Company Detail

After serving in the army, Russell Harris started an excavation company in 1948. At this time the company was simply called "Russell Harris".  Russell worked all alone with just a small dozer doing any type of work his machine could do from Shelburne to Digby.  In the late 1950's and into the 1960's, he saw his business grow and decided to add more equipment.  In 1959 a track loader was added, and a backhoe in 1960.  Also in 1960, Russell's youngest son, David, started full time.  As he became more established, Russell expanded taking on more and often larger projects.  Some projects that were done during this time were the Argyle Elementary School, lobster pounds, land breaking for Churchill Bros Farms and the Cotton Mill expansion (where Tec Pak is currently located).In 1968, Russell added a large dozer and tandem trucks to his business.  In the 1970's, Russell completed such projects as the hospital expansion, Tidal View Manor, Habourside Lodge, and the first ground breaking for the Rio  Algom Tin Mine around 1979 just to name a few.  Things were going well and in 1975, Russell changed the name to R&D Harris Excavating Ltd as David started to play a more important role in the business.During the 1980's, work continued.  R&D Harris Excavating Ltd was responsible in helping construct many of the places we go everyday, like the Yarmouth Mall, Tim Hortons, and Vaughne Estates on Brunswick Street Extension.In 1986 David's wife, Loretta, joined R&D Harris Excavating Ltd as book keeper/payroll clerk.  In 1987 David became president and in 1989 opened a division called Western Landscaping.  1989 also saw the addition of David's son, Robert (Bobby).  As R&D Harris Excavating Ltd entered the 1990's, they were proud to have played a part in building Yarmouth and surrounding areas.  They continued their efforts in constructing sidewalks in Wedgeport, Pubnico, Tusket and Barrington.  They also helped build Kent Building Supplies, Home Hardware, Atlantic Superstore and Canadian Printers, a division of Fundy Group Publications.  In 1994,  Bobby became manager of Western Landscaping and in 1997 became general manager of R&D Harris Excavating Ltd.  In 2000, David's oldest daughter, Karen,  joined R&D Harris Excavating Ltd and took over as book keeper/payroll clerk as Loretta left to do the accounting  for another company owned by David and herself.  In 2015 and 2017 respectively David's two older grandsons joined the company and are excited to help it grow for the future.  Four generations and more than 70 years later has brought us to the present.  Complete earthworks and landscaping for the new Villa St Joseph du Lac, Expansion of Nakile Home for Special Care Home, Needs/Shell Gas Bar in the Town of Yarmouth,  Tru Hotel by Hilton, Ecole Wedgeport are some of the newest projects added to the already long list.  From large building construction to septic installation, lobster pound construction, to digging a well, as well as concrete hardscaping, R&D Harris Excavating Ltd has met and worked with a lot of people and companies which have helped bring us to where we are today.  Some of these people include our dedicated employees, some of which have been with us for over 25 years.  Our employees make this a true family business.The goal for R&D Harris Excavating Ltd for the future and the next 70 years is to continue to help the Tri Counties grow for tomorrow.