Published: June 26, 2026
From a strategic foothold established in 2011 to a thriving multidisciplinary hub today, McElhanney’s Victoria branch is celebrating 15 years of steady growth grounded in strong values, technical excellence, and deep community connections across Vancouver Island.
What began with a small but highly respected team has evolved into a branch of nearly 100 professionals supporting infrastructure, environmental, land development, and surveying projects locally and across Western Canada—demonstrating how thoughtful expansion, client-centric thinking, and people‑first leadership can create long‑term success.
“Fifteen years ago, McElhanney didn’t have an office in Victoria. Today, the branch is a busy hub of multidisciplinary expertise—supporting clients across Vancouver Island while also serving as a home base for technical specialists contributing to projects, infrastructure and economic expansion company‑wide across Western Canada,” says Bob Hudson, VP of Vancouver Island. “The Victoria branch is a great example of McElhanney success—diverse, collaborative, and rooted in strong local values.”
From strategic beginnings to a strong foundation
McElhanney’s Victoria journey began in 2011 with the acquisition of Sargent & Associates, a structural and quality assurance firm known for its technical credibility and close‑knit culture. Shortly after, the branch strengthened further with the acquisition of IEC, a local civil engineering firm.
These early decisions proved foundational. Leadership alignment, shared values, and a commitment to caring for people helped retain talent and preserve institutional knowledge—an outcome that many acquisitions struggle to achieve. Today, the majority of Sargent & Associates and IEC team members remain part of McElhanney’s Victoria office, a testament to the branch’s enduring culture.
The “why” behind the success: people and values
When reflecting on what has kept the team together through change and growth, Branch Manager Ian Sander points to shared values and mutual respect.
“Part of our success is staying true to our local branch values—being community‑oriented and technically proficient for our clients,” says Ian. “We look forward to working with one another and creating a foundation of respectful professionalism.”
That focus has shaped how the Victoria team collaborates internally, supports clients, and contributes to McElhanney’s broader culture across the organization.
Growing into a multidisciplinary hub
Over the past 15 years, the Victoria branch has expanded both its size and capabilities. In addition to becoming a centre of excellence for municipal infrastructure and land development work, the branch has played a key role in shaping environmental and water / wastewater engineering.
As services broadened to include surveying and specialized technical expertise like community planning, the branch grew steadily—supported by collaboration across McElhanney’s regional offices and service groups.
Today, Victoria‑based specialists contribute to client projects well beyond Vancouver Island, reinforcing the branch’s dual role as both a local partner and a company‑wide resource for projects across Western Canada.
Work that shows up in the community
The Victoria branch’s impact is visible throughout the region in projects that enhance mobility, resilience, and quality of life. Notable examples include:
- Galloping Goose Trail Bridge for the City of Colwood, a multidisciplinary project delivering a long‑lasting community amenity.
- Belmont Market Development for Ledcor Properties, supporting a new eight‑hectare mixed‑use site.
- Highway 1 – Malahat Tunnel Hill Project for the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit, restoring critical transportation infrastructure following slope failure.
- Watson Island Redevelopment Project for the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the City of Prince Rupert, an award-winning remediation project.
- Magic Lake Sewer Treatment Plant for the Capital Regional District, a sewer service for 700+ properties on Pender Island in the Southern Gulf Islands.
Beyond client work, the branch actively supports community initiatives through the McElhanney Cares Program. A recent example is the Spectrum Turf Project, where the Victoria team provided in-kind surveying, civil, and structural engineering services to help deliver a regulation‑sized artificial turf field for local students and sports organizations.
Looking ahead: local focus, company‑wide impact
As McElhanney’s Victoria branch marks this 15‑year milestone, the focus is on momentum as much as reflection. The team remains deeply rooted in its Island communities while continuing to play a distinct role within McElhanney—supporting technical delivery, mentoring talent, and contributing expertise across Western Canada.
The next chapter builds on what has defined the branch since the beginning: great people, shared values, and growth without losing what matters.
To learn more about McElhanney’s work on Vancouver Island or career opportunities in Victoria, visit www.mcelhanney.com.