About Us
We are an on-call mining services company, a labour company and a local business trying to do good things in our communities.
Our mission
At Bearspaw Contracting, we help people, especially young workers, get the skills they need to secure jobs in the mining industry, and we do so in a way that provides our clients with skilled work and reliable service.
Our vision
We love to see our people succeed, whether it’s with us or our clients. Recruitment is ongoing and we have a history of promoting from within. We could be a temporary stop on your career path or the destination. It’s up to you.
Our history
Bearspaw Contracting was started in 2006 by two Elk Valley entrepreneurs, both of whom had decades of prior experience working in the mining industry. Since then, we have evolved into a dynamic labour company that offers a wide range of services. We’ve gone from eight employees to 165 at our peak. We continue to enjoy steady growth in a market that helps drives the Canadian economy.
Safety
We work in amazing, often remote locations where situations and environment can change at a moment’s notice. The health and safety of our employees is of utmost importance. Every project is closely assessed and our employees undergo frequent and continual training on industry standard safety procedures.
Community Involvement
We believe success should be shared. That’s why the Bearspaw Contracting ‘Community First’ Society was formed. Since 2016, it has raised $400,000 for charitable causes in the communities of Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie and Crowsnest Pass.
Leadership
With over 60 years of industry experience, our management team is intimately familiar with the inner workings of a coal mine, and can adapt to meet the needs of each project.
Meet Our Team
Management
Ian Benson, President & Co-founder
Ian Benson co-founded Bearspaw Contracting in 2006, following an 18-year career in the mining industry. Having worked his way up from haul truck driver to mine rescue to the blasting crew and finally the processing plant, he has extensive experience in all activities of a coal mine. At the same time, Ian has also owned and operated several local businesses. Born and raised in Elkford, B.C., he is a firm believer in supporting the community.