Remembering Paul Polson

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 youngest of three sons born to Paul and his wife Laurie. The highschool sweethearts were married for almost 45 years before Paul’s passing on July 17, 2020.

All three sons worked in the construction industry at some time. The oldest, Tyler, moving on to become a teacher in the Rockyview School District, and Graham, working as senior project manager at Govan Brown & Associates Ltd.

DRAWING INSPIRATION

Polson fell in love with architecture very early on, and pursued a professional designation in the field. He practiced in Alberta for 22 years, beginning his career with Laird Snow, which became Laird Polson Architects 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 development. In 2014, he took on the mantle of senior 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 Canada’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.

Tasneem Rahim, director of fund development and alumni engagement for Bow Valley College, acknowledges Polson’s impact on the world of architecture. “Paul’s contribution to our community in Calgary and beyond has been tremendous, particularly his work in connecting people so that they could work together for the greater good,” says Rahim. “We have felt this impact 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 projects were impacted during construction, as well as through architectural design, left a significant impression with many in the industry 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 masterplans, 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 Calgary Stampede.

“I remember when we were young kids, my dad used to wake up me and my brothers at something like five in the morning so we could find seats on the curb to watch the Calgary Stampede Parade,” recalls Jordan. “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, volunteering 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 dedicated 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 extended 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 Association of Architects from 1989 to 1991.

Other community endeavours included work with the 1983 Western Canada Summer 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 Olympic 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.”

FAMILY FIRST

Throughout his life, Polson managed to find that perfect blend of work and family, socializing with people from work and extending that to the respective families involved. “His clients and colleagues were some of his best friends,” says Jordan.

Regardless of how many hours Polson spent at work or in the community, he always put his family first. He made sure to attend the requisite hockey games, baseball practices, and school plays.

Later in life, Paul and Laurie would travel extensively around the world, while the boys pursued their own careers and relationships. But Polson’s love of Calgary – and the drive to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of Calgarians – had already been passed down to his three sons.

“He always put other people first,” says Jordan. “Anything that was important to someone else became important to him. When I watched him interact with family and friends, he was always genuinely interested in what they had to say, regardless of their position within the company.”

Today, there are people all across Calgary who are remembering Paul Polson for his commitment, his perseverance, and his drive. But perhaps, most of all, Polson will be remembered for his desire to help others succeed. Jordan says of his father, “He used to always say ‘Give your time to everyone. That’s the most valuable thing you can give them.’” n