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Throughout February, UrbanToronto will be honouring Black History Month with a series of articles looking at Black-owned organizations or companies in the Greater Toronto Area’s development and construction industries.
Today, we are taking a look at an organization making changes at the heart of Canada's construction industry, the Afro Canadian Contractors Association (ACCA). Founded with a vision to unify and grow the African Canadian community of developers and contractors, at the helm are Stephen Callender, founder, and Sephton Spence, Vice-President. Their leadership and dedication have propelled the association into a critical force for change in a traditionally challenging industry for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour) professionals. UrbanToronto recently spoke with both men to learn more.
ACCA’s journey started with its public launch three years ago in February 2021. There had been little uptake prior to that when Callender first sought Black contractors to form a collective, but then came the pandemic, followed by the murder of George Floyd, and most importantly, nooses appeared at construction sites. These events served to catalyse ACCA's formation.
“The elephant in the room is that construction in Canada was pretty well white men,” Callender says. Expanding from a local to a national presence, the association now boasts a diverse membership of 136 contractors from various levels and trades.
From its inception, ACCA has been steadfast in its mission to bridge gaps and foster growth among Black contractors. The association's educational initiatives, developed in collaboration with industry experts like Turner Construction to offer programs such as the ACCA x Turner School of Construction Management Certificate, have been pivotal. These courses delve into the intricacies of business practices, bidding processes, and navigating the complex terrains of RFQs (Request for Quotations). As Spence puts it, “the more you inform them, the more they want to know.”
Callender, through his own experiences as the owner of Bass Installation, recognized the hurdles of navigating an industry where opportunities for BIPOC individuals have been scarce. His leadership conveys concerted efforts to create a platform where Black and racialized contractors could find support, resources, and a collective voice.
“The main thing that Black contractors are struggling with is acceptance,” Callender shares. “ACCA has given the contractors more of a voice to ask questions, and partnerships to help give them experience.”
Sephton Spence, owner of Kubbie Construction, brings a deep understanding of the industry's racial disparities and historical challenges that have persisted since the days of slavery. "One challenge is finding the Black community. The second challenge is they come from different islands,” Spence notes. “The only way we’re going to overcome this issue is to have one voice."
ACCA's strategy encompasses professional development, advocacy, and networking opportunities, aiming to elevate the presence and success of BIPOC contractors across Canada. The association's commitment to education and empowerment is evident in its wide array of initiatives, from training programs to exclusive bidding and information sessions that open doors to significant growth opportunities for its members.
Through strategic partnerships and relentless advocacy, ACCA is making inroads. Its efforts to lobby government agencies and engage with corporate partners are vital steps towards dismantling the barriers of racism and sexism in the sector. ACCA plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of Black contractors.
Callender shared some of their upcoming plans, including an emphasis on digitalization in construction, a forward-thinking move. The association’s pursuit of partnerships with software companies is aimed at equipping contractors with cutting-edge digital tools at affordable rates. Further goals for the future include expanding nationally, with membership currently extending to Halifax and plans to expand to Calgary as well. “We want to spread more outside of the GTA, and we have some initiatives with some other partners, so we can have a greater arsenal of people,” Callender explains.
The impact of ACCA extends beyond the issue of race. Spence shares that the most rewarding aspect of his work has been “seeing that there are males and females entering the field now and recognizing other workers in the industry that love their job as well.” He is also excited to see more Black workers on construction sites, and more Black contractors bidding on projects.
In a world where the echoes of history reverberate through the present, the Afro Canadian Contractors Association shows us the power of unity, resilience, and the unyielding belief in the possibility of change.
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.
