2025 Annual Harbourside Retreat
Every year, the Harbourside Engineering Group plans a retreat as a means to thank our team for their hard work and dedication. This gives us a chance to show our thanks to all the brilliant engineers and staff who work for us across the different Harbourside offices. It's a chance for the various branches to meet and connect outside of work. Our teams can be found across Atlantic Canada and in Ontario. Although we’re connected online, we seldom get to meet face to face.
Our Biggest Year
Over the past few years, the Harbourside Engineering Group has grown by leaps and bounds. We still remember when we could rent a few sparse cabins for our annual retreat. Now, with offices in Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland and Ontario, things are a little more complicated. Thankfully, the Mill River Resort on PEI was able to accommodate all 100+ attendees and families!
This group represented members from across the Structural engineering division, the Transportation engineering division, our Geotechnical engineering division, Project management team, and even a few members of our Industrial Group. Everyone was in attendance for the annual pre-dinner “state of the union” address on Saturday but were otherwise encouraged to relax and enjoy their time stress-free.
As expected, many took this time to play a few rounds of golf. Others used the occasion to explore the area around the resort. Come Saturday evening, everyone was gathered together once again for a communal dinner and to socialize.
The Annual Address
Before dinner, we heard some words of wisdom from our founding partners. Robbie Fraser and Greg MacDonald both had some inspiring messages to share with the team. This also came with a company overview that was helpful for newer engineers and staff. Since the team has grown so much, it was a good opportunity to showcase Harbourside’s historic projects to more recent hires. It was also an opportunity for the different divisions to present their accomplishment and demonstrate their specialties to the different branches.
During one of these presentations, a birthday was highlighted.
Unsurprisingly, the entire crowd joined in singing “happy birthday” over dinner.
A Family Event
More than just a speech and a dinner, the occasion was also a chance to thank our families.
The work our engineers do brings them across the Maritimes, and beyond. There are long days on-site, and the occasional nights away from home. Our engineers can do what they do because of the support of their loved ones outside the office. We wouldn't dream of hosting the annual retreat without them.
This year featured the most family-focused amenities. Although golf will likely always be a mainstay of the retreat, we recognize that it’s important to have other activities too. For our younger family members, there was childcare, a games-room, arcade, and pool. As a special treat, the team also booked a Build-a-Bear workshop for the little ones.
Corporate Culture
The Harbourside retreat has changed a lot since our founding in 2008. It has become a family-focused event, and a celebration of the company’s accomplishments. It’s an occasion to look back and share in the pride of the work we’ve completed, and the challenges we’ve conquered. It also brings each branch of our engineering family together and gives us a chance to look forward. Although every year brings new challenges, by providing a sense of camaraderie to our team, there is little we can’t overcome.
