Architectural, Engineering & Construction

Alberta's architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) firms comprise over 25,000 businesses employing 250,000 Albertans and generating more than CDN$42 billion in annual revenues. The industry has expertise in areas including:

  • coal extraction and processing
  • construction management
  • electric power and cogeneration projects
  • infrastructure and transportation
  • mining
  • oil and gas exploration
  • oil sands development
  • pipeline design and construction
  • telecommunications
  • winter construction techniques

AEC firms are integral to the success of Alberta's economy since they provide specialized expertise needed to design, obtain regulatory approvals, build projects, maintain assets once projects are built, and demolish and reclaim those assets at the end of their useful lives.

Future opportunities

Alberta's strong economic performance is providing new business opportunities throughout the AEC sector. The energy industry will remain one of the main driving forces for this growth. Residential construction, commercial construction, large capital projects and a commitment by all levels of government to implement infrastructure projects will provide healthy growth for the AEC sector in the coming years.

Although new housing starts will drive residential construction, the renovation market is also expected to perform well, subject to mortgage rates staying at a reasonable level. In the engineering area, service requirements in oil and gas, electricity, roads and bridges, pipelines, transit systems and petrochemicals are expected to be strong.

For more detailed information about Alberta's AEC sector, see:

For more about opportunities in the AEC industry, visit:

  • iCOSMO.ca

    iCOSMO.ca is a web portal by the Canadian Manufacturers' and Exporters. It matches manufacturers from across Canada with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in Alberta. iCOSMO.ca is a great tool to expand your supply chain and/or to get tapped in to Alberta's growing economy.

  • The National Buyer Seller Forum

    Over 800 delegates from across Canada and around the globe turned up for 2008 National Buyer/ Seller Forum to hear about the latest developments in Alberta's major projects. The objective for the forum was to provide a platform for manufacturers and tier one oil sands suppliers in Alberta, who are at capacity, to connect with those manufacturers across Canada (and in Alberta) who have excess capacity. The event is a part of a long-term strategy to encourage companies to expand their supply chains through the development of strategic alliances.

Date Updated: Nov 17, 2008
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