About Us

Bruce Kay is the proud owner of OnGrowing Works. Officially launched in 1999, he grew the company into one of North America’s leading sustainable living space providers. With a passion for low impact sustainable development, permaculture (fresh water conservation, rain water harvesting and food production) and traditional construction crafts (timber frame construction and real stone masonry), Bruce is highly sought after across western Canada for his 35+ years of technical knowledge and commitment to meticulous craftship. He is a longstanding member of government and trade organizations such as Landscape Alberta, Olds College School of Horticulture and Alberta Industry Training where he acts as an advisor and continually refines his expertise. Most importantly, Bruce is a family man and prioritizes spending quality time with his wife, kids and five grandchildren on Early Dawn Farm.

Mary H is the Vice President of OGW, bringing with her 20 years of experience across a range of industries. She joined the company in January 2023 and has since been instrumental in building teams to lead the company into the future. Mary’s expertise lies in operational optimization, strategic planning, and implementing health and safety programs.  One of the highlights of Mary’s career has been the opportunity to coach and support young leaders, helping them unlock their full potential. She finds great satisfaction in being a supportive team member and witnessing the growth of those she works with.

Outside of work, Mary enjoys spending time with her two puggles, who always manage to bring a smile to her face. She and her furry companions love exploring the woods and rivers in their local area. Mary is also an avid scuba diver, having been diving since she was 18.  When she’s not globetrotting or underwater, Mary can be found whipping up delicious meals in the kitchen. 

Mary’s decision to join OGW was driven by her desire to return to a small business environment after spending over 13 years in a large corporation. She finds the energy and passion of the team at OGW infectious, and is constantly inspired by their commitment to their work

Meagan MacLeod is an integral part of the OnGrowing Works family. As the team’s Horticulture Services Project Leader, she meets with clients to determine project scope and help their vision become a reality. In addition, she designs planting plans, orders materials, supports the field team and schedules client maintenance. In the fall and winter, she also organizes seasonal displays. With over 10 years of horticulture experience, Meagan is an ISA Certified Arborist and holds a Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Horticulture, a Diploma of Technology in Environmental Horticulture and a Certificate in Landscape. She’s excited to be part of the OnGrowing Works team and loves the company’s culture, people and her job. Outside of work, she can be found mountain biking in the summer, and sledding in the mountains and scuba diving in the winter.

Honorine Schivre, OnGrowing Works’ Accounting and Office Support Lead, is well-versed in the worlds of finance and home construction. Having lived abroad for most of her life, and with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Management, Honorine has had multiple careers as an accounting assistant, purchaser, federal tax agent, fine wine retailer and kitchen installer. She has always been drawn to the construction industry and finally decided to dip her toes into it in 2014. She’s thrilled to be part of the OnGrowing Works family because of the company’s focus on the Cochrane community and making the world a better place for future generations. In her free time, Honorine enjoys creating experiences with her husband and two young boys, caring for her houseplants, dancing, roller-skating, spending time in the mountains, building things and even practicing traditional archery. Honorine also just received her Canadian citizenship after 11 years in the country.

At OnGrowing Works, Aline Melo is responsible for all aspects of residential and interior design. With over a decade of experience and a degree in Architecture and Urbanism, she creates functional spaces that align with client expectations. Whether Aline is meeting with clients, preparing layouts, coordinating electrical, mechanical or civil engineers, or researching material selections, she plays a critical role in ensuring each client’s vision is exceeded. Aline loves how supportive and understanding the OnGrowing Works team is, especially when it comes to clients, and thinks that the team’s ability to communicate ensures a positive customer experience. At home, Aline also puts her design skills to work through DIY projects with her husband and spends as much time as possible with her children.

At OnGrowing Works, Shane Papke is a Site Supervisor in the Landscape Construction Division. As a graduate of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon Campus, he specializes in water mitigation, management and harvesting, as well as plumbing and landscape maintenance. For Shane, the thought of creating outdoor environments that utilize natural resources has always fascinated him. From harnessing the power of water to create electricity and water plant material to using the sun for heating and electricity to relying on soils and natural stone to make outdoor living spaces reflect the beautiful world we live in, he works with meticulous detail to incorporate natural materials in each project. Outside of work, Shane loves to backpack, play guitar and fish.

Billie Lyons is OnGrowing Works’ landscape horticulture apprentice. Currently attending Olds College, Billie assists with landscape design and construction. She uses her multifaceted skill set to support the creation of water features, patios, drainage and irrigation systems, and steps and landings. She also operates machinery and helps place boulders. What she loves most about her job is the opportunity to work outside, add value to an already excellent team and create beautiful and functional spaces that people can enjoy for years to come. In her spare time, Billie runs, reads and plays volleyball and slo-pitch.

Evandro Ramalho believes that there is nothing more exciting than seeing a project come to life. As a graduate of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s Architectural Technologies Program, he supports the OnGrowing Works planning and design team by ensuring that all client design and drafting requirements are exceeded. You can find him visualizing and sketching design plans, sourcing products and materials, determining costs and inspecting construction to ensure each project aligns with design specifications. Outside of work, Evandro loves photography and spends his time listening to music, playing sports and dancing.

Brenda Beck Edwards describes herself as a farmer, horseperson and gardener. Not to mention the over 20 years of safety, first aid training, planning and administration experience she brings to the OnGrowing Works family. In her role as Safety Coordinator and Seasonal Horticulturalist, Brenda ensures that the company continues to exceed the highest workplace safety protocols, while also assisting with landscaping and planting projects. She holds post-secondary qualifications in adult education, training and coaching, and loves working outdoors. Outside of OnGrowing Works, she spends time with family, and as an avid rodeo lover, Brenda works on a team that produces the Calgary Stampede rodeo.

With more than two decades of experience, Greg Sherstianko is OnGrowing Works’ Construction Supervisor. In this capacity, he leads the company’s construction crew, while also mentoring new employees, reviewing drawings and ordering materials. Greg worked as an OnGrowing Works subcontractor for over five years before coming on full time in February 2022. Making the transition to a permanent position was an easy decision for him as he loves the company’s family-oriented and team approach. Not to mention that he gets to work on extremely interesting projects in his very own hometown of Cochrane, Alberta. As a Journeyperson Carpenter and Architectural Technologist specializing in building development, Greg was inspired to join the construction industry after taking part in Habitat for Humanity projects where he had the opportunity to build homes in Mexico. He also enjoys spending time with my family, camping, biking, and playing hockey and golf.