History

Ward Bros. History – Growth by Decade

Ward Bros. Construction 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, building a solid reputation based on hard work, quality, and integrity. Today Ward Bros. continues to be family owned and operated, growing into one of the largest construction companies based in southern Alberta. Our focus is on the commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors using a variety of project delivery methods. Projects range from general maintenance to complex multi-million-dollar projects with values exceeding $60 million. As part of a larger project team, we bring expertise in construction, value engineering, and budgeting to all projects. By staying true to the core values established by our founding partners, we enable our clients to maximize the value of their projects.

1970s

The 1970’s (Laying the Foundation for Excellence)

Established in 1976, Ward Bros. begins to build its reputation for excellence by completing small residential and commercial projects.

1980s

The 1980’s (Reaching New Heights)

Ward Bros. continues to build its reputation and capacity. By the end of the decade the company completes its first $1 million project: the complete structural upgrade and renovation of Castle Apartments in downtown Lethbridge.

1990s

The 1990’s (Becoming an Industry Leader)

After the economic downturn in the early decade, Ward Bros. begins establishing itself as a leader in large-scale school modernization projects. The first involved WR Myers and DA Ferguson Schools in Taber followed by Catholic Central High School in Lethbridge.

The second generation of the Ward family joins the company in 1995. Colin Ward graduates from the Civil Engineering Technology program at Lethbridge College and joins Ward Bros. as a project manager.

In 1998 Ward Bros. partners with EllisDon in a joint venture to construct Lethbridge City Hall as construction managers.

2000s

The 2000’s (Growth and Diversification)

Ward Bros. is poised for growth as economic conditions continue to improve in Canada, and especially Alberta.

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 senior’s/assisted living facilities including Martha House, St. Therese Villa, and Black Rock Terrace – all in Lethbridge.

Ward Bros. takes on its first major industrial project, the expansion of Sunrise Poultry into the southern Alberta marketplace. This initial project involved a $20 million processing plant and hatchery. Following their opening in 2005, Ward Bros. expands both facilities before the end of the decade. This project led to other large industrial projects including a new facility for Precon Precast Products in Coalhurst.

In 2007 Ward Bros. is awarded its largest project to date, the $50 million West Lethbridge Centre (WLC). It includes the construction of two high schools and a public library. While this project is underway, Ward Bros. is awarded phase 2 of Chinook High School which brought the entire project value up to $62 million. Having completed only school modernization and expansion projects, WLC represented the first new school construction in our history.

2010′ and beyond’s

The 2010’s (Innovation & Resilience)

In difficult economic times early in the decade, Ward Bros. remains 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. This facility is the entertainment hub for southern Alberta, providing a large venue for concerts and productions and is home to the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League.

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

In 2013 Ward Bros. moves into its current location and is awarded Crossings Ice Complex, providing the first new sheets of ice within the City of Lethbridge in over 30 years. This facility includes two NHL sized hockey rinks as well as a new state-of-the-art curling facility to replace the aging Civic Centre facility. This project was completed in early 2016.

From 2015 to 2019, Ward Bros. completes several more major school modernizations as construction manager. These projects were throughout southern Alberta and included the rural communities of Fort Macleod, Pincher Creek, Magrath, and Stirling.

The 2020’s

The decade started with a lot of angst and uncertainty as the entire world tried to figure out how to deal with the COVID pandemic. Construction projects continued but with a whole new set of rules and regulations. Initial projects included the modernization of the historic Lethbridge Post Office, originally constructed in 1912. On December 16, 2020, Ward Bros. was chosen as construction manager for the new Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre, a transformational project for Lethbridge & District Exhibition and all southern Alberta. The next year, Ward Bros. was awarded another major project – Coaldale High School and Recreation Centre. This $53 million project was a collaboration between Palliser School Division and the Town of Coaldale and opened in 2024.

This success resulted from the addition of key professionals, and we quickly determined that more office space was needed. In 2023 Ward Bros. renovated its offices, creating a bright and open work environment that was a breath of fresh air coming out of the COVID pandemic. As Ward Bros. continues to grow, school construction continues to be a major component of our portfolio. We now have seven School Divisions as clients and work closely with both our post-secondary institutions, Lethbridge Polytechnic and the University of Lethbridge.