About
Whissell

Built on Grit. Driven by People. Focused on What Lasts.

Since 1970, Whissell Contracting has been building the infrastructure that supports Alberta’s growth. Established by Brian Whissell, the company began with a commitment to hard work, accountability, and doing the job right the first time. More than five decades later, that foundation hasn’t changed; it’s simply grown.

Today, Whissell operates with over 325 pieces of major equipment and dedicated teams in Calgary, Lethbridge, and Leduc. We deliver large-scale underground utilities, earthworks, industrial, and heavy haul services across Western Canada.

Our mission is clear: to safely build the best projects, every time. Our purpose is even clearer: strengthening communities by making a positive contribution to the neighbourhoods where we live and work.

WHISSELL S.P.I.R.I.T of Values

Safety

Safety is a core responsibility shared by all employees, ensuring the health and wellbeing of our people, customers, and partners. We take a proactive approach to identifying and preventing risk, and we are continuously improving through training and awareness. “Safety First, Safety At Work”

People

We recognize that our strength comes from our people. We respect diversity, value capability, and invest in development to ensure our teams continue to grow, adapt, and contribute to long-term success.

Integrity

Quality workmanship and doing the right thing are fundamental to how we operate. We act with honesty, take accountability for our actions, and do not take the easy way out or pass blame. If we say it, we do it.

Respect

We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds, recognizing they strengthen collaboration and lead to better outcomes. We treat all individuals with professionalism, dignity, and fairness.

Innovation

We embrace change and continuously seek better ways to deliver results. Through creative thinking and practical problem-solving, we improve performance and outcomes across our operations.

Teamwork

We collaborate to achieve shared goals, respect differing viewpoints, and hold ourselves accountable to one another. Strong relationships and trust are the foundation of how we work. TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More

A timeline of growth

Through every decade, our values have remained constant. Do the hard work. Do it safely. Deliver value.

1970 -

Whissell Contracting is established in Calgary, Alberta by Brian Whissell.

1980s -

Expansion into large-scale municipal underground infrastructure.

1989 -

One of the first Alberta contractors to formalize a comprehensive safety program.

1991 -

Achieves PIR COR Certification and maintains it continuously.

2000s -

Expands into industrial and environmental services, landfill construction, and complex infrastructure relocations.

2010s -

Plays a key role in major municipal infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy developments, and complex urban utility diversions.

2020s -

Grows to 425+ employees, 325+ fleet assets, and annual capacity exceeding $100M, while remaining proudly family-owned and Alberta-based.

Strengthening communities by making a positive contribution to the neighbourhoods where we live and work.

Our Success Is Because of Our People

Heavy equipment moves earth. People move projects forward.

We believe in building careers, not just filling roles. Many of our team members have been with us for decades. That continuity translates into knowledge, efficiency, and confidence in the field.

We invest heavily in:

Whissell Integrated Training (WIT)
Mentorship through our Green / Orange / Gold Hand program
Apprenticeship development
Leadership growth
Workforce inclusion initiatives

From operators and labourers to project managers and safety leaders, our people bring the experience, precision, and accountability that define a Whissell project.