Founded in 1988, Morley Hoppner Inc. (MHI) is an Ottawa-based construction and real estate development firm committed to creating places that strengthen and enhance the communities they serve. For more than 38 years, its projects have reflected an understanding of local context, technical excellence, and long-term community value.
Through that experience, MHI has consistently demonstrated an ability to remain agile and entrepreneurial even through changing markets, neighbourhoods, and economic conditions.
Now part of Synergy Group of Companies
In October 2020 MHI became a division of the Synergy Group of Companies (SGC), an Alberta-based organization that provides integrated commercial construction, interior build-out, and real estate development needs. As part of SGC’s integrated platform, MHI has expanded its capabilities and project reach while preserving its Ottawa identity. The partnership aligns with the long-term vision of Tim Varughese, president of SGC, who has led SGC’s growth into a diversified, construction-focused enterprise, while also enabling MHI to leverage SGC’s shared expertise, strategic resources, and operational scale.
Leadership has played a central role in that evolution. Brian Morley, partner, project development, brings more than 35 years of experience across industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential construction. His leadership has played a central role in shaping the company’s success.
MHI has also contributed to nationally significant institutional work, including projects in the Confederation Building on Parliament Hill, highlighting the firm’s readiness to deliver work of national importance.
“Ottawa’s growth really depends on builders who understand both the technical and human sides of development,” Morley says. “Our goal at MHI is to create places that serve our communities well beyond project completion.”
Ken Hoppner also remains involved as the firm’s development partner, providing strategic guidance and development, with Nick Szaszkiewicz now serving as MHI’s vice-president and district manager. With more than 15 years of experience in construction – including overseeing complex, billion-dollar projects across Canada – Szaszkiewicz leads MHI’s day-to-day operational activities, placing a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and execution.
“In complex projects, success ultimately depends on early planning and strong collaboration,” Szaszkiewicz says.
A strong record working on complex projects
In addition to many of the high-profile, mixed-use developments MHI is known for, the company also has a strong record with complex institutional and adaptive re-use projects. One is 15 des Oblats Ave., a multi-family conversion the company is currently leading in Old Ottawa East between the Rideau River and Rideau Canal. The project involves transforming the historically significant convent of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for modern residential use while preserving its character and connection to the community.
The firm also participated in the conversion of the former Hershey manufacturing facility in Smiths Falls, Ont., into a medical cannabis production operation for Canopy Growth. Valued at approximately $110 million, 28 projects were completed in two years, with one $35-million project completed in five months, demonstrating MHI’s ability to deliver technically demanding work within aggressive timelines.
Additional notable projects include:
- RYSE, a 22-storey, purpose-built rental tower adjacent to the Confederation Line that is currently underway;
- Westboro Connection, a major 25-storey mixed-use residential development along Ottawa’s light-rail corridor;
- The Parkstone, a nine-storey, mixed-use residential building in Westboro;
- Artefact on Argyle, an adaptive redevelopment situated across from Centretown’s Canadian Museum of Nature;
- Fire Stations 36, 55, and 45 for the City of Ottawa, all three of which are LEED Silver-certified emergency services facilities;
- The first phase of LUXO Place, a landmark mixed-used development featuring a 36-storey apartment and eight-storey long-term stay hotel; and
- The Richcraft, Cavanagh, and Bell Sensplexes: multi-pad, NHL-size arena complexes delivered through a public-private partnership with the Ottawa Senators and the City of Ottawa.
- MHI has also contributed to nationally significant institutional work, including the Confederation Building on Parliament Hill, highlighting the firm’s readiness to deliver work of national importance.
Beyond construction, MHI is also committed to community impact and charitable partnerships, including ongoing support for Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice and The Ottawa Mission. It also maintains an active membership in the Ottawa Board of Trade.
As Ottawa continues to grow and evolve, MHI’s blend of experience, diversified expertise, and strategic backing alongside its SGC partners positions it as a trusted contributor to the city’s future as it builds structures with lasting community value.
This article first appeared in the 2026 City Building in the April Magazine. That publication is available in it’s digital format below: