Sancton Celebrates 105 Years and Four Generations of Family Leadership

BURNSIDE – It’s not every day that a family business owned and operated in the Maritimes celebrates more than a century of service. Even more rare is when that same family remains at the helm through four generations of leadership, vision, and hard work. On April 23, Sancton Group proudly celebrated its 105th anniversary with an event that brought together dozens of business associates, suppliers, contractors, friends, and family. It was a day to honour the company’s storied history, to celebrate its present achievements, and to look ahead to a promising future—one marked by continued growth, innovation, and family tradition.

Honouring a Legacy
For over a century, Sancton Group has been a steadfast name in the Maritimes, evolving alongside Atlantic Canada’s industries and communities. From its humble beginnings to its most recent expansion—a modern new facility on Cutler Avenue in Burnside—the company celebrates its roots while pushing forward. Sancton Group President Matthew Sancton, who leads the fourth generation of family ownership, reflected on the company’s journey during the celebration.

“I’m proud to be the fourth-generation president of this company,” said Matthew. “I always knew from a young age this was what I wanted to do.” The family stories shared that day highlighted how deep the connection between the Sanctons and their business runs. Matthew fondly recalled sitting on his father Clark’s lap as he steered a forklift—something he noted with a smile you couldn’t get away with today. These personal anecdotes passed down alongside business expertise, reflect the family’s commitment to preserving its heritage while evolving for future success.

Growing with the Times: Two Divisions, One Vision
Today, Sancton Group operates two distinct yet complementary divisions: Sancton Equipment and Sancton Access. While the business has expanded and adapted over time, its core values of integrity, service, and innovation remain unchanged. The Access Division, launched in Halifax in 1997, has played a critical role in landmark restoration projects across the region. From the Lord Nelson Hotel to the historic Dominion Building and Province House, Sancton Access has left its mark on Atlantic Canada’s landscape. Simultaneously, Sancton Equipment has grown to become a leading supplier of equipment and parts for the aggregate and paving industries, an integral part of infrastructure development in the region.

“Westray changed safety for everything in Nova Scotia,” said Matthew, referencing the Pictou County mining disaster of 1992. “The technology has changed as well. You don’t see scaffolding on new construction nowadays; you see hydraulic platforms.” This ability to adapt has been central to Sancton’s success and was a key theme of the anniversary celebration. As industries evolve and technology transforms the way business is done, the Sancton Group continues to move forward with new products, new opportunities, and a commitment to the safety and quality their clients have come to expect.

A Century in the Making: How It Began
Sancton Group’s roots go back to 1915 in Saint John, N.B., when company founder S. Norman Sancton began selling anchor chains and manila lobster trap rope sourced from merchants in England. By the 1930s, his son Clifford joined the business, further strengthening its foundation. Clifford officially incorporated the company as a limited business in 1953. The business continued to thrive under the third generation—Clark and George Sancton—who expanded operations into Dartmouth, N.S., in 1983. Their move to Atlantic Canada’s largest commercial and industrial hub set the stage for future growth while keeping the company firmly rooted in the region it serves.

Celebrating Community and Family
The 105th-anniversary celebration was about more than just recognizing a business milestone. It was an opportunity to celebrate the partnerships, employees, and communities that have been central to Sancton Group’s success.

“We’re confident in the industry, in the Maritimes and Atlantic Canada,” Matthew shared. “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

This sense of pride and place resonates deeply with the Sancton family and their extended team. Whether it’s a project in Pictou County—like the ongoing work for Northern Pulp—or equipment sales in New Brunswick, the Sancton name continues to be synonymous with excellence and trust across the region. Matthew’s brother, Andrew, oversees Sancton Equipment’s New Brunswick operations, further ensuring the family’s vision reaches every corner of the Maritimes. Their father, Clark Sancton, remains optimistic about the company’s future while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining family ownership in a changing world.

“It’s important to us, but you can’t predict that,” Clark noted. “There are a lot of older businesses that get bought out, sold, or become part of others. The secret to any business is to keep moving to new products and new opportunities.”

Looking to the Future
As the celebration came to a close, the message was clear: Sancton Group’s legacy is strong, but its best days are still ahead. The fourth generation of leadership is carrying forward a tradition built on hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the region. Whether it’s adapting to new technologies, serving the changing needs of its customers, or embracing new opportunities, Sancton Group continues to celebrate progress while honouring its heritage.

Here’s to 105 years of success, growth, and family leadership—and to many more to come.