Peerless Electric’s Journey: 86 Years of Canadian Manufacturing

July 4, 2025

The story of Peerless Electric begins in 1939, at the heart of Montreal, in a time of great global uncertainty. As the world edged toward war and economies struggled to recover from the Great Depression, a small group of innovators dared to dream big: to create lighting solutions that would stand the test of time.

In the early years, Peerless Electric focused on building a reputation for reliability and craftsmanship, qualities that became the cornerstone of its identity. Emerging from the war years, the company found itself well positioned to illuminate the rapid growth and modernization of Canadian cities.

Lighting Up Canada’s Growth

By the 1960s, Peerless had already become a trusted name in architectural and commercial lighting. In 1964, the company secured a landmark project: designing and installing lighting for Montreal’s Place Victoria, one of the city’s defining skyscrapers. This project marked the beginning of a long legacy of illuminating some of Canada’s most iconic spaces.

In 1967, Peerless became a key supplier for the newly constructed Montreal Metro system, a relationship that would endure for decades and see the company’s fixtures lighting the underground arteries of the city.

Expansion and Innovation

The momentum continued into the 1970s, as Peerless expanded westward. A new manufacturing plant in Toronto in 1971 helped meet growing demand. Not content to stay within national borders, Peerless secured its first international contract in Algeria later that decade, exporting Canadian lighting innovation overseas.

Back home, the company embraced new challenges, adapting to Canada’s conversion to the metric system in the late 1970s, and introducing advanced manufacturing processes such as cold-rolled steel and innovative latch fixtures.

By the 1980s, Peerless was growing rapidly, and in 1988, it moved into a sprawling 150,000-square-foot facility in Lasalle, Montreal, to support larger and more complex projects.

Becoming a National Fixture

The 1990s were marked by high-profile projects that solidified Peerless Electric’s reputation as a go-to partner for large-scale lighting solutions. In 1995, the company provided lighting for Montreal’s Bell Centre, home to the Montreal Canadiens, and in 1996, it was chosen to retrofit lighting across Government of Canada institutions, including military bases.

To better serve Western Canada, Peerless opened a new plant in Calgary in 2000, extending its reach and reinforcing its commitment to Canadian-made quality.

At the same time, the company became a preferred supplier for major retailers such as Walmart Canada, Canadian Tire, and Staples, illuminating thousands of stores from coast to coast to coast.

Innovation Meets Sustainability

The early 2000s were a period of bold innovation. In 2003, Peerless introduced advanced one‑piece fixture production technology, which quickly earned industry recognition. The company was awarded one of Canada’s largest contracts in 2007 to illuminate Toronto’s Bay Adelaide Centre.

Recognizing the shift in lighting technology, Peerless embraced the LED revolution, and by 2010, it had achieved ISO 9001 certification, ensuring the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Proudly Canadian, Looking Ahead

In recent years, Peerless has remained at the forefront of lighting innovation, partnering with Dollarama in 2015 to support its nationwide expansion and entering the competitive U.S. market in 2020. In 2023, the company consolidated its manufacturing operations in Cornwall, Ontario, investing in a modern facility that reinforces its commitment to Canadian production and innovation.

Today, over 86 years since its founding, Peerless Electric stands as a testament to Canadian ingenuity and perseverance. From the Montreal Metro to international landmarks, Peerless lighting continues to brighten spaces and inspire people. Proudly 100% Canadian-owned, with production rooted in Cornwall, Peerless Electric combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to leave a lasting impression—lighting the way for generations to come.

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