City recognizes Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals with Community Spirit Award

The City of Spruce Grove is pleased to announce Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals as the recipient of the 2026 Community Spirit Award in recognition of their significant contributions to local groups and causes.

“It is our privilege to recognize Heavy Metal with this year’s Community Spirit Award,” said Mayor Jeff Acker. “"President Jesse van der Werf, opened the Spruce Grove facility in 2018 and further expanded the facility to accommodate the continued growth of the company. The Spruce Grove location now employs a team of 80+ individuals.   We are sincerely grateful for their support of organizations and important causes as well as their investment in skill development for those in the trades.”

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals was presented with the award at the Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Awards of Distinction on October 15, 2026.  The City initiated the Community Spirit Award in 2009 to recognize local businesses that demonstrate outstanding community support and make significant contributions to our municipality.

“Spruce Grove has been good to Heavy Metal, and giving back is one way we can show our gratitude,” said Jesse van der Werf.  “Whether we’re helping children and families through Alberta Dreams, supporting local sports teams or investing in the next generation of skilled trades, we want our support to make a difference in people’s lives. It brings our team together and reminds us that the work we do can have an impact well beyond our business.”

Just a few examples of how Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals has contributed to the community:

• Provided financial support to Alberta Dreams, a charity that fulfills the dreams of children across Alberta living with severe chronic or life-threatening illnesses. In 2025, Heavy Metal was the charity’s largest corporate sponsor.
• Longstanding financial and in-kind supporter of NAIT through student awards, equipment rentals and maintenance, and heavy equipment for hands-on learning, helping students build the skills they need for careers in the trades.
• Has committed substantial financial support as the naming rights sponsor of the City of Spruce Grove’s Heavy Metal Place, helping to sustain this important community facility.

A strong community partner, Jesse and his team support many other local organizations, some of which include the Ben Stetler Foundation, Stollery Children’s Hospital, Stars Air Ambulance, sports and community groups, and more.

As part of this award, Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals was gifted a framed original painting titled Sandhills Tree by talented local artist David Shkolny. Congratulations on winning the 2026 Community Spirit Award, Heavy Metal!