HATS OFF TO A LEGEND Remembering Paul Polson By Melanie Franner Born in Winnipeg on September 30, 1952, Paul Hugh Polson grew up in Calgary – a city that he would eventually embrace in all aspects of his life. Over time, he would be defined by his love of community, of family and friends, and of his work. “His life goal was to connect with people,” says Jordan Polson, a project manager at Stuart Olson Construction and the young est of three sons born to Paul and his wife Laurie. The high-school sweethearts were married for almost 45 years before Paul’s passing on July 17, 2020. All three sons worked in the construc tion industry at some time. The oldest, Ty ler, moving on to become a teacher in the Rockyview School District, and Graham, working as senior project manager at Go van Brown & Associates Ltd.
DRAWING INSPIRATION Polson fell in love with architecture very early on, and pursued a professional desig nation in the field. He practiced in Alberta for 22 years, beginning his career with Laird Snow, which became Laird Polson Archi tects in 1983. In 1997, the company merged with two other architectural firms to become part of Stantec. Polson would lead this team for three years before joining Stuart Olson in 2001 as vice president of business develop ment. In 2014, he took on the mantle of se nior vice president of business development and community engagement. Throughout his career, Polson never lost his love of architecture. He was admitted to the Royal Architectural Institute of Cana da’s College of Fellows in 1992 and was dean from 2005 to 2010. He also led the team for the masterplan expansion of Bow Valley College and SAIT Polytechnic campuses.
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Tasneem Rahim, director of fund devel opment and alumni engagement for Bow Valley College, acknowledges Polson’s im pact on the world of architecture. “Paul’s contribution to our community in Calgary and beyond has been tremendous, particu larly his work in connecting people so that they could work together for the greater good,” says Rahim. “We have felt this im pact and have been beneficiaries of these partnerships that have had a wonderful impact on our learners and Bow Valley College community.” Polson’s persistent focus on how citizens working and living in and around his proj ects were impacted during construction, as well as through architectural design, left a significant impression with many in the in dustry and beyond. So much so that some of his partnering principles have become processes. “Just looking at his years of involvement in designing, building, and helping shape some of the city’s landscapes and master plans, I can only fathom the true impact he has had on the people of Calgary,” says son Jordan.
RODEO REIGN Architecture remained a central theme of Polson’s life, but not the only one. He also became heartily engaged in the Cal gary Stampede. “I remember when we were young kids, my dad used to wake up me and my broth ers at something like five in the morning so we could find seats on the curb to watch the Calgary Stampede Parade,” recalls Jor dan. “We’d be there a good two or three hours before the parade even started.” Polson eventually took on a number of roles with the Calgary Stampede, volun
teering for over 30 years and sitting on the Stampede’s Board of Directors from 2010 to 2020. Polson had an entire Stampede wardrobe and loved every moment he spent at the rodeo. “He was all about helping others achieve their goals,” explains Jordan. “He was dedi cated to doing what he could to help in its success. Western spirit was important to him and he loved being a part of what it meant.”
IN AND AROUND THE TOWN Polson’s love of all things Calgary ex tended to the theatre and arts scene. He was a Theatre Calgary board member for many years, and served as director there from 2010. He also served on the Calgary Chamber of Commerce from 1995 to 1999, and he was the president of the Alberta As sociation of Architects from 1989 to 1991. Other community endeavours included work with the 1983 Western Canada Sum mer Games, the 1988 Winter Olympics, and the city’s 2005 bid for the Goodwill Games. He was also the senior advisor of infrastructure for the 2026 Winter Olym pic Games Bid Committee. “He was a strong advocate of Calgary,” says Jordan. “He loved the city and he wanted to give back as much as he could.”
