Who We Are

For over 70 years, we have proudly served our customers and communities, growing from a humble one-man, one-truck operation into a fully integrated organization with expertise across a wide range of sectors. From construction and aggregates to asphalt, concrete, residential services, general contracting, homebuilding, and land development, our capabilities have evolved to meet the needs of a growing region.

Today, our services are delivered through three core divisions: Cavanagh Communities, Cavanagh Concrete, and the company that started it all: Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd.

Rooted in the values of integrity, quality, and community engagement, we remain committed to honouring the legacy of our founder, Tom Cavanagh, while continuing to build vibrant communities and maintaining our reputation as a trusted service provider in every sector we serve.

Cavanagh Cornerstones

Our culture is at the core of everything we do. Shaped by our history, grounded in family values, and strengthened through decades of hard work and growth, this culture has guided us since day one-and continues to guide every decision, every project, and every interaction, both on and off the job.

Putting people first with safety protocols, wellness programs, and a commitment that every team member returns home safely.

Leading with honesty and respect, honoring our commitments, and doing the right thing -always.

Pursuing excellence in every detail: continuous improvement, lasting craftsmanship, and innovative practices.

Celebrating collaboration and diverse perspectives, investing in our people, and fostering a true family culture.

Owning our commitments and outcomes, learning from challenges, and making decisions for long-term success.

Building vibrant communities, investing in sustainable practices, charitable initiatives, and lasting local partnerships.

Our History

What began with one man and one truck has grown into a fully integrated organization of more than 1,200 team members serving Ottawa and the surrounding communities. Every milestone and achievement has shaped the company we are today — rooted in quality, driven by people, and built to keep moving forward.

1953

One man. One truck.

After hearing about opportunities on the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, Thomas Cavanagh put his 1948 F7 single-axle dump truck to work. The earnings from that job provided enough for a down payment on another truck.

1954

Cavanagh Bros. Equipment Rental

It was a family operation. With their dump trucks, farm tractor, track loader, and bulldozer, the three brothers—Tom, Gerald, and Terry—took on any work they could find, from cleaning up fence rows to renting out their equipment. Having grown up on a farm, hard work and operating machinery came naturally to them.

1968

Goulbourn Quarry

On May 22, 1968, Tom purchased the property that would become Goulbourn Quarry. After walking the land with his wife and business partner, Kay, one evening, he kicked a loose stone and remarked, “This would make a good quarry.” They started selling crushed stone that same year.

1984

Highway 7 Headquarters

By 1984, TCCL had outgrown its cramped home office on Munster Road. When a property along Highway 7 became available, the team seized the opportunity and established an official headquarters. The site would later become 9094 Cavanagh Road after the realignment and widening of Highway 7.

1999

Cavanagh Developments

After beginning their first land development project during the housing boom of the late 1980s and completing it during the subsequent recession of the early 1990s, Thomas Cavanagh Construction officially entered the land development industry to manage large-scale projects, later establishing Cavanagh Developments in 1999.

2000

Homebuilding

Cavanagh turned its focus to building vibrant communities. Patten Homes was acquired by Cavanagh to help bring that vision to life through thoughtfully designed, high-quality homes.

2007

Henderson Quarry

Henderson Quarry marked its first blast on December 20, 2007. Strategically located along Highway 7, it serves as Cavanagh’s flagship quarry operation.

2009

Highway 417

Building on its expertise, Cavanagh took on its first major MTO project with the Highway 417 expansion near Arnprior in 2009. Two years later, the company’s success continued with another 417 expansion from Highway 7 to Eagleson Road — projects that marked a new era of large-scale infrastructure for the growing organization.

2011

Entering the Asphalt Market

To facilitate the second 417 expansion and strengthen vertical integration, Cavanagh established its first asphalt plant at Henderson Quarry.

2013

General Contracting

Expanding further into the construction industry, Cavanagh created its General Contracting team giving the company the ability to support clients with a wider range of projects.

2014

Expansion into Concrete Production

The acquisition of McNamee Concrete added ready mix and forming to Cavanagh’s long list of products and services. This would be known as Cavanagh Concrete by 2016.

2018

Enerdu Hydro dam

Cavanagh completed the reconstruction of a historic mill in Almonte into a state-of-the-art hydroelectric facility in 2018 – just one of the key milestones in the organization’s sustainability initiatives.

2019

Thomas Cavanagh Foundation

To honour Tom’s lifelong spirit of generosity, the Thomas Cavanagh Foundation was created to continue his legacy of giving. While Tom was known for his spontaneous acts of kindness, one of his final wishes was a $1,000,000 donation to the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital—unaware that the new emergency wing would later bear his name. This gift marked the beginning of many more made through the Foundation.

2022

Residential 1

Residential 1 evolved into a true one-stop shop for builders—an innovative model that positioned Cavanagh as a leader in managing complete exterior housing projects. With the ability to handle every trade, this sector serves as a trusted partner rather than just a service provider.

2023

70 Years of Cavanagh

After seventy years of building, growing, and giving back, the company and team members reflected proudly on the past while keeping focus on the future.

The Thomas Cavanagh Foundation

Continuing the Legacy of Thomas Cavanagh

In 2019, the Thomas Cavanagh Foundation was founded to honour Tom’s boundless generosity and the community he cherished, where he delighted in spotting needs, big or small, and meeting them in his own spirited way. With a focus on local giving, the Foundation continues Tom’s legacy by supporting scholarships, community projects, and volunteer efforts that uplift neighbours and nurture the place he proudly called home.