. “We prefer those types of projects because of how much thought goes into the designs,” James says. “The drawings tend to be very detailed – and the more detailed the drawing, the better the project.” Woodbecker now employs a team of roughly 25 people, including project managers, project coordinators, administrative staff, financial staff, and 15 carpenters and assistant carpenters. They are fully equipped with an 8,000 square foot millwork shop, which allows them to handle a wide variety of construction projects. “In construction management, having our millwork shop in-house sets us apart from competition,” James explains. “It enables us to fabricate our millwork on our schedule, with high-quality work, lower production time, and smooth coordination on site.” The shop also includes a separate division for the high-end millwork installations that require custom fabrication. “Sometimes, it can be hard to find people who can build a feature wall,” James explains. “We don’t have that problem, because we typically do that work ourselves.” A great advantage is the depth of experience and expertise Woodbecker has within their team; their project managers have a range of experience, with backgrounds in architecture, finance, and engineering, and “they add a lot to projects because of their ability to see the big picture,” James says. MARCH 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Over the course of Woodbecker’s history, they have been able to utilize the team’s strengths to earn a consistent stream of repeat work, with 80 per cent of the company’s projects coming from repeat clients across a range of industries and the remainder from referrals and references. Woodbecker incites loyalty among their team members; James explains that “construction is a transient business and people will move on,” but he takes pride in “keeping a core group of individuals together.” He also pushes to bring on co-op students and high school students, to train and help pave their experience in the trades of construction. Some of those students have stuck around and become “vital parts” of the company. “We took on one kid when he was 16 years old, and now 14 years later and he’s running the shop,” he says. “He’s had the opportunity to grow up with the company. That’s something we’re very proud of. We love providing that opportunity for the next generation and we will continue doing that.”
MARCH 2025 Maintaining control Over the years, Woodbecker has developed a diverse portfolio including commercial, office, and residential work, with most of their recent work focusing in the hospitality sector. Currently, they are working on a live music venue, as well as a laneway house on Main and Danforth, along with a veterinary clinic at Avenue Rd and Eglington. Woodbecker also recently completed two new sales centers for developments downtown, which they are particularly excited about. The company enjoys doing sales centers because their designs tend to be carefully considered, and the standards of quality are high. “Developers really spend money on quality of work because it’s the first impression they are making on potential buyers – and first impressions last,” James says. “If they get people through the door to look at the presentation center, they want to wow them with the design. So doing those projects gives us the chance to work with
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
MARCH 2025 some of the best designers in town.” The sales centre Woodbecker most recently completed was built in collaboration with II BY IV DESIGN, a creative studio whose work has been extensively published and industry awarded. With a history of partnerships, James believes each project they’ve worked on together has turned out exceptionally well. Woodbecker hopes to keep working with high calibre project partners in Toronto, on projects that are interesting in both quality and design. As the construction industry changes, James hopes for Woodbecker to get involved in multistorey heavy timber builds, as “those projects are becoming more prevalent in Toronto, but there still aren’t enough of them – and we’d love to push and build more.” Woodbecker is preparing for the future. James’ son, Cole, started in the business as a project controller, working alongside other team members who have stepped up and taken more responsibility to push for the company’s success. James believes with a good dynamic team, they are ready to grow and expand further into the market. Woodbecker has fluctuated sizes in the past, but James believes having a well-rounded team of between 30 and 40 people is the sweet spot: “At that size, we can maintain our company culture and maintain control of the projects,” he concludes. “If we grow too much, we will risk losing control, and that’s the last thing we want. We want to make sure we’re providing every client with the same high level of professionalism and reliability. That’s always going to be what drives us.”
