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In 1951 a handful of electricians working in maintenance at CFB Borden believed that the IBEW had a part to play in their future. In 1951 Local 1739 received it's charter and began a journey that helped shape the face of the Georgian Bay region for years to come.
Over the decades we managed to secure the big jobs. The big factories, hospitals, and some of the first condominiums were wired using Local 1739 manpower. Meanwhile the local electrical contractors continued to have a foothold on residential, service work and light commercial/industrial projects. Working from big project to big project put us in a spot. We became known as the suitcase or traveling local. Men traveled all over Ontario, Canada, the States, South America, and the Middle East to keep working. When they returned, they brought new skills and abilities that made our local better and stronger.
By the mid 80's construction was booming and Honda chose Alliston as their home for their newest plant. We experienced solid employment and our membership grew to just over one hundred. Travelers and white cards filled hundreds of calls.
In the past 10 years through good times and bad, we've managed to more than double our membership to 210 members.
Some say we're one of the smallest locals in Ontario. We say we're part of the largest construction union in the world.
By continuing to build strong relationships with the Electical Contractors Association of Ontario, through organzing electricians and apprentices and through educating our membership we will continue to grow.
