Stephen Callendar: From Skyscrapers to Community Upliftment

Stephen Callendar, the president of the Afro Canadian Contractors Association

In the competitive Canadian construction sector, Stephen Callendar's name is widely recognized. With a career spanning four decades, he has carefully built a reputation that combines his business acumen with a strong commitment to community empowerment. From the towering structures that grace Toronto's skyline, proudly reflecting the work of his company, Bass Installation, to his role as the president of the Afro Canadian Contractors Association (ACCA), Stephen's accomplishments highlight his impactful leadership.  

Overcoming barriers like racism and a lack of access to capital, Bass Installation has firmly solidified its reputation for successfully executing complex projects. Along with his daughter, Natasha Callendar-Wilson, Stephen has overseen glass installation on some of Toronto's most iconic buildings, including the Trump Tower, Shangri La Hotel, BMO building, and CIBC Square. Their guiding philosophy, “If you can design it, we can install it,” clearly sets them apart from their competitors.  

However, Stephen's path to success had its challenges, particularly due to his identity as a Black entrepreneur. Racism was a persistent obstacle, especially in the 90s, when he made the decision to exclude his photograph from the company's website as a result of the racial biases of that era. Unfortunately, financial constraints further compounded this issue. Banks, due to the perceived risks associated with the construction industry, were often reluctant to provide the necessary financing. This was especially true for companies like Bass Installation, which specialized in installation services, had a unionized structure, and were Black-owned.  

In the present day, with the support of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Stephen has successfully secured a line of credit with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), marking a positive step forward. 

Meanwhile, the establishment of ACCA was a direct response to a noticeable void in the construction sector. The absence of Black contractors, highlighted during a 2019 federal government meeting, and disturbing incidents like the appearance of nooses on Toronto construction sites, led to the formation of ACCA. Officially registered in September 2020 and launched by Black History Month in 2021, ACCA's mission is clear: to propel Black and BIPOC contractors in the Canadian construction industry. 

The association is dedicated to equipping members with the relevant knowledge to flourish in the industry. Through webinars and Construction Management Overviews, ACCA covers various topics, from bookkeeping and project management to safety protocols.  

A recent initiative saw ACCA securing a grant to foster apprenticeships, addressing the retention barriers young Black individuals face in predominantly white construction environments. By pairing these apprentices with contractors of similar backgrounds, ACCA is actively working toward a more inclusive industry. 

Under Stephen's stewardship, ACCA has seen significant growth. From a modest six founding members, the association now boasts over 130 members. Many of ACCA's contractors have also expanded their operations, hiring more staff and undertaking larger projects.  

Looking to the future, Stephen envisions ACCA playing a pivotal role in amplifying the market share of Black contractors. At the heart of this vision lies education, with ACCA already spearheading projects that will further enhance the knowledge base of Black contractors. 

In his view, the construction sector's potential remains largely untapped unless it actively embraces inclusivity. Although he acknowledges the strides made, notably by entities like the Ontario government, Stephen is aware of the work that still needs to be done. He recognizes that true change can only occur when achievements like his become the norm instead of the exception. For him, dispelling misconceptions about the industry is just the initial step. 

Beyond that, there's a need for proactive measures–promoting narratives that celebrate the successes of Black entrepreneurs, introducing educational initiatives that equip Black individuals with essential skills, and strategically implementing advertising that showcases the industry's opportunities.