From Small Crew to Industry Veteran
Duron Ontario’s story starts in 1959. Back then, it was a small Ontario crew taking on flooring, waterproofing, roofing, and restoration jobs. They worked quietly but built a reputation for precision. Over the years, those skills earned them high-profile projects — the Scotiabank Arena, the Royal Ontario Museum, and contracts with General Motors, Canadian Tire, and even the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“You can’t cut corners. That’s been our rule since day one,” a spokesperson said. “And it only works when your team is stable, skilled, and respected.”
Rooted in Fairness
While many construction companies talk about efficiency, Duron has focused on people. They’ve been unionized for decades and are one of the few Certified Living Wage Employers in Canada’s construction sector.
“We believe in fair pay and dignity at work. That’s not just a business choice — it’s a social responsibility.”
That stance has helped them keep experienced tradespeople at a time when Canada faces a looming shortage. BuildForce Canada estimates 257,000 construction workers will retire by 2032, and fewer young Canadians are stepping in.
Learning from Mistakes
Their commitment to quality wasn’t born out of theory. Early in their history, they tried a cheaper waterproofing material on a major project. It failed within two years.
“We lost time, money, and trust. We learned the hard way that the right materials are non-negotiable.”
Innovation Through Adaptation
Duron is not just about tradition — they’re early adopters when it makes sense. Their latest product, DuroMastic, is a polymer-modified mastic asphalt adapted from proven European techniques. It’s already been used on the Autobahn and London’s Tower Bridge. In Canada, it’s performed at the Toronto Eaton Centre for over eight years without major repairs.
The material is voidless, waterproof, and self-compacting — no roller needed. It works in temperatures as low as -10°C, can fill cracks up to 1.5 inches wide, and lasts far longer than standard repairs.
“We saw it solving problems that normal asphalt just can’t. So we brought it here and started making it ourselves in Mississauga.”
More Than Potholes
While DuroMastic is perfect for potholes and utility cuts, its uses go far beyond roads. It’s been used for green roofs with an 80-year track record, sports facilities, public squares, and even museum floors.
“We don’t just build structures. We help build communities.”
Daily Discipline
A day at Duron starts early with safety briefings or project planning. Crews know their roles before the first tool is picked up. Daily debriefs at the end of each shift highlight what went well and what needs tweaking. This discipline keeps projects moving and standards high.
Looking Ahead
Duron sees a shift happening. Municipalities and private developers are starting to value long-term performance over short-term cost savings.
“The push for cheaper, faster construction can backfire. We’d rather see something last 15 years than fix it every two.”
For them, the future isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about sticking to values — craftsmanship, innovation, and fair work — while staying open to the next smart idea that can make Canada’s infrastructure stronger.
6-Question Q&A
- What’s a typical day like for you?
We start early. Safety briefings or planning meetings first. Then site visits. We check progress, solve problems on the spot, and make sure crews have what they need. - How do you decide which new ideas to try?
We pilot them in the field. With DuroMastic, we tested it on real city repairs before rolling it out. We want proof it works here, not just on paper. - What’s one habit that keeps you productive?
Daily debriefs. Fifteen minutes at the end of the day can save hours tomorrow. - What’s a lesson you learned the hard way?
We once used a cheaper waterproofing material. It failed in two years. That taught us to never compromise on materials. - What advice would you give to a young tradesperson?
Learn from the veterans. Skills can be taught, but judgment comes from experience. - How do you handle feeling overwhelmed?
We go to the site and watch the work. Seeing a perfect repair or install is grounding.
