Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
The history of Black excellence in Canada’s construction industry is rooted in resilience, progress, and a relentless fight against systemic racism and inequality.
For much of the 20th century, Black workers faced exclusion from many workplaces, often relegated to low-paying, dangerous jobs with little opportunity for advancement. This exclusion prevented many from accessing the job security and better wages that union membership typically afforded, leaving Black Canadians in informal networks with no labor benefits.
Fast forward to today, and Black Canadians are seeing a stronger presence in the unionized construction sector, especially in major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
In honour of Black History Month, the Toronto Community Benefits Network is recognizing the people who have shown perseverance, leadership, and vision in the construction industry.
Canadian Design and Construction Report is pleased to share some of their stories today and tomorrow:
Shelly Harding-Smith was Canada’s first Black female Master electrician, breaking barriers in the electricall industry and leading her family business, Harding-Smith Electric, in Windsor, Ontario. Her dedication and expertise earned her respect in a male-dominated field. Beyond her work, Shelly was a passionate mentor and advocate for women and marginalized communities in skilled trades, championing diversity and inclusion. Her legacy of empowerment and resilience continues to inspire future generations.
Oliver Bowen was a pioneering Canadian civil engineer best known for leading the development of Calgary’s CTrain system, Born in Alberta in 1942, he played a crucial role in designing and overseeing the construction of the city’s light rail transit, which remains a vital part of its transportation network. His technical expertise and leadership helped shape Calgary’s public transit landscape, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations. In recognition of his contributions, the City of Calgary named its largest maintenance facility, the Oliver Bowen LRT Maintenance Facility, in his honor in 2009.
Stephen Callender is President of Bass Installation, a unionized construction company which specializes in the installation of glass and curtain wall panels on skyscrapers. He is also the President and co-founder of the Afro Canadian Contractors Association (ACCA) – a not-for-profit organization that works to increase the presence of BIPOC contractors and construction companies across Canada. In addition, he is Board Member on TCBN and has been in the industry for 40+ years.
Judy Brooks is a Black construction sector professional working at Metrolinx as Manager of its Community Benefits Program. Judy has a range of professional, career and volunteer skills where she is able to apply her knowledge and interest in the areas of community and policy development. The depth of Judy’s experience includes working with not-for-profit organizations in areas such as program development, organization development and effectiveness, including community planning, engagement and outreach.
Richard Whyte became Vice President and Area Manager for EllisDon. He joined Ellis Don in 2014 and in 2018 Richard was promoted to Chief Estimator. As an avid community member, Richard sits on the Public Advisory Committee for the George Civil Engineering Technology Program, The Urban Land Institute Advisory Board and he is a Mentor in Toronto Community Benefits program, NexGen Builders.
He is a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusivity in construction and supports impactful initiatives such as the Afro Canadian Construction Association (ACCA), EllisDon’s Alliance of Black Employee Experience and Leadership (ABEEL) and other EllisDon and industry-led efforts.
Ucal J Powell is a Black retired Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Carpenters District Council of Ontario. A member since 1970 and representative of the Carpenters Union for 23 years, he augmented the image of the Carpenters’ union in the Black community as a caring philanthropic organization. He was appointed to the Order of Ontario in 2011. We are grateful for his contributions to the labour movement and the construction industry.
Shane Laptiste is a founder and Principal at SOCA | Studio of Contemporary Architecture and cofounder of Black Architects and Interior Designers Association (BAIDA), both based in Toronto. SOCA is an architecture and urban design studio dedicated to sustainable and inclusive city building and the creation of beautiful spaces. He is a LEED Accredited Professional with a Building Design and Construction (BD+C) designation from the Canada Green Building Council. He has contributed to several LEED certified projects across Canada from office buildings to major sports venues.
Sean Blake is a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Allied Workers local 27 for the past 23 years. He has also served as a Business Representative for the local. He is chair of the Shop Steward Committee, member of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, and delegate to Toronto and York Region Labour Council. He is also a mentor to youth through, Toronto Community Benefit Network mentorship program and a member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.
