Corporate E-Book - Merit Contractors Niagara

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“Vision”
tion to Quality
tion to Quality
2 3 5 M A R T I N D A L E R O A D , S U I T E 3 , S T. C AT H A R I N E S , O N L 2 W 1 A 5
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“Vision”
The ability to see
The ability to see
not only what is today
not only what is today
... but what could be
... but what could be
tomorrow.
tomorrow.
www.meritcontractors.com
www.meritcontractors.com
T 905.641.2374
F 905.641.2988
CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS • GENERAL CONTRACTORS • HOSPITALS • WINERIES • CAR DEALERSHIPS • SCHOOLS • HOTELS • TOWN HALLS
2 3 5 M A R T I N D A L E R O A D , S U I T E 3 , S T. C AT H A R I N E S , O N L 2 W 1 A 5
T 905.641.2374
F 905.641.2988
CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS • GENERAL CONTRACTORS • HOSPITALS • WINERIES • CAR DEALERSHIPS • SCHOOLS • HOTELS • TOWN HALLS
BUILDING VISION AND VALUE FOR 30 YEARS
From our start in 1984, Merit Contractors has grown into one of Canada’s top 100
construction companies with over $450 million in completed projects. Along the way,
we’ve won recognition from clients, our profession and the community.
We focus on industrial, commercial and institutional projects up to $40 million. In 30 years
our projects have changed the look of Ontario and touched the lives of millions of
residents and visitors.
Examples include:

Niagara West YMCA, Grimsby, LEED Silver

Southbrook Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake, LEED Gold

Peace Bridge Commercial Complex, Fort Erie,

Brock University Plaza, St. Catharines, LEED Silver

Fort Erie Racetrack Slot Gaming Facility.
We’ve also built a reputation for quality and dependability, based on honest, open
relationships, genuine enthusiasm and the active involvement of our partners in every
project. Our safety record and strong financial capacity also benefit both our clients and
suppliers.
Our commitment extends well beyond our sites. We’ve been recognized for employee
training and contribute to the health and direction of our industry through membership and
involvement in professional organizations.
All of which makes us an ideal partner for your next project.
Please take a moment to learn more about us and to review our projects. Then please get
in touch to see how we can work together.
HANDS-ON LEADERSHIP
Our partners’ involvement in daily operations—estimating, project management, site
supervision and administration—enables us to be a reliable and responsive partner.
Founder and senior partner Dennis Kowalchuk is Merit’s Chief Financial Officer,
overseeing our estimating, accounting and administrative functions. His 40-year career
includes design coordination, estimating, scheduling, cost analysis and project
management. He is a past executive director and past president of the Niagara
Construction Association and a current director of the Ontario General Contractors
Association. Dennis is a graduate of Architectural Technology at St. Clair College and is
Gold Seal Certified as an Estimator and Project Manager.
Partner Jean St. Pierre is Merit’s Manager, Field Operations, responsible for various
projects, staffing, performance and safety on all sites. He has worked with Merit since
1988 and became a partner in 2001. Jean is a graduate of Construction Engineering
Technology, and Gold Seal certified.
Partner Arie Schipper is Merit’s Manager Estimating, responsible for all project tendering.
He joined the Merit team in 1993 and became a partner in 2001. Arie is a graduate of
Construction Engineering Technology and is Gold Seal certified. He is past President of
the Niagara Construction Association.
Partner Ian Kowalchuk is Merit’s Manager, Business Development as well as one of
Merit’s Project Managers. He joined Merit full time in 2006 and became a partner in 2011.
Ian is a graduate of University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree and is
Chair at both the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chair at Merit Ontario
Open Shop Contractors Association.
PEOPLE WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AND SKILLS
Energetic, dedicated people are the cornerstone of our success. We are proud of our
many long-service employees—and we invest in their growth through continuing
education.
All site superintendents and supervisors are trained in Merit’s project reporting systems.
All are encouraged to pursue the Superintendents Certification Program of the Ontario
General Contractors Association and to become Gold Seal Certified by the Canadian
Construction Association. Several have attained these certifications.
Most estimators and project managers have Gold Seal Certification in their areas of
expertise and others are encouraged to pursue these designations. The Canadian
Construction Association has recognized us as a Gold Seal Sponsor for our support of its
programs.
Safety is an ongoing commitment at Merit, resulting in policies that meet or exceed
provincial standards. We sponsor ongoing safety training and make safety part of every
site meeting. Our record has won recognition from the Ontario General Contractors
Association Safety Group Program and rebates from the Workman’s Safety and Insurance
Board of Ontario.
In 2004, the Niagara Training and Adjustment Board recognized Merit for Outstanding
Contribution to the Training and Development of Employees.
PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Our people use industry-leading technology, systems and procedures to access accurate
information for tracking quality, schedules and budgets and to communicate progress. Our
superior ability to gather and process information helps ensure total client satisfaction.
Overall project management and accounting relies on:

