Badger Daylighting
Badger DaylightingGreg Potter celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Badger Daylighting in Sarnia-Lambton on February 17th, 2018. “I’m a direct agent for Badger. We provide services from Windsor right up past Bruce Power in Tiverton,” says Potter. Badger Daylighting is a Canadian company from Red Deer, Alberta. “Badger was established 25 years ago, and I was their first agent in Ontario. We started with one truck and now have 18 in service. At the time, all of Badger had 60 and now has approximately 1,100 trucks across North America.” Potter’s business was originally located on Telfer Road. In 2013 they moved to their current location at 1500 Airport Road. He also has a satellite office in Windsor.
Badger provides Hydrovac Excavation Services. Water is injected into the ground, turning dirt into mud so that it can be safely sucked up and into a truck. “Before you dig, you need to consider the excavation options. We are leading in this industry. We have the right equipment, manpower and expertise to turn around a job quicker than traditional hand excavation methods.” Their equipment can also complete work during the winter months. Potter was a commercial diver for six years prior to starting the business, working on engineering and construction jobs. “We worked on docks, water intake pipes for example. I had worked all over Ontario, and knew this area well.”
They are currently located near the airport. “We did a major renovation when we took over this space. Our main building was built in 1967.” It took four months to complete the renovation to the 18,000-square foot building. The new space allows them to park their entire fleet inside. “We can keep the trucks cleaned off, and filled with water. They are always ready to go. The guys like that they just have to do a circle check, and then head out to the job.” They are also using the space to host some charity functions. “We held an event here for Pathways last year. They brought in a B-17 bomber and a big brass band. 200 people attended and enjoyed a dinner, dancing and even some rides on the B-17.” More charity events are planned for 2018.
Badger provides an invaluable service to its customers. “We are able to dig a slot trench to reveal pipes and utility lines. The same application can apply for service pits and holes for poles. We do a lot of this engineering work for different municipalities and construction companies.” Potter has even brought in additional trucks for very large jobs, such as the installation of the wind turbines. “One of the big jobs we are working on right now is at the new bridge being built in Windsor. We work for large companies and municipalities, but also do work for private individuals.” Badger currently employs 36 people, many who have been with the company for more than fifteen years. “Kevin was my first employee. He is now the safety manager. That’s the most rewarding part for me — seeing everyone get home safe each day.”
Related Stories
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sarnia-Lambton
Danica Craig is the first to admit she was not looking for a new career. But when the job offer came, seemingly out of nowhere, she jumped at it. I had an old friend who knew me growing up in church and she hadn't seen me in years, Danica recalls. But she reached out to me and said, "Th
Heaven's Wildlife Rescue
Heavens Wildlife Rescue Rehabilitation & Education Centre (HWR) is a volunteer-based organization that rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wildlife with the goal of returning them back to the wild. Peggy Jenkins has always been an animal lover, and started fostering wildlife when she was
John's Restaurant
John's Restaurant has been a local tradition since 1964. Known for being one of southwestern Ontario's busiest family restaurants, it's the great food, great people and great value that keep customers coming back. While they're famous for their breakfast, and the Canadian peameal they serve wi
Express Employment Professionals
Jessica Martin was looking for a career change, but little did she know what she was getting herself into. "I had worked for the Ontario Government in Gaming at the Point Edward Charity Casino previously, and I was ready for a move," Jessica says. So, when Jessica was offered a position with Exp
Related Stories
Bluewater Power
On November 27, 1916 Sarnia City Council created the Sarnia Hydro-Electric Commission to supply power to Sarnia's residents. Their original office was located at 201 Front Street North. As the city grew, so too did its need for electricity, and the Commission continued to expand in order to meet l
Halo Hair Salon
Mike and Lori Beggs packed up their personal belongings and moved to Sarnia in 2002 after purchasing Enviro Trends (now Halo Hair Salon), which is located in the Lambton Mall. An esthetician by trade, Lori previously worked at a c...
Ryan's Sweet Maple
Ryan Vandenberg knew from an early age that he wanted to be a teacher when he grew up. And that is exactly what he did. The 43-year-old is a high school math teacher. However, Ryan also found another love at age eight following a grade school trip to a local conservation area where he witnessed how
Lambton College
Lambton College opened its doors on November 15, 1966. At the time, it was the second college in the Ontario College system. Lambton College was originally housed in a former elementary school before relocating to its current location on London Road. In its first semester, the College welcomed 54 students.
