Follow the journey. Island Coastal Services – Built From the Ground Up (Literally)
Back in 1969, two Islanders with a knack for heavy machinery and even heavier work ethics – Harry MacLauchlan and Robert Dawson – teamed up to start what would eventually become one of PEI’s most trusted construction companies. Their first job? Nothing small. They provided boats and gear for surveyors planning the
PEI–NB link that would later become the Confederation Bridge. Not bad for a first gig. After that project wrapped, they got back to what they knew best: grading land, prepping sites, and figuring out how to move dirt better than anyone else. Every new challenge made them better. Every project made them stronger. That mindset would shape the company for decades to come. In 1973, Harry’s nephew, Blair MacLauchlan, joined the team as a project engineer. Just two years later, Blair bought out Robert Dawson’s share and teamed up with his uncle to officially launch Island Coastal Services Ltd. Blair is now our President and General Manager — and still very hands-on. From Grading Fields to Golf Greens ⛳
Since those early days, we’ve helped shape PEI in some major ways — literally laying the groundwork for schools, hospitals, and public buildings across the Island. But we don’t just do roads and concrete. We like grass, too. We’ve maintained the iconic Green Gables Golf Course for Parks Canada and even built The Links at Crowbush Cove, which Golf Digest crowned “Best New Golf Course in Canada” in 1994. (Yes, we blushed a little.) A Legacy of Hard Work & Community
When Harry MacLauchlan passed away in 2002, he left behind more than a successful business. He left a legacy of integrity, generosity, and a deep love for PEI. As former Lieutenant Governor Marion Reid once said, “He gave his all to his community.” We still carry that spirit in everything we do. Today: Big Team, Big Machines, Bigger Impact
What started as a small outfit with a few machines is now a company of 250+ employees during peak season and 200+ pieces of heavy equipment. We cover everything from civil construction and landscaping, to hydrovac services, snow removal, and even golf course management. Our team is still hands-on. Still passionate. Still proud to help build and care for Prince Edward Island. As Blair once said: “A big part of our success is our people. We don’t just meet expectations — we try to beat them.”
