Our story began in 1988, fueled by the vision of brothers Paul and Patrick McDonald, and inspired by their family’s deep roots in the construction industry. Together, they co-founded McDonald Brothers Construction Inc. (MBC) with a clear focus on the non-residential market.
Over the next three decades, we built a reputation grounded in relentless quality control, true professionalism, and unmatched technical expertise. By consistently delivering exceptional value, we’ve earned the trust that sets us apart from competitors in the greater Ottawa area.
Today, MBC is a purpose-driven leader in the Institutional, Commercial, and Industrial (ICI) sectors. Our portfolio spans a wide range of projects—from new builds and school additions to medical centres, community hubs, and places of worship. While our expertise covers many areas, our focus has evolved: we’re not just building buildings, we’re strengthening communities. Whether it’s a complex renovation, a historical restoration, or a commercial fit-up, we approach every project with empathy and a genuine desire to positively impact the lives of those who will use these spaces.
Building and maintaining client trust is the cornerstone of our relationships—and the key to shaping a better future for Ottawa, together.
Every project is a chance to do something meaningful. We believe that construction can create lasting, positive change — for people, for the planet, and for future generations. These values guide how we work and who we work with. It’s not just about what we build — it’s about how responsibly, ethically, and inclusively we build it.
Our work is grounded in relationships with clients, partners, and each other.
By aligning our work with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values, we create opportunity and long-term value. We foster creativity, invest in people, and lead with collaboration and integrity.
Innovation is at the heart of how we build — and why we lead.
From pioneering Passive House builds to streamlining digital tendering and adopting advanced systems like BIM, we constantly evolve to deliver smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable outcomes.
We believe in an industry that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
Through inclusive hiring, equity-focused leadership, and partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and underrepresented groups, we’re building a workforce where everyone belongs. We proudly support youth mentorship, community training programs, and are active members of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB).
Sustainability isn’t an option — it’s our obligation.
We embed green building practices across every project, helping clients reduce impact and meet climate goals. From LEED and Passive House to lifecycle cost planning and low-carbon materials, we build for today and tomorrow.
As community builders, our impact goes far beyond the jobsite.
Through social procurement, we prioritize working with local trades, Indigenous businesses, and equity-deserving suppliers. We support mentorship, employment initiatives, fundraising efforts, and partnerships that create lasting value.
We don’t just build in communities — we invest in them.
As President, I am deeply committed to creating job sites where every worker feels physically safe, psychologically secure, and treated with respect.
That means more than meeting standards – it means building a culture where inclusion, open communication, and accountability are part of daily work. We continuously invest in our health and safety programs, with clear communication, ongoing training, and a focus on continuous improvement.
We lead by example, and we believe safety is everyone’s responsibility—from senior leadership to the newest hire. When people feel supported and empowered, they do their best work—and go home safe.
– Patrick McDonald, President
Presented to Project Managers Patrick McDonald and Sally Morris, this award recognized our exceptional attention to project objectives, our innovative approach to providing solutions, technical excellence and level of design / construction difficulty, as well as the contribution to the economic and social quality of life for the tenants of the mechanicsville building on Forward ave. The new building which shadows the Passive House design, was noted as a prime example of community-focused urban infill providing much needed affordable housing for families in the City with a mix of market, below-market and shelter-housing rental rates.
Presented to Project Managers Patrick McDonald and Sally Morris, this award recognized our exceptional attention to project objectives, our innovative approach to providing solutions, technical excellence and level of design / construction difficulty, as well as the contribution to the economic and social quality of life for the tenants of the Veterans House building on Mikinak Rd in Rockcliffe. The new building which shadows the Passive House design, now functions as a healthy living space, and positive community for previously homeless veterans in the Ottawa area.
Award presented for green building excellence in affordable housing. This 3-storey, 40-unit residential project has created a healthy living space for homeless veterans in Ottawa while incorporating leading green building practices into its development.
Presented to Project Managers Patrick McDonald and Sally Morris, this award recognized our exceptional attention to project objectives, our innovative approach to providing solutions, technical excellence and level of design / construction difficulty, as well as the contribution to the economic and social quality of life for the tenants of the Youth Services Bureau on Riverside Drive. The new building functions as a safe haven for at-risk-youth, while offering vital support and opportunity for its tenants.
Presented to Project Managers Patrick McDonald and Sally Morris, this award recognized our exceptional attention to project objectives, our innovative approach to providing solutions, technical excellence and level of design / construction difficulty, as well as the contribution to the economic and social quality of life for the tenants of the Cornerstone Housing for Women shelter in the Ottawa neighborhood of Westboro. The renovated building is not only a safe place to call home, but a thriving and healing community for women who are transitioning out of crisis.
Presented to our colleagues at CSV Architects for integrating one of the first Passive House designs in the City of Ottawa. This award recognizes building projects that demonstrate leadership in the implementation of green building and/or outstanding environmental and energy performance. The OCH – 900 Merivale building was designed to be extremely energy due to its ability to reuse heat and minimize the building’s excessive energy usage. The building only requires 132 KWhr/’m2/year which totals a reduction of 49% in energy savings.
Presented to Project Manager, Matthew Wilson, this award recognized our exceptional attention to project objectives, our innovative approach to providing solutions, technical excellence and level of design / construction difficulty, as well as the contribution to the economic and social quality of life on the Carleton University Campus.
Awarded to Patrick McDonald and Sally Morris for their visionary work on the 211 Lees Avenue project, along with their partners, CSV Architects and Ottawa Community Housing (OCH). This project was recognized for the challenges it presented in incorporating an existing fire-damaged building with a new and elegant design. Focusing on reducing energy costs through the use of renewable materials and forms, the project remained within its extremely tight budget.
Presented to Project Manager, Matthew Wilson, this award recognized our exceptional attention to project objectives, our innovative approach to providing solutions, technical excellence and level of design / construction difficulty, as well as the contribution to the economic and social quality of life for the community.
The City of Ottawa recognized the historical renovation and addition project at Dominion Chalmers United Church as an achievement in urban infill projects. Showcasing specific projects which demonstrate a commitment to architectural heritage in the Ottawa area, we were proud to have been part of the process to renew such an important cultural building in the heart of Centretown.
Presented to President and Director of Safety, Paul McDonald, this award recognized our longstanding commitment to health and safety by commemorating 14 consecutive years of zero lost time injury. It truly embodies our devotion to a safe workplace above all other pursuits.