Startec's Commercial HVAC Team Joins EDL Building Solutions
The acquisition strengthens EDL's southern Alberta operations across Calgary, Lethbridge and Red Deer with the same trusted team continuing to serve clients.
CALGARY, ALBERTA — September 15th, 2026 — EDL Building Solutions is proud to announce that the Commercial HVAC division of Startec Refrigeration Services has joined EDL. The transaction brings an established, respected commercial HVAC service and construction team into EDL, and extends our coverage across southern Alberta — building out our Calgary operations and adding personnel on the ground in Lethbridge and Red Deer.
EDL is a second-generation Alberta trades company. Founded in 1977 as an electrical contractor, EDL has grown into a multi-trade commercial building services provider — with electricians, plumbers, sheet metal, and our largest trade group, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics. Our plan is to become the full-house, in-house leader in commercial building services across Western Canada, growing both organically and by partnering with remarkable companies that have great cultures, great people, and want to be part of something bigger.
“Our Calgary expansion was already underway, and we wanted to build it with an established, respected team — not from scratch,” said Aaron Chetek, Owner and President of EDL Building Solutions. “When we got to know Startec, the values checked every box. Strong client relationships, experienced people, real technical capability, and a solid reputation; those things come from people, and this team is exceptional. There was almost no overlap between our client bases. This was two puzzle pieces, not two competitors.”
For Startec, the decision reflects a strategic focus on its core niche technical markets — and a commitment to finding the right home for its Commercial HVAC team and clients. “
Our number one objective in this decision was our clients and our team — and making sure the momentum this team has built carries forward,” said Gord Kelly, President of Startec Refrigeration Services. “We never took this business to market. Once we got to know Aaron and the EDL team, we knew we had found the right home. HVAC Commercial building services won’t just be a division at EDL, it will be the main focus. Having spent the past several months getting to know them, we have the utmost confidence our team and clients are in good hands.”
For clients, day one changes nothing about how they are served: the same people, the same phone numbers, and the same technicians showing up. Over time, clients will gain access to EDL's full in-house trade bench — refrigeration, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, sheet metal and BMS/ automation services backed by substantial operations in four Alberta cities. Startec and EDL will continue working together where their businesses meet — this is a partnership, not a goodbye.
Our culture is a blend of ambition, support, and fun. We set goals and work hard to achieve them, but we also recognize that team spirit is nurtured off the clock. Thanks to our Social Club, employees come together for team breakfasts, camping trips, ski adventures, and more.
We encourage team members to find their best fit within the company, providing the flexibility to explore new roles and grow their careers.
It’s a place where personal and professional development go hand in hand, making EDL not just a place to work, but a community to thrive in.