Microsoft Project for scheduling and job control, including progress monitoring,
responsibility assignments, costing and cash flow.

Jonas Construction Software for all accounting functions, including general
ledger, general and sub-contract accounts payable, accounts receivable, job cost
accounting and payroll.
We provide dedicated site supervision for the duration of each project, to ensure
coordinated effort and continuous quality control. Each proposal for client work includes a
detailed resume of the superintendent or supervisor we propose, including past projects
and references.
Ongoing, open communications are essential to our success. In addition to weekly job-box
meetings of Merit staff, we convene and lead biweekly site meetings on each project,
attended by all sub-trades. Minutes are taken and distributed to attendees. In addition, all
Merit project managers and site supervisors gather monthly at one of our project sites to
share information and ideas. The administrative staff also meets monthly.
Safety is central to our operations. Merit has a published safety policy and distributes
copies to all employees and subcontractors. Safety is our number one priority and the first
agenda item on all site meetings.
AN AWARD-WINNING COMPANY
Our goal is total client satisfaction—but we also take pride in the several awards
presented to us over the years.
Training Excellence Recognition Award for 2004
Niagara Training and Adjustment Board
Canada’s Top 100 Contractors List
Heavy Construction News November/December 2004
Canada’s 20 Fastest Growing Contracting Companies in 2001
Heavy Construction News June 2002
Business of the Month, May 1994
Richardson Greenshields and St. Catharines Chamber of Commerce
Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year—Finalist 1994
Enterprise Niagara
Canada’s 50 Fastest Growing Companies in 1990
Profit Magazine
Small Business Magazine
Award of Merit 1989
Company of the Year 1991
City of St Catharines
Accident Prevention Zero Frequency Awards
Construction Safety Association and Ontario General Contractors Association
Award of Distinction 2008
Niagara Region and Niagara Economic Development Corporation for Balls Falls Visitors
Centre and Southbrook Winery
Ontario Steel Design Award 2008 for Southbrook Winery
Award of Excellence - Architectural
Award of Merit - Green Building
International Architecture Award 2009 for Southbrook Winery
St. Catharines Thorold Chamber of Commerce
Anniversary Award in recognition of 25 years of contribution and commitment to the
business community
Ontario Construction Report Readers Choice Awards
Best All Around Construction Project of Year 2008-2009, Gold Award - Southbrook Winery
Green Project of the Year 2008-2009, Gold Award - Southbrook Winery
Niagara Construction Association 2011 Project of Year Award ($5 million and over)
Niagara West YMCA
Niagara Construction Association 2012 Renovation Award (under $1 million)
rd
Welland Historic 3 Floor Courtroom Renovation
Niagara Construction Association 2012 Project of Year Award ($1 million - $5 million)
Hotel Dieu Rehabilitation Centre Courtyard Enclosure
PROJECTS
INDUSTRIAL
Buffalo & Fort Erie Bridge Authority
Customs Commercial Facility
Peace Bridge, Fort Erie
Canadian Niagara Power
Service Centre/Office Addition
Fort Erie
City of Guelph
Guelph Transit Operations and Maintenance
