down the road. “Before venturing into new markets, our senior members would focus on their understanding of the market and ensure that Aquicon Construction could continue to pro- vide the same high quality we are renowned for.” In executing on any construction delivery method – stipu- lated sum, design-build, construction management - strong re- lationships with trade people and suppliers aids in the support of the project, he says, in maintaining timelines, and ensuring top quality is maintained. “As an organization, our senior staff have always been focused on ensuring these relationships are maintained at their highest level through consistent payments, fair treatment, honesty and integrity.” While schools made up a large part of the company’s work during the early years, over time Aquicon has worked in virtu- ally every segment of government funded (public) projects – educational, recreational, transportation, post-secondary, op- eration centres and more. He says this slow but steady pro- gression has allowed the company to adapt and diversify through several market changes over the decades. Aquino says earning clients’ trust and understanding the different markets has allowed the company to expand its boundaries from the Greater Toronto market to the entire province. “Aquicon Construction recently completed the Atlas Tube Centre in Lakeshore, Ontario,” he said. “This multiple award winning facility is the largest of its kind in Essex County near the Windsor Corridor.” “Our clients have a very high level of trust in dealing with Aquicon Construction. They know that no matter the situation or issue that may arise, our principals will have their best in- terests in mind.” The company has also bolstered its portfolio undertaking projects for new clients such as McMaster University, the Uni- versity of Guelph and the City of London. Thriving in a growing and evolving market, companies must follow suit. Aquino says Aquicon Construction continues to in- vest and to refine its staff and methodology to engage into new and exciting projects, while ensuring that the fundamen- tals will not change. “For example, seeing the rise of LEED construction after the turn of the century, we developed our in-house staff of project managers and co-ordinators to educate them in LEED practices and to equip us with the knowledge to undertake LEED certified projects.” Since its inception, Aquicon Construction has built more than 300 structures in Ontario. One notable example, says Aquino, is the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, a $32 million state-of-the-art facility for sport, recreation, health, wellness, entertainment and commerce all under one roof. “This is the first of its kind in the Niagara region. Developed in partnership with the City of Port Colborne and the YMCA, the facility boasts two NHL-sized ice pads, an aquatic centre, triple gym- nasia with an all-season jogging track and six outdoor bocce courts amongst other amenities.” Aquino says the facility was developed with a strong em- phasis on energy efficiency, subsequently achieving LEED Gold certification from the Canada Green Building Council in 2013. Aquicon also partnered with Niagara College as construc- tion managers for the school’s new Applied Health Institute. The 90,000 sq. ft. institute features state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, and provides a new home for all of the col- lege’s applied health programs under one roof. “The project was a huge success for Niagara College and was completed on time and under budget, meeting stringent federal funding requirements and timelines. From the start of the project, Aquicon took a very hands-on approach, providing construction guidance to the design team before the construc- tion drawings were completed.” 131 Delta Park Blvd., Brampton, ON Tel: 905-458-1313 Fax: 905-458-6020 aquicon.com The Canadian Design and Construction Report — January 2016 – 39