Built on

Relationships.

We are an Indigenous-owned, BC-based company with over 11 years of experience, built on tradition, grounded in community, and driven by passion.

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Trusted Across British Columbia for Over 11 Years

50+

25+

10+

0

Projects Completed

Communities Across North Island & Vancouver Island

Certifications Industry Accreditations & Memberships

Safety Incidents

(TRIF & LTIF – 2026 YTD)

Welcome to K’awat’si Construction Company

K’awat’si Construction Company (KCC) is a Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw nations-owned construction firm operating under K’awat’si Economic Development Corporation (KEDC). Founded in 2014, KCC was created to build more than structures, we build capacity, prosperity, and lasting community infrastructure.

With over 70 years of combined construction experience, our Red Seal–certified teams deliver complex projects with discipline, care, and accountability. From healthcare and housing to cultural and civil infrastructure, we approach every project as a long-term partnership built on trust and results.

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How We Support Your Project

No two projects are the same, and that’s exactly how we treat them. At KCC, we take time to understand the people, purpose, and place behind every build. No matter the size or complexity of your project, KCC handles the details so you don’t have to. From planning through to handover, we manage schedules, budgets, and trades with care and accountability, so your vision becomes a reality.

GENERAL CONTRACTING

We lead construction with experienced site teams who care about quality, safety, and the details that matter. Our crews take pride in building spaces that will be used and loved for decades.

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CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

We manage schedules, budgets, trades, and risks with transparency and structure. Clients trust us because they always know where their project stands, and what’s coming next.

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DESIGN-BUILD

By bringing design and construction together, we create a shared sense of responsibility and faster, more thoughtful outcomes. One team. One vision. One accountable partner.

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CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

Strong communities need strong foundations. From site preparation to infrastructure, our civil teams build work that supports growth, safety, and long-term performance.

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PREFABRICATION & MODULAR

We are investing in smarter ways to build for our climate. Prefabrication allows us to control quality, reduce delays, and deliver consistent results, especially in coastal and remote environments.

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REMOTE & COASTAL CONSTRUCTION

Working in challenging conditions requires experience, planning, and respect for place. Our teams are trusted across the North Island because we understand logistics, weather, and community realities.

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Projects Built on Relationships

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COMPLETED 2021

749 School Road Supportive Housing Project

COMPLETED 2025

Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Big
House

COMPLETED 2017

Kwa’lilas Hotel

COMPLETED 2025

Ha’me Restaurant & Kitchen Renovation

 

COMPLETED 2026

Island Health Housing

A Thoughtful, End-to-End Approach

We know that construction can feel overwhelming. That’s why our process is designed to bring calm, clarity, and confidence at every stage. From the first conversation to long after the doors open, we stay involved, accountable, and present. Our clients don’t have to chase updates, we bring them forward.

LISTENING & PLANNING

We begin by listening, to your goals, concerns, timelines, and community needs. This early work allows us to anticipate challenges, reduce risk, and build a realistic plan that everyone understands.

DESIGN COORDINATION

We work closely with designers, engineers, and consultants to ensure ideas can be built efficiently and safely. Our technical input early on prevents costly changes later.

PROCUREMENT & MOBILIZATION

We engage trusted trade partners and suppliers who share our values. Long-term relationships
allow us to secure quality materials and dependable crews, even in tight markets.

BUILDING & EXECUTION

Our site teams lead organized, respectful job sites where safety and quality come first. We build with care, knowing our work will serve people every day.

TRANSPARENCY & REPORTING

Using Procore, clients have real-time access to schedules, progress, and documentation. Clear communication builds trust and keeps everyone aligned.

HANDOVER & ONGOING SUPPORT

We complete projects with care, providing clean handovers, clear documentation, and support
beyond completion. Many of our projects continue into future phases because relationships last.

Tradition Woven into Every Build

Explore the Big House

The Smoke Hole - A Link Between Realms

House Posts and Sisiutl Beam

Big House Post - Thunderbird and Dzunakwa

Kelp Head Rafters - Ancestral Presence

Outdoor Fire Pit - Gathering and Reflection Space

What Guides Our Work

Our work is guided by the House Posts of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations, principles that shape how we lead, how we partner, and how we build. These teachings ground our decisions across every project and every business within K’awat’si Economic Development Corporation.

  • Maya’xala – Respect One Another
  • Hutilala – Listen to One Another
  • Galgapolalła – Lift Each Other Up, Link Arms
  • Ga’walapa – Helping Each Other

These principles guide everything we do, on site, in the office, and in the community.

Relationships Before Transactions

Respect for Land, Culture, and Community

Safety and Quality Without Compromise

Sustainability as a Responsibility

Accountability to Our Partners

Working Together to Serve Communities

Trusted by 100+ partners across British Columbia, KCC builds long-term relationships grounded in respect, reliability, and results. We workclosely with Nations, health authorities, housing providers, and public agencies to deliver projects that serve communities for generations.