Facility
Domtar Specialty Fine Papers
Emergency Generator Building and Spill Basin
St. Catharines
Fielding Estate Winery
New Facility
Beamsville
Hillebrand Estates Winery
Additions and Alterations
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Jungbunzlauer Canada Inc.
WWTP Civil Works
Port Colborne
Maid of the Mist
Additions and Alterations
Niagara Falls
Niagara Parks Commission
Maintenance and Storage Facility
Niagara Falls
Ontario Power Generation
Adam Beck Renovations
Niagara Falls
Pierce & Stevens Canada Inc.
Lab/Office and Warehouse Addition
Fort Erie
Vincor International Inc.
Jackson-Triggs Estate Winery
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Southbrook Estate Winery
New Facility
Niagara-on-the-Lake
COMMERCIAL
A&P Store No.122
Addition and Renovations
Grantham Plaza, St. Catharines
Butler Funeral Home
St. Catharines
CAA Travel Centre Renovations
St. Catharines
Canadian Automobile Association
New Headquarters
Schmon Parkway, Thorold
Canadian Tire Store
New Frontage, Store and Office
Additions
Grantham Plaza, St. Catharines
Cascade Inn
Pool and Enclosure
Niagara Falls
Duty Free Stores
Peace Bridge, Fort Erie
Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls
Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, NOTL
Canada Post CPC
New Letter Carrier Depot - LEED
Mississauga
Fort Erie Raceway
New Slot Gaming Facility
Fort Erie
Holiday Inn by the Falls
Additions & Alterations
Niagara Falls
Nordic Gaming
Crossroads Development
Fort Erie
Performance Group
BMW Showroom, St. Catharines
New Hyundai Dealership, St. Catharines
Mercedes Addition, St. Catharines
New BMW Dealership, St. Catharines
New Chrysler Dealership, St. Catharines
Performance Lexus-Toyota
New Car Showroom Addition
St. Catharines
RE/MAX
Office Alterations
Burlington, St. Catharines, Fonthill, Waterdown
and Grimsby
Retail Plaza
Garden City Centre
St. Catharines
Margaritaville Canada
Margaritaville Café
Niagara Falls
Tim Hortons
Stores at Various Locations
Hotel Dieu Hospital
Dialysis Facility
St. Catharines
Hotel Dieu Rehabilitation Centre Courtyard
Enclosure
St. Catharines
Latter Day Saints Church
New Church, Stoney Creek
Renovations, St. Catharines
McMaster University
Various projects
Hamilton
Niagara Health System
Greater Niagara General Hospital
St. Catharines General Hospital
Douglas Memorial Hospital
Niagara Health Services Centre
Medical Facilities
Vine Street, St. Catharines
NHS Satellite Dialysis Centre
Niagara Falls
Peel Memorial Hospital
Dialysis Facility
Brampton
Regional Niagara
NCC/NRP Centre for Policing and Community Safety
Studies
Welland / Pelham LTCF
Fabric Storage Shed
Council Chambers
INSTITUTIONAL
Senator Gibson School
Additions and Alterations
Beamsville
Blessed Trinity Secondary School
New Permanent School
Grimsby
St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Rectory
Grimsby
Brock University, St. Catharines
Alan Earp Residence
Brock Plaza 2006 - LEED Silver
Norman Road Building - LEED
Welch Hall Addition
Campden Public School
Gymnatorium and Classroom Addition
Campden
Community Living St. Catharines
Addition
Conestoga College
C-Wing Renovations
Kitchener
Credit Valley Hospital
Renal Dialysis Expansion
Mississauga
Fonthill United Church
Additions and Renovations
Fonthill
Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation
Various Projects and Locations
