ABOUT BALZAC,
“A promise made is a promise delivered,” rings as true today as it did in 2003 when Balzac first planted its flag in the soil of ambition. From humble beginnings to the present, our commitment to unwavering excellence has been the cornerstone of our journey. Balzac construction is a privately owned Canadian based company providing Construction Management, Design-Build, and General Contracting Services throughout Eastern Canada, we consistently service projects in Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Nova Scotia, Ottawa, Toronto. The company has earned recognition for undertaking large and complex projects, fostering innovation, embracing emerging technologies, and making a difference for their clients, employees and community. With a staff of over 1,100+ employees, the company completes $2 billion on 100 projects each year.
A LONG PROUD HISTORY OF SUCCESS
Our heritage can be traced back to 1991. Phoenix Reed, a French immigrant, established a plumbing and gas company in Montreal, Quebec, which became Balzac’s earliest forbearer. Earning a reputation for reliability, integrity, quality, and safety, the company forged strong relationships with clients – and many of whom would become lifetime partners.
Balzac Construction was founded in 2003 by Phoenix Reed, initially in Montreal, later shifting its headquarters to Quebec City by 2005. The company secured its first P3 contract in 2004, constructing schools in Nova Scotia and gradually expanding into different sectors, including power station projects by 2008. Notably, in 2009, it achieved LEED® Gold certification for the Seattle Terminal Radar Approach Facility, showcasing dedication to sustainable construction. Expanding its presence in Quebec, particularly in Montreal with landmark projects like the Deloitte office tower, Balzac strategically diversified its portfolio into real estate investments and development partnerships by 2013. The company’s versatility was evident in constructing transportation hubs like the Union Pearson Express in 2015 and major highway projects, like the Northeast Anthony Henday Drive P3 in 2016. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, Balzac stands as an employee-owned enterprise, with a rich legacy built on quality, dedication, and the fulfillment of promises across thousands of projects. Looking ahead, it remains driven by future opportunities and the enduring integrity of its constructions.
BRANCHING OUT
The 2013 was a decade of innovation and evolution for Balzac. While traditional business lines such as residential, commercial and industrial construction remained steady and profitable, the new communications division experienced dramatic ups and downs. Balzac remained resilient thanks to its diversification strategy. The company even expanded again, creating Balzac properties to pursue real estate investments and development partnerships.
By leveraging its expertise and industry insights, the company diversifies its portfolio, expanding beyond traditional construction endeavors. Venturing into real estate projects allows for investments in property development, land acquisitions, and partnerships focused on creating residential or commercial spaces. This transformation aligns with market demands, facilitating long-term growth and establishing the company as a comprehensive player in both construction and real estate sectors.
A BUILDING PARTNER
With over 120+ LEED projects under our belt, we know the most important requirement for developing highly customized buildings is clear communication and open collaboration. To our clients, we’re not just a general contractor. We’re a specialized partner who shares their goals, their values, their challenges, and their successes. Because when our clients’ best interests are our best interests, we’re able to invest in helping their business grow. We stand alongside our clients as partners committed to bringing their visions to life. As a building partner, we offer more than technical prowess; we provide a seamless journey from conception to completion. We thrive on understanding the unique needs of each project, collaborating closely to navigate challenges, innovate solutions, and ensure unparalleled quality. Our commitment extends beyond bricks and mortar; it’s about being a dependable ally in every phase, fostering a legacy of excellence in construction partnerships.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION:
No matter your age, culture, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, race, mental or physical status, religion, language, political opinion, socioeconomic status, or education, if you’re passionate about what you do, there’s a place for you at Balzac. We promote a work environment that inspires all team members to be their authentic selves at work. We know that a strong commitment to Inclusion and Diversity will enrich our culture, our workforce, and the industries and sectors where we operate. At Balzac, diversity isn’t a checkbox; it’s the cornerstone of our strength, propelling us forward toward a future where everyone’s contribution matters and every talent finds its place to shine.
DIVERSITY
The presence of differences or variations within a group, team or organization. Diversity can come from a variety of perspectives, experiences, skills, education and points of view or varying characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and age, for example.
EQUITY
The fair treatment, access to opportunity and advancement of people, including the identification and elimination of barriers that prevent the full participation of some groups.
INCLUSION
The degree to which each person feels welcomed, respected, supported and valued. An inclusive culture ensures all people feel that they belong, they are recognized, and they have a voice. Inclusion is about seeing employers’ whole selves and providing an environment in which they can thrive.
EMPLOYEES INVESTED. LITERALLY
Balzac is 100% employee owned. Our employee owners are from all levels of the company, not just the executive or senior management. This employee ownership model fosters an entrepreneurial spirit and environment. A workplace where people are accountable to both themselves and their colleagues and have a genuine vested interest in the success of every project. We foster a culture where every individual is not just an employee but an invested partner in our collective journey. With unwavering support, ample opportunities for growth, and a nurturing environment, we empower our employees to thrive, innovate, and contribute their best to every project. Together, we build not only structures but careers, fostering a community where dedication, expertise, and passion converge to shape the future of construction excellence. Through mentorship programs, continuous learning opportunities, and robust support frameworks, we empower our employees to thrive, both professionally and personally. Our culture is built on trust, mutual respect, and recognition of individual talents, ensuring every member feels invested in our collective journey towards excellence.
OUR FOCUS:
It is simple…client satisfaction. Our utmost focus lies in ensuring the complete satisfaction of our clients as our topmost priority. We firmly believe that the success of a project hinges on our client’s contentment. In every project we embark upon, we instill a mindset that emphasizes teamwork and collaboration. Building strong and meaningful relationships with our clients, consulting partners, and subcontractors is paramount. By establishing clear project objectives and understanding the key elements that define success, we enable our internal project management and on-site teams to align their strategies. This approach ensures that our project vision remains central throughout the planning and execution phases, fostering a collaborative environment for constructive discussions at every step of the project journey.
