ATCO feels a profound responsibility to support and serve those who have stood on guard for democracy and peace.
Our connection to the Canadian Armed Forces dates back to 1941, when ATCO co-founder S.D. Southern joined the brave individuals of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as a firefighter. Over the course of five years, he became a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer with the rank of Warrant Officer and held the position of Fire Chief. He was honourably released from service in 1946 and would go on to establish Alberta Trailer Hire alongside his son, R.D. Southern, using his mustering out credits of $2,000 to purchase 15 portable trailers. One year later, Alberta Trailer Hire was born, later becoming Alberta Trailer Company, or ATCO.
For decades, ATCO has been a proud supporter of the military community—from providing military camps, defence support services, logistics and operational support, as well as innovative housing to help Veterans with reintegration into civilian life.
Our Commitment In Action
At ATCO, we believe in putting our commitment to the communities we support into action. Serving and supporting those who stand on guard for democracy and peace is a foundational value within ATCO—a profound responsibility that we honour today and will continue to honour into the future.
Invictus Games
ATCO reaffirms our long-standing commitment to the military as the Co-Presenting Partner of the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada. We are honoured to serve as the Presenting Sponsor of Team Canada for four consecutive Invictus Games from 2022 to 2027.
Military Family Day
The annual ATCO Military Family Day at the Spruce Meadows North American equestrian tournament in July honours the significant community service provided by the Canadian Armed Forces. Every year, military personnel from ranks across Alberta are selected by their commanding officers to participate with their families in this event.
Homes for Heroes
With more than 5,000 Canadian Veterans experiencing homelessness across the country, there is an urgent and growing need to provide housing solutions for Veterans needing assistance with reintegration into civilian life. In direct response to this need, ATCO has partnered with the Homes For Heroes Foundation to provide tiny home housing communities within a robust support system for Veterans experiencing homelessness in the cities of Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta.
Veterans Talent Program
ATCO proudly backs our military community, offering military camps, defence services, logistics, innovative Veteran housing, and support for their transition to civilian life. We deeply value the skills and experiences of our military and first-responder Veterans, recognizing them as invaluable assets to our global team. As a Veteran-friendly employer, we are committed to assisting Veterans and reservists in their career transitions.
Veteran Employee Resource Group
At ATCO we recognize the invaluable contributions of our Veteran colleagues, and that’s why we established a dedicated Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG) in 2023. VERG is a supportive and inclusive environment where Veterans at ATCO can connect, share experiences, and thrive in their professional journeys. Through conversation, education, and community outreach, VERG plays a pivotal role in honouring the skills and leadership that Veterans bring to the global ATCO team, ensuring their successful integration and advancement within our organization.
#teamATCO Veterans
"I am proud to be part of a company that values and supports Veterans. ATCO's commitment to Veterans resonates with my personal beliefs, making the work I do even more meaningful.”
- Judy Reid, Company Security Officer, ATCO Frontec
"My journey in the Canadian Army has shaped who I am today and instilled in me the valuable traits of discipline, adaptability, and leadership. These principles guide my work at ATCO today, where I'm proud to apply my experience to the challenges and opportunities that arise."
- Knox Davidson, Manager, Treasury Risk Management, ATCO
"The principles I learned in the Canadian Armed Forces guides the work in my role and fosters a commitment to excellence in everything I do. My dedication to service extends from the military to our community."
- Kent Miller, Lieutenant Colonel and Manager of Industry Relations, ATCO Electric
Our Experience
ATCO’s Frontec business has a longstanding history of supporting Canada’s Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces, and NATO. Our ATCO Frontec team delivers comprehensive logistics, operational, and in-service support solutions in remote and challenging locations—from deploying and operating military camps, to managing facilities, airfields, computer information systems, and real-life support services. Whether as a prime contractor or a key partner, ATCO Frontec has the proven ability to accomplish assigned missions, wherever the theatre of operations may be.
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North Warning System
North Warning System
Nasittuq Corporation (a partnership between ATCO Frontec and the Pan Arctic Inuit Logistics Corporation) was awarded a seven-year contract to operate and maintain the North Warning System (NWS) in 2022. The NWS is comprised of 47 remote radar sites in the Canadian Arctic and three facilities in Ontario. ATCO Frontec was the first Canadian contractor to operate the defence system from 1987 to 2000, and Nasittuq previously held the contract from 2001 to 2014.
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Department of National Defence (DND)
Department of National Defence (DND)
We provide facility operations and maintenance for 15 Department of National Defence (DND) sites in Alberta, including armouries, training camps, and the Military Museums. Since April 2022, ATCO Frontec has been responsible for the full spectrum of facility maintenance and support services and manages a gross total building area of 90,169 square metres, plus 135 hectares of range and training areas.
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Alaska Radar System
Alaska Radar System
ARCTEC Alaska, a partnership between ATCO Frontec and ASRC Federal Primus, provides operations and maintenance services to 15 strategic radar sites that form the Alaska Radar System (ARS) under the authority of the United States Department of the Air Force.
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The Balkans
The Balkans
Since 2003, we have provided support for NATO/EUFOR information systems in the Balkans. Based in Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, we handle all areas of communications, information systems, and telecommunications for 3,000 multi-national users. We also provide facilities management services to support NATO’s Strategic Airlift Capability at Papa Airbase in Hungary, and fire protection services at Camp Novo Selo in Marechal de Laatre de Tassigny, Kosovo.
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Afghanistan
AFGHANISTAN
From 2007 to 2016, we were contracted to provide multiple support services at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan for more than 20,000 troops serving NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). We hired and managed more than 600 personnel to deliver logistics services, airfield support, fire and crash rescue services, as well as waste and water services, in an extremely challenging environment. From 2005 to 2010 we provided similar support to the ISAF at the Kabul Afghanistan International Airport.
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NATO Flying Training
NATO Flying Training
From 1998 to 2022 we supported Canada’s military efforts by providing facilities management services for the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) military training site in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, under contract with CAE. This included managing fleet and equipment logistics, facilities operations and maintenance, and fire/crash rescue services.