The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce (“Chamber”) is pleased to announce Island Coastal Services Ltd. as the recipient of its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Provincial Credit Union, is the most prestigious honour in the roster of President’s Excellence Awards, recognizing an individual or business that has demonstrated exceptional success and entrepreneurial spirit for at least fifteen years. Island Coastal Services will be presented with the award at the President’s Excellence Awards gala on January 29th.
“Receiving this Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chamber is a tremendous honour — not just for me, but for every person at Island Coastal Services who has helped build this company over the past five decades,” said Blair MacLauchlan, President of Island Coastal. “From our early days with just a handful of employees to now managing hundreds of workers, multiple divisions and services, this award recognizes our commitment to quality, integrity, and to the communities we serve across PEI. We remain dedicated to excellence, long-term relationships, and bringing the best to Prince Edward Island for many years to come.”
For over 50 years, Island Coastal Services has played a foundational role in laying the infrastructure that enables community growth and connection, through roads, subdivision servicing, and municipal water and sewer systems.
The company traces its roots back to 1969, when partners Harry MacLauchlan and Robert Dawson launched a business focused on grading, earth-moving, and site-preparation work. In 1973, Blair joined the company as Project Engineer, before purchasing Dawson’s share in the mid-70s and, with his uncle Harry, incorporating the company under the name Island Coastal Services Ltd.
In 2001, Blair became President of Island Coastal following Harry’s passing. Under his leadership, the company expanded its workforce and service offerings, evolving from a small site-preparation contractor to a major civil construction, landscaping, and services firm.
Island Coastal Services has contributed to numerous significant infrastructure, tourism, and recreational projects, including the multi-phase Trans-Canada Highway/Cornwall Bypass, work for Parks Canada’s Green Gables Golf Course, and the construction of The Links at Crowbush Cove. The company has also worked on roundabouts, active transportation trails, new road works, and community infrastructure.
Over time, Island Coastal has diversified its services, adding landscaping, heavy-duty truck services through BJ’s Truck Centre, specialized excavation through Island Hydrovac, the ownership and operation of golf courses, and property management and summer vacation rental services through The Gables, including cottage and home rentals.
“Island Coastal Services has helped shape communities across Prince Edward Island for more than five decades,” said Bianca McGregor, CEO of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce. “Their long-standing commitment to quality, workforce development, and community investment exemplifies the spirit of the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Looking ahead, Island Coastal Services remains committed to excellence, offering meaningful employment opportunities and serving the communities of PEI, including responding to evolving community needs.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented alongside eight other President’s Excellence Award categories, for which there are twenty-four finalists in categories such as Emerging Business Excellence, Not-for-Profit Excellence, and Excellence in Customer Service. The winners from these categories will be announced on the night of the gala.
The 2026 President’s Excellence Awards, presented by The Gray Group, will take place on Thursday, January 29th from 5:30PM-9:30PM at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward. Tickets are available online at charlottetownchamber.com or by phone at 902-628-2000.
Blair MacLauchlan, P. Eng., President of Island Coastal Services Ltd.
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About The Chamber:
The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce connects business and community and is PEI’s largest business advocacy organization with almost 1,000 members. For more information on the Chamber, visit www.charlottetownchamber.com.
Media Contact:
Madeline Biso
Policy Analyst & Media Relations Manager
mbiso@charlottetownchamber.com
(902) 628-2000 x 224