Spar Construction was already unique in the building industry be-fore the events that radically affect-

ed the company two years ago. The resto-ration contractors were used to dealing with victims of fire, flood, theft and van-dalism on a daily basis. Then, they came face to face with the shock, uncertainty and change that their clients face when they suffered a disaster of their own.

“Our building burnt down in 2013, which forced us to relocate and set up our business in a short period of time so we could still service our customers and clients,” says Mark Comeau, com-pany president. “We had to rebuild. The irony that we are a flood and fire restoration company has been brought to my attention many times.” The fire gave the entire company a better insight into what their clients go through. “We have experienced it from a perspective that many of our clients face.”

Spar Construction was founded in 1985. Comeau joined in 1988. He had recently graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute

of Technology and was working as a drafts-person for a homebuilder. A friend, Ken Lakhram, who was working at Spar, knew Comeau was looking for more opportu-nity and invited him to check out an open project manager position. It was a perfect fit. Comeau soon became an owner, join-ing Ken Lakhram and Colin Campbell as partners in 1998. Dave Wilson was later added as partner in 2011.

The team loved reacting promptly to the challenges of fire, flood and other devastations, showing their clients that rebuilding and restoring meant fresh, new starts – but they were unprepared to see their own facility go up in flames.

“I remember getting a call from Lakhram saying ‘The building is on fire! You should get out here!’ I

thought he was kidding around. I sat in one of the control trucks for three or four hours thinking ‘what are we going to do now?’” he reminisces. I went home for a few hours and came back. There was a backhoe on site. They knocked the building down to nothing.”

When the disaster restoration company faced a crisis of their own, they wasted no time in dealing with the situation and moving forward.

SPAR CONSTRUCTION RISES AGAIN

Mark Comeau

By Nerissa McNaughton

Spar Construction | 30th anniversary | page 160

In the midst of the smoke and flames, there was a moment of lightheartedness and hope. Comeau says he was very impressed by the firemen running into the building to grab what they could save, including their computer towers. “All of a sudden a fireman comes out the front door carrying our framed Wayne Gretzky jersey,” he laughs. It was an interesting choice at the time, but he appreciates having the sentimental item. The jer-sey was restored, reframed and moved to the new office. It was symbolic. The jersey survived and rose from the ashes – and so did Spar Construction.

“We didn’t miss a beat,” smiles Comeau proudly. Despite “not having a pen to write with”, losing their building and nearly everything in it, within two weeks the company had moved to temporary headquarters and had reopened, stronger and better than ever.

Comeau explains, “When I came on board in 1988, I had no idea or indication that there was a company like this responding to people’s misfortunes. When Lakhram suggested there was an opening, I had no idea what to expect. The decision was simply to be a project manager in a general capacity. However, with our recent experience, I can certainly relate a lot closer to the experiences our customers go through and it’s given me more perspective on the process. We rebuild their buildings, their homes, their livelihoods and, by proximity, their lives. It’s done properly. It’s built to last. It’s a new start and a new opportunity to move forward.”

Just as their clients are able to move forward, thanks to Spar Construction, the energetic company is enjoying their own new start in a brand new facility.

“One thing I believe that sets us apart is the depth of experience amongst our key project managers, says Comeau. My business

SPAR CONSTRUCTION RISES AGAIN

12812 52 St, Edmonton, AB780-473-3959 • www.allsidecontractingltd.ca

Congratulations Spar Construction!

30 Successful Years in Business!

Spar Construction | 30th anniversary | page 2

The jersey was restored, reframed and moved to the new office. It was symbolic. The jersey

survived and rose from the ashes – and so did Spar Construction.

Congratulationsto everyone at Spar Construction

on 30 years of excellence!

Groat Road Auto Service11311-143 street • 780.454.1144 • groatroad@gmail.com

partners and I are very much engaged in the company performing well. Being in the industry for a long period of time, along with our education and training, instills confidence in our present and future clients. In this industry you need to provide restoration, 24/7 response, storage, and so much more – all while demonstrating compassion and inspiring courage. It’s a full service operation. The contracting and rebuilding, that is just one aspect of what we do.”

He goes on to reference their 10,000 square feet of storage, ware-housing, capital investments and infrastructure setup, all things he knows are necessary to properly service his clients.

Spar employees, of which there are 50 between the field and office, are conscientious, detail-driven, and sympathetic. They all know how to get the job done while understanding the loss, fear, frustration and uncertainty their clients are dealing with.

