Specializing in plumbing and heating, Bevan Bros. has operated on Prince Edward Island for over 90 years. What started as a solo practice soon turned into a small family business with three brothers working together. Still owned and operated by the Bevan family today, Bevan Bros. continues to provide plumbing and heating services for residential, commercial and industrial clients.

Learning the trade

This family business started with Roy Bevan, who, like many on the island, worked his first trade job for Stanley, Shaw and Pearden (one of the oldest plumbing and heating companies on P.E.I.). Roy eventually moved on to work as a plumbing assistant for Bruce Stewart and Company and in 1933 decided to start his own practice in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

When Roy’s brother Leith heard about his new solo venture, Leith decided to leave his job at Stanley, Shaw and Pearden to work for Roy. Their brother Ralph also later joined them in business, which on August 3, 1936, was officially named Bevan Bros.

Growing operations

Initially, the Bevan brothers focused on repair work for plumbing and heating jobs, as well as selling supplies to other local tradespeople. Their first location was in a garage behind their family home on Weymouth Street in Charlottetown, and the business soon became a full family affair. While out completing repair work, the brothers often called their mother and sisters to grab parts they had just sold.

In the early days of the business, all three brothers were involved in hands-on trade work, but Roy eventually focused on the administrative side of operations while Leith and Ralph handled jobs in the field. In 1936, they graduated from repair work and completed their first full residential plumbing and heating installation. The brothers also secured their first industrial job for the Provincial Sanatorium in 1944 and continued commercial and industrial work ever since.

In the 1940s, Roy started building a new warehouse for the business on St. Peters Road to hold their growing stock of supplies. However, after a few years, it became clear they’d soon need an even bigger space. After expanding its wholesale and retail business, Bevan Bros. needed more room to showcase products, so they purchased a second building on Queen Street in 1945.

After starting with just three brothers, Bevan Bros. had grown to a staff of 18 in 1947, and by 1972, they employed over 40 tradespeople, plus office staff. The company has had many long-time employees, including some who’ve worked for Bevan Bros. for over 40 years.

Still in the family

Today, Bevan Bros. continues operations in Charlottetown, P.E.I. and offers a variety of residential, commercial and industrial heating and plumbing services. Still a family business, it’s now co-owned by Hal Bevan (second generation), who joined in 1961 at 16 years old, and Quentin Bevan (third generation), who joined in 2000.

Note: A representative of Bevan Bros. was unavailable for an interview; the above article is based on third-party research.

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