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Woodbecker, their history, their capabilities, and their past projects – and to get in touch with James and the other members of his expert team – visit https://woodbecker.com/
Transparency and accountability make the difference
Paramount Landscaping is one of the premier landscaping companies in the Greater Toronto Area. For almost 20 years now, they have been providing clients with an array of high-quality landscaping services, including landscape design and construction, landscape maintenance, and snow removal. Today, they service nearly 500 properties in 30 cities and towns throughout Southern Ontario. Over the years, they have been consistently industry recognized for the quality of their work and the responsiveness of their service – particularly by industry bodies that dispense accolades based on customer feedback. The Consumer Choice Awards, for example, is North America’s only award organization to utilize statistically supported independent research to nominate and select the top companies in various industries – and Paramount Landscaping has been chosen more than 10 times as the top company in various areas. Most recently, they were awarded the 2024 Consumer Choice Award for ‘Best Landscape Contractor’ in the Hamilton & Niagara Region. Jamie Ward, president of Paramount Landscaping, credits that history of recognition to the company’s ironclad commitment to “doing what we say we’re going to do.” To reinforce that commitment, they have developed a Customer Accountability Program (CAP) – an innovative system that provides real-time updates and complete transparency for every service the company performs. “In landscaping, transparency and accountability make all the difference, especially for property managers overseeing multiple sites or homeowners who value clear communication,” Jamie says. “That’s why we offer the Customer MARCH 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Accountability Program.” With CAP, Jamie explains, clients receive timely updates straight to their inbox, so they’re always in the know about when Paramount’s team is onsite, the services they performed while there, and the time they spent there. “When we arrive at a site, we log in and clock in,” Jamie elaborates. “When we leave, we clock out. The program sends the client an email to let them know exactly what was performed on the site that day.” “Our clients love this, especially the condominium managers,” he adds. “When they wake up in the wintertime and check their emails, they can see what we’ve been plowing snow and doing salt and ice management all night. If they have multiple properties with us, they can see that we’ve done all their properties already, and that’s one less thing they have to worry about. They know we’re out there working, because they’re receiving emails saying the work’s been accomplished. They know exactly what we’ve done and when we’ve done it.” “That accountability is a huge part of why clients go with us,” he says. “We might not be the cheapest company bidding on the property, but what we offer is so much more than a lot of other companies. Our team shows up every week, same time, same day, same place, and they accomplish what they need to – and clients can see that.” MARCH 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
MARCH 2025 Customers keep coming back A commitment to customer service has always been a part of Paramount Landscaping’s DNA, ever since the company was founded in 2005 by CEO Doug Dolson. According to Jamie, Doug’s vision was to create “a white collar company in a blue-collar world – one that harvests accountability, professionalism, consumer care, and knowledge in an industry that usually pays little attention to these traits.” Jamie personally joined Paramount Landscaping in 2021 in order to help realize that vision. He joined the team after 32 years of working for himself because he saw the company had a lot of potential to grow and become a “bigger, better company.” In his time there, Paramount has continually seized that opportunity. Even throughout the pandemic, when a lot of businesses struggled, they were able to thrive thanks to the dedication and determination of their expert team.
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA This coming spring, Paramount Landscaping is set to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Almost 20 years, the company now employs a team of approximately 100 people. Geographically, they venture throughout the Greater Toronto Area, and they work on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. On the landscape design and construction side of their business, they work with a lot of individual homeowners, helping them to achieve the yards of their dreams. On the property maintenance side, they mainly work with property managers, and they have built relationships with many of those clients that have lasted over 10 years. “Our clients keep coming back,” Jamie says. “Occasionally, they might disappear for a year because maybe somebody new comes along and they decide they want to go a little bit cheaper, but then a year goes by and they’re calling us up again.” Paramount’s other relationships tend to be just as loyal and longstanding. For example, Jamie says some in-house employees have been there “pretty much since conception.” A lot of those longstanding team members are on the sales floor, but even in the field Jamie says they work hard to keep people around. “We offer career-minded employees and associates opportunities to grow with us,” he explains. “We offer a great living wage for people that want a career, not just a job. We put a lot of time and effort into training our employees. And if they want to be successful and they show that dedication, then we’ll support them.”
MARCH 2025 Paramount has also formed longstanding relationships with suppliers and vendors. Most of those relationships, Jamie says, predate him by many years. One example of a longstanding and trusted partner would be Legends Landscape Supply Inc., based in Burlington. They are a company that works with both homeowners and landscape professionals, serving as both a comprehensive source of professional-grade landscape products at wholesale prices, as well as a provider of the most reliable and knowledgeable service on the market. Rather than relying on seasonal employees, they employ a full-time team of invested professionals year-round. Their owners are also past contractors, so they have a deep understanding of what is important in landscape building materials. The team at Paramount highly values their knowledge and experience. In collaboration with those kinds of expert partners, Paramount Landscaping recently demonstrated their capabilities by designing and constructing an intricate showroom property next to their shop in Carlisle. For that display property, Jamie says that the company “pulled out all the stops. Notable features include: a double pool installation, a wrap-around swim-up bar, a barbecue cooking station, audio video entertainment stations, and a waterfall slide. Furthermore, the yard features a pond garden, a fire pit, a sauna, a hot tub, three gazebos, as well as multiple seating, cooking, and living spaces. To top it off, the company is in the midst of building a massive tree house on the property.
