Building Stronger Communities Through Local Supply, Local Builders & Local Materials

In the construction industry, it’s easy to focus on the physical results of our work, the buildings, the infrastructure, the spaces we create. But behind every project is an entire ecosystem of people, businesses, and decisions that shape how our communities grow and who benefits from that growth. The choice of where we source materials, which suppliers we work with, and what companies we trust to build our communities directly influences the economic strength and identity of our region. 

As a local, family-owned building supply company that has served Southern Ontario for over 40 years, Hewson Brothers Building Supply believes deeply in the value of choosing local at every step, from where materials are manufactured, to who supplies them, to who builds with them. When we invest in one another, we build communities that are not just constructed well but supported well.

Local Legacy, Local Responsibility

Hewson Brothers Building Supply is rooted deep in the trades. We were contractors long before we were suppliers, and that experience has shaped our business for over forty years. Being local means, we know our customers by name, understand Ontario’s building environment, and respond quickly with our own yards, trucks, and people. When challenges arise, we resolve them face to face through personal, direct interaction rather than a random phone number. This proximity builds trust and strengthens our construction workforce, project outcomes, and community infrastructure.  

To stay competitive while staying true to these values, we partner with AD Canada, a buying group made up exclusively of independently owned Canadian businesses. This allows us to prioritize Canadian manufacturing, maintain competitive pricing, and keep profits circulating locally. Local manufacturers supply local distributors, who support local contractors, who build housing and infrastructure for residents, each step reinforcing regional strength. And because builders, tradespeople, and project teams live in the same 
communities they build, they train apprentices, support local families, sponsor youth programs, and mentor the next generation.  

Choosing local suppliers and local materials doesn’t just complete projects—it strengthens the economic and social fabric of our region. Local isn’t just a feel-good decision. It’s a strategic, resilient, efficient, and sustainable one.

A Case Study in Community Impact: BuildNow Waterloo Region

One of the most powerful demonstrations of what can happen when suppliers, builders, manufacturers, and associations work together locally is the BuildNow Waterloo Region project.

The partnership of Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, The Grand Valley Construction Association, local municipal partners, local contractors and trade professionals, and local material suppliers is accelerating the development of attainable housing through collaborative, community-led solutions. 

The strength of BuildNow Waterloo lies in alignment: Everyone involved is working not only in this community, but for this community - Many even familiar with each other at some capacity from recent local projects. 

Housing shortages are lived realities for families, workers, and young people in our region. BuildNow Waterloo demonstrates how local industry can activate its resources, expertise, collaborative spirit and personal touch to create real, meaningful change for our community. 

By prioritizing local materials, trades, and suppliers, this initiative keeps investment within the region and ensures construction benefits remain in it as well. This is backed by delivering economic growth, supporting apprenticeships, strengthening community stability, and expanding access to housing where it is needed most. This is what building with our community, not just in it, looks like.

Why This Matters Now 

Across Canada, the construction supply landscape is changing. Large national and multinational corporations continue to acquire independent suppliers, consolidating buying power and standardizing offerings. While this may appear efficient, it risks eroding the very thing that makes construction in regions like ours strong: local knowledge, local relationships, and local accountability. 

As the industry faces ongoing skilled labour shortages, housing affordability challenges, and shifting economic conditions, the importance of building resilient local networks has never been greater. 

Now is the moment to choose: 

• Local suppliers who understand our region.
• Canadian manufacturers who invest in our economy.
• Contractors who train the next generation of trades talent.
• Community projects that create long-term, local impact.

This is how we build not just buildings — but strong, lasting communities.

A Call to Keep It Local 

At Hewson Brothers Building Supply, our commitment is simple: We will continue to support the builders and manufacturers who are building here, because when our community succeeds, so do we all. 

To our partners across the GVCA network: Thank you for choosing independent, local, community-focused construction. Thank you for investing in regional industry, local careers, and Canadian manufacturing. Thank you for continuing to build with care and intention. 

Let’s keep building a region where the economic gains, opportunities, and benefits of construction stay where they belong, right here, at home.