Gordon Barr left his roots and his home in the picturesque Ottawa Valley as a licensed plumber to pursue a business with his brother Mel in Kingston, Ontario. Known for his versatility, Gordon was mechanically inclined, detailed oriented and by all rights, a smart businessman who saw the need and the opportunity for a heavy civil company. In 1949, driven by his love of construction and his desire to grow, Gordon Barr Limited was created with a piece of equipment.  

Gordon, alongside his wife Ethel, raised their large family of six kids with the boys, Bert, Brian and Brent learning the best methods of construction and showing a keen interest in following in their father’s footsteps to join and eventually carry on the family business. The second generation took over the company after the death of their Father in 1979.

The brothers continued their Father’s work ethics and slowly continued to build their company. Working with a solid staff, great general contractors and learning and understanding the industry has helped mold the business and created one of the largest water and sewer contractors in eastern Ontario.