Top 5 Civil Engineering Firms in Winnipeg
Civil engineering has been around as early as 4,000 to 2,000 B.C., with the first practitioners being the ancient Egyptians, the Indus Valley civilization, and the early settlers of Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq.
The stunning construction of the pyramids of Egypt, the Qanat water dam, and the Parthenon of ancient Greece paved the way for the modern and sophisticated principles of today’s civil engineering.
In the article, we reviewed the top civil engineering firms in Winnipeg. Read on to find out more.
The Average Cost of Availing Civil Engineering Services in Winnipeg
On average, enlisting civil engineering services will cost anywhere from $65 up to $200 per hour, or 5% to 15% of the project’s total cost.
Rates may still change, depending on the specific civil engineering service and the prominence of the civil engineer.
Take a look at these tables below to get an idea of how much you’ll spend for availing of civil engineering services.
Average Hourly Rate of Civil Engineering Jobs
Average Price of Various Civil Engineering Branches
Selecting the Best Civil Engineering Services in Winnipeg
For this review, we’ve chosen the following civil engineering firms to be the best in Winnipeg based on the following criteria on:
1. Iris Construction Management
CRITERIA | RATING |
ARRAY OF SERVICES | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
ENGINEER’S SKILL | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
> Competent and well-equipped | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
> Punctual and organised | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
COMMERCIAL AWARENESS | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
COMPANY ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5 |
> Responsive | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
> Available after hours | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
Iris Construction is notable for building infrastructures all over Winnipeg. Some of its projects include dental clinics, coffee shops, beauty salons, and restaurants.
In terms of civil engineering services, the company specialises in construction management and we’re pleased that the service already includes mechanical and electrical engineering services.
An advantage to this is that clients will get the engineering facilities essential for completing infrastructures and making them function smoothly.
One highlight of Iris’ construction management services is that it already includes structural design coordination, equipment orders, in-house research, permit facilitation, city and health inspection, and construction and renovation take-offs.
From what we’re told, clients were happy with how their projects turned out. They also highlighted how they got value for their money as the budget the company suggested covered the entire project.
A limitation though is that Iris’ civil engineering services are currently limited to construction management and bits of structural engineering.
On a brighter note, its consultation services are obligation-free. We also appreciate the company for offering free-of-charge quote calculations to anyone interested in availing of its services.
An area we just want Iris to improve on is its engineers’ accessibility and skills in being team players.
We’re bummed to hear that some of the engineers were hard to get a hold of for consultations. Some were also a little difficult to work with during the development process.
Pros
- Construction comes with mechanical and electrical engineering services
- Offers free quote estimation requests
- Consultation services are obligation-free.
Cons
- Limited civil engineering services
- Some reports on engineers being hard to work with
Customer Reviews
Helped us find the perfect design for our business remodel.
We recently remodeled our business, it was a big project. Our experience working with Iris Construction was amazing. Their designers worked with us to find the perfect design for our remodel and kept us informed all throughout the project. Our project manager was great and easy to work with. Highly recommended! – Michael Feedel
Does the job with the highest quality of work and level of professionalism.
Iris Construction does the job with the highest quality of work and the highest level of professionalism. Iris Construction Team communicates their plans effectively on time, well worth the assurance that you’ll not only receive professional results, but they’ll back up their work with an outstanding support. They tackle challenges without missing deadlines. Anything from commercial design and budgeting to project management and construction, gets done with the highest attention to the details in a timely manner. Appreciate all the hard work throughout the whole project! Look forward to more projects. – Raj Patel
2. Bockstael Construction Limited
CRITERIA | RATING |
ARRAY OF SERVICES | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
ENGINEER’S SKILL | ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5 |
> Competent and well-equipped | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Punctual and organised | ★★☆☆☆ 2/5 |
COMMERCIAL AWARENESS | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
COMPANY ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
> Responsive | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
> Available after hours | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Bockstael prides itself as one of the best engineering firms in Winnipeg specialising in construction management and other sub-specs of civil engineering.
The company has developed several notable establishments within the city, such as the Richardson Innovation Centre, Riverview Health Centre, and Falcon Lake Golfcourse and Clubhouse.
A strong point of this company is that it also does renewal and renovation services for various structures — services that other engineering firms don’t offer.
Some of the developments it has helped restore are Manitoba Museum’s galleries, Canada Life Head Office, St. Anne Catholic Church, and St. Boniface Cathedral.
In our view, the number of developments that trusted Bockstael reflects the competence and value for the quality of its engineers.
It’s also worth noting that Bockstael’s civil engineering services go beyond building, renovations, and construction management.
It also does building condition and space inventory assessments. We think that these solutions help clients and engineers plan thoroughly and fine-tune concepts, and bring these to life.
On the downside, the only way to request quotes or estimations is via phone call.
While that still seems convenient as clients will get the chance to talk to the staff or engineers, we’re a tad disappointed that some of them are not that easy to work with.
We’re also bummed that some of the engineer teams weren’t that organised with their workflow.
In our view, the company’s teams need to follow a system and schedule, which is vital for building efficiency and maintaining its reputation.
Pros
- Has developed notable establishments within Winnipeg
- Does renewal and renovation services
- Offers more civil engineering services
Cons
- Quotes can only be requested via phone call
- Feedback on some staff being unorganised and hard to work with
Customer Reviews
Workers were competent and knowledgeable.
Quality workers. They really know how to handle themselves in difficult situations and are experts in proper trash disposal. 12/10. – Sam Criscione
These guys know how to build well!
