As Toronto’s skyline continues to develop, people like Aidan McComb are helping shape what the city will look like for years to come. With close to eight years in the construction industry, Aidan McComb has played a key role on major commercial projects including the 81 Bay Street office tower.
Known for his leadership on site and hands-on problem-solving, Aidan McComb has built a strong reputation in the field. In this Interview, we spoke with Aidan about his career journey, how he approaches his work, and the experiences that have defined his path so far.
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Aidan McComb. You’ve spent nearly eight years working in Toronto’s construction industry and have been part of some major commercial developments. To start, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you first got into construction?
Aidan McComb: Firstly, Thank you for having me. I grew up in Toronto’s Beaches neighborhood, and from a young age, I was drawn to hands-on work and problem-solving.
My parents encouraged me to explore different interests, but construction always stood out to me. I loved being outside and seeing projects come to life.
I pursued Construction Management at Fanshawe College and George Brown College to gain the technical knowledge and experience I needed.
After finishing school, I jumped into on-site work, and that’s where my passion for building and working with teams really took off.
I quickly realized that construction isn’t just about putting up buildings, it’s about shaping the environment and creating spaces that people will use for years to come.
Interviewer: You spent five years working on 81 Bay Street, one of the biggest commercial projects in Toronto. What was that like?
Aidan McComb: It was a great experience. The scale of the project required coordination across a lot of moving parts managing crews, solving issues quickly, and keeping things on schedule. It taught me a lot about working under pressure and staying focused on the details, especially on a high-profile site like that.
Interviewer: What other projects have you contributed to?
Aidan McComb: I worked on 1555 Queen Street East with Context Developments. There, I was responsible for the geothermal system, caissons, excavation, concrete, rebar, and the window wall bypass system. I also worked on 667 Talbot in London, Ontario. On that job, I managed the window wall and punched windows, exterior finishing, painting, all interior work from P2 to L17, as well as life safety systems and elevators. Each site had its own challenges, but both were great opportunities to grow my skills and take on more responsibility.
Interviewer: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Aidan McComb: For me, it’s about taking something from paper to reality. There’s a lot of pride in walking past a building you helped bring to life. I enjoy problem-solving, the physical work, and the sense of accomplishment when a project comes together. Every day is different, and there’s always something new to figure out.
Interviewer: Has your background outside of work helped shape your approach?
Aidan McComb: Definitely. Growing up, I played and coached lacrosse, and that taught me a lot about discipline, leadership, and teamwork. Coaching especially taught me how to support others and stay patient’ skills that are just as useful on a job site.
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Interviewer: What qualities do you think are most important for success in construction?
Aidan McComb: Communication is big. Things move fast on site, so everyone needs to be on the same page. You also need to be adaptable and ready to solve problems on the fly. And I think having pride in your work, wanting to do things the right way, makes a real difference.
Interviewer: Construction can be a demanding industry. How do you maintain balance in your personal life?
Aidan McComb: It’s definitely a challenge sometimes, but I believe in working hard while also making time to recharge. I stay active whether it’s going for runs or spending time outdoors and I always make sure to connect with family and friends. That helps me stay grounded and focused on the job.
Interviewer: What’s next for you?
Aidan McComb: I want to keep building. I’m always looking to take on new challenges and expand what I can do, whether that’s managing larger teams or more complex projects. I see myself continuing to grow in the field and helping shape the spaces people live and work in.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in construction?
Aidan McComb: Be willing to learn and show up every day ready to work. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, there’s a lot you can only pick up on site. Respect the people around you, stay organized, and pay attention to the details. Over time, those habits add up and open more doors.
Interviewer: Aidan, thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s been great learning more about your work and the perspective you bring to the construction industry.
Aidan McComb: Thank you for the opportunity. I appreciate the chance to talk about my journey and the work I’m passionate about. It’s always a pleasure to reflect on the projects and people that have helped shape my career.