60 years of success

Pomerleau’s history is, first and foremost, one of strong family values and a solid work ethic, infused with an entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a story of growth and evolution, propelling this little company from Beauce, QC, into the coast-to-coast business it has become.

1960 – The beginning

In 1964, Hervé Pomerleau, an entrepreneur at heart, went into business with five employees. Two years later, he founded his company, Hervé Pomerleau Inc.

school building

1966

First contract: expansion of the elementary school in St. Bernard, QC

1970 – Growth

In 1970, Pomerleau started growing fast and established its reputation as a seasoned construction company. Throughout the decade, Pomerleau became one of the two largest builders of regional shopping centres in Quebec using the design-build delivery method. 

The company even took its expertise to Newfoundland. Pomerleau began building regional administrative centres for Hydro-Québec under the design-build-lease formula, a precursor to the current public-private partnership. Pomerleau diversified as it grew, and focused on vertical integration, creating companies to complete its offering.

administration building

1978

First design-build-lease contract: Hydro-Québec administration and services centre in Montmagny, QC

1980 – New offices in Quebec

In 1980, the construction market was booming. For Pomerleau, this led to the opening of two offices: Montreal in 1980 and Quebec City in 1988. The acquisition of several companies secured Pomerleau’s leadership position in the province. 

Major contracts followed throughout the decade and, by 1986, Pomerleau was ranked the #1 general contractor in Quebec, a position it holds to this day.

bird's eye view of a factory building and surrounding structure

1983

First major project in civil engineering: 75,000 m3 of concrete is poured in five months at the Reynolds smelter in Baie-Comeau

building

1989

Wins contract for the construction of Montreal’s tallest building: The 56-storey Le 1000 de la Gauchetière

1990 – Second generation

This was the decade when Hervé’s sons, Pierre and Francis, both of them with engineering degrees and MBAs, took the wheel. 

Wanting to ensure strong governance, Pomerleau created a board of directors consisting of seasoned internal and external leaders with different backgrounds.

casino building

1995

Prestigious project management contract for the construction of the Casino du Lac-Leamy in Hull, QC, completed in only 12 months

board of directors

1995

Pomerleau forms its first board of directors consisting of the president, several vice presidents, and three external advisors

2000 – Building on core competencies

Pomerleau started the new millennium with the wind in its sails. At this time, the business experienced solid growth resulting from expanded geographic markets and new expertise. Pomerleau undertook, alone or in partnership, large-scale projects in Quebec and elsewhere. 

By the end of the decade, Pomerleau was carrying out projects in six provinces.

water treatment plant

2004

First major design-build contract in the Atlantic region for Halifax Harbour Solutions (three rainwater and wastewater treatment plants)

wind turbines

2006

Creation of Borea Construction, a Pomerleau's subsidiary and Canadian leader in renewable energy construction

2010 – Blazing the Innovation Trail

Pomerleau continued on its path of expansion by opening the Toronto (ON), St. John’s (NL), Calgary (AB) and Vancouver (BC) offices and acquiring five companies.

Pomerleau commits to the technology revolution. The company bolstered worksite health and safety efforts by investing in a corporate-wide training and awareness program.

5 storey building in a city

2011

Construction of the prestigious Centre for Sustainable Development in Montreal, the first building in Canada to obtain LEED® Platinum certification

bird's eye view of a factory building and surrounding structure

2012

Begins using BIM on its projects and winning its first major project in Toronto, the TTC Leslie Barns project

pomerleau-pattern

2018

Investment from the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec

rendering image of office building

2019

P3 project in Atlantic Canada: Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor long-term care facilities (NL)

office space with construction hat in foreground

2019

Creation of Pomerleau’s training centre and its ecosystem: PX3

2020 – Solid and dynamic all across Canada

Pomerleau is active from coast to coast and is a leader in the construction industry. The company is among the top five contractors in Canada, excels in virtual design and construction (VDC), and is a pioneer in sustainable buildings. 

The business employs up to 4,000 people at its eight regional offices and operates close to 200 worksites across the country.  It was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers.

robot chien

2020

First company in the world to have a robot dog on its worksites

pomerleau-pattern-3

2020

Launch of the Committed Contractor initiative to fight the COVID-19 pandemic