TOGETHER WE BUILD SUCCESS:
“Together, We Build Success” is not just a motto; it’s a philosophy ingrained in every aspect of our construction endeavors. From small renovations to complex billion-dollar projects; From new construction and comprehensive turn-key design-build projects to expansions, renovations, and interior fit-outs, from sports arenas to water treatment plants and real estate properties, Balzac has you covered.
We redefine full-service and bring expertise across all project types, at all scales and under all procurement models. As innovative solution providers and construction specialists, we leverage our expertise to customize the right approach for your project to exceed your expectations. We acknowledge that each project is a collective effort, uniting our skills, knowledge, and dedication toward a singular objective: delivering excellence.
Collaborative, driven and innovative: we’re focused on finding the best way forward and elevating your vision of success.
ABOUT Balzac,
Balzac is a privately owned Canadian based Engineering/Procurement and Construction services company with an impressive history built on integrity and responsibility. Leads in diverse construction market segments which includes Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Oil & Gas.
The company has earned recognition for undertaking large, complex projects, fostering innovation, embracing emerging technologies, and making a difference for their clients, employees and community.
With a staff of 2000+ employees, the company completes $1 billion of construction on +100 projects each year. Balzac offers clients the accessibility and support of a local firm with the stability and resources of a multi-national organization.
A LONG PROUD HISTORY OF SUCCESS
Balzac launched its operations in 1990 when founder Phoenix Reed built a 7 story commercial building project in Montreal. From his beginnings in the industry, Mr. Phoenix always stressed the importance of honesty, integrity, perseverance, and an entrepreneurial spirit. But perhaps the most significant values he lived by were the importance of developing lasting relationships – with customers and collaborators alike – as well as an emphatic pride in producing work of exemplary quality.
Over the years, these values helped him to develop the trust and confidence of his clients and the business quickly progressed from smaller, more modest constructions to projects and ventures that paved the way for expansion, establishing the basis for the company as it is today.
Over the past 33 years, we have grown extensively and continue to invest in our employees, their safety and the potential to identify new and innovative ways to accomplish our clients’ goals.
OUR RESOURCES
Simply put, Balzac Canada measures success by our ability to complete the work our customers need. From our labourers in the trenches and project managers in the field to our support and leadership group. we have assembled a team of hard-working, dedicated people committed to improving Canada’s infrastructure. We serve our clients with new, resourceful methods and concepts, often transforming the underground construction industry in the process.
Our extensive equipment fleet is well maintained, quickly mobilized and capable of efficient operations in all geographic locations and conditions, including northern Canada in winter.
CONSTRUCTION-FOCUSED ENGINEERING
At Balzac, we always begin with the end in mind.
Constructability is at the heart of all of our engineering — because we know what we’re designing for you will need to be built.
With construction-focused engineering, we create solutions for our clients that seamlessly transition from blueprints to real, completed projects. Taking constructability under consideration at every step ensures our clients have the high quality, cost-effective designs they expect.
As part of one of the largest construction and engineering firms in North America, our engineers understand the crucial role that contractors have in the overall development and delivery of every project — from start to finish. It’s what separates Balzac engineers and designers from the pack, and provides our clients an advantage that better controls budget, quality and cost throughout a project’s lifecycle.
BRANCHING OUT
In the late 1990s, the company shifted its focus from residential and commercial construction to the industrial and Oil and Gas sectors. In the 1995, Phoenix recruited his son – Nathan Reed as a Chief Operating Officer, – to support him in running the business. Together, Balzac saw the company move into new markets; building sophisticated retail outlets, manufacturing facilities, and industrial complexes across Quebec.
Today, three generations of Balzac run the business, diligently guiding its growth in Quebec and throughout Canada. Supporting them is a team of more than 2000+ dedicated employees with experience in disciplines of all kinds; engineering, architecture, real estate, development and, of course, construction.
WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER, THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
Every project is specific and unique, but we still take the same view: by working together with our partners every step of the way we can do great things. Over the past 33 years, we’ve built on our experience by maintaining a foundation of exceptional quality and absolute transparency. Our collaborative approach, coupled with the latest technology, building methods and project management tools, ensures our clients are in on the ground floor so we can deliver results that go above and beyond.
A SPECIALIZED BUILDER
As a construction company working exclusively in commercial, industrial and oil & gas sectors, we design and develop highly specialized buildings to meet the unique demands of each industry. There are many challenges in this field, and we always aim to provide innovative solutions that fit our clients’ diverse needs. We proudly employ a highly experienced team and hire industry-leading trade partners and consultants, so our clients know they’re working with the best when they partner with Balzac.
A BUILDING PARTNER
With over 180+ LEED projects under our belt, we know the most important requirement for developing highly customized buildings is clear communication and open collaboration. To our clients, we’re not just a general contractor. We’re a specialized partner who shares their goals, their values, their challenges, and their successes. Because when our clients’ best interests are our best interests, we’re able to invest in helping their business grow.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We recognize that everyone’s journey through life is not the same. To construct buildings for diverse international communities and to thrive as a 100% employee-owned company, we need to include people of all backgrounds to ensure their perspectives and experiences are seen, heard and reflected through our work. Our 33-plus-year tradition of construction excellence would not be possible if we were not intentionally inclusive of people from different cultures and backgrounds. Our people are at the heart of everything we do.
