For 50 years, Barchard Engineering Ltd. has specialized in supplying, servicing, repairing, calibrating meters and instrumentation for the natural gas industry by working with providers, suppliers and end-users across Canada. This family-owned and operated company is poised to continuing to excel in a shifting environment. From Alberta’s boom-and-bust cycles to internal succession, Barchard Engineering stays the course while continuing to grow and give back to the communities it serves.
Robert Barchard, general manager, explains how it all began.
“Barchard Engineering was founded by my grandfather, Frank, along with my dad, Barry. Frank had been working as a general manager at a different company and felt that customers’ needs weren’t always front and centre. He believed an independent company could serve customers better—with more flexibility, honesty and heart.”
The start was humble. The first office was in the basement of the Barchard family home and a small shop was created in the garage.
“Later,” Robert says, “The company moved into a small bay in Cornet Industrial, which gave us enough space to repair and test meters for a handful of local utilities and do some field work for oil and gas companies. In 1977, we moved into a bay at 6019 92 Street, where things really started to take shape. We branched into new ideas—fabricating tin case meters (including hand-soldering and casting metal parts), building custom medical spirometers with leather diaphragms and even designing relief valves for gas regulators.”
By 1997, the company had grown into a second bay and achieved Measurement Canada Accreditation, allowing them to test and seal meters for custody transfer.
The company Frank founded was based on, and continues to espouse, an important value – representation of their customers. Robert describes, “We focus on gas meters and pressure regulators and aim to offer multiple product options to ensure we match the best solution to each customer’s needs. Also, we put ourselves in the shoes of our clients to ensure we find the best solutions for their needs.”
Being a family-owned and operated company has also kept the foundation strong for 50 years. Barchard Engineering remains nimble, honest, customer-focused and proud of its exceptional shop culture. These values never change.
“We’re all about long-term relationships. Our model isn’t based on recurring revenue, so it’s been crucial for us to earn and keep the trust of our customers,” Robert says. “We focus on doing what’s genuinely in their best interest—being on their side, even when it’s not the easy route. That loyalty has gone both ways, and it’s a big part of what’s helped us grow.”
They know how to have fun too, as a team.
“Back when we had more open space, lunchtime floor hockey in the shipping bay was a regular thing—it was a great way to stay active and keep the mood light.”
Yet times changes and life moves on. Founder Frank passed 20 away years ago, shifting the internal gears of the company. A firm foundation saw a smooth succession, but the memorable part was the respect paid to the founder.
“People always remember him with a cigar in hand (even if it wasn’t lit) and a mug of unbelievably strong coffee,” Robert reminisces. “At his funeral, over 400 people—staff, customers, suppliers and even competitors—joined the family packed into a room meant for 100. It was an incredible show of respect and connection. That day really showed how much he meant to people and how deep those relationships ran.”
Those relationships are carefully nurtured, including the internal ones that keep Barchard Engineering strong.
“It’s been challenging to grow while keeping our culture intact,” Robert admits. “As we grow and bring new people on board, it takes real effort to pass along our values and approach. The last few years have also kept us operating at capacity, which can make it tough to maintain the level of service we’re proud of. Add in global supply shortages and two-year lead times from some manufacturers, and it’s clear to see that planning ahead has never been more critical—or more complicated.”
Despite it all, Barchard Engineering remains very committed to, “helping our employees grow and succeed. Supporting their careers and lives has been incredibly meaningful.”
Robert continues, speaking to the shop culture, “I like to call us a ‘families business’ rather than just a ‘family business.’ Yes, many of Frank’s children and grandchildren have worked here—including our current service manager, Mark Belous—but what really sets us apart is how many of our employees have brought in their own families. Twin brothers Gord and Gary brought in relatives over the years—Gary’s son Craig is our sales manager and his son joined us full-time in 2025. The Barahonas and their extended family represent six current employees. We’ve had plenty of other team members bring in friends and family, too. It creates a workplace that feels more like home.”
The family atmosphere includes some very special members. Robert explains, “The moments that touch me most are seeing employees overcome personal challenges, grow and thrive. Sometimes we take a chance on people without traditional ‘credentials,’ and it pays off immensely. Watching them put down roots, work hard and succeed is a privilege. Being part of their story changes their lives—and ours too.”
This generous spirit is seen across the community in terms of support and volunteering for a variety of non-profit organizations.
“We tend to support causes through our customers and their efforts. One of our customers raises tens of thousands annually for MS Canada. Another bikes to support the Kids with Cancer Society. We’re proud to contribute to their initiatives. Over the years, we’ve also backed various youth sports teams,” Robert says.
As he considers 50 years of business and the road ahead, Robert reflects with a smile, “We love our little industrial corner of the city. It’s full of other small suppliers and vendors, and that proximity means more face-to-face time, more collaboration and a stronger sense of community. Our customers often stop by while running supply errands around the area, which creates a bit of a small-town feel, even in the city. Our industry is tight knit. It’s not uncommon for someone to be our customer, supplier and competitor all at once—and yet, it works. There’s room for everyone to focus on what they do best and a spirit of helping each other out when it makes sense.”
“I want to express my thanks to our customers,” he adds. “We wouldn’t be here without your trust and support and beyond that, thank you for the relationships and friendships we’ve built over the years—they mean everything. We also acknowledge how the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops (Fedgas) has been instrumental in our journey. They’ve not only helped our customers grow but have also fostered a sense of community among the utilities and vendors in this space.”
