Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Construction Contractors Since 1973
Established in 1973, our company has grown from a small municipal drainage operation to a multi-generational leader in civil construction. We specialize in sewer, watermain, and road construction projects while maintaining a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and professional execution. Our General Contracting division delivers vertical construction solutions including treatment plants, pumping stations, and recreational facilities, complemented by our environmental expertise in waterway protection and hazardous materials management. With over 70 employees and a modern equipment fleet, we serve Southwestern Ontario municipalities, developers, and engineers, combining 50+ years of experience with cutting-edge technology like GPS and project management software. Our Gold Seal designation and industry leadership reflect our commitment to quality, as demonstrated in landmark projects like the $14M Commissioners Road reconstruction in London and the Brights Grove Lagoon treatment facility.We prioritize employee development through mentorship and training, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation that drives our growth. Our family-owned values ensure every project maintains personal attention to client relationships while delivering infrastructure that enhances community quality of life. This dedication to excellence has earned us repeat partnerships with major engineering firms like Stantec Consulting Ltd. Our three-generation leadership team continues expanding our capabilities while staying true to our founding principle: Building Today for a Stronger Tomorrow.
Services
Heavy Civil Construction
General Contracting
Environmental Solutions
Sewer Systems
Watermain Upgrades
Road Construction
Treatment Plants
Pump Stations
Lagoon Aeration
Infrastructure Rehabilitation
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We have 50+ years of continuous experience in civil construction since 1973
- Our three-generation family leadership ensures personal accountability and long-term vision
- We maintain strict environmental compliance with specialized hazardous materials handling
- Our Gold Seal designation demonstrates industry-recognized quality standards
- We combine modern technology with proven construction methods for optimal efficiency
Associations and certifications
- Gold Seal
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Professional management
Excellent coordination
Quality service
Timely completion
Services
Heavy Civil Construction
Our core service specializing in municipal infrastructure including sewer systems, watermain upgrades, and road construction. We handle complete subdivision development with sidewalks, bike lanes, and lighting while maintaining environmental protections. Our team has completed over $14M projects like the Commissioners Road reconstruction, demonstrating expertise in managing large-scale urban infrastructure within tight timelines and budgets.
General Contracting
We deliver comprehensive vertical construction solutions for municipal and industrial clients. This includes treatment plants, pumping stations, and recreational facilities with mechanical systems integration. Our 2016 Brights Grove Lagoon project showcases our ability to complete complex $13M facilities while maintaining operational continuity, featuring SAGR systems and environmental remediation within strict regulatory frameworks.
Environmental Solutions
We specialize in environmental protection during construction projects, managing waterway preservation, erosion control, and hazardous material handling. Our work meets municipal, conservation authority, and government regulations through customized solutions that address both anticipated and unforeseen environmental challenges while maintaining project timelines and budgets.
Lagoon Aeration Systems
We design and install advanced lagoon aeration systems including Submerged Aqueous Growth Reactor (SAGR) technology. Our Brights Grove project demonstrates expertise in upgrading existing facilities with new diffused aeration systems, tertiary filtration, and pumping infrastructure while maintaining continuous wastewater processing during construction phases.
Infrastructure Rehabilitation
We specialize in rehabilitating aging infrastructure including culvert replacements, roundabout construction, and historical structure preservation. Our approach combines modern technology with traditional methods to upgrade systems while maintaining community functionality, as demonstrated in projects involving 100+ year-old infrastructure in Southwestern Ontario municipalities.
People
Frank Van Bree
Founder
Founded Birnam Excavating in 1973, establishing its reputation for quality municipal drainage work that formed the foundation for future expansion into comprehensive civil construction services.
Mark Van Bree
Second Generation Leader
Expanded the company's capabilities in the 1980s to include sewer, watermain, and road construction projects, significantly growing the company's operational scope and workforce.
Kevin Van Bree
Third Generation Leader
Continues the family legacy as part of the current leadership team, maintaining the company's commitment to quality construction while overseeing modernization efforts and workforce development.
Phil Coeck
General Contracting Division Lead
Guides the expansion of our General Contracting division with extensive industry expertise, overseeing complex vertical construction projects and developing strategic partnerships across the construction sector.
Simon Jeater
Project Manager
P.Eng. who managed the Brights Grove Lagoon project, providing third-party validation of our capabilities in coordinating subcontractors and delivering complex vertical construction projects.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Southwestern Ontario municipalities including London, Sarnia, and surrounding communities.
What construction specialties do you offer?
We provide Heavy Civil Construction, General Contracting, and Environmental Solutions including sewer systems, watermain upgrades, and lagoon aeration systems.
How long have you been in business?
We've been serving the construction industry since our founding in 1973 by Frank and Elsie Van Bree.
What makes you different from other contractors?
Our three-generation family leadership combines 50+ years of experience with modern technology and a commitment to employee development and environmental responsibility.
Can you handle large-scale municipal projects?
Yes, we've successfully completed $13M+ projects like the Brights Grove Lagoon treatment facility while maintaining operational continuity for clients.
Do you work on environmental protection projects?
Environmental compliance is central to our work, including waterway protection, erosion control, and hazardous materials management during construction projects.