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
MARCH 2025 “It is a showroom to show clients everything that we can possibly do,” Jamie says. “And now we can show them in person. We can show them pictures all we want and say ‘we did this job here, this job there,’ but that’s not the same thing as them seeing it for themselves.” “I think it’s spectacular,” he adds. “I’m proud to be part of a project like this and to have witnessed it from breaking ground to what it is today. Our suppliers are proud too. We’ve brought a lot of them around to see what we’ve done with the project, and now they like to use it as a showpiece themselves and show people what they can do.” Moving forward, Paramount Landscaping’s vision is to continue growing, and they believe that showroom will help them accomplish that. As they grow, they want to keep taking on jobs of all sizes – everything from simple garden enhancements and front entranceways, to exclusive multi-million dollar projects like that showroom. Paramount Landscaping also intends to continue expanding geographically. As previously mentioned, they now cover 30 cities in most of Southern Ontario – all as a single ownership group, not as a franchise group. Jamie hopes to keep expanding that reach, venturing further and deeper into the outskirts of Ontario until they reach Quebec. From there, he says “maybe we can push outwards into other major cities and neighbouring provinces.” “Perhaps someday, Paramount can be Canadawide,” Jamie concludes. “I definitely believe there’s the potential and opportunity for this company to get very big, and we have the systems in place to maintain our quality and customer service as we grow.”
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Paramount Landscaping, their range of services, their past projects, their list of awards, and their Customer Accountability Program – and to get in touch with Jamie and the rest of his expert team – visit https://paramountlandscaping.ca/
Getting it done right
Novak Contracting & Construction is an awardwinning custom home building and renovating company based in Surrey, BC. Reilly Novak, the founder and owner, has been building custom homes all of his life, starting when he was 14 years old working with his father. He took a break for a few years to work in IT, but after putting together his own custom home from scratch, he fell back in love with construction. He then leveraged the attention he received for his own home – which he says “had something special in pretty much every room” – to kick-start his own building company. In the decade since that point, Novak Contracting & Construction has grown from strength to strength, winning a long list of awards and earning a continuous stream of referrals and repeat business. Reilly credits that success to the company’s consistent quality and to their unyielding commitment to customer service, no matter the size or scope of the job. “We pride ourselves on the quality of our work, whether the job is as small as installing new countertops or as large as new home construction,” Reilly says. “We get it done and we get it done right.” Reilly started building his personal home back in 2010 with the help of his father Joe – who is himself a veteran of the construction industry with over 40 years of experience. Together, Reilly and Joe completed “basically every step” of the home, Reilly says. They didn’t do the roofing, the insulation, and the drywall, but everything else, “from the foundation to the cabinets to the tiling,” was all them. According to Reilly, that process took over three years because they were committed MARCH 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
to doing everything to the highest standard of quality. “Basically, my dad’s a stickler for quality,” Reilly says. “So he made me redo things over and over and over again until they were right. So it took about three years to build that house.” The result, however, was worth the time and effort invested. Again, Reilly says the home included “all sorts of bells and whistles,” including a “full-blown nightclub” in the basement, with automated lighting and effects and secret doors to the wine room and the media room. “You’d come downstairs, you press the nightclub button, and it would turn all the pot lights down to 15 per cent,” Reilly explains. “It would turn on the LEDs, all the black lights, the smoke machine. I had the smoke machine piped through vents in the stairs as well as from a dragon head that was mounted on a wall. I had lasers, I had a disco ball. It was pretty intense.” The nightclub wasn’t the only special room – the media room had a fibre optic star field ceiling, for example, and the main floor included a living wall with a waterfall. “Pretty much in every single room, I had something special,” Reilly reiterates. “No room was just a regular room.” “From that, I just got so much interest from people,” he adds. “People wanted me to build their places or do renovations on their places because they were so impressed by the stuff I had put in my own house. That’s how I started working in the MARCH 2025
construction industry again. I’ve been busy ever since.” Over the course of their history, Novak Contracting has taken on a wide range of projects, but these days their focus is new custom homes. Currently, they have three such projects on the go – including one 2,500-square-foot project valued close to $1 million, and two projects over 5,000 square feet valued at over $2 million and over $3 million. Moving forward, their goal is to have five of those kinds of projects going at a time, and to work solely within the borders of White Rock, Surrey, and Langley. Within that niche, Reilly believes what sets him apart is his design acumen. While a lot of builders will build whatever’s on the plans, even if it doesn’t look right, Reilly will ask questions and make suggestions and “figure out a way to make it look good.” “So I definitely have a structural side, but I also have the design side and a creative side that helps me make things look great in the end,” he says. “And I pay a ton of attention to the details. That’s what I feel that a lot of my clients really like about my buildings – it’s that attention to detail.” A lot of clients also really like the experience of working with Novak Contracting, as evidenced by their history of repeat work and referrals. Reilly credits that partly to his personality and partly to his professional background. “I think I’m a people person,” he says. “I also have a customer service background. When I was working in IT, I was working help desk, and so I THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
