The Communities
We work in
For over 55 years, Whissell has helped build the backbone of Alberta
From major municipal infrastructure in Calgary to industrial development in the Edmonton region and community growth across southern Alberta, our work supports the places where families live, businesses operate, and industries grow. We’re not a fly-in contractor. We’re Alberta-based, family-owned, and field-driven. With dedicated local teams in Calgary, Lethbridge, and Leduc, we understand the regulatory environments, the soil conditions, the stakeholders, and the expectations unique to each region. That local knowledge allows us to move faster, collaborate better, and deliver smarter solutions. Every project we complete strengthens the communities we call home.
Procurement
Smart Partnerships. Strong Supply Chains.
At Whissell, procurement is about more than sourcing materials; it’s about building long-term, performance-driven partnerships. Our operations teams forecast resources well in advance, ensuring efficient material flow, competitive pricing, and schedule certainty. We work closely with suppliers and subcontractors who share our commitment to:
- Safety excellence
- Quality assurance
- Ethical business practices
- Environmental responsibility
- Reliable performance
We actively seek partners who bring innovation, efficiency, and accountability to the table. If you’re a supplier or subcontractor aligned with our standards and values, we welcome the opportunity to work together.
Indigenous Collaboration
Building Respectful, Long-Term Partnerships
Whissell is committed to meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities and businesses across Alberta. Our approach is built on respect, transparency, and shared opportunity. We actively pursue joint ventures, subcontracting relationships, workforce development initiatives, and procurement partnerships that create lasting economic benefit. This includes:
- Indigenous business participation and joint ventures
- Targeted hiring and onboarding support
- Mentorship and skills training
- Capacity-building initiatives
- Alignment with client Indigenous participation goals
As a proud member of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), we are committed to advancing economic reconciliation through action, not just intention. We believe infrastructure projects should leave more than physical improvements. They should create opportunities, strengthen relationships, and contribute to long-term community prosperity.
Governance
Built on Values. Guided by Accountability.
Since 1970, Whissell has operated with strong governance rooted in family ownership and principled leadership. We maintain rigorous standards across:
- Financial management and transparency
- Risk oversight and compliance
- Health, Safety & Environment systems
- Quality Management processes
- Ethical procurement and subcontractor prequalification
Our leadership team operates with long-term sustainability in mind, investing in people, equipment, technology, and systems that ensure we continue delivering value for decades to come.
Safety First,
Safety at work
An industry leader in safety
As one of the first Contractors to develop a safety program (1989), Whissell is considered an industry leader in safety. We operate a comprehensive and well-documented safety program that is continuously improved with a focus on being proactive. External audits are performed by peers from within our industry through the Partners in Injury Reduction (PIR) program. We have maintained a PIR Certificate of Recognition since the program’s inception in 1991. Project-specific safety is addressed with pre-startup hazard assessments and ongoing “toolbox” meetings to assess changes in site safety. From an equipment standpoint, we utilize a preventative maintenance program to reduce equipment failures and their potential for accidents.
Preventative measures and Training
Whissell supports safe and responsible operations through comprehensive HSE and Quality programs focused on preventative measures, hazard awareness, regulatory compliance, ongoing training, and continuous improvement across all work environments.
Worksite Orientation
All workers and subcontractors are required to complete Whissell’s standardized orientation prior to commencing any activities. The orientation outlines site-specific hazards, emergency response protocols, client- specific requirements, and Prime Contractor expectations, and is documented through our online database.
Coordination and Monitoring
To ensure continuous safety oversight, Whissell conducts regular formal inspections using a digital inspection platform. Regular coordination meetings and routine supervisor check-ins are conducted to facilitate communication across multiple trades and ensure work sequencing does not create additional hazards.
associations
At Whissell, employees and contractors share a common commitment to environmental responsibility, safe work practices, and regulatory compliance.
Committed to
Environmental Stewardship
Protecting Canada’s natural environment
Whissell is committed to minimizing the impact of its activities on the environment while managing our operations economically and efficiently. We take responsibility in upholding this commitment by complying with applicable environmental law, industry standards, and our own ongoing commitment to the continual improvement of our Environmental Management System. Additionally, Whissell makes environmental considerations an integral part of our planning process, identifying and mitigating the adverse impacts of our operations.
Waste Reduction Strategies
Whissell Contracting is committed to reducing potable water, energy, and waste across all worksites and projects. This dedication improves the bottom line and keeps projects on
time. Whissell implements reduction management plans, reporting monthly to our clients.
Sustainability Commitments
Whissell recognizes the importance of identifying and mitigating environmental risks associated with construction activities. Our approach includes a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential hazards and the development of effective mitigation strategies.
Social Economical Procurement
Whissell is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace through leadership development, awareness initiatives, and equitable opportunities. We enrich the communities we serve through partnerships, sponsorships, volunteer initiatives, and responsible business practices that contribute to long-term social and environmental sustainability.
