About Us
Company History
CANA’s strong leadership under the Simpson family has led to continued success.
1942
Burns and Dutton Concrete and Construction Company founded by Red Dutton, Reg Jennings, and Bob Burns.
1949
Company hires Jack Simpson as chief engineer. Time Magazine had proclaimed Jack to be a “brilliant young engineer”.
1950
Burns and Dutton pour almost every sidewalk in Calgary at a rate of one mile per day.
1962
Negotiations to have the three former owners relinquish ownership to five of the company’s executives: Jack Simpson, Irv Thomas, Bob Burns, Herb Auck, and Walt Hillier.
1970
Burns and Dutton becomes CANA Construction.
Late 1970
Jack is the majority stakeholder with Irv Thomas appointed as president and Jack as chairman. As chairman, Jack solidified CANA’s reputation through successful bids and overseeing construction projects to completion.
1987
CANA acquires ACE Construction.
Jack Simpson honoured with the Jack Simpson Gymnasium
2002
CANA becomes one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.
2008
CANA becomes a Platinum Club member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.
2012
ACE Construction and High Time Industries come under the CANA banner.
2013
CANA gets a new head office, located on the original CANA site purchased in 1958.
2018
John Simpson retires as president and his son, Luke Simpson, takes over. John remains chairman.
CANA Utilities and CANA High Voltage rebrand to become CANA Energy.
CANA develops the ReNew group to focus on renovation and tenant improvement projects.
2022
CANA celebrates 80 years of construction excellence.