BPA Acquires CORE Engineering in Aggressive Atlantic Canada Expansion

ST. JOHN'S, NL and MONTREAL, QC – January 13, 2026 – In a move that underscores a deliberate and rapid national growth strategy, Canadian building engineering leader BPA has announced its merger with CORE Engineering Inc., a respected mechanical and electrical firm based in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. The deal, which brings 15 seasoned professionals into the BPA fold, is the ninth such merger for the company in the last three years and marks a significant deepening of its presence in Atlantic Canada.

This strategic partnership is the latest step in a calculated pan-Canadian expansion for BPA, which has been methodically acquiring specialized firms to bolster both its geographical footprint and its technical expertise. While the financial terms of the private transaction remain confidential, the strategic implications are clear: BPA is consolidating its position as a dominant force in the national building engineering sector.

A Blueprint for National Dominance

The acquisition of CORE Engineering is not an isolated event but a key component of a larger strategic vision. This aggressive growth trajectory has been significantly fueled by a 2022 investment from Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), which was earmarked to support BPA's expansion across Canada. Since then, the firm has executed a series of targeted mergers, each adding a crucial piece to its national puzzle.

Previous acquisitions have included Toronto’s The Mitchell Partnership (TMP) and HCC Engineering, which fortified BPA's presence in Canada’s largest city and added expertise in the healthcare and data center markets. The firm also expanded its sustainability and commissioning capabilities by acquiring Ecovert and EcovertCx, growing its sustainability center of excellence to over 50 professionals. In Western Canada, mergers with Clark Engineering in Edmonton and Mulvey and Banani in Calgary solidified its operations and added specialized skills in high-performance buildings.

"Our two organizations are guided by shared core values--integrity, quality, and a dedication to excellence," said Dominic Latour, BPA's CEO. "Together, we remain focused on delivering comprehensive, building engineering solutions." This focus on shared values and seamless integration of specialized teams has been a hallmark of BPA's strategy, allowing it to absorb new talent and expertise while maintaining a cohesive corporate identity.

Securing a Foothold in Atlantic Canada

The merger provides BPA with a powerful and immediate foothold in Newfoundland and Labrador, a market poised for significant activity. The province's engineering and construction sectors are anticipating a surge driven by major industrial and energy projects, including the West White Rose offshore platform and the proposed Bay du Nord development. However, the region also faces a looming labor shortage, with nearly a third of its construction workforce expected to retire within the next decade. By integrating an established local firm, BPA not only gains market access but also secures a team of experienced local talent.

CORE Engineering, established in 1982, brings over four decades of deep-rooted local experience. The firm has delivered over 5,000 projects with a total construction value exceeding $3 billion, building a reputation for economical and efficient designs. This local credibility is invaluable as BPA expands its operations beyond its existing offices in Halifax and Sydney.

"We are thrilled to welcome the skilled professionals from CORE Engineering to BPA," stated Patrick St-Onge, Executive Vice-President at BPA. "Expanding on our existing presence in Halifax and Sydney, this partnership offers us a significant opportunity to grow our operations throughout Atlantic Canada. By working together, we're able to offer our clients even greater expertise and a broader range of services."

A United Front for Sustainable Design

A central pillar of the merger is the two firms’ shared commitment to sustainable and energy-conscious design. In an era where decarbonization of the built environment is a critical global priority, this alignment positions the combined entity as a leader in green building solutions. BPA has made sustainability a core part of its mission, offering expertise in energy modeling, carbon neutrality, and certifications like LEED and Zero Carbon. Its acquisition of Ecovert, a firm with over 200 LEED-certified projects to its name, was a clear signal of its intent.

CORE Engineering mirrors this commitment with its own impressive track record. The firm is a recognized leader in energy-efficient design, particularly in geothermal heating and cooling, and has designed multiple buildings that have achieved LEED Gold and Silver certification. This specialized expertise complements BPA's broader sustainability services.

Andrew Small, Principal at CORE Engineering, highlighted this synergy. "This partnership with BPA will serve to further reinforce and strengthen our commitment to energy conscious and sustainable design given both CORE and BPA equally appreciate the importance of these objectives," he said. He also noted the benefits for his team, who "will also gain access to enhanced resources, training and career advancement opportunities."

Shifting the Competitive Landscape

The union of BPA’s national scale and CORE’s local prowess creates a formidable competitor in the Atlantic Canadian engineering market, challenging established regional players like CBCL Limited and WSP Canada. The new entity can now offer a comprehensive, integrated suite of services—from mechanical and electrical to structural and sustainability consulting—all under one roof, backed by a deep understanding of the local market dynamics.

To ensure a smooth transition and the retention of invaluable local knowledge, CORE Engineering’s leadership team will remain integral to the new structure. Principals Greg Tucker, Trevor Blackler, Dave Ennis, and Jason Crawley will become BPA shareholders, while Andrew Small will continue in a leadership and design capacity to spearhead growth in the province. This model of retaining local leadership has been crucial to BPA's successful integration of its previous acquisitions, ensuring continuity for clients and employees alike. The merger solidifies BPA's strategic expansion and positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced, sustainable building solutions across Atlantic Canada.