Since 1974, Canessco Services Inc. has been doing the “dirty work” for Edmonton’s homes and businesses. With more than 100 years of combined experience in the team, clients rely on Canessco for expertise in drain and grease trap cleaning, high pressure sewer flushing, hydrovac, CCTV sewer line inspections, catch basin cleaning and maintenance, parkade sump cleaning and more.
Nathan Gagnier, owner and president, is proud to helm this family-owned and operated business that is celebrating 52 years of being a part of the local community.
“My grandfather owned the company,” explains Gagnier. “Over time my uncle and mother owned it. I took over during the latest succession as the third generation in the family to own Canessco.”
With an eye to taking over the reins, Gagnier spent years in the shop and field in addition to taking courses at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).
With more than 50 years of keeping the essential systems of the city clean and running, Gagnier says a large part of the ongoing success is the focus on service – inside and outside of the brand.
“We strive to treat all employees and customers as if they were family, and together, we really take a lot of pride in what we do. Whether we are flushing a kitchen sink or cleaning sewer lines at the airport, Rogers Place or the University of Alberta, we are known for our quality, knowledge and reliability. Safety is a huge priority too, ensuring our team and worksites are prepped and handled properly for both personal and environmental safety at all times. The bottom line is, our clients know the job will get done the right – the first time.”
Another reason for the continued success is Canessco’s commitment to tech adoption and keeping the fleet in top notch order.
“We take great pride in keeping our equipment clean and working properly so we don’t have to deal with costly breakdowns or delays on site,” Gagnier confirms. “In addition to that, we ensure the customer is informed of the process every step of the way. They are never surprised by hidden fees or what will happen on the property. If it is an emergency service, we know how this can affect the people on site. So, we can typically get to an emergency and start working on the solution in less than two hours.”
It’s a dirty job that not a lot of people want to do, Gagnier notes, but the Canessco team is never afraid to get in there and do what needs to be done, no matter what.
“I just love helping people out of crappy situations,” laughs Gagnier. “I mean, that is my business, but yeah… hearing a client being thankful for the services we provide, getting them sorted out of unexpected situations or saving them time and money through maintenance just makes my day. I love that I am the third generation in my family to get to run this and keep things going, and I love coming to work every day because of this amazing team.”
He continues by musing over his past years with the company and what is yet to come, “Being in the service industry and just seeing all the people we have had the privilege to meet; and with the nature of our job, getting to see so many cool places most people never get to see, like under the airport or zoo.”
Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes they drive a sewer truck, but when Canessco is not out saving customers money and sanity, you’ll find the team being just as active in the community at non-profit events and fundraisers. From 880 CHED Santas Anonymous to supporting the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and local amateur sports teams, the Canessco team loves to give back and be engaged in the city they love.
“We’ve also been Better Business Bureau members since our start,” Gagnier adds with pride, “and we have been an AAA member in excellent standing the entire time.”
As 55 approaches in a few short years of service for the family business, Gagnier thinks back to how it all began.
“I want to thank my grandfather for setting the foundation and my uncle and mother, from whom I purchased the company. They have always supported me and had confidence that I could take Canessco far into the future.”
What does that future entail?
“We are looking at expanding in some different ways,” he smiles. “Perhaps into portable water services later this year. However, the main goal is just to keep doing what we are known for – providing outstanding service and quality and maintaining growth in such a way that we never compromise on customer service. The need for what we do is always going to be prevalent, so we will ensure we are always ready, willing, trained and able to do the job.”