Our History

Born and raised in Ukraine, Martin Bergen arrived in Canada in 1953 at the age of twenty-six however, this was not the beginning of his story.

In 1939, when he was only 12 years old, WWII broke out. Having already lost his father at a young age, the war years brought additional hardships to his family. Having been taken to a refugee camp and then as a P.O.W. for three years, Martin persevered and reached Montreal, then travelled by way of train to Winnipeg and his parent’s home on Thanksgiving Day, 1953.

Martin worked his way up with hard work and determination, from contracting drywall and painting, to constructing apartment properties that represent, to this day, the cornerstone of Winnipeg’s apartment landscape.

Our Buildings

1962

Founded in 1962 by Martin Bergen, the Marlborough Development Corporation Ltd. began development on several apartment properties in Winnipeg.

1964

In 1964, the 100 suite General Grant building was the first large venture project undertaken by Martin Bergen. In the years that followed, the company achieved a number of firsts; Marlborough Developments was first in Winnipeg to construct an all-electric building; first in Canada to utilize pre-cast/hollow-core floor construction (L&B Towers), and first to construct a building entirely of pre-cast units, craned into position as was done at Oakland Gardens (circa 1978).

1970

By 1970, Marlborough Developments Corporation was the largest developer of multi-family housing in Manitoba. The Edison Rental Agency was subsequently created to manage the increasing number of suites.

Over The Years

Marlborough Developments was the first in Winnipeg to construct an all-electric building, first in Canada to utilize pre-cast/hollow-core floor construction for L&B Towers, and first to construct a building entirely of pre-cast units, craned into position as was done at Oakland Gardens in 1978. By 1970, Marlborough Developments Corporation was the largest developer of multi-family housing in Manitoba. The Edison Rental Agency was subsequently created to manage the increasing number of suites.

People, not buildings, are at the heart of Edison Properties.

This is made evident by Edison’s strong belief in giving back to the country and community, which have provided much opportunity for our founder. Our values were built on a foundation of integrity, trust and relationships which remain at the core of Edison Properties today.

Our Purpose and Values Statement reflects the core principals instilled by Mr. Bergen in our company and in the many valued employees who carry on his legacy and share it with our next generation of employees to this day.