History

Ward Bros. Construction Ltd. was founded by brothers Cecil and Hugh Ward in 1976 following their immigration to Canada from Ireland. In the beginning, the focus was on small residential and commercial projects and building a solid reputation based on hard work, quality and integrity. Today, Ward Bros. remains family-owned and operated and has grown into one of the largest general contracting and construction management companies in southern Alberta. Our focus is on the commercial, institutional and industrial sectors. While we have completed a number of high-profile projects, we continue building our reputation in the province — project by project — based on the core beliefs established by our founding partners.

Ward Bros. Growth by Decade

1970s

Laying the Foundation for Excellence

Ward Bros. is established in 1976 and begins building its reputation for excellence in completing small residential and commercial projects.

1980s

Reaching New Heights

Ward Bros. continues growing, building its reputation and capacity. By decade’s end, the company has finished its first $1 million project: the complete structural upgrade and renovation of Castle Apartments in downtown Lethbridge.

1990s

Becoming an Industry Leader

After the economic downturn early in the decade, Ward Bros. begins establishing itself as an industry leader in large-scale school modernization projects. The first involves completing W.R. Myers High School and D.A. Ferguson Middle School in Taber; this is followed by Catholic Central High School in Lethbridge.

In 1995, Colin Ward, a member of the second generation of the Ward family, joins the company after graduating from the Civil Engineering Technology program at Lethbridge College.

In 1998, Ward Bros. partners with EllisDon in a joint venture to complete the new Lethbridge City Hall; Ward Bros. provides construction management services.

Growth and Diversification

As economic conditions continue improving in Canada, and especially Alberta, Ward Bros. is poised for growth.

Several large-scale school modernization projects are completed for five area school divisions.

Ward Bros. establishes itself as a leader in the construction of large seniors/assisted living facilities, including Martha’s House, St. Therese Villa and Black Rock Terrace — all in Lethbridge.

Ward Bros. takes on its first major industrial project: Sunrise Poultry’s expansion into the southern Alberta marketplace. Initially, this project involves constructing a $20 million processing plant and hatchery; following the opening in 2005, Ward Bros. is subsequently invited to expand both facilities. This project leads to other large industrial projects, including a new facility for Precon precast products in Coalhurst.

In 2007, Ward Bros. is awarded its largest project ever: the $50 million West Lethbridge Centre project. It includes the construction of two high schools and a public library. While this project is underway, Ward Bros. is awarded a contract to complete the second phase of Chinook High School, a related project, bringing the entire project value to $62 million.

2010 and beyond

Innovation and Resilience

In difficult economic times Ward Bros. remains in demand as a contractor of choice in the industry, completing additional school modernization projects as well as a $26 million expansion to the ENMAX Centre in Lethbridge. The entertainment hub for southern Alberta, this facility provides a large venue for concerts and productions and is home to the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Completing several projects for the Livingstone Range School Division, Ward Bros. adds a sixth school division to its client base.

In 2013 Ward Bros. is awarded the Crossings Ice Complex project, providing the first new sheets of ice in the city of Lethbridge in more than 30 years. This facility includes two NHL-size hockey rinks and a new state-of-the-art curling facility to replace the aging Civic Centre facility. This project was completed in early 2016.