Engineering Solutions from Concept to Completion 

For 70 years, Paterson Group has delivered trusted consulting engineering services across Ontario and Western Quebec. Founded in 1956 by John (Jack) D. Paterson, a geologist and professional engineer, the firm began by providing geotechnical and geological investigations in the Ottawa area. Over time, Paterson Group has evolved into a leading multidisciplinary engineering firm, expanding its capabilities to include environmental engineering, materials testing, hydrogeology, vibration monitoring, energy and sustainability, and building sciences.  

Today, the firm employs more than 165 professionals and supports projects across a wide range of sectors, including municipal infrastructure, institutional facilities, transportation, industrial development, and mining.  

Strategic Presence Across Ontario 

Paterson Group operates from strategically located offices that allow the firm to serve clients efficiently across both southern and northern Ontario. The company’s headquarters and materials laboratory are in Ottawa, with additional offices in Mississauga (GTA), Sudbury, and North Bay.

This geographic footprint enables Paterson Group the firm to provide on-site support, laboratory services, and rapid response, particularly for projects in remote and northern communities where timely technical expertise is needed. 

Leadership and Practical Engineering Approach 

Paterson Group is led by President David Gilbert, who assumed the role in 2021. Originally from New Brunswick, Gilbert holds a Civil Engineering degree from the University of New Brunswick and has lived in Ottawa for over 20 years. 

He notes that, “From the start, our goal has been to provide practical engineering solutions for clients. We combine professional knowledge with hands-on experience to deliver high-quality results on every project.” 

This philosophy continues to guide the firm’s work, prioritizing constructability, safety, and real-world performance alongside sound engineering design.

Supporting Mining and Resource Development 

Paterson Group serves a wide range of sectors, including municipal infrastructure, institutional projects, transportation, and resource development, with extensive experience supporting mining and industrial projects throughout Ontario. Its services include geotechnical engineering, environmental assessments, hydrogeology, materials testing, structural engineering, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC). 

With strong field and laboratory capabilities, the team supports mining projects at every stage—from early exploration and site characterization through construction, operations, and infrastructure development. The firm’s northern offices in Sudbury and North Bay position Paterson Group to respond quickly to mining clients and provide hands-on, on-site technical support where it is most needed. 

Project Highlight: Moosonee Hospital 

One project that highlights Paterson Group’s expertise is the upcoming construction of the new hospital in Moosonee, Ontario. Given the community’s remote northern location, the team established a dedicated mobile testing laboratory on site. This allows real-time concrete testing and monitoring without delays caused by travel.  

“Bringing full laboratory capability into a northern community ensures that the concrete placed for critical infrastructure meets strict performance standards,” says Gilbert. “It also helps the project team maintain schedule and reduce risk.”  

The Moosonee project demonstrates Paterson Group’s capacity to deliver complex engineering services under challenging conditions, a strength that directly translates to northern mining and industrial developments. 

Commitment to Community 

The firm’s commitment extends beyond technical work. In 2025, Paterson Group made a $1-million donation to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, contributing to the organization’s $500-million fundraising goal for a new hospital campus at Dow’s Lake.  

“This is by far the largest donation our company has ever been involved with since our inception,” says Gilbert. “Our families are proud of the support we can provide to our community.” 

The decision to support the hospital project was influenced by several factors.  

“After the chairman of the project’s capital campaign called, we met with our board and realized the impact a new hospital would have on the entire community,” says Gilbert. “The idea of attracting world-class talent to Ottawa and outfitting the hospital with state-of-the-art equipment made the decision clear. We hoped that our contribution would inspire other companies of our size to step forward as well.” 

In addition to supporting The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, the firm contributes to organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, Christie Lake Kids, The Ottawa Mission, Spirit North, and MusiCounts, maintaining a strong commitment to the communities in which it operates. “We want to support both our clients and our communities,” Gilbert says. 

Looking Ahead 

The firm sees significant opportunities in Ontario’s mining sector. Gilbert observed that, “The industry is entering a period of growth driven by exploration, critical minerals development, and infrastructure investment.  

There’s increasing demand for geotechnical engineering, materials testing, environmental services, and hydrogeology. Our offices in Sudbury and North Bay allow us to respond quickly to projects and provide hands-on support where it is most needed.” 

A Trusted Partner  

Partnering with Paterson Group offers access to a multidisciplinary engineering firm with decades of experience, local northern presence, and a collaborative approach that ensures projects are delivered on time and to specification. From initial concept to completion, Paterson Group provides the technical expertise, on-site support, and professional guidance needed to achieve project goals. 

Paterson Group continues to build its reputation as a reliable partner for complex engineering projects and a company committed to giving back to the communities it serves. With a track record of successful projects, a dedicated team, and a focus on innovation and quality, the firm is well-positioned to support Ontario’s growing mining and industrial sectors. 

 For more information on Paterson Group and its services, visit https://www.patersongroup.ca.