Barchard Engineering is ready for the next 50 years – and beyond.
“Growth is on the horizon,” Robert concludes. “We’re currently working through a major renovation and expansion, and we’re looking forward to a bit more breathing room. With more space, we’ll be better equipped to take on new opportunities and continue supporting our team and customers the way we always have.”
Shop culture will also remain a focus of this family business.
“We value the ability to prioritize work/life balance, which makes us stronger as participants in our own families as well as at work and for the customers we serve.”
Jake Kubiski was enjoying a Central America vacation with his girlfriend (now wife) Kristine when his life changed forever. He was relaxing in the sun, laying in hammocks and enjoying a more natural way of life when he came across an article in a local magazine about how the country of Costa Rica was operating on 100+ days of renewable energy. A thought formed:
“I wonder if Canada is doing something like this?”
Kuby Renewable Energy was formed and shortly after, Kubiski’s friend, Adam Yereniuk, joined as a partner to help with installs, design, website development and, as the founder puts it, “Frankly just figuring out how to run a business.”
Now, 10 years on, the start-up company in Edmonton that only installed solar panels has become Solar by Kuby, Carbon by Kuby and Utilities by Kuby. The 150-person team operates across four locations throughout Western Canada, delivering streamlined solar solutions for residential and commercial clients.
For founder Kubiski, it’s been a wild ride, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Despite changing political and economic landscapes, at the end of the day, most people care about being energy independent, saving money and doing good by the environment,” he says. “It comes down to dollars and sense and cents – and the price of renewable energy systems, mainly solar, has dropped more than 80 per cent in the last 20 years. Renewable solutions are now affordable for the everyday Canadian, plus there is a ROI that pays it all back over time.”
He acknowledges that solar energy was once a niche option, but advancements in technology and falling costs have made it a competitive choice alongside traditional energy sources, driving a significant surge in demand.
Kubiski, Yereniuk and their team stay at the forefront of emerging innovations that advance the solar industry, driving technology development, embracing calculated risks and fueling Kuby’s rapid growth over the past decade.
“I’m definitely the most passionate on the tech side of it all,” Kubiski smiles. “It’s changing so fast all the time and it’s cool to be a part of it, on the leading edge of it, in what is available to Canada. Modules have become much more efficient. When we started, we were installing 250-watt modules and now we’re up to 500-watt and above modules with roughly the same dimensions. The inverters are also far more efficient and can now be integrated into electrical systems with ease. The battery systems have become smarter in how they discharge energy, store energy and work with different wire service providers to accomplish the goal of reducing grid outages. Even microgrids are emerging as a trend and solution. We didn’t expect this when we launched 10 years ago!”
As he reflects on the projects Kuby has taken on over the years, his excitement shines through.
“They are all just so cool! It’s hard to pick the coolest one! Each project is unique. We prioritize engineering design, ensuring every project is not only innovative but also the best solution for the customer. For Instance, Red Deer College (now Red Deer Polytechnic) and Edmonton Convention Center were two standout project for us. We helped RDP transform their residence building into a showcase clean energy project that generates energy from its East, West, and South walls. ECC is probably the most spectacular project we have worked on – 100m of cascading solar glass roof down the Edmonton river valley, it is amazing to see from inside the building. Both BIPV projects were very difficult to execute and turned out beautifully. We’ve also partnered with BC Hydro on large commercial grid displacement projects, blending public and private efforts to target heavy electricity consumers. From solar canopies to battery storage, every project showcases our commitment to sustainable and cutting-edge energy solutions.”
The young company is also heavily focused on social enterprise. One example is seen in Kuby’s support of the Winnifred Stewart organization. In partnership with Real Talk by Ryan Jespersen, Kuby gifted a 30-year solar energy system to Winnifred Stewart, an Edmonton-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse abilities. The solar installation, placed on Joey’s Home, a residence for assisted and independent living, will significantly reduce energy costs, allowing the charity to allocate more resources to its initiatives.
Since Kuby opened the doors, the business has grown at a rate of 100 per cent a year. What started a two-person company has now grown to four offices and more than 150 employees. Numerous residences and businesses, from humble homes to iconic and landmark centres sport Kuby’s renewable solutions – and this young, agile company is just getting started.
“Our focus is on innovation and growth by investing in technology, software and streamlining processes to make solar adoption easier and more accessible,” says Kubiski. “By advocating for simplifying permits, reducing red tape and educating customers about their energy impact, we aim to enhance the overall experience and drive meaningful change. Adopting the mindset of being at least one per cent better every day drives us to improve operations, culture and customer satisfaction, ensuring we stay far ahead in a competitive space.”
Kubiski is very thankful for his wife Kristine who has supported his vision from the start, to the entire team at Kuby, all the stakeholders and the community that allows Kuby to give back.
“The world will continue to change around us,” he concludes, “but with the agility and nimbleness that form the foundation of everything we do – that remains the core of our DNA – Kuby will adapt faster than the changes coming down the proverbial pipeline.
Kuby’s current impact generates 41,000 MWh+ annually of clean energy, powering more than 6,000 residences and businesses, driving cleaner operations for numerous businesses and institutions while having the effect of more than 800,000 trees absorbing carbon dioxide every year.
Kuby Energy Edmonton
4605-92 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB
Kuby Energy Calgary
4519 35 St SE
Calgary, AB
Kuby Energy Lethbridge
426 10 Street N
Lethbridge, AB
Kuby Energy Kamloops
463 Dene Drive
Kamloops, BC
