Building Together for the Future
Progress at the Splatsin Homes Show Home (March 2, 2026), where Bee-Jay’s Excavating and SDC crews worked in partnership with Splatsin Homes to complete servicing and foundation preparation.
For more than 15 years, Splatsin Development Corporation (SDC) — through Yucwmenlúcwu’s Civil Construction division — has worked side-by-side with Bee-Jay's Excavating Ltd. on projects across Splatsin Territory.
From residential septic systems to major infrastructure projects, the relationship has been built on something simple but powerful: trust.
Now, that long-standing partnership has been formalized into a new majority Indigenous-owned company: Splatsin Civil and Environmental Construction LLP (SCEC)
Legally finalized in December 2025, with SDC as the majority shareholder, the new company establishes a platform for long-term growth — growth in construction employment opportunities, growth in specialized skills development, growth in Splatsin’s presence on projects throughout the territory, and growth in economic returns that support community priorities for generations to come.
A Partnership Built Over Time
Bee-Jay’s has been serving the community for many years, completing projects such as residential septic system installations, infrastructure for the Quilakwa Canco, and site works for the temporary Band office, among others. Today, SDC and Bee-Jay’s are actively collaborating on the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail and the Splatsin Homes show home foundation.
Founded in 1981 and now operated by brothers Anthony and Dale Schartner, Bee-Jay’s Excavating brings more than four decades of heavy civil construction experience.
Anthony reflects:
“We’ve worked with SDC for many years on a wide range of projects. It’s been a strong working relationship built on trust.”
Jeromy Schuetze, Civil Construction Manager with Yucwmenlúcwu (Caretakers of the Land) LLP, adds:
“Formalizing the partnership builds on our existing relationship. The equipment and experience Bee-Jay’s brings supports growth within our team empowering us to take on bigger projects and clients.”
SDC Yucwmenlúcwu Civil crew salvaging and processing wood from the former Baxter Bridge, utilizing Bee-Jay’s equipment on site (2025).
Why You’re Seeing Both SDC and Bee-Jay’s Trucks on Site
Community members may notice both SDC and Bee-Jay’s equipment working together.
Under the new structure, teams, equipment, and expertise are combined, increasing overall capacity and strengthening the ability to pursue larger and more complex projects.
The partnership works because both sides bring complementary strengths.
Aligned Expertise, Expanded Opportunity
This partnership works because both sides bring different strengths.
Bee-Jay’s contributes:
Extensive construction experience and industry reptuation
Established operational and safety systems
Specialized equipment
Hands-on mentorship and equipment training
SDC contributes:
Local knowledge and community relationships
A majority Indigenous-owned structure
A growing Indigenous workforce
Access to procurement opportunities prioritizing First Nations participation
Together, the partnership strengthens operational stability, expands training opportunities, and builds a solid foundation for sustained growth. Through hands-on mentorship and collaboration on shared job sites, skills are developed locally — increasing long-term capacity and expertise within the Splatsin workforce.
SDC Yucwmenlúcwu Civil excavator and operator loading a Bee-Jay’s truck during work on the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail near Sicamous (2025).
What This Means for Splatsin
Today, the SDC Civil Construction team includes 11 employees, seven of whom are Splatsin Band Members.
By formalizing this partnership, SDC enhances its capacity to:
· Compete for larger and more complex infrastructure projects
· Expand meaningful employment opportunities
· Deliver hands-on equipment training and skills development locally
· Build long-term economic strength within the community
This is not a new relationship, but the natural progression of one that has developed steadily over time — grounded in mutual trust, respect, and open communication.
Looking Ahead
Splatsin Civil and Environmental Construction is now positioned for sustained growth under a structure that preserves majority Splatsin ownership and ensures long-term community benefit.
At its core, the partnership is grounded in a simple principle: when we build infrastructure together, we build opportunity as well.