Our history
ASCO Construction was founded in 1988 in Hawkesbury, Ontario. What began as a small construction company serving Eastern Ontario has grown into a leading contractor delivering complex Industrial, Commercial, Institutional (ICI), water and wastewater, and civil infrastructure projects across the province.
Over the decades, ASCO has grown steadily by building strong relationships, hiring good people, and taking on more complex and challenging projects. While the company has expanded, the values it was founded on — teamwork, solution-oriented, can-do attitude, caring and the pursuit of excellence — continue to guide how we operate today.
Built on hard work and relationships
ASCO was founded by Wayne Assaly and Michel Côté with a focus on residential and ICI construction in the area east of Ottawa. In the early years, the company built its reputation on being dependable, doing quality work, and standing behind its projects.
As the company grew, the next generation of leadership joined the business and helped expand ASCO’s services, geographic reach, and technical capabilities. Over time, ASCO expanded into larger ICI projects, civil infrastructure, and water and wastewater construction, becoming a trusted contractor for complex public and private sector projects.
Today, ASCO continues to operate as a family-led company with a long-term perspective, focused on partnerships, accountability, and steady growth.
Company timeline
1988
ASCO Construction Ltd. founded by Wayne Assaly (President) and Michel Côté (Site Superintendent), serving residential and ICI clients in Eastern Ontario.
1993
Anthony Assaly joins ASCO as a front desk administrative assistant.
1996
ASCO launches a disaster restoration division serving the insurance industry.
1999
Jason Assaly joins ASCO as a field worker. Co-founder Michel Côté retires.
2000
ASCO signs $30M construction management contract over 2 years to build data centers and POP sites across Canada from Nova Scotia to Manitoba.
2001
Wayne Assaly retires; Anthony Assaly becomes President. New Toronto office opens. New Ottawa office opens.
2002
ASCO Group purchases 50% of J.G. Barrette Electric Ltd.
2005
ASCO spins off its disaster restoration division into ASCO Restoration Services Inc., which begins operating independently.
2008
ASCO Group purchases the remaining 50% of J.G. Barrette Electric Ltd.
2013
ASCO acquires a new head office building in Hawkesbury, Ontario.
2016
Toronto operations spin off into ASCO Construction (Toronto) Ltd., operating independently.
2021
ASCO Group acquires Terimax Construction, which becomes ASCO Concrete Structures Inc. Luke Klippenstein joins the ASCO Toronto ownership group.
2025
ASCO acquires a new building in Ottawa; Ottawa operations move into the new office in Fall 2025. ASCO is awarded the Carleton Place Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion, valued at $123.5 million, the largest project in company history.
2026
ASCO acquires a new building in Mississauga, Ontario and the Toronto District operations move to a new office in October 2026.
Growing with purpose
Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional construction
Water and wastewater infrastructure
Civil and concrete structures
Electrical contracting (through Barrette Electric)
Concrete structures (through ASCO Concrete Structures)
This group of companies allows ASCO to bring experience, technical knowledge, and strong coordination to complex construction projects.
Looking ahead
Today, ASCO continues to grow across Ontario, with a focus on Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, and water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, Kingston, and the Greater Toronto Area, with plans to expand further into Northern Ontario and other Canadian markets in the future.
While the company continues to grow, the goal remains the same:
Build quality projects, build strong relationships, and stand behind the work.
FAQs – ASCO history
When was ASCO founded?
ASCO was founded in 1988 by businessman Wayne Assaly and senior site superintendent Michel Côté following a major fire loss at the Hawkesbury Shopping Centre, which was owned by Mr. Assaly at the time.
Before founding ASCO, Wayne Assaly owned and managed several retail and real estate businesses throughout Eastern Ontario, while Michel Côté built his career with a well-known Ottawa-based general contractor. Together, they established ASCO on a foundation of hard work, accountability, and a commitment to delivering quality construction projects.
Is ASCO a family-owned company?
Yes. ASCO is a privately held, family-led company with opportunities for employee ownership.
While the company has grown significantly since its founding, it continues to operate with the values and long-term perspective that come with family ownership—prioritizing relationships, accountability, and sustainable growth.
What types of projects did ASCO start with?
ASCO began by delivering tenant fit-ups, small commercial buildings, and residential developments, including townhomes, semi-detached homes, and single-family housing.
By the mid-1990s, the company shifted its focus exclusively to Industrial, Commercial, Institutional (ICI), and infrastructure construction. Today, ASCO is recognized for delivering complex projects across the ICI sector, with a strong specialization in water and wastewater infrastructure throughout Ontario.
What is ASCO’s largest project?
ASCO’s largest project to date is the design and construction of a new water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant for the Town of Carleton Place, Ontario.
Designed by Stantec, the project was awarded to ASCO in May 2025 with a contract value of approximately $123 million. Scheduled for substantial completion in January 2029, the project represents a significant investment in the community’s long-term growth and essential infrastructure.