HISTORY

For over 60 years, Canem has remained mindful of the core values and entrepreneurial spirit upon which it was founded by Fred H. Wyder on March 17, 1960. What started as a humble operation based out of the founder’s basement is now one of Canada’s most respected and forward-thinking companies.

Canem pioneered programming techniques unique to the electrical and mechanical industries in Canada and truly set itself apart. In 1966, Canem was one of the first companies in Canada to have computerized estimating.

Between 1967 and 1974, the company experienced a period of tremendous change and growth. Wyder purchased Peterson Electrical Construction Co. Ltd. to expand into high voltage transmission work. This expansion accelerated an already strong presence in Vancouver and opened doors to the Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg markets. At the end of the 1960s, Wyder was purchased by the Bentall Group.

The seventies were a time of sweeping changes. On January 2, 1974, Wyder Electric, Peterson Electrical, and Tryco Installations amalgamated as one company dubbed Canem Systems Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bentall Holdings Limited. During this time, the Design/Build approach was increasingly emphasized in Canem and, thanks to Fred Wyder’s early introduction, has been a hallmark of Canem’s success throughout the years.
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From the earliest tools to the most current technologies, Canem has always been at the forefront of innovation. Canem was the first private company in Canada to have computerized estimating.

TIMELINE

1960s
1960

Wyder Electric Co. Ltd. is founded in Vancouver

1963
Having expanded from its basement origins with a Vancouver office, Wyder Electric Ltd. established a Victoria Branch Office
1966

Wyder Electric moves into new company headquarters in Vancouver at 34 West 2nd Avenue

Tryco Installations Ltd., a mechancial
contracting and engineering subsidary,
is incorporated on March 17th

Winnipeg branch opens

Bentall purchases Wyder Group

1968
Wyder purchases Peterson Electrical
Construction Co. Ltd. to expand into high
voltage transmission work.
1970s
1974
Under new ownership, Wyder Electric, Peterson
Electrical, and Tryco Installations become known
as Canem Systems Ltd.
1974

A successful bid to do the electrical work on the Canada Trust Building in Edmonton marked the company’s first implementation of pre-fabricated conduit and boxes for installation in slabs

1977

New branch office/warehouse building opens in Edmonton

1978

Abbotsford branch office opens April 1

1979
Seattle Wiring Branch Office established in Lynnwood, WA
1980s
1983

Canem’s team delivers on time for the Pan Pacific Hotel, 1983

1985

The Abbotsford property is sold to BC Blueberry Cooperative Association

1987

Canem purchases Smith and Long Ltd., an Ontario-based electrical contractor founded in 1930

1988
Canem was heavily involved during construction of various
venues for the ‘88 Calgary Olympics, including the ski jump,
bobsleigh and luge runs and even the CTV telecast booth
1989

Canem sells Smith and Long to an employee group (comprising approximately 24 employees, including the three former owners)

1990s
1992

Phil George, who had purchased 44% of Dominion back
in 1985, purchases all Canem company assets effective
January 1st, 1992

1993
Canem identity is modernized, incorporating a new
colour scheme. The Victoria crew get together for a
company photos shoot with Canem’s new color change
1994

An agreement is reached to purchase the assets and
goodwill of Command Electric’s service work. Vancouver
Data Division is amalgamated with Vancouver Electrical
December 31

1995

Canem opens new shop operation in Alberta

1997
The Phase 4 Silver City project starts at the West
Edmonton Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall at
the time
1998

Rathlef Electric and Hodgson Electric acquired. Phil
George purchases the remainder of Dominion. Canem
and Dominion now both fall under the Seacliff umbrella

2000s
2000

Harbour Electric and CEC Electric acquired

2001
The 38-storey TransCanada Tower in Calgary is completed
2002

A 5-year Cabling Alliance Agreement is signed May
9th, 2002 with Bell Canada for Alberta and British
Columbia

2009
Canem Systems completes its acquisition of
Richmond-based Canem West

University of Calgary’s new Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is completed, providing facilities for world-class research and foster medical breakthroughs
2010

On July 13, Churchill Corporation (Stuart Olson) buys Seacliff Construction, which includes Canem

2011

Canem acquires 100-year-old legacy company McCaine Electric in Winnipeg

2012
Canem updates its branding and logo
2016
Rogers Place, a massive state-of-the-art multi-use
indoor arena, is completed and opens to the public
in Edmonton. Canem led a design assist process and
provided electrical, security, and communications
2018

Canem expands into eastern Canada with a new branch
office in Cambridge, Ontario

2020

Bird Construction acquires Stuart Olson and Canem

2022

Canem completes the Calgary Cancer Centre; the largest standalone comprehensive cancer centre in Canada.

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Dr. Anne Anderson High School

Canem's strong relationship and collaborative approach with other trade contractors leads to unique solutions that achieve optimal outcomes. Dr. Anne Anderson High School was an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) modeled project.

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