Trusted by Those We Work With

Over the past ten years, Herold Engineering Limited has been working on various building projects with KCC for the Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw Nations in Port Hardy including two hotel projects, office building, Tsulquate Big House, and Early Child Care Facility as well as the replacement of the Tsulquate River Bridge access to their community. Working with KCC has been a pleasure and we are very honored and proud to be associated with the projects they produce. I have found that their commitment to detail and doing things right are testimony to the work they produce and their respectful working relationship with their clients, subtrades and design consultants results in successful projects that all take pride in. I would highly recommend KCC on any future building projects."
Mike Herold
Mike HeroldHEROLD ENGINEERING LIMITED
I’ve known and worked successfully with K’awat’si Construction Company on three major projects over 11 years in Port Hardy, so am happy to provide this reference letter for them. One of the projects, the Tsulquate Big House, has just reached completion. Prior to that we worked together on the Kwa’lilas Hotel and on the Pierside Hotel. All three of the projects were for the Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw Nations. For each one of the projects, at each step along the way K’awat’si Construction Company personnel have been directly involved, both in a ‘hands-on’ way, and in contributing their construction expertise and management skills. With mutual respect for the client, consultants, and subtrades we were able to work through various design and construction ideas together quickly and effectively. We value our relationship with KCC and are very proud of the projects we’ve worked on with them. I highly recommend that K’awat’si Construction Company be part of a project team as I think they would be a huge asset to that project and would increase the likelihood of the project’s success. If you require any additional information about KCC, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Tohmm Cobban
Tohmm Cobban Tohmm Cobban ARCHITECT

Let’s Talk About Your Project

Whether you’re at the very beginning or already planning next steps, we’re here to listen. Reach out to start a conversation, we’ll help you move forward with clarity, care, and confidence.

1 7025 Market St, Port Hardy, BC, V0N 2P0

+1 (250) 230-6980

info@kawatsiconstruction.ca

8:00AM – 8:00PM (Monday – Friday)

Abiola Ayanwale

Project Coordinator

I was drawn to construction not simply to build, but to lead vision into reality. My architectural foundation gave me a deep sense of design, proportion, and spatial thinking, shaping how I approach every project today; not as isolated tasks, but as coordinated systems that must flow seamlessly from concept to completion.

Over the past five years, I have supported commercial, residential, civil and institutional projects across Canada. Focused on scheduling, cost control, QA/QC systems, and site operations. I have worked closely with project managers, consultants, and trade partners to manage competing priorities, maintain schedule integrity, and deliver disciplined execution under demanding conditions.

What sets me apart is the seamless integration of architecture and construction management. I evaluate drawings not only for compliance, but for constructability, sequence efficiency, and field practicality. This dual lens allows me to identify risks early, preserve design intent while maintaining budget and timeline discipline, and translate complex drawings into practical site strategies; strengthening collaboration, reducing uncertainty, and enhance overall project delivery.

Today, I am proud to contribute to K’awat’si Construction Company, where collaboration, accountability, and community impact sit at the heart of everything we do. I am dedicated to growing as a strategic project leader who elevates performance standards, strengthens team alignment, and delivers projects that create lasting value for clients and the communities we serve.

My focus is simple: plan with precision, execute with discipline, and lead with purpose.

Timy Thomas

Designer / Project Coordinator

Timy is a motivated construction and design professional with a strong foundation in civil engineering and architectural technology. I hold a Diploma and B.Tech in Civil Engineering from India and a Diploma in Architectural Technician from Sheridan College, Canada.

With over six years of experience as a Civil CAD Engineer at Excellent Training Center in India, she developed solid expertise in technical drafting and building design. After relocating to Canada, Timy worked as an Architectural Technician at MEM Engineering Construction Company in Mississauga, where she contributed to architectural documentation and project support.

She currently works as a Project Coordinator at K’awat’si Construction Company, where she has supported project planning and execution for over a year. Timy moved to Port Hardy and settled in with my family to continue my journey with K’awat’si Construction Company and contribute meaningfully to the development of this growing community.

Timy specializes in building architectural design and is highly proficient in AutoCAD and Revit. She is passionate about continuous learning and professional growth and is always open to opportunities to contribute to innovative construction and design projects.

Brad Simmons

Estimator

I graduated from Cabot Institute in Newfoundland in 1992 with a diploma in Architectural Building Technology. In 1993 I moved to British Columbia in search for work and ended up settling in Chilliwack.

I started my career in construction in 1993 working as an estimator for Douglas Homes, that exported panelized and precut houses to Japan. From there I went to Canadian Homes International that exported wood framed building packages to Asia and Russia. There I worked as chief estimator, purchaser, and designer. When that market crashed, I took a role at Britco a modular manufacturer as senior estimator. After about six months with an unexpected downturn at the company, I moved to Calgary to work at ATCO structures as Senior Estimator/Estimating Manager.