MARCH 2025 was supporting end-user support and I learned how to deal with clients and I learned the idea of the customer is always right. Basically, I bend over backwards for my clients. I’d say 99 per cent of my clients are over the moon happy at the end of the day. I would rather lose money on a job and make it right than have somebody unhappy.” That client satisfaction is also a testament to Novak’s consistency of quality. Again, when it comes to ensuring that quality, Reilly believes his experience is invaluable. “The fact that I built a house from start to finish doing every trade myself makes a big difference,” he says. “I know what to look for. I know when things are done right, when things are done wrong, and when people are cutting corners. And a lot of builders out there haven’t done that. They have not done a house with their own hands from start to finish. They haven’t done all the different steps – and it’s hard to know if something is done right or wrong if you haven’t done it yourself.” Reilly’s experience building his own home also makes it easy for him to relate to trades. He believes that’s a big part of why his trade relationships are typically successful and long lasting, with some going back as long as 10 years. “I deal with trusted trades that I’ve used over and over again,” he says. “They know what I expect in terms of quality, and I find that’s a huge thing. I find that when you start using new trades and people that you’ve never used before, that’s when problems usually happen. I went through probably 10 to 15 different trades per trade before I found the guys that I use now, and the guys that I use now are the best. They really care about quality.” The same applies to material suppliers and vendors, Reilly adds. A lot of their supplier relationships go back just as long, and the suppliers they use are the ones that prioritize quality and customer service, just as Novak Contracting does. Wintegra Windows is an example of a longstanding and close-knit partner. They are an Abbotsfordbased company that provides premium quality uPVC and fibre-composite PVC windows and doors, and that highly values simplicity and customer satisfaction. Novak Contracting, in turn, values Wintegra’s high efficiency standards of their products, as well as their fair pricing and prompt delivery.
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
The best is yet to come Over the years, Novak Contracting & Construction has won a long list of industry awards and accolades from a variety of industry bodies. In the last few years, in particular, they have been very successful at the Georgie Awards, the HAVAN Awards, and even the CHBA National Awards. Moving forward, Reilly fully expects that success to continue, as he considers the jobs they have nearing completion now to be some of the best they have ever done. As previously mentioned, two of the company’s current projects are over 5,000 square feet in size. One is a “showstopper,” Reilly describes – “got multiple barrel ceilings, multiple arched windows, 12 foot ceilings in the main area, it’s got about $360,000 worth of cabinetry in it.” “So it’s quite something,” he says. “They’ve got a lot of really cool stuff in there. We’re doing a lot of automation. All the finishes are MARCH 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
going to be top-notch. It’s going to be quite impressive. I’m quite excited to see how it comes together in the end.” Most importantly, Reilly describes the relationship with the client as “very, very good – to the point where their son is probably going to be using us for a build that he does within the next couple of years.” Moving forward, Reilly’s goal is to continue working on projects of that calibre and to continue forming those kinds of close-knit relationships with clients. He also intends to grow the business, at least a little bit. He doesn’t want to get too big – he wants to remain personally involved in every project and work closely with every client – but he’d like to add at least one more project manager as well a full type administrator, which would allow him to “take a little bit more of a step back and be more of a company owner rather than a company worker.” “I still enjoy visiting the sites, and I still enjoy going and speaking with the clients and working with the clients,” he concludes. “That’s actually what I want to focus on – building those relationships and making sure those relationships are the best they can be.” MARCH 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA For more on Novak Contracting, their services, their past projects, and their list of awards – and to contact Reilly and the rest of his expert team – visit https://novakcontracting.com/
Crafting u with
unique steel structures a family touch
CDN Buildings, based in Delhi, Ontario, is a family-owned company founded in 2012 by Bill Dendekker and his two sons, William Dendekker and Joel Dendekker. The company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and installing steel buildings for a variety of applications, including residential, commercial, and agricultural projects. From humble beginnings, they have rapidly grown into a versatile and innovative player in the steel building industry, gaining a reputation for taking on unique and challenging projects while maintaining a strong commitment to customer service. The Dendekker family’s journey into the steel building industry began with a prior business venture, after which they decided to explore the possibilities of the growing steel building market. “We were in another business venture previously,” says Joel, “and after that, we saw an opportunity to get into the steel building market. We liked it, and we had the tooling and equipment to do it, so we started small and grew from there.” This smallscale approach, focusing on carports and small garage kits, allowed the Dendekker family to build a solid foundation for their business. They began by providing customers with the option to either purchase building kits for DIY installation or have their team install the structures. As word spread and demand increased, the company quickly expanded, tackling larger projects and increasing their workforce to accommodate the growing needs of their clients. From these early projects, CDN Buildings steadily grew its portfolio, with the company taking on bigger and more complex projects each year. Joel recalls their first medium-scale project in 2015, a MARCH 2025
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTYzNTg=