Krawford Construction Company Inc. is a full-service general contractor, construction manager, and design-builder, serving the commercial, institutional, healthcare, industrial and seniors living sectors. From routine jobs to legacy projects to technically complex, one-of-a-kind builds, Krawford has the experience and creativity to get the job done every time.
“Krawford Construction is a highly diversified construction company with a long-serving, loyal and knowledgeable team, providing skilled construction services to a wide variety of clients,” says Terry Tanasiuk, company president. It is these strengths – team, reputation, experience and creativity – that set Krawford Construction apart in the industry.
Company History
The company was founded in 1971 by Eugene Krawchuk in partnership with Humford Developments – it was a melding of the Krawchuk and Humford that originally gave rise to the Krawford name. In 1984, Eugene Krawchuk moved on to other endeavors and the company became fully owned and operated by Humford Developments. In 1991, Humford Developments offered an ownership opportunity to some of the company’s long-term employees, many of whom are still with the company today.
In 1994, this employee team – Barry Hawkeswood, Terry Tanasiuk, Colleen Kerfoot and Gordon Oosterhuis – became owners of the company as Humford Developments transitioned out of ownership. At that time the company expanded their footprint by opening a Calgary office.
In 1996, Barry retired, and Terry became President. By 2004, Terry was the sole shareholder.
Today, Krawford is owned by Terry Tanasiuk as President and majority shareholder, along with a group of minority shareholders who are all long-term employees. Colleen Kerfoot remains as a member of the senior leadership team as well as Barry’s son Stuart Hawkeswood, who joined the company as a carpenter over 25 years ago and rose through the ranks to VP of Construction. Mike Kelly, who was appointed as the Manager of Calgary Operations at the founding of the company’s Calgary office almost 30 years ago, continues in that role.
Team Strength
Currently, Krawford Construction employs about 100 people across Western Canada, working from bases in both Edmonton and Calgary.
“Krawford Construction has a skilled team of long-term employees in the office and in the field. Our commitment to our employee culture and growth is reflected in our employees’ commitment and willingness to build long-term relationships with our clients,” notes Tanasiuk.
“Most of our employees have been here for a very long time, most over 10 years and many for 20 or 30 years. It has been rewarding to see them develop in their fields and as individuals. I have watched their families grow and thrive together. I am glad to have been a part of it all.”
Reputation
The company’s healthy team environment plays a large part in its strong reputation in the construction marketplace across Western Canada. In reflecting on the reputation Krawford has built over the past 50 years, Tanasiuk says, “Our team has a wide array of experience and talents, our collaborative culture and vast talent pool allows us to share our ideas to get the job done. Because of this, we have been entrusted with many high-profile, technically challenging, and sensitive projects.” This includes not only new construction and renovations, but also a wide range of unique projects.
In the past 10 years alone, the company has been called on to provide emergency structural remediation for a collapsing condominium in Calgary; fast-track, simultaneous construction of four large ambulatory support buildings at hospitals throughout the Edmonton area – a project delivered under-budget and ahead of schedule; a new STARS heliport at the top of a parkade at the Royal Alexandra Hospital; and completion of a $40 million-dollar facility on a secure military installation. The latter project is one of many where Krawford Construction has been called in by various bonding companies, and Tanasiuk notes that “we are the ‘go-to company’ for some bonding companies when other contractors fail, and their bonded projects require creative and effective solutions.” These projects require a lot of skillful negotiation with all the stakeholders, something Krawford excels at.
Project Experience
Few companies have the depth of experience that Krawford’s project portfolio demonstrates. The company’s portfolio includes construction and renovation of hospitals, health care centres, recreation centers, seniors’ facilities, multi-unit residential facilities, modular construction, fire stations, commercial developments, and industrial facilities. The company delivers projects ranging from $10,000 to over $60,000,000, using various contract types and project models. Krawford was a pioneer in the implementation of the construction management model in Alberta over 30 years ago and the company continues to deliver projects using construction management, stipulated sum, design-build, IPD, design-assist and other models.
Krawford operates throughout Western Canada, and one of the company’s key strengths is the ability to successfully deliver projects in remote and challenging areas. The company has operated from the Canada-U.S. border to the territories, including many northern communities accessible only by air, water or ice road.
Speaking to the company’s diverse experience, Tanasiuk notes that “Krawford helped design and build the first assisted living project in Western Canada for the Good Samaritan Society. This led to five other projects with GSS, as well as many projects with other seniors’ housing. We also built Ecole Mother Teresa School and Ecole Fox Run School, Alberta’s first multi-campus school in Sylvan Lake.
Krawford Construction has built strong relationships with many Indigenous clients throughout Western Canada. In particular, Krawford has enjoyed a long relationship with Enoch Cree Nation, working with them for over 20 years and are currently building a health center and a new commercial building. Krawford has also delivered the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex for the Tsuu T’ina Nation, a large recreation facility including three hockey rinks and a field house. With Tsuu T’ina’s continuous growth, Krawford participated by building the nation’s museum, health centre, and training facility. In both partnerships, Krawford has engaged and supported First Nation subcontractors and skilled labor, giving back to the community.
Creativity and Collaboration
A cornerstone of Krawford’s approach is collaboration. They take pride in the ability to work with any client, in any situation, in any contracting model to get the job done successfully. From leadership to office staff to the field, their team thrives on creativity, problem-solving and finding unique ways to get the job done.
Technology plays a role in supporting this approach, and Tanasiuk helps distinguish Krawford by staying on top of the technology that is driving the construction industry forward. “This industry tends to fall behind current technology. At Krawford, we are constantly learning and implementing more efficient methods, and adapting to new and better ways of doing things. As a result, we can be more flexible and resourceful when meeting the exacting standards we set for ourselves and that our clients expect of us.”
Legacy
In addition to building communities, Krawford also prioritizes giving back to them. The company has been the legacy and main sponsor of the Winnifred Stewart Association’s Mindful Hearts project; aided in the completion of Wellspring Edmonton’s cancer support facility with the contribution of $250,000 in material and services; participated in the MS bike ride to Camrose; and volunteered at Hope Mission. In addition, the company has a scholarship program that provides scholarships and support to Indigenous students on many First Nations throughout Alberta.
The Next 50 Years
The Krawford team is grateful for the past 50 years and excited about the next 50 years. They look forward to building on a history of teamwork, creativity and quality, and to continuing to excel in a dynamic and challenging industry. Working with industry partners – from owners to consultants to trade contractors to suppliers – they are excited to continue to play a part in building and sustaining communities in Alberta and throughout Western Canada.
Edmonton
8055 Argyll Road
Edmonton AB, T6C 4A9
Phone: 780 436 4381
Fax: 780 437 2766
Email: edm@krawford.com