At ATCO I was responsible for providing turnkey proposals for permanent and temporary work camps to the Alberta Oil patch, eastern Canada, and throughout the world. After about seven years I moved back to Chilliwack to work as Senior estimator at Britco. Britco’s primary focus was providing workforce housing to work camps for Alberta’s oil patch. Britco completed a large work camp for Manitoba Hydro and soon after was sold to Western One which eventually sold it to Triple M Modular out of Lethbridge. Metric worked primarily as a permanent modular builder and installer, with such projects as 5 storey modular dormitory for Trinity Western University, various passive house projects and a branded modular hotel in Kelowna. I continued to work there until Metric was put into receivership in 2020. After which I went to work with Freeport Industries, a modular builder located in West Kelowna, as a Senior Estimator. Freeport Industries does residential modular as well as commercial permanent modular with various BC Housing supportive housing projects and daycares. I departed Freeport Industries in June of 2025.

In 2025 I moved to Port Hardy with my two dogs and a cat to work at Kawatsi Construction Company as Senior Estimator. I’m looking forward to bringing what I’ve learned in my many years in the modular industry to my new position and starting my new life in the beauty of the north Island.

Doug Dewhirst

Construction Safety Manager

Doug possesses decades of construction experience across multiple sectors, including commercial, residential, and infrastructure. During much of that time he served as first aid and having seen the damage an incident can do he was able to transition into a safety role. Since then, Doug dedicated the last 15 years of his career to enhancing health and safety as a way life, not just at the worksite but in facets of life. 

Stephen Dugas

General Superintendent

General Superintendent with 15 years of construction experience working on the north island with first nation communities and surrounding districts. Proven leader on many residential, civil and commercial projects. Strong leadership skills, problem solver and willing to dive into the trenches to help the team get any task completed. Born and raised on the north island, Stephen has a strong connection with the surrounding first nation communities and districts. Has many years of knowledge of how to build on the north island, rural areas and how to navigate through the challenges that come with it.

Darren Ward

Procurement Manager / Purchasing

I began my career in the construction industry in the early 2000s, specializing in straw bale homes across Alberta, British Columbia, and Washington State. Inspired by the classic Three Little Pigs tale and the inevitable jokes that came with it, I founded Big Bad Wolf Straw Bale Homes, a name that proved to be memorable marketing. During that time, I helped build 32 custom homes and contributed to the construction of Canada’s first straw bale winery. After several successful years in construction, I transitioned into a 15-year career in emergency management and fire services. I served in a variety of roles, including Fire Instructor, and worked closely with oil and gas companies to design and implement fire prevention and firefighting systems for refinery operations. This experience strengthened my leadership skills, risk management expertise, and commitment to safety—principles that continue to guide my work today. When I started my family, I returned to my roots in construction, taking on Project and Sales Management roles where I could combine hands-on building knowledge with client relationships and strategic planning. Now settled on Vancouver Island with my three daughters, a cat, and a puppy, I’m proud to have built a fulfilling life both personally and professionally. Today, I am grateful to be part of the incredible team at K’awat’si Construction Company, where I bring decades of construction and safety experience to every project we undertake.

Thomas Bishop

Construction manager & Business Development manager

Tom has a comprehensive background in construction and project management. His extensive experience includes a proven track record in residential & commercial construction, site inspections, and quantity surveying. Tom‘s expertise extends to preliminary design and preparing detailed cost estimates for conceptual, design-build, and general tender projects. He excels in establishing unit costs, labor rates, productivity factors, and carefully considering location impacts. He has a history of producing comprehensive specification bid documents, catastrophe valuations, and narrative reports. His skill set also encompasses conflict resolution services and cost control auditing, including adept management of construction contracts. Tom has built over 400 residential dwellings in the central island region and has overseen construction of several subdivision projects. He also worked as a forensic cost consultant in the insurance industry where he provided detailed replacement costs and actual cash value valuations for complex residential, commercial, and industrial properties. He has completed advanced training in the interpretation of the new STEP code in BC. Tom is certified with the CCPIA as a commercial property inspector with designations in Life Safety, Commercial Kitchens, and Commercial HVAC. Tom is also a professional musician. He is a songwriter and guitar player and plays live both as a solo artist and with bands in the mid island. He has not missed a Blue Jays game during the last three seasons!

Peter Mcgrath

Project Manager – Housing and Renovations

Peter McGrath has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, including 15 years as owner/operator of a residential construction company. Peter has a wide range of experience across all aspects of the construction business and operations. Peter has developed his skills through many roles with KCC since starting in 2021. Having been a Carpenter, Site Lead, Estimator, Superintendent, Project Coordinator, and Safety Coordinator before taking on his current role. Peter has been involved with over 100 of KCC’s projects in the last five years, as well as assisting in the development of a COR-certified safety program.