Comeau is proud of his team. “A number of my staff have been with us for several years. I think that is a testament to their loyalty to Spar Construction. They feel like they are do-ing something they are proud of. They are engaged. Many have been here for more than 20 years.”

When Spar Construction opened in 1985, there was only a handful of other companies performing restoration repairs in Edmonton. Today that number has increased significantly and competition in the industry is fierce. However, Spar’s reputation, knowledge and skills continue to make them business leaders.

“That’s something I’m certainly quite proud of, how we main-tain a presence in the city with a lot of national businesses com-ing on stream,” smiles Comeau. “We are one of the few last local companies in this industry that has been around this long. Our goal is to maintain our presence in the Edmonton market and we also plan to expand and grow.”

Congratulations to Spar Construction, we are proud to play a part in your success!

12800 153 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5V 1A9 • (780) 452-0354

bbdemo.com

C a n a d a ’ s B i g g e r & G r e e n e r D e m o l i t i o n C o m p a n y

Residential Demolition • Commercial Deconstruction • Disaster Recovery

B&B is the most diverse demolition contractor in Alberta. No project is too big or small for their experienced, and award winning team. From a residential home knockdown, to a commercial tenant improvement, to a multi-million

dollar school or airport demolition, the B&B team is ready to provide you with outstanding and safe service.

C a l l t o d a y f o r y o u r f r e e e s t i m a t e !P h : 7 8 0 . 4 8 8 . 4 9 0 0 • a r d e n t r o o f s y s t e m s . c o m

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N SS p a r C o n s t r u c t i o n o n 3 0 g r e a t y e a r s

We a r e p r o u d t o b e a p a r t o f y o u r s u c c e s s .

Congratulations on your 30 Year Anniversary!

Wishing you continued success in the coming years.

Hartwell’s Glass & Mirror Co. Ltd.91 Kaska Road Sherwood Park, Alberta ph: 780-464-1552 • fax: 780-449-4200

Spar Construction | 30th anniversary | page 3

Congratulations to Spar Construction, we are proud to play a part in your success!

12800 153 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5V 1A9 • (780) 452-0354

bbdemo.com

C a n a d a ’ s B i g g e r & G r e e n e r D e m o l i t i o n C o m p a n y

Residential Demolition • Commercial Deconstruction • Disaster Recovery

B&B is the most diverse demolition contractor in Alberta. No project is too big or small for their experienced, and award winning team. From a residential home knockdown, to a commercial tenant improvement, to a multi-million

dollar school or airport demolition, the B&B team is ready to provide you with outstanding and safe service.

10476 - Mayfield Road 780.489.9606

www.hawkings.com

Congratulations on 30 years!

We wish you another 30 years of continued Success!

Ron Aquin CPA, CA, CMA, CFP

Congratulations Spar Construction on 30 years!

780.476.7070 • montorio.ca

The company has changed since Comeau came on board, and so has he. “I recall doing my first large loss house fire many, many years ago. That’s where I really grasped the scope of what exactly can happen to a family when they have gone through a major fire situation and a loss of their contents and their home, and the responsibility that we are entrusted with in order to bring all that back to where they can be comfortable again.

“If I could tell our clients just one thing, it would be this: “We’ve seen your situation from your perspective. That has giv-en us additional depth into what people are dealing with when it comes to a disaster. It’s another level of experience that I’m not sure many other companies can offer.”

Whether Spar is renovating a family dwelling after the basement floods or restoring the Comfort Suites in down-town Edmonton after its 2006 fire, Spar Construction is the company with the legacy, the knowledge and the very

personal experience to take care of all your disaster res-toration needs.

Spar Construction extends heartfelt thanks to each and every one of their clients, employees, supporters and vendors, most of whom they have worked with for many years. The company welcomes new clients and opportunities and is ready to help Edmontonians do what they so recently achieved: rise like a phoenix from the ashes.

14415 - 114 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta Canada T5M 2Y8Phone: 780.453.3555 • Fax: 780.451.4679

www.sparconstruction.com

Spar Construction | 30th anniversary | page 5

Spar Construction extends heartfelt thanks to each and every one of their clients, employees, supporters and vendors, most of whom they

have worked with for many years.

17723 – 103 Avenue780-484-1326 • www.cjcedm.ca

Congratulations Spar Constructionon your 30th Anniversary!

www.fraserexteriors.com

Congratulations Spar Construction!We are proud to be a part of your success.

Suite 33 - 53016 Hwy 60, Acheson, AB • 780-962-1320