Celebrating 50 Years of Fence-All Ottawa - A History

Celebrating 50 Years of Fence-All Ottawa – A History

As Fence-All prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, it is more than a milestone, it is a celebration of craftsmanship, family, and growth within the Ottawa community.

From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most trusted names in fencing and outdoor construction, the Fence-All story is rooted in family, innovation, and a deep connection to the city it serves.

From 56 Fence to Fence-All

Wally Monpetit, president of Fence-All, started fencing as a university student, originally considering a business in paving. But fencing, with its low barrier to entry and manageable project sizes, quickly became the right fit.

In 1981, Wally purchased Fence-All, which was known at the time as 56 Fence. The combined operation was branded as 56-Fence-All before officially becoming Fence-All.

“It started small, but we always saw the potential,” Wally recalls. “Back then, chain link and wood were the go-to options. Galvanized was the standard for chain link, no colour. It wasn’t until the 1980s that people started prioritizing colours.”

Growing a Business & a Family

What began as a small operation eventually led to a thriving family business. Wally and his wife raised four children, all of whom attended Glouscester high school and Ottawa university and have worked (and continue to work) at Fence-All. They carry on the tradition because they genuinely like working together, and it couldn’t be more clear! Andrea, Wally’s daughter, started helping out when she was just 15 and joined the business full time at 22.

“When all four kids were in school, my wife joined the company too,” Wally says. “It’s a blessing to work with your family. There’s trust, and there’s also a special kind of pride.”

Six members of the Monpetit family are now actively involved in the business. As Wally puts it, “Spending more time with your family is priceless.”

Projects That Stand Out

While most Fence-All projects are residential, helping homeowners turn their outdoor spaces into private, beautiful retreats, some standout jobs have left a lasting impression.

“We’ve done work for the Governor General’s residence, Scotiabank Place, the Ottawa airport, and all the major hospitals,” says Andrea. “We’ve even done embassies, like the Polish, Japanese, and British.”

One of the most memorable? A prison fence project that took an entire year to complete. “We take on all kinds of projects, many that other companies wouldn’t touch.”

Evolving with the Industry

From offering only wood and chain link in the early days, Fence-All has grown its offerings in line with customer demand and new technology. PVC fencing has exploded in popularity, with hybrid styles becoming more popular as well. This combines steel posts and PVC boards offering both aesthetics and stability.

“We’ve gone from white PVC to a whole range of colour options, almond, adobe, chai grey, mocha walnut, green teak, you name it,” says Andrea. “Younger homeowners choose wood because it’s less expensive than PVC and “15 years” seems like a long time! More established home owners (i.e., older people) are a) not interested in the maintenance and b) realize how quickly 15 years passes.”

Milestones and Innovations

One of the company’s biggest game-changers came in the 2010s with the addition of an in-house powder coating facility. Before that, painting metal fences involved third-party vendors.

Now, Fence-All can paint any steel fence in any colour just steps away from where it’s built, reducing turnaround times and improving quality control.

And when the derecho swept through Ottawa on May 21, 2022, many fences in the region were destroyed, except Fence-All’s.

Strong Ties to the Ottawa Community

Over five decades, Fence-All has built more than fences. It has built relationships, with repeat customers, local condo boards, insurance companies, and entire neighbourhoods.

“We’re proud to be a trusted name in Ottawa,” says Wally. “People still remember the old Fence-All commercials. That comes from decades of showing up and doing good work.”

The company also weathered historical events like the Ice Storm of 1998, COVID-19, and various housing booms, always staying resilient and responsive to the needs of the community.

During the pandemic, homeowners tackled more backyard projects than ever, and Fence-All was there to help.

A Culture Built on Trust and Loyalty

Some of Fence-All’s longest-serving team members have been with the company since the early 1980s. “We’ve got employees from 1981 and 1983 still with us,” Andrea shares. “That kind of loyalty is rare, and it says a lot about the company culture.”

The team at Fence-All prioritizes morale, aiming to create a workplace where employees feel valued and fulfilled. “Happy employees lead to happy customers,” says Wally.

Looking to the Future

As the second generation takes the reins, the future of Fence-All looks bright. The next chapter will focus not just on maintaining the business, but on evolving it with the times, while keeping family values at its core.

“The transition is exciting,” says Andrea. “We’ve learned so much, not just about fencing, but about managing people, handling budgets, and running a business.”