About US

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RKM Contracting Ltd Company History

RKM Contracting Ltd. has demonstrated time and again the benefits of experience, hard work and commitment to getting the job done. Operating just outside of Fort Vermilion, Alberta, this family based business conducts work for reputable and high profile clients such as Alberta Sustainable Resources, Apache Corporation, Harvest Operations Corp., Husky Oil Operations Ltd., Penn West, Shell Canada and a wide range of both oil and gas and logging operations. The company is owned and operated by the Kelly McLean who has become one of the northern most successful forestry and oilfield contractors with a modern and professional fleet of equipment and a reputation for consistency and reliability.

Acknowledged as one of the Best Safety Performers for small business in Alberta in the Work Safe Alberta program, RKM Contracting Ltd. consistently shows they can get the job done while demonstrating their commitment to safety and quality work. Kelly McLean credits the company’s successes to their greatest and most indispensable resource — people, with a core belief that if you surround yourself with good people, it makes the chance for success that much easier. This commitment and methodology has additionally been exemplified by their nomination for the 2001 Eagle Feather Award of Distinction in the Alberta Chambers of Commerce Awards. 

Specializing in earth moving for the oil and gas industry, RKM is committed to excellence in everything from site clearing and preparation, to road and lease construction and maintenance.  As a previous logging company we are also able to offer professional services in salvage logging.

Our Roots

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Reg McLean was a hardworking, dedicated man who began his career in logging before shifting his focus to oilfield work. His strong farmer values played a key role in shaping the company’s performance and reputation. His wife, Genny McLean, was the daughter of Chief Harry Chonkolay—recognized as the last hereditary Chief in Canada. Together, Reg and Genny successfully transitioned their logging business toward oilfield services.

Reg was passionate about creating opportunities for Indigenous communities and was adamant that at least 75% of RKM’s employees be Indigenous or Métis—an ambitious goal that has been met and surpassed every year.

Today, their son Kelly McLean—grandson of the late Chief Harry Chonkolay—proudly owns and operates RKM. He carries forward the same values his parents instilled in the company. Like his father, Kelly takes pride in RKM being Indigenous-operated and is committed to protecting the interests of the First Nation while ensuring clients have the best possible experience when working on traditional lands.

Memberships

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