Everall Construction was formed in 1954 by Ron Everall with headquarters in Edmonton. Ron’s interest in the paving business started in 1951 when he accepted a position as Town Engineer in Flin Flon, Manitoba. He left Manitoba in early 1954 to set up a paving operation in Edmonton, aiming principally for the municipal market throughout Alberta, plus a permanent commercial paving presence in Edmonton.

During the late 50’s through the 60’s the company carried out street contracts in several Saskatchewan centers. Jobs were scarce in those years and a contractor had to be readily prepared to go wherever the work was being offered. The key to these early operations was to be very mobile and geared to small jobs spread out over large areas. This strategy is still part of what makes us who we are today.

In 1958, an industrial site was purchased in the Strathcona County refinery area, and an office and shop erected on 3 acres. The city plant was operated on this site for the first few years. This building was expanded on three separate occasions during the next ten years as operation and staff expanded.

During this period of gradual growth, the field work was supervised by Ray Evans from the Town of Stettler. Gordon Barrowman from Warren Paving in Ontario. Dick Furneaux from Manitoba Highways, George Skrypnick, Phil Klein, George Clark, John O’Neil, Keith Ellett, Ervin Underschultz and Dave Madoche. Murray Hunter, P. Eng. joined the company in 1962 from the Department of National Defense as the operations manager and played a major role in management until 1970.

From 1968 to 1970, the company had several large gravel surfacing contracts on the Alaska Highway and did major street surfacing work in Fort St. John, and Fort Nelson. Project managers were Rod Richel, Ted Welsh and Ervin Underschultz.

Robin Alton, P.Eng. joined the company in 1970 as General manager, coming from Gallelli & Sons. He played an ever increasing role in management during the decade of the 70’s when the rate of expansion of the company was at its highest. One of the earliest drum plants to operate on highway contracts in Alberta was purchased by Everall in 1974 and marked the start of the change over in plants from the continuous and batch types used in the industry since before World War II.

These larger capacity plants necessitated ever larger pavers and rollers. The investment in equipment tripled between 1965 and 1972, then doubled from 1973 to 1979. At the peak of operations in 1983 the company had up to 16 major contracts underway at one time and total payroll of over 500.

In 1977, additional adjoining land was purchased to expand the company’s Edmonton yard and a new 18,000 sq. ft. building was constructed for the office and shop.

During the mid 70’s, the founder’s two sons, Earl and Roy, joined the company. Internal arrangements were started, which, by 1983 transferred ownership control and management of the Company from Ron to Earl, Roy and Robin Alton.

From 1981 to 2000 the Company expanded the regional operations in Slave Lake, Cold Lake, and Fort McMurray. These regional divisions have been the backbone of E Construction business and remain extremely important to the continued success of the Company.

The tornado that struck the Edmonton area on July 31, 1987, swept over the Everall yard. The building its contents and the equipment in the yard suffered almost total destruction. Total loss was $2.75 million. In making plans to rebuild, it was desirable again to acquire more land and another 6 acres were bought from an adjacent owner. A new building was constructed with 25% more shop space housing improved equipment, to provide adequate facilities for many years to come.

1984 to Present
The last 25 years has been a time of great expansion for Everall Construction. Operations in Fort McMurray grew, divisions in Slave Lake have been very successful and Cold Lake has been a stable market for a long time.

Our shop staff has been the backbone of our company by keeping equipment “down time” to a minimum.

In 2000 Colas saw the great potential at Everall Construction and made an offer to Earl and Roy. What Colas saw was a group of men and women who were extremely dedicated to our business and who made Everall Construction a leader in our industry.

The dedication that made Everall Construction what we are, is still alive and well today. With the continued support of the best employees in the road building business our future looks bright.