For four decades, Pro-Can Construction has helped to shape the built environment in British Columbia, establishing itself as a trusted, boutique contractor with a focus on institutional, commercial, and industrial projects. Founded in 1985 by Ben Perez and Tony Alonso, the Burnaby-based company started as a residential contractor before shifting to larger public and private sector projects. Today, under the leadership of Leo Perez and Sara Pou, Pro-Can remains agile, strategic, and deeply committed to delivering high-quality construction that stands the test of time.
Growth and Adaptability
Pro-Can’s evolution has been market-driven and deliberate. In the late 1980s, the company transitioned into commercial construction, followed by a strong presence in institutional projects—particularly in school construction—throughout the 1990s.
“In the early days, we made our mark doing school upgrades and additions,” says Leo Perez. “By the 2000s, we were building entire schools from the ground up. That became a big part of our identity.”
As the market fluctuated, so did Pro-Can’s focus. Until 2018, about 80 per cent of its projects were public sector, but when competition from Alberta firms surged due to an oil downturn, Pro-Can strategically shifted toward private-sector clients, including rental buildings and industrial centers.
“Construction is cyclical. We had to diversify to stay competitive,” Perez explains. “The private sector helped sustain us, especially during the pandemic, when lower interest rates drove development. Now, with public sector demand rising again, we’re shifting back toward that work.”
Innovative Industrial & Institutional Projects
One of Pro-Can’s standout recent projects is an innovative industrial center developed for a major Vancouver-based client. The project required the demolition of an existing facility and the construction of a stacked warehouse design—a first-of-its-kind structure featuring 25 industrial strata units, half of which are stacked atop the others.
“Structurally, it was a challenge,” Perez says. “The lower units have 28-foot ceilings, and they had to support the weight of commercial vehicles and delivery trucks on the upper level. We essentially built two bridges within the buildings to handle the load.”
Compounding the challenge, the project faced a major concrete strike and lingering pandemic-related supply chain issues. Yet, despite these hurdles, Pro-Can delivered on schedule, reinforcing its reputation for reliability.
On the institutional side, Pro-Can has been a key player in Surrey’s rapid school expansion. With Surrey experiencing unprecedented population growth, the school board has been racing to keep up. Pro-Can has constructed multiple elementary schools in the same region, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective builds.
“We’ve built three schools within a three-block radius over the last decade,” Perez says. “It’s rewarding to see our work directly impacting the community, helping accommodate thousands of students in a rapidly growing city.”
The latest school project features mass timber construction, an open-concept design, and extensive landscaping to create a park-like environment.
A Commitment to Quality and Longevity
Pro-Can takes pride in delivering high-quality, long-lasting structures. Whether in public or private sector projects, the company is known for staying on budget and ensuring long-term value for its clients.
“We’re not a massive company—we like being a boutique contractor,” Perez explains. “Our sweet spot is projects in the $5 million to $40 million range—too big for the small firms, but not big enough for the industry giants. That niche has served us well.”
This approach has fostered long-term client relationships, particularly in the school sector, where trust and reliability are paramount.
“When we hand over a building, we don’t want to hear from the client again—not in a bad way, but because the building should just work,” Perez says. “Schools are designed for 75-year lifespans. We want them to be durable, efficient, and maintenance-friendly. That’s how you build a reputation.”
Building projects isn’t just about engineering and logistics—it’s also an emotional investment; a deep connection to the work has fueled Pro-Can’s success over four decades. “Every project takes a piece of you,” he says. “Years later, when you drive by, you remember all the challenges—and take pride in what you built.”
As Pro-Can marks its 40th anniversary, the company isn’t looking to dramatically expand—instead, it’s focused on perfecting its craft and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “Construction has a constant pressure to grow,” Perez says. “But sometimes, you have to say no to projects to stay true to what you do best. For us, the next 40 years are about refining our expertise, keeping our business lean and efficient, and delivering high-quality projects that stand the test of time.”
For more information, please visit www.procangroup.com
