about us
Our Mission & Vision
At our core, we are driven by a singular mission: to transform dreams into reality through unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation. We believe in the power of construction and renovation to not only shape physical spaces but also to elevate lives and communities. With each project we undertake, whether it’s building custom homes, crafting intricate outdoor landscapes, or renovating existing structures, we bring a dedication to quality and attention to detail that sets us apart. Generations of experience and our commitment as a member and supporter for generations of GPCA have fortified our expertise and dedication to excellence.
Our vision extends beyond mere construction; it’s about creating enduring legacies and enriching the lives of those we serve. We aspire to be more than just a builder; we aim to be trusted partners, collaborators, and visionaries, working hand in hand with our clients to bring their visions to life. By embracing creativity, sustainability, and excellence in all that we do, we endeavor to leave a lasting impact on the landscapes we touch and the communities we serve.
Four Generations
One Family
Serving All Your Cottage Needs
- Specializing in Island Services
- Fully Insured
- New Builds & Renovations
- Steel Piles
- Shore Walls
- Septic Installations & Service
- Barging Services
Lovering has been a name associated with the Coldwater and the Severn River / Gloucester Pool areas for some time
Walter ‘Skip’ Lovering was a carpenter, who after the end of the Second World War in the 1940s, decided to start a business on the Severn River. He secured contracts with the Beechwood family from the United States, along with the Tremco Paint Company in Toronto to maintain cottages on Salisbury Island for their employees.
During this period the Ontario government decided to have crown land surveyed and began to offer lots for sale. As a result, Walter and his wife Vera purchased a lot on Gloucester Pool, both as a family cottage and a center for his work. To date, the cottage is still owned by the Lovering family. As a result of crown lots being sold, Walter had many requests for his construction services, including requests for ‘how-to information’ from those who wished to build their cottages themselves. Eventually Skip began building structures for several families in the area. Today, many of the same families Skip dealt with are well into their second and third generations of owning their properties on the water.
Skip worked closely with his friends such as Reginald (Reg) Bush Sr. who owned Bush’s Boat Livery of Port Severn (now known as the “Dam Grill”), and Phillip Leduc Sr. of Port Severn. Both had wooden motor launches which enabled the transport of Skip’s building materials from Port Severn, where they were loaded at the government docks beside the locks. Skip also worked closely with Tom and Henry Ellis of Maclean Lake (Black Lake) who owned a boat storage and store, and who assisted with the building of boat houses.
During the 1950s Skip’s son, John ‘Jack’ helped him to transport building materials to sites by plywood boats with 5HP engines. Jack also assisted the workers on site.
Skip retired from the business in the 1960s and enjoyed his cottage with his wife. The Lovering business, which continued with his son, Jack, in the late 1970s, is now known as Dawal Construction named after Jack and Yvette’s sons, David and Walter.
Both sons – Skip’s grandsons – are now presently in the business!
Remembering Gloucester Pool’s Keenest Fan - Jack Lovering (1936-2019)
Gloucester Pool has lost one of its greatest fans. Jack Lovering spent his entire life on Gloucester Pool where he worked with his father, Walter. During the 1950s Jack helped his father transport construction materials to building sites by plywood boats with 5HP engines. As a result, he loved “The Pool” so much that he and his wife, Yvette, built a cottage here where they spent countless summers boating, fi shing, water-skiing, and enjoying the kids and grandkids. Most of all, Jack liked to entertain. It was not unusual for him to wave in friends, out in their boats, to enjoy a spontaneous visit at his dock.
As a young man, Jack attended the University of Toronto where he obtained his degree in forestry, after which he became a senior manager with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Not one to sit still, Jack created his business, Dawal Construction, just prior to retiring from the MNR. The name “Dawal” is a combination of his sons’ names, Dave and Walter, who are presently at the helm of the business that is well known for building cottages and other types of construction for people on “The Pool”. After retiring from the MNR, Jack subsequently had a second career in the construction business that spanned 32 years. During his lifetime he enjoyed being a Mason, an avid hunter, a keen conservationist, and a devoted family man.
To say Jack will be missed is an understatement. He will be remembered as a person who lived life well, and enjoyed the company of people. But most of all he will be remembered for being a genuine friend, one that could be counted on to lend his help and knowledge without question or reservation.
Jack’s favorite place, “The Pool”, bids him farewell.
