Badger Daylighting

Greg 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.”