When David McPhedran’s parents emigrated from the United Kingdom in 1968, they didn’t have much, but Canada was known as the land of opportunity, and that’s what they sought for their young and growing family. They first established themselves in the mining town of Kirkland Lake in Northern Ontario, where David was born. This was also where his father, Dr. Edward McPhedran, provided specialty surgical services and medical consultations that made all the difference to health and happiness in that small mining town.
By 1973, Dr. McPhedran and his wife, Margaret, were ready to take their family to a larger city to explore what other opportunities Canada had to offer — they chose Ottawa. “It looked like a natural fit for the family, with good hospitals and growth opportunities, being the capital of Canada,” explains David.
While he never considered following in his father’s medical footsteps, David had great drive, and he seized the opportunities that came. Beginning with a summer job at age 15 at a local drilling firm, it was through persistence and future-thinking that David eventually took over that firm and developed it to be where he is today — the CEO at Marathon Underground Constructors Corporation.
The company started from modest beginnings 45 years ago here in Ottawa and now is one of Canada’s leading specialty underground contractors. Their work below the surface could involve anything from providing crucial energy installations for hydro in the Atlantic Ocean to pipelines in Western Canada.
Humble and kind
Humble, with a strong belief in giving back, David has focused on philanthropy, even when he didn’t have much to give. “If the community is good to you, you have to give back,” he explains.
In his efforts to be a good citizen, David often donates quietly to causes throughout our community. However, the importance of the Campaign to Create Tomorrow has made him step forward to share the news of his generous $1-million gift more publicly.
His deep connection to The Ottawa Hospital stems from personal experience and family ties, and it’s what inspired him to make this donation to help reshape the future of healthcare in the region. His father dedicated most of his career to caring for patients in Ottawa area hospitals, including the Civic Campus, and David and his wife, Natalia McPhedran, welcomed both of their children at the Civic. Natalia also volunteered at The Ottawa Hospital, and it’s where his brother, who passed away in 2021, received cancer care.
“I saw my children’s first breaths at the Civic hospital. And I saw my brother’s last breath at the Civic.”
— David McPhedran
Access to great healthcare
Those experiences motivated him to support the campaign. “I know how important it is to have great hospitals — I’ve seen it myself,” says David. “People take it for granted and they don’t consider the importance of it.”
“A hospital doesn’t become a great institution on its own. It needs a supportive community.”
— David McPhedran
Learning about plans for the new hospital campus and what they included provided even more incentive. David reflected on his brother’s various periods spent in the hospital, sharing a room, and how challenging it was for patients to get healing rest under those circumstances.
“It’s very difficult when you’re sharing a room with someone. This modern hospital design provides the right model, and that’s one of the reasons why I’m a believer and I’m a supporter. Also, to be able to look outside and see all that green space, that really means a lot as well.”
“I think that each Ottawan deserves a place like this new Ottawa Hospital campus — as citizens that is very important.
— David McPhedran
As a business leader, who generally steers clear of the spotlight, he’s stepping forward to share his message — one he hopes will encourage his industry counterparts to consider lending their support as well. “People must get behind this campaign. These important buildings don’t get built on their own. They don’t get funded on their own either.”
This family man, who watched his own father dedicate much of his life to medicine, is stepping forward to share his message with others because he believes that the aims of this campaign are critical for our community.
“I think that each Ottawan deserves a place like this new Ottawa Hospital campus — as citizens that is very important. I think there should be equal opportunity for all people in Ottawa.”
