MOOSE JAW — A nationally recognized business with more than a century of history quietly calls Moose Jaw its hometown — and many residents may not realize it’s open to serve the general public.
EECOL Electric, a trusted name in electrical supplies, was founded in Moose Jaw back in 1919 and has since grown into one of Canada’s leading electrical distributors, with 65 branches across the country and employing more than 1,000 workers.
Now, more than 100 years later, EECOL Electric continues to operate in the city where it all began.
The branch is managed by Derek Tribier, a Moose Jaw resident and longtime employee with nearly two decades of service.
“I’ve been working here for 18 years,” Tribier said. “EECOL started in 1919 in Moose Jaw, and the original location is still standing on the zero block of High Street West.”
Although the original location closed in the 1930s, it reopened in 2000 because of renewed demand. In August 2024, the branch moved into a brand-new facility to better serve its growing customer base.
“We were at a different location for the past 15 years,” Tribier explained, referencing 2007 Caribou Street West. “Before that, we had a smaller spot in town — right where the Temple Gardens Centre sits today.”
The new building not only offers more space and upgraded facilities but also a more welcoming and accessible experience for contractors and walk-in customers.
“A lot of people think that you need to be a contractor to shop here, but that’s not the case,” Tribier clarified. “You can come into our branch and purchase tools… and general products for any home project. You don’t need an account to shop with us.”
EECOL Electric supplies everything from electrical components to specialty tools. The branch is also one of a few authorized Milwaukee Tool distributors in the city.
“If something happens to a tool, just bring it in,” Tribier said. “We look after sending it away and bringing it back, saving you the hassle of going to Regina (or elsewhere). It’s a more personal experience here.”
That personal touch is part of what sets EECOL Electric apart.
“We’re very customer-oriented,” he said. “We want to make sure it’s a memorable experience for everyone who comes in. We want them to be looked after efficiently and in the (best way possible).”
Despite its growth into a nationwide distributor, EECOL Electric remains true to its roots, both in terms of community focus and company culture. Founded as Bruce Robinson Supplies Ltd. in 1919, it was later renamed Electric Equipment Co. Ltd. and ultimately adopted the name EECOL Electric in 1972. The company has steadily expanded since then, reaching its first $1 million annual sales milestone by 1948.
Today, EECOL Electric continues to invest in the communities it serves. In Moose Jaw, the company supports the Kinsmen Club and the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank, as well as regularly donating to other non-profits. The company was one of the three founders of the First Nations Capacity Fund, aiming to enhance opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Looking to the future, EECOL Electric remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and community involvement.
“We appreciate the community’s support in coming in and checking out our store,” Tribier said. “It means a lot to be able to help people find solutions or to offer the best advice that we can.”
As the company celebrates 106 years of business, residents of Moose Jaw can take pride in knowing that a company with humble beginnings on High Street West has grown into a national leader, all while keeping its heart close to home.
EECOL Electric is located at 663 Ominica Street West and can be reached at 306-694-1000. To learn more, visit Eecol.com.