I have to say not only do these guys build well, they also keep incompetent people away from the job site, helping to ensure a safe, positive building site. – Dan
3. Barnes & Duncan
CRITERIA | RATING |
ARRAY OF SERVICES | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
ENGINEER’S SKILL | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Competent and well-equipped | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Punctual and organised | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
COMMERCIAL AWARENESS | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
COMPANY ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Responsive | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Available after hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Barnes & Duncan is a known land surveyor that also offers civil engineering services. We looked into its profile and found that it has developed public and private infrastructures all over Winnipeg.
These developments include the Winnipeg International Airport, Winnipeg Rapid Transit, East Side Road, and CentrePort Canada Way.
What sets Barnes & Duncan’s civil engineering apart is that it uses its land surveyor expertise to assess different land spaces for potential flooding and where agriculture is suitable.
Another highlight of its land surveying is that it uses geomatic technology to detect leaks and evaluate areas ideal for road widening and dam building.
The same services were used to develop East Side Road and the area where the historic 2011 Manitoba flooding occurred.
Besides surveying lands for future construction, another strong point of this engineering firm is that it uses 3D design processes to create models for its projects.
Not only do these provide prototypes of the developments, but they also give calibrations for how much gravel, topsoil, stockpiles, and geotextile materials are needed.
It’s just unfortunate that this company currently uses its civil engineering expertise for large-scale properties, such as subdivisions, condominiums, and commercial complexes.
While it’s yet to open its services to smaller structures, we still think its services provide excellent results and value for money.
Another limitation is that it currently doesn’t have an online platform for requesting quotes or estimations. Clients may only do so via phone calls.
Pros
- Specialises in land surveying services
- Notable developer of private and public infrastructures
- Used 3D design processes
Cons
- Services focus on large-scale properties
- Quotes can only be asked via phone call
Customer Reviews
Excellent end-to-end process with this company!
After a few follow up calls the work was done very quick and professionally, I will continue to use Barnes & Duncan for my other properties as well. I look forward to working with them again very soon. – Emil Norberg
Professional, prompt, and courteous.
I highly recommend Barnes & Duncan. They are prompt, courteous and detailed from Day 1 to finish despite the whole pandemic setup. Everything was done professionally and without delay. Their certificate (staking and BLC) also look comprehensive with additional information and graphics not found in our builder’s survey documents. Wishing the rest of the Barnes & Duncan team all the best! Thanks again! – Ear Throb
4. Stantec
CRITERIA | RATING |
ARRAY OF SERVICES | ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5 |
ENGINEER’S SKILL | ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5 |
> Competent and well-equipped | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Punctual and organised | ★★☆☆☆ 2/5 |
COMMERCIAL AWARENESS | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
COMPANY ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Responsive | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Available after hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Stantec’s engineering expertise is behind several prestigious developments such as Centrepoint Winnipeg, the Canada Museum of Human Rights, and the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.
Besides having developed these structures, Stantec’s civil engineering services also include sustainability in its projects.
We looked into its portfolio and found that it has incorporated solar panels, energy-efficient features, and water management components.
A highlight of the company’s sustainability advocacy is that it specialises in the adaptive reuse of old structures, such as turning an old hospital into a hotel and resort.
This creative method of modifying existing structures into new ones isn’t only eco-friendly, but it also saves building resources and finances in one go.
Another strong point is that its commercial awareness includes indigenous people.
We’re pleased to hear that it carefully plans its projects and considers how they will impact the environment and indigenous people living in areas of potential development sites.
That said, it’s just unfortunate that Stantec’s services are currently limited to large-scale and commercial properties, and it’s yet to accommodate projects from homeowners.
We’re also a tad disappointed to hear that some of its staff are unorganised, making them difficult to work with sometimes.
Hopefully, the company’s management will look into this issue and address any mix-ups as civil engineering requires precision and careful planning.
Pros
- Incorporates sustainability in projects
- Specialises in adaptive building reuse
- Promotes indigenous culture and relations
Cons
- Services are limited to large-scale, commercial properties
- Few reports on staff being unorganised
5. PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
CRITERIA | RATING |
ARRAY OF SERVICES | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
ENGINEER’S SKILL | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
> Competent and well-equipped | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Punctual and organised | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
COMMERCIAL AWARENESS | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
COMPANY ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Responsive | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Available after hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
PCL Constructions is another engineering firm that uses its civil and building expertise to construct innovative, sustainable, and expansive structures all over Winnipeg — and even outside Manitoba!
Its portfolio comprises structures such as the Disraeli Bridges and the 835 Sterling Lyon LXTX.
The company works with notable firms that contribute to its building process. We looked into these partner companies and found that they specialise in features that save energy, reduce carbon emissions, and diminish the effects of flooding.
It is also worth noting that this engineering firm uses 3D construction models to assess lands for flatness and construction suitability. These models help the company’s engineers check for any instabilities that may delay their development.
They may also use the 3D model reports to make wise decisions regarding their development process.
Other than building modern and efficient structures, this engineering firm provides installation and upgrade services as well.
We looked into its portfolio and found that it has done minor bank machine installations and pump station upgrades in the past.
On the flip side, it’s just unfortunate that PCL’s services are limited to mostly commercial structures. While it also does residential properties, the company mostly develops high-rises.
We’re also bummed to hear that some of its engineers were a tad slow in their work processes, resulting in projects being delayed.
Pros
- Works with notable firms
- Uses 3D construction models
- Does installation and upgrade services
Cons
- Residential projects are limited to high-rises
- Feedback on slow working processes
FAQs on Civil Engineering
That ends our unbiased review of the top civil engineering firms in Winnipeg!
For other engineering services, we recommend looking at the top structural engineering firms and top mechanical engineering firms in Winnipeg.