In 1982, Raymond, Ghislain and Zoël won their first major contracts in the form of Place Tracadie and a shopping centre in Dalhousie. To meet the criteria for these jobs, they purchased new equipment.

Around the same time, they established a storefront in Haut-Sheila and started selling masonry materials in response to demand in the area. They gradually expanded, creating more and more local jobs.
And although major contracts began leading them around the province, they also continued to work in the retail sales and housing construction sectors.

In 1987, to meet growing public demand and further expand their retail operations, they moved to a new building on Principale Street in Tracadie-Sheila in a better location and having more square footage. At this new site, the owners were able to set up a showroom and stock a larger inventory.

In 1991, facing a challenging economic environment and increasingly fierce competition, the company had to look at its situation and take certain measures to improve its market position.

To this end, it invested in information technology and hired an accountant/controller. The new accounting system analyzed contract costs in real time so that any performance variations could be addressed in real time.

In 2001, Raymond Basque earned his Gold Seal certification for general contractors. This certification is awarded to qualified forepersons that meet specific criteria, including cumulative experience.

Ghislain Basque, meanwhile, continued working mainly in the residential sector, doing house and chimney bricklaying and installing interlocking paving stones and earning a reputation as a true craftsman in his trade. He also earned WETT certification, which was subsequently made mandatory by insurance companies wanting to have an inspection conducted by a skilled professional wherever a stove is used as a heating appliance.

In 2003, a new dynamic emerged at Basque Construction and Entreprise Bastech when, after 23 years of joint ownership, Raymond Basque decided to become the sole owner of Basque Construction, supported by his wife Yvette, and purchased both his brothers’ shares in the company.

Raymond surrounded himself with a skilled and experienced team in the form of three brothers, Bertrand, Isaïe and Edouard Austin. “All three men are very good site managers and excellent workers,” reports Mr. Basque.

Three years ago, engineer Jacques Haché also joined Basque Construction to oversee project planning and job site evaluation and monitoring. Raymond and Yvette’s daughter, Sylvette, who worked for her parents for eight years in accounting, also remains a valued advisor whenever major decisions arise.

This past January, Thierry, their son, was made vice-president of the company. His parents are very proud of him.

MON – FRI
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

SAT
9 a.m. – 12 noon

(May – December only)

SUN
Closed