PCL Construction Celebrates 60 Years of Building in Winnipeg

PCL Construction is marking its 60th anniversary in Winnipeg, reflecting on a legacy that includes over 2,000 projects completed in Manitoba. The company has played a significant role in shaping the province’s skyline, with notable structures such as the Canada Life Centre and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. During an interview, Kelly Wallace, vice president and district manager of PCL’s Winnipeg office, discussed the evolution of projects and the company’s commitment to innovation.

The downtown area is undergoing considerable change, with construction barriers surrounding both Portage Place and the former Hudson’s Bay flagship building. A crane looms over the latter structure, emblazoned with PCL Construction’s logo. Wallace highlighted the increased complexity and size of projects, particularly in public infrastructure, which continue to grow in Manitoba.

PCL now operates from its largest office located at 1540 Gamble Pl., having moved three times since its establishment. The company employs approximately 160 salaried staff, but this number swells to nearly 2,000 when including contractors and seasonal hires. Currently, PCL is engaged in around 30 projects across the province, including hospital work in the St. Boniface area and highway projects in Portage la Prairie.

Despite global economic challenges, Wallace expressed optimism about the construction landscape in Manitoba. “Manitoba is historically steady,” he stated, highlighting ongoing substantial projects, including the $650 million redevelopment of Portage Place. This transformation is led by True North Real Estate Development, which has partnered with PCL for over 25 years.

The company has adapted to recent challenges, including a trade war with the United States, which has prompted a shift towards sourcing more domestic materials. “The supply chains are so integrated that it makes it really difficult,” Wallace noted, emphasizing the effort to mitigate risks by purchasing local supplies whenever feasible.

Founded in Saskatchewan in 1906, PCL Construction began as Poole Construction and expanded into Manitoba in 1965. Over the decades, the company has completed significant projects, including the Health Sciences Centre and major developments for the University of Manitoba. Wallace aims to ensure the company remains a reliable partner for both public and private sectors.

A notable shift in the industry has been the integration of technology, especially in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency in risk management and site inspections. Wallace remarked, “I’ve heard people say AI is not going to take over the world, but the people who know how to use AI effectively will.”

PCL Construction has weathered numerous economic cycles, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The company continues to hold a strong position in the construction market, with over 30 offices across Canada, the United States, and Australia, and an impressive annual construction volume of CAD$11 billion.

As PCL Construction prepares to celebrate its 60 years in Winnipeg, it plans a private event for its employees in the fall to honor this significant milestone. As Wallace optimistically stated, “In 40 years from now, I’d be surprised if we weren’t celebrating 100 years in Winnipeg.”