Grand River Hospital
Various projects
Kitchener
First Grantham United Church
New Evelyn Boyd Wing
St. Catharines
First Hamilton Christian Reformed Church Historic
Restorations
Hamilton
St. Andrews Seniors Apartments
30-Unit Addition
Niagara Falls
St. Alfred Church
New Pastoral Centre
St. Catharines
Town of Fort Erie
New Town Hall
Fort Erie
Trillium Health Partners
Trillium Hospital ICN relocation
Mississauga
Walker Family YMCA , St. Catharines
Niagara Centre YMCA, Welland
Niagara West YMCA, Grimsby
William Osler Health Centre
Renovations
Etobicoke and Brampton Campuses
Welland Historic 3rd Floor Courtroom Renovations
Welland
CLIENTS
REFERENCES
OWNERS
ARCHITECTS / CONSULTANTS
BANKING
Peninsula Duty Free
PO Box 2066
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6Z2
Chris Foster 905-262-5363
Quartek Group Inc.
360 York Rd. RR#4
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
lan Elmes 905-984-8676
Royal Bank of Canada RBC
80 King Street
St. Catharines, ON
Chris Rupp 905-641-4755
Hamilton Health Sciences Corp.
1200 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON
Diego Gomez 905-521-2100
Chapman Murray Associate
Architects
6385 Colborne St.
Niagara Falls, ON L2J 4B9
Wayne Murray or Larry Griffiths
905-354-1674
INSURANCE
Diamond and Schmitt Architects
384 Adelaide St. West, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M6V 1R7
Martin Davidson 416-862-8800
BONDING
Brock University
500 Glenridge Ave.
St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1
Larry Molnar 905-688-5550
Peace Bridge Duty Free
Peace Bridge Plaza
Fort Erie ON L2A 5N1
Chuck Loewen 905-871-5400
Performance Group of
Automotive Companies
357 Ontario Street
St. Catharines ON L2R 5L3
Dave Harvey 905-327-2735
Moffet & Duncan Architect Inc.
5052 Dundas Street West
Islington ON M9A 1B9
416-239-2775
Moriyama & Teshima Architects
32 Davenport Road
Toronto ON M5R 1H3
Norman Jennings 416-925-4484
HOK Canada
720 King Street W.
Toronto, ON M5V 2J3
Phillip Jones 416-203-9993
Southbrook Niagara Winery
581 Niagara Stone Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Bill Redelmeier 905-641-2548
Kuwabara Payne McKenna
Blumberg Architects
322 King Street W.
Toronto ON M5V 1J2
Marianne McKenna
416-977-5104
Remax Garden City Realty
St. Catharines
Wayne Quirk 905University of Guelph
50 Stone rd East
Guelph, ON
Shane Danis 519-824-4120
McMaster University
1280 Main Street west
Hamilton, ON
Roland Mech 905-525-9140
The Dominion of Canada
General Insurance Company
Toronto ON
c/o Sheehan & Rosie Ltd.
ASSOCIATIONS
Canadian Construction
Association
Open Shop Contractors
Association
Niagara Construction Association
Walker Family YMCA
Niagara Centre YMCA
Niagara West YMCA
25 YMCA Drive
St. Catharines ON L2N 7P9
Joe McLaughlin 905-934-9622
Holiday Inn (Niagara Falls) Ltd
5339 Murray Street
Niagara Falls, ON
Michael Yerich 905-356-1333
Sheehan & Rosie Ltd.
195 King Street.
St. Catharines ON
Frank Sheehan / Barb Sinclair
905-688-3713
2M Architects
115 Lake Street
St. Catharines, ON L2R 5X7
Lou Marcantonio 905-687-9777
Superkul Inc.
2200 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON M6R 1V3
Andre D’Elia 416-596-0700
Invizij Architects Inc
185 Young Street
Hamilton, ON
Ross Hanham 905-525-9000
Ontario General Contractors
Association
Grand Valley Construction
Association
London & District Construction
Association