Houle Electric Limited

Founded in 1944 by Lionel Houle and his father as an electrical store in Port Alberni, Houle Electric Limited has grown to become British Columbia's largest electrical contractor and systems integrator. What began as a small community business expanded throughout the province over the decades, with offices opening in Kitimat (1950s), Kamloops (1962), Prince George (1965), Nanaimo (1976), Victoria (1978), Kelowna (2007), and additional locations in Courtenay and Campbell River. In 1980, Houle became employee-owned when 12 employees purchased the company, marking the beginning of tremendous growth in handling large, complex projects. Today, Houle employs over 500 people and operates from its corporate headquarters in Burnaby with multiple offices across British Columbia. The company delivers integrated electrical and technology solutions for commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential projects throughout the province. As a unionized electrical contractor affiliated with IBEW Local 213, Houle upholds strong standards for safety, quality workmanship, and workforce development. Houle's comprehensive service offerings include electrical distribution and power systems, lighting solutions, fire alarm systems, EV charging infrastructure, backup power, building controls, security systems, structured cabling, healthcare technology solutions (including nurse call and real-time locating systems), and complete electrical preventative maintenance and repair services. The company has established itself as a major provider in the healthcare sector, completing award-winning projects such as the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, Royal Columbian Hospital Redevelopment, Lions Gate Hospital Redevelopment, and Cowichan District Hospital Redevelopment. Notable projects spanning multiple sectors include the New Surrey Hospital and BC Cancer Centre, Kelowna International Airport Terminal Building Expansion, Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre, TransLink Operations Control Centre 2, BC Place Level 2 Concourse Lighting, First Peoples' Gathering House at Simon Fraser University, and Cameron Community Centre and Library. The company's project portfolio demonstrates expertise across healthcare facilities, educational institutions, government buildings, transportation infrastructure, entertainment venues, and commercial developments. Houle's commitment to safety, health, and wellbeing is demonstrated through Certificate of Recognition (COR) certification from the BC Construction Safety Alliance since 2009, ISNetworld membership, and ContractorCheck Accreditation. The company employs over 100 field safety representatives and provides regular in-house training to maintain the highest safety standards. Houle has been recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies (Platinum status in 2025), Great Place to Work Certified for six consecutive years, named one of BC's Best Workplaces for 2025, and received numerous industry awards including VRCA Awards of Excellence, ECABC Innovation Award, and Builder's Code Champion Awards. Guided by core values of safety, health and wellbeing, quality, ethics and integrity, and inclusion, diversity and belonging, Houle continues the legacy established by founder Lionel Houle—creating opportunity, enriching lives, and bringing communities to life through quality electrical and technology solutions across British Columbia.