EllisDon Corporation

EllisDon Corporation was founded in 1951 by brothers Don and David Ellis Smith in London, Ontario, starting with just four employees and a vision for the future. Over the past 74 years, the company has grown from a local contractor to become one of Canada's largest building contractors with a global presence. In 2020, EllisDon completed its transition to 100% employee ownership, empowering its workforce and fostering a culture of shared success. Today, EllisDon employs over 4,500 people worldwide and operates from 16 offices across Canada, the United States, and the Middle East, including locations in Mississauga, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, London, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Texas, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Egypt, Jeddah, and Riyadh. The company is led by President and CEO Kieran Hawe, who was appointed in 2023 to continue building on the company's legacy of innovation and excellence. EllisDon provides comprehensive construction solutions across multiple sectors, including buildings (healthcare, commercial, mixed-use, cultural, residential, hospitality, government, judicial, and education), civil infrastructure, industrial projects (energy, automotive, manufacturing), capital financing and management, services, and technology. The company pioneered numerous industry firsts, including becoming the first contractor in Canada to own a tower crane in 1956, computerizing accounting systems in 1968, implementing corporate safety strategies in 1971, and establishing the industry's first R&D department in 1990. EllisDon designed and built the world's first retractable rooftop stadium, Toronto's iconic Rogers Centre (SkyDome), in 1989. The company's core values—Freedom & Trust, Complete Openness, Mutual Accountability, Entrepreneurial Enthusiasm, and Integrity & Mutual Respect—guide every project and relationship. EllisDon operates with a strong commitment to health, safety, environmental excellence, sustainability, inclusive diversity, Indigenous relations, and community partnerships. Notable recent projects include The Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital (Canada's largest hospital project), Humber College Cultural Hub, Freedom Mobile Arch in Vancouver, and Cowichan District Hospital Replacement. EllisDon's Data & Digital Engineering team and proprietary technology solutions, including the award-winning Edgebuilder project management software, distinguish the company as an innovation leader in construction technology. With expertise in public-private partnerships (P3), sustainable building solutions, and advanced construction sciences, EllisDon serves clients across Canada and internationally through full-service, cradle-to-grave project delivery.