Our history is a rich tapestry of firsts and accolades, beginning when two London, Ontario contractors, Don Smith and David Ellis Smith (hence EllisDon), began our company in 1951. Starting with only four people, we quickly became the first Canadian contractor to own our own tower crane (1956) and to fully computerize our accounting and cost systems in 1968.

We were awarded the design and build of the first fully-retractable roof stadium (then Toronto\'s SkyDome, now Rogers Centre). Two years later in 1988, we built North America\'s largest auto plant. In 1990, we established the first Research and Development department in the construction industry, dedicated to the science of building. In 1993, we were the first Canadian company to build in Latvia and Lithuania.

In 2000, we launched our \"Client First Program\" which revolutionized our approach to responding to client interests. We earned the Diamond Award of Excellence, the highest award at the 2003 Canadian Information Productivity Awards. We set a precedent for a new funding model for hospitals with the $450 million William Osler Health Centre in Brampton in 2004. In 2006, we were recognized as one of Canada\'s Best Managed Companies (and awarded Platinum Status in 2009) – recognizing companies that demonstrate innovation, exceptional growth, financial success, and a strong corporate culture. In 2006, we were recognized as the 2nd Best Employer in Canada. Two years later, we were recognized as Canada\'s Best Employer, ranking 1st in the survey by Hewitt Associates, as well as in the following year, in 2009.