Q&A with James Halliday: A Conversation on Construction, Culture, and Coffee

With years of experience in the construction industry—both in the U.S. and Canada—James Halliday has a deep understanding of what it takes to build successfully in the Canadian market. Originally from Chibougamau, Quebec, James grew up surrounded by the values of hard work, strong relationships, and the satisfaction of seeing projects take shape—all of which made construction a natural career path for him.

After spending time with ARCO in Chicago, James returned to Canada, bringing his expertise back home. Now, as part of ARCO’s Toronto office, he’s navigating the unique challenges of the industry, fostering relationships, and embracing all the quirks that make Canadian construction both complex and rewarding.

We sat down with James to talk about his journey, the differences between working in the U.S. and Canada, and, of course, his go-to Tim Hortons order.

1. Tell us a bit about your background—where in Canada are you from, and what brought you into the construction industry?

I’m from Chibougamau (pronounced Shi-boo-ga-moo), Quebec—it’s real, I swear. Growing up in a blue-collar industrial town, I’ve always identified with and appreciated the value of hard work, the reliance on relationships, and the gratification that comes from seeing a project take shape. Those qualities are ingrained in the construction industry, which made it a natural fit for me.

2. Before moving back to Canada, you worked in ARCO’s Chicago office. What’s something uniquely Canadian about working in the construction industry here? Any quirks or challenges compared to the U.S.?

For better or worse, development and construction are much more heavily regulated in most Canadian markets compared to the U.S. That means having all your ducks in a row is critical—whether it’s permitting, approvals, or compliance. Timelines are often longer, so being proactive and quick to respond can make a huge difference.

3. What’s your favorite Canadian-built landmark or construction project (doesn’t have to be ARCO-built)?

Though it’s not commonly known and rarely seen by most Canadians, I had the chance to visit the Robert Bourassa Hydroelectric Dam. It’s an enormous and impressive feat of engineering and continues to supply Quebec and much of New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts with clean, renewable energy.

4. If you had to describe the Canadian construction industry in three words, what would they be?

Relationship-driven, regulated, resilient.

5. What’s a Canadian stereotype that you fully embrace?

I’m pretty much a walking Canadian stereotype. From my love of Timmies and hockey to my knowledge of French and liberal use of Canadian slang, I check all the stereotypical boxes.

6. Best part about working in construction in Canada?

The people. The industry is relatively small compared to the U.S., so relationships matter a lot. It’s a tight-knit community with a lot of emphasis on trust.

7. Finally, what’s your go-to Tim Hortons order?

Farmer’s Breakfast Wrap with a hashbrown and an orange juice—the basics of a winning formula.

Building in Canada, especially in a dynamic city like Toronto, requires expertise, strong relationships, and the ability to navigate a unique regulatory landscape—having the right team makes all the difference. Looking to build or expand in Canada? Let’s Talk.