PCL Celebrates Connection of Canada’s Great Trail

"With a history that goes back almost to the birth of Confederation, PCL is proud of our legacy of building communities in the provinces and territories across our great country," says Mike Wieninger, senior vice president and district manager at PCL Toronto. "We are honoured to share in the company of likeminded donors and supporters whose commitment has enabled the vision of a trail that connects Canada from coast to coast to coast as a living symbol of national collaboration."

As an expression of gratitude to leadership donors for their outstanding commitment to building the Great Trail, PCL’s Trail Builder donation has been recognized by the Trans Canada Trail Foundation with a listing in its celebratory pavilion in Ottawa, where a celebration was held on August 26 to celebrate the milestone of the Trail’s connection.

"We are extremely grateful to PCL for their support of The Great Trail initiative, a gift from Canadians to Canadians," said Deborah Apps, Trans Canada Trail president & CEO. "Thanks to the generous support and hard work of our volunteers, donors and all levels of government, we are thrilled to mark completion of the Trail this year, after a quarter century of hard work and determination."

Beyond PCL’s donation, employees in its Toronto District took part in the PCL Great Trail Step Challenge that encouraged them to virtually walk across Trail in recognition of Canada 150. Over a 16-day period, 126 PCLers on 24 teams tracked over 22,600 kilometres, which equates to walking nearly the entire length of The Great Trail.

"Building a strong and resilient foundation is key to maintaining a healthy workforce," adds Wieninger. "Our WellPCL program empowers employees to achieve personal wellness and healthy lifestyle goals to ensure we hire, develop and retain the best talent in the construction industry."

PCL’s history stretches back 111 years. That makes PCL not only one of Canada’s oldest contractors but also one of its oldest companies. As Canada grew, so did PCL. Indeed, Canada’s growth, from east to west mirrors that of PCL and the journey of its founder, E. E. Poole, which took place only a few short decades after Confederation. In 1906, Poole set forth from his home in Prince Edward Island to the West, where he founded the company that would become PCL.

Click here to take a look at some of our most memorable Canadian projects throughout history.