A holiday message and
a look ahead to 2026
By Keith Boulton, CEO
As we head into the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on what this time represents—not just the chance to pause and celebrate with family and friends, but the opportunity to recognize the partnerships and trust that make our work possible and meaningful.
December also marks an important moment as we close out 2025 and prepare for something special ahead. In January 2026, OE Utility Services will officially begin its 30th anniversary year—three decades of service to communities across Ontario, built on relationships with customers and partners who've trusted us throughout.
Since joining as CEO this year, I've met many of our valued customers across Ontario. Those conversations confirmed what I suspected: OE's success comes down to the trust you place in us and the quality of service we deliver every day—professionalism, reliability under pressure, and commitment to excellence. That is what built this company and will carry it through the next 30.
How We Work Matters
Let me be specific about what I've witnessed in my first months here.
I've seen the precision required to safely expose and repair critical infrastructure—work with no margin for error. I've observed the coordination needed to complete complex projects on tight timelines while keeping safety and quality as non-negotiables. I've watched teams respond to emergencies, making quick decisions under pressure while staying focused on doing the job right.
It isn't easy work. The utility services industry demands technical skill, sharp decision-making, and unwavering commitment to safety. Every day, our teams manage high-stakes situations—for customers, communities, and each other.
What strikes me most is the attitude people bring. There's pride beyond completing a job—it's about doing it right, safely, and upholding the reputation built over three decades.
To Our Partners and Communities
To our municipal partners, contractors, and customers across Ontario—your trust means everything. When you call OE, you trust us with urgent situations, complex projects, and high stakes. We understand that responsibility.
Over the past year, you've challenged us to be better—respond faster, communicate clearer, continuously raise standards. That partnership, built on honest feedback and mutual respect, drives real improvement. You've made our work meaningful and helped shape our next chapter.
We don't take that trust for granted. Every time you choose OE, we're committed to earning it again.
Looking Back with Pride
As 2025 comes to a close, it's worth acknowledging what we've accomplished together.
To our field teams, office staff, and the families supporting everyone behind the scenes—thank you.
Your work is the foundation of everything we do, and your support makes it possible for our people to show up every day with professionalism and dedication.
Your work matters more than we say. Every completed project keeps critical infrastructure functioning. Every careful decision protects communities counting on us. Every customer interaction reinforces trust earned over 30 years.
What's Ahead: Celebrating 30 Years
In January 2026, we'll officially begin OE's 30th anniversary year—and this isn't just symbolic. Throughout 2026, our executive team will publish articles exploring leadership—today and tomorrow—covering safety culture, operational innovation, partnership models, environmental stewardship, and our direction. These create internal alignment on who we are and where we're going.
Here's what you can expect in 2026:
2025 brought its share of challenges—the kind this industry knows well—but you showed up. Every call. Every shift. Every project. You delivered.
We're investing in new equipment and technology—fleet upgrades, enhanced safety systems, and tools that improve efficiency and precision.
We're deepening environmental stewardship across every service line. Sustainability means doing work responsibly and minimizing environmental impact wherever possible.
We're aligning teams across regions toward shared goals and higher standards—better coordination, clearer expectations, and a stronger sense of unity.
What won't change: the values that got us here—leadership at every level, clear communication, safety as culture, and trust as a promise we keep to each other, customers, and communities.
Twenty-nine years is significant in any industry, especially ours. It means weathering economic shifts, technological changes, and evolving regulations. It means building lasting relationships with partners who've trusted us throughout. Most importantly, it means attracting people who care deeply about work quality.
That foundation is solid. As we enter year 30, we're building it.
A Holiday Wish
As this year closes, take time to rest and recharge. Celebrate with those who matter most. Reflect on your accomplishments—they're considerable. Be proud of your daily work.
The holidays are about recognizing what we're part of—a company built on trust, expertise, and commitment to doing things right. That's worth celebrating.
From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful holiday season and Happy New Year. Thank you for this year's contributions and for everything we'll build together ahead.
To our customers, my sincere appreciation for your business and partnership, and I look forward to our continued mutual success!
I'm genuinely excited about 2026—and grateful to be on this journey with all of you.
Keith Boulton
Chief Executive Officer
OE Utility Services
