Engineering consultancy GHD marks 50 years in Quebec

GHD, a global engineering and design consultancy, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the Quebec market.

The Australian-origin firm cemented the bulk of its North American presence in 2014 with the acquisition of Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA), a Waterloo, ON-headquartered engineering and environmental consultancy. The largest true merger in GHD’s history, the move added 3,000 professionals in 100 global offices. CRA’s numerous subsidiaries included Inspec-Sol, which formed the foundation of GHD’s Quebec presence.

Inspec-Sol launched in 1972 in Montreal. The firm, which has operated under the GHD brand since its integration in 2015, provided materials testing services from 14 offices in Eastern Canada. Inspec-Sol’s 250 professionals worked with public and private sector clients across all types of construction projects, including commercial, industrial, and residential.

GHD’s global headcount has grown from 8,500 people at the time of the CRA merger to over 10,000 today. The consultancy delivers architecture, engineering, construction, and advisory services in the areas of water, energy, environment, buildings, and transportation.

“We have been involved in and won awards for some of Quebec’s most significant engineering, architecture and construction projects of the past 50 years,” said Steve Lécuyer, general manager, Eastern Canada. “And as we look to the future, we are keenly aware that challenges like climate change, energy transition, and infrastructure renewal will define our legacy for the next 50 years.”

GHD’s notable project work in Quebec includes the Highway 30 Montreal Island bypass and the 772-bed Montreal University Health facility.

The firm was by recently recognized by the Association for Consulting Engineering in Quebec for two infrastructure projects demonstrating sustainable construction practices and technical innovation: the Turcot Interchange Reconstruction Project and the LEED-certified New Baie-Saint-Paul Hospital Complex.

“Some of the world’s best-known brands and organizations come to us every day for our insights and technical expertise,” said Chris Hunter, GHD executive general manager – Canada. “Our success is the result of the combined efforts of our employees and our clients, and a testament to the commitment we share to improve the lives of communities where we live and work.”