Construction

We support owners, contractors, lenders and designers across the construction industry with end-to-end legal solutions that manage risk, resolve disputes and drive projects to successful completion.
Key Contacts
Beaudoin YannickJeanrie AndrewRoth JasonStenger Geoffrey
Dump truck

Overview

In this world of innovation in construction and procurement, complex construction agreements and financing structures, detailed legislation, and aggressive competition, competent and timely legal support is indispensable for any successful player in the construction industry. Our strong construction contracts team, combined with our litigation and corporate commercial practices and our state of the art technical and document management systems, provides full legal support to the construction industry in this increasingly complex, hybrid area of commercial law and litigation.

Our clients include owners, designers, contractors and lenders in the construction business, in government and the private sector, as well as the businesses that finance and underwrite construction projects of all kinds. This includes construction of resource extraction infrastructure, including power plants, mines, dams, pipelines, highways, water reservoirs and sewage lagoons, commercial, industrial and office buildings, shopping centres and utilities.

,,The team as a whole is impressive, solid, knowledgeable, sharp, on the ball, efficient, effective and respectful.,,

What Clients Say

Our services fall into the five major categories of venture structuring, contract negotiation, financial risk management, construction challenges and construction claims. Early in project development, we engage in the structuring of joint ventures, partnerships, consortia and corporate vehicles to integrate risk equity, design expertise, construction capability and operational experience. Effective litigation management starts with tight, well-written contracts. In the implementation phase we advise clients on contract preparation, analysis and review of a variety of construction-related agreements, including joint venture, construction, consulting, supply and sub-contract agreements. We also counsel and defend clients on coverage issues, most often in connection with owner-controlled insurance programs, liability policies, builders' risk policies, errors and omissions and professional liability coverage.

Throughout the construction process, we represent clients in matters involving progress payments, certificates of substantial completion, claims, warranty periods and obligations, holdbacks, lien periods and rights. When disputes arise, we represent clients in connection with liens, construction defects and specific performance issues.

,,The team functions as a cohesive unit offering a complete suite of services.,,

What Clients Say

We provide ongoing legal support on operational issues such as employee and labour relations matters involving Workers' Safety and Insurance Board and employment standards matters, occupational health and safety requirements, employment contracts, severance, collective bargaining and union relations and grievances, as well as tax litigation matters, import permits, environmental damage claims and other claims arising out of ongoing and completed projects.

Client Work

Shell Canada
with its construction contracts for the expansion of it $6 billion Athabasca Oil Sands Project
Shell Canada
in negotiating a wide range of EPCM and Construction Services agreements for the multi-billion dollar expansion of its Scotford facilities and refinery
BA Energy
in all procurement and engineering services contracts for its Heartland Oilsands Upgrader Project
Various sponsors in the design, construction and financing of a $300-million ethanol plant, and in negotiating the EPC contract and off-take agreements
North West Upgrading
in all regulatory and environmental approvals associated with the construction, operation, and reclamation of a $4-billion bitumen upgrader
North West Redwater Partnership
in its engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of its refinery
Encana
in negotiating a multiple EPCM and associated owner-managed project contracting structure for multiple gas processing plants in Northeastern BC
Japan Canada Oil Sands
in the engineering, procurement and construction of its SAGD Hangingstone oil sands project
Major oil and gas pipeline project owner, in drafting and negotiating EPC and EPC(M) contracts for major a western Canada natural gas pipeline and associated tank farm expansion
Canadian west coast LNG project owner, in drafting, negotiating and reviewing onshore/offshore EPC and EPC(M) contracts and associated pipeline contracts

Recognitions

Chambers Canada
Ranked, Construction - Nationwide
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
Most Frequently Recommended, Construction Law (Calgary)

Stenger Geoffrey

Geoffrey P. Stenger

Partner   •   Head of Infrastructure Industry Team

At the centre of market-shaping deals and high-stakes disputes, Bennett Jones delivers clarity, strategy and results. Our cross-border teams turn complexity into progress, always focused on what drives your success.

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The Bennett Jones Story

At Bennett Jones, legal solutions are our starting point. What drives us forward is knowing our clients inside and out—their ambitions, obstacles and success metrics.

For more than a century, we have shaped outcomes that matter in business, in law and in the broader Canadian landscape. And our commitment extends beyond legal matters: we invest deeply in the communities in which we live and work.