Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Construction Contractors in Arkona, ON
Established in 1973, Birnam Excavating has grown from a small municipal drainage operation to a leading construction firm serving Southwestern Ontario. Founded by Frank and Elsie Van Bree, our family-owned business has expanded across three generations, now employing over 70 dedicated professionals. We specialize in heavy civil infrastructure, general contracting, and environmental projects, delivering sewer systems, watermain upgrades, road construction, and municipal developments. Our commitment to quality is rooted in a tradition of excellence, utilizing advanced technologies like GPS and project management software to ensure precision and efficiency. With a focus on safety, innovation, and community impact, we collaborate closely with engineers, municipalities, and developers to solve complex challenges.Our Gold Seal designation and reputation as industry leaders reflect our dedication to exceeding client expectations. We prioritize employee development through mentorship and training, fostering a culture of accountability and respect. From large-scale contracts like the $14 million Commissioners Road project to smaller community initiatives, we approach every task with the same rigor and integrity. Our partnerships with trusted suppliers and subcontractors ensure reliable execution, while our environmental stewardship extends to waterway protection and erosion control. As a family-run business, we remain committed to building stronger communities through infrastructure that enhances quality of life.
Services
Heavy Civil Projects
General Contracting
Environmental Services
Sewer Systems
Watermain Upgrades
Road Construction
Municipal Developments
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in heavy civil construction.
- Our family-owned business prioritizes employee development and safety.
- We utilize advanced technologies like GPS and project management software.
- We maintain a Gold Seal designation for industry excellence.
- We focus on long-term community impact through infrastructure projects.
Associations and certifications
- Gold Seal
What people say
Expertise in infrastructure
Family-run reliability
Safety commitment
Long-standing reputation
Services
Heavy Civil Projects
Our heavy civil division specializes in sewer systems, watermain upgrades, and road construction. We handle municipal projects ranging from subdivisions to historical infrastructure restoration. Our team ensures compliance with safety standards while delivering durable, community-enhancing infrastructure.
General Contracting
We provide general contracting for treatment plants, pumping stations, and recreational facilities. Our expertise includes municipal and ICI sector projects, leveraging heavy civil experience to manage complex vertical builds efficiently and to code.
Environmental Services
Our environmental division focuses on waterway protection, vegetation management, and hazardous materials handling. We implement solutions for erosion control and environmental stabilization, particularly along the Great Lakes shores, ensuring regulatory compliance and ecological preservation.
People
Frank Van Bree
Founder
Frank co-founded Birnam Excavating in 1973, establishing its foundation in municipal drainage and shaping its commitment to quality construction.
Elsie Van Bree
Co-Founder
Elsie co-founded Birnam Excavating, contributing to its early growth and fostering a family-oriented culture that persists today.
Mark Van Bree
Second Generation Leader
Mark expanded Birnam's scope into sewer and watermain sectors during the 1980s, driving the company's evolution into a regional construction leader.
Kevin Van Bree
Third Generation Leader
Kevin, part of Birnam's third generation, continues the family legacy by overseeing operations and maintaining the company's focus on innovation and community impact.
Phil Van Bree
Third Generation Leader
Phil contributes to Birnam's leadership, ensuring the company's adherence to quality standards while expanding its capabilities in modern construction practices.
Questions
What services does Birnam Excavating offer?
We specialize in heavy civil infrastructure, general contracting, and environmental services, including sewer systems, watermain upgrades, road construction, and erosion control.
How long has Birnam Excavating been in business?
We have served Southwestern Ontario since 1973, evolving from a small drainage operation to a leading construction firm with over 70 employees.
Does Birnam work on large-scale projects?
Yes, we handle projects of all sizes, including major contracts like the $14 million Commissioners Road project in London, Ontario.
How does Birnam ensure project quality?
We use advanced technologies, maintain a Gold Seal designation, and prioritize safety and efficiency standards across all projects.
Is Birnam a family-owned business?
Yes, we are a third-generation family-owned company committed to community impact and employee development.
What areas does Birnam serve?
We operate throughout Southwestern Ontario, working with municipalities, developers, and engineers on diverse infrastructure needs.