Construction Association inducts Henk and Henry Schilthuis into the 2025 Construction Hall of Fame.

By Staff

March 15^th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

The Hamilton-Halton Construction Association (HHCA) has inducted Henk and Henry Schilthuis into the 2025 Construction Hall of Fame.

This prestigious honour recognizes their contributions to construction, community, and family and will be presented at the HHCA’s 105 Annual General Meeting & Dinner on April 3rd in Hamilton.

Henk Schilthuis

Henk Schilthuis has played a vital role in Schilthuis Construction since 1960, serving as carpenter, superintendent, project manager, and eventually President (1988 to 2003). Under his leadership, the company modernized operations, adapted to industry advancements and specialized in municipal arena projects. He now serves as Vice- President/Superintendent, guiding the company’s expansion into residential and project management contracts.

Henry Schilthuis.

Henry Schilthuis, the current President and managing partner since 2003, has been instrumental in the company’s success. His commitment to building trust with institutional clients – including James North Baptist Church, YWCA, and Indwell Community Homes – has strengthened the company’s reputation as a leader in design-build, general contracting and project management.

“Henk and Henry have grown Schilthuis Construction into a recognized industry leader while maintaining the values of family and community, said Cameron Nolan, Construction Hall of Fame Chair. “They exemplify excellence in service and leadership.”

Tickets for the event are available at www.hhca.ca.

Discovery Centre – a Schilthuis build.

Schilthuis built the first version of the Pier.

What the HHCA doesn’t mention some of the exceptional work done by Schilthuis in Burlington.  The Discovery Centre and the first stage of the Burlington Pier. Schilthuis wasn’t able to complete the construction of the Pier when a crane collapsed.  The investigation into the collapse revealed that some of the steel used didn’t live up to the required standards and that there were serious technical errors in the plans Schilthuis was required to follow.

Crane working at the pier site topples. Proves to be the point at which problems with the design became evident.

There was an expensive lawsuit that put the construction of the Pier on hold.

It was eventually completed – few gave Henry Schilthuis the credit he deserved.

The incident came close to bankrupting Schilthuis – it was the willingness of the trades to give Schilthuis the time needed to get through the the law suits

Since 1920 the HHCA has supported Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) construction firms in Hamilton-Halton. We provide industry resources, advocacy, education and networking opportunities to help our members grow and succeed.

Related news story:

Henry Schilthuis was right – they just didn’t know it at the time.