Don Johnston started Johnston Builders in 1990. What started as a small contractor is now a highly sought-after firm known for handling complex projects with ease. Don retired in 2017, and today, a staff of over 47 complete public and private construction projects across Western Canada.

“He actually started the company at the worst possible time,” James Hackney, president & CEO, reminisces. “Due to the economic climate, the only work available was in small, remote communities.”

As a testament to the vision, tenacity and business acumen of the founder, this timing did not phase Don at all. He headed up to those remote communities and made an impact with quality work backed by outstanding client service. Now, those remote communities remain a part of Johnston Builder’s portfolio, alongside clients across Western Canada.

Hackney adds, “When I started with the company, there was a focus on industry and energy. When the economy would slow down, we would do grocery stores and hotels. Up and down we rode the waves, and we were successful in doing so. However, we noticed the boom and bust cycles were happening with greater frequency. So, in 2016 we spent a year refining our identity, strategizing on cultural alignment internally and externally and executing on that strategy. That did a lot for us as an organization.

In 2019, Johnston Builders solidified its northen commitment by setting up an office in Whitehorse. The next year, 2020, brought another milestone – a challenge that Johnston Builders was able to turn into an opportunity.

Hackney explains, “COVID arrived. We had just announced our budget for the fiscal year. While the pandemic was tough on everyone, we were happy to be able to announce we would not be cutting positions. Our approach was to focus on keeping our culture and people intact.” 

While concessions had to be made, a solid foundation, strategic planning, employee buy-in and a strong leadership brought the team through intact.

“Not only are we stronger for going through that,” says Hackney, “it proved how much we cared about our team. Our commitment to our people really showed.”

No matter what came up over the years, be it Alberta’s booms and busts or having to work remotely during 2020, Johnston Builders always came through and found itself celebrating milestone after milestone, including the promotion of Bruce Filmore to COO and last year’s profit share program rollout.

One thing has always remained consistent – the passion Johnston Builders has for its many projects.

Hackney says, “After completing the New Forest Park Hotel (Alpine Wing) on Connaught Drive in Jasper, we are currently working on the phased renovation of the old Sawridge, now rebranded as the Forest Park Hotel (Woodland Wing). Building on a history of successful projects in and around Jasper, this venue, once complete, will be an approximately 181,000-square-foothotel with an enclosed pavilion, banquet facilities, restaurants, reception, 241 suites and guestrooms and a skybridge connecting the new hotel with the  newly renovated Hotel.”

To help address the lack of affordable housing in Whitehorse, Johnston Builders was pleased to be working on Challenge Cornerstone, a social housing venture for those at risk of homelessness and those living with disabilities and mental illness. At Challenge Cornerstone, 53 suites across six stories will share space with future commercial retail and an on-site deli.

A previous project for Drive Products in Acheson saw Johnston Builders create a 93,000-square-foot multi-use headquarters for the brand, including a 30,000 square foot shop, office space, a showroom, parts storage and more. 

In 2012 Johnston Builders crafted its own new headquarters in St. Albert to accommodate its ongoing and rapid growth.

“The result is a 15,500-square-foot, two-storey office complex. The core of the building is a pre-engineered steel structure and features curtain wall infill. It includes a 3,100-square-foot shop area with mezzanine and 10,000 square feet of fenced yard space. The upper floor, where operations resides, has a full functioning kitchen, wrap-around reception desk, 15 individual offices and a large boardroom,” says Hackney. “It is very open and filled with natural light. We built with our sister company, JB Steel Buildings Ltd. and now, 10 years later, this July, we will be doing a major renovation to keep things fresh.”

“When we look at a project, we ask if it can achieve our brand promise,” he adds. “We want our team to be proud of what we build together and to enjoy what they are doing. We are also focused on cultural alignment with our stakeholders. We want everyone on every job to be proud of what we accomplish together.”

Johnston Builders is just as intent on building up the communities it serves. 

“We have been involved in a lot of local minor sports and provide donations as a team for Ride to Conquer Cancer, Make-A-Wish^®, Habitat for Humanity, Edmonton Oil Kings’ Adopt-A-School program, the food banks, Special Olympics Yukon, Sturgeon Hospital and many more.”

Johnston Builders has been celebrated many times over for its contributions to building up communities physically and socially. While every award holds meaning, being recognized for the Darius Elias Community Centre in Old Crow was very special.

“There are no roads to that project. We had to fly everything to the Arctic Circle at a time when COVID protocols were in place,” says Hackney. “This project truly called back to our roots of being entrenched in remote work and our ability to handle any project, anywhere, anytime for our clients.”

With gratitude, Hackney thanks his mentor and the company founder Don Johnston, the leadership group, staff, clients and vendors.

“I am grateful to work alongside Brett Kelly, AndreaForbes, Bruce Fillmore, Matt Whiffin and the rest of the organizational team. We work with a lot of great people, clients, designers and the subtrades and suppliers. The relationships and collaboration are the best part of our projects. Thank you for all you do.”

What comes next after 35 years? 

Hackney smiles, “It has been a very busy time. So much so that we need to remember the value of steady, controlled growth – but at the end of the day, we shall continue to strive for growth. We will take on work that allows us to live our core purpose, core values and brand promise as an organization; and every step of the way, we will enjoy what we do.”