AECOM Canada has built a reputation as one of the world’s best engineering, architecture and infrastructure design firms. It’s a well earned reputation. The company has been trusted with contracts in massive infrastructure projects across the country, including the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor and Detroit, the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) in Montreal, and Metrolinx’s new Ontario Line South.
Headquartered in Markham, AECOM Canada was founded in 1990 but traces its roots back nearly 115 years through its multiple acquisitions. The company’s roots even extend to AECOM’s global headquarters in the U.S., said Shane Ross, AECOM Canada’s sector leader.
AECOM is a global firm with almost 50,000 people, and Ross is proud of its deep Canadian roots and the fact that AECOM employs over 3,000 people across Canada.
Ross joined AECOM through one of those acquisitions — UMA Engineering in 2004. Working in a global firm that has grown through acquisition means AECOM Canada has access to experts on virtually every aspect of engineering and architectural design.
“There's not much we haven't built or designed and we've got people somewhere in the world that know how to build whatever it is the customer wants. We can just bring them in to do a bespoke design treatment for a specialty building anywhere in the world,” he said.
AECOM’s commitment to sustainability, safety, and digital innovation has made it a leader on the jobsite and around the world. It has been ranked #1 in Fortune magazine’s "World's Most Admired Companies" for 11 years straight, achieved Bronze Level Certification in Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR), and this year was recognized as a 2026 World's Most Ethical Company by Ethisphere.
The company’s latest project is the Toronto Pearson Airport Lift project, a 10-year, $60 billion upgrade to Canada’s largest airport.
“We've got an office on site with about 200 engineers and architects. We're going to be putting another 50 or 60 full-time on that. It's a massive project,” Ross said.
The Toronto Pearson Airport Lift project is supported out of AECOM Canada’s office on Commerce Valley Drive and by its over 400 employees. The Markham office is the hub for AECOM Canada’s 25 offices and 3,000 employees across the country.
Ross credits the City of Markham’s progressive approach to economic development for not only supporting AECOM’s growth, but also bringing more businesses to the city. He recalled an example where an overseas client was considering Calgary for a location. Ross asked why not look at Markham.
“The City of Markham got involved and convinced this company that Markham is the place to be,” Ross said. “It's far more cosmopolitan. It is very attuned to advanced and high-tech design and manufacturing firms, and they're very prudent and thoughtful in how they work with the business community. It's a pleasure because you can call them with a problem and they work with you on it. It's very refreshing.”
