History
When you join the Edmonton Construction Association, you join together with the member firms that have built and shaped Edmonton and Northern Alberta.
Established in 1931 as the "Edmonton Builders Exchange," the Edmonton Construction Association has grown from that initial group of 43 firms into the largest local construction association in Western Canada. Today, the ECA is an incorporated, not-for-profit trade association representing over 1,300 general contractors, trade contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, and associate members from across Alberta. Though much has changed over the past eight decades, the ECA continues to be a Members-First organization, keenly focused on procurement, collaboration, networking, education, and positive leadership.
Our Historical Milestones
| 2018: | COOLNet is rebranded as Buildworks Canada, encompassing 3 provinces and 14 local Western Canadian construction associations. |
| 2017: | A watershed year in our emerging role as "Hub of Construction," with senior leaders engaged in every construction stakeholder group. An engineering firm and a major public owner are now represented on the ECA board. Our ongoing work – bringing together builders, architects, engineers, owners, developers, and other allied professionals – is helping to advance the way that construction is delivered in Alberta. |
| 2016: | A record-breaking year! Membership reaches an all-time high of 1362 firms; COOLNet hosts over 5000 projects and introduces online bidding & bonding; 972 students participate in 51 courses; and in just three years, the YBG has grown to 1200 members! |
| 2014: | Membership surpasses 1,200 members; 3,000 projects are posted to COOLNet; and the Young Builders Group (YBG) is launched |
| 2013: | The ECA rejoins the Alberta Construction Association, and introduces Summer BBQ and "Third Thursday" networking events |
| 2012: | The ECA wins the prestigious CCA Partner Association of the Year Award |
| 2010: | The ECA Launches the first BIM I-Room in Canada, and COOLNet grows to 2,500 projects for the year |
| 2009: | The ECA Education Fund is created |
| 2004: | COOLNet surpasses 1,000 projects for the year |
| 1999: | COOLNet is born: ECA's Electronic Plan Room |
| 1981: | The ECA moves to its current location in West Edmonton |
| 1980: | Membership exceeds 1,000 firms |
| 1969: | Membership exceeds 500 firms |
| 1965: | The Edmonton Builders Exchange officially changes its name to The Edmonton Construction Association |
| 1964: | The ECA Plan Room hosts surpasses 500 projects for the year |
| 1960: | First ECA Golf Tournament |
| 1947: | The ECA has 53 members, with yearly dues of $25-$72, depending on category |
| 1931: | The ECA is founded as The Edmonton Builders Exchange with 43 original member firms |