Lorman Construction Ltd.
Gil Russell, President of Lorman Construction Ltd., Estevan, is not a newcomer to the field of construction. His inauguration into the building trade goest back to the year 1948 when he began his career in Saskatoon with Jack Lorman. The following spring he went to Carrot River with Ken and Jack Lorman, who had formed a company, Lorman Bros., building pre-fab homes and doing general construction in that area. The early 50's saw the disbandment of Lorman Bros, with Ken Lorman founding Lorman Construction Ltd., in Saskatoon. During this period the company erected prefab homes, a number of schools, and other structures, mainly in the Watrous school unit.
With the oil industry becoming a realization in the Estevan distrcit came the shortage of adequate housing and facilities. And so, in 1956, Lorman COnstruction Ltd., was formed in Estevan by Ken Lorman. The Lorman home on Thorn Cr. served as the office for the company until 1962 at which time the present building of Lorman Construction Ltd., on Souris Ave. North was constructed.
Along with the increase in population because of the "Oil Boom", came the desperate need for new homes, schools, Churches, recreational facilities, Civic and private commercial buildings, renovations and additions to many establishments, along with the new construction. This offered employment to many in that area.
1965 brought about a change of ownership with Gil Russell taking over the duties of President of Lorman Construction Ltd. It was in 1966 that the establishment of Russell supplies on Souris Ave., took place in order to carry stock for the construction trade. In 1973 an expansion program of Rusell supplies was undertaken to increase supplies in the many facets of the construction business.
Lorman Construction Ltd., had made a definite mark in the building industry in the City of Estevan. Opening ceremonies of the new Fire Hall took place in June, 1961 with the Mayor, Harry Nicholson officiating. A footbridge across the river at Woodlawn Regional Park, sponsored by the R.M. of Estevan as a Centennial project, was installed by Lorman Construction Ltd. in 1967. Demolition of the Old City Hall began in January, 1971, with the construction of the new building completed in 1973. The National Exhibition Centre, erected in 1977, serves as a central nucleus for the people of Estevan and district. A few of the other buildings include the Medical Clinic on 3rd St., Office of Hill and Associate, Hosue of Stationery, Eaton's, The Senior Citizen's home on Yardley Place, and many others too numerous to mention.
Construction is not confied to Estevan alone. Projects have been completed in many towns throughout Southern Saskatchewan. The town of Carlyle boasts a beautiful Nursing home. A Bank of Commerce was constructed in Redvers, along with a Post Office in Lampman and Alida. A Town Municipal Hall in Carnduff, Canada Customs building in Oungre, and an addition to the Bienfait School. Many other structures dot the Saskatchewan landscape and are too numerous to mention at this time.
The year 1980, has seen the beginning of the erection of a new 50 Unit Senior Citizens' Home on Cundall Drive, a fine tribute to the pioneers of our time.
The success of any business depends largely upon the quality of its staff members. Superintendent of the construction crews is Ken Beggs, who, since 1956, has been the "Right Hand Man" of Lorman Construction Ltd.
Lorman Construction has been proud to have played a part in the growth and success of Estevan and district, and will continue to serve the needs of the Community.