Who We Are
Committed to exceptional craftsmanship since 1998Our Story
Cedar Winds was founded in 1998 by Glenn and Teresa Evans with a clear purpose: to design and build custom homes and cottages throughout Haliburton County that reflect the character and lifestyle of the families who live in them. As lifelong residents of the Highlands, they brought a deep connection to the land, a commitment to craftsmanship, and a respect for the community into every project.
Over the years, Cedar Winds has helped hundreds of families navigate the design-build process—combining thoughtful planning, trusted relationships, and quality work that lasts. That same foundation continues to guide us today.
A Continued Legacy
As the company evolves, the next generation is leading the way—bringing fresh perspective while staying true to the values that built our reputation.
Nelson Evans leads our day-to-day operations. Raised around the business and backed by over a decade of hands-on construction experience, Nelson keeps projects moving with clear communication, strong organization, and a focus on making sure clients feel supported every step of the way.
John Szpara, our Architectural Designer, leads the design side of the business, creating smart, functional plans that reflect each client’s lifestyle and the unique character of their property. His collaborative, detail-oriented approach helps set every project up for success from the start.
Our Team and Trusted Partners
Cedar Winds is more than two names—it’s a team. From project management and administration to our dedicated field crews, every member of our staff plays a vital role in making sure each build runs smoothly and lives up to Cedar Winds standards.
Alongside our in-house team, we work with a trusted network of local and expert trades—many of whom we’ve partnered with for years. These professionals know the terrain, understand the expectations, and take pride in their craft. Together, this combined effort is what allows us to deliver the quality and consistency our clients count on.
How We Work
Whether you’re starting with a vision, a sketch, or a blank page, we’ll guide you from first ideas to final finishes with straightforward planning, honest conversations, and a team of people who genuinely care about bringing our clients’ vision to reality.
If you’re seeking pre-construction consultations, home and cottage design, or project management, please feel free to call the office for a no-obligation conversation to explore whether your goals align with our approach, which we believe is the better way to build. We look forward to hearing from you.
Glenn Evans
Founder
Teresa Evans
Co-Founder
Nelson Evans
Co-Owner & Operations Manager
John Szpara
Co-Owner & Architectural Technologist
Aidan McComb
Project Manager
Liz Jones
Interior Design Consultant
Alex Killingbeck
Financial Administrator
Gail Kent
Inventory & Logistics Coordinator
Heather Kennedy
Customer Service Representative
Glenn Evans
Founder
Teresa Evans
Co-Founder
Nelson Evans
Co-Owner & Operations Manager
John Szpara
Co-Owner & Architectural Technologist
Aidan McComb
Project Manager
Alex Killingbeck
Financial Administrator
Liz Jones
Interior Design Consultant
Gail Kent
Inventory & Logistics Coordinator
Heather Kennedy
Customer Service Representative
Built by Skilled Hands, Rooted in Local Expertise
Quality construction requires strategic, thoughtful planning and skilled technicians to implement those plans. All the trades we work with—from carpenters to electricians, from insulators to welders—are hand-selected from the best local tradespeople. We count on each of them to not only get the job done to exacting standards but also to find ways to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness wherever possible.
Working with local tradespeople also helps to support the local economy. We’re proud members of the Haliburton County Home Builders’ Association and the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
We’re also extremely proud to have supported a number of local charities and events, including the Rotary Club, Lions Club, YWCA, Highland Storm hockey, Moose FM’s Food Drive, the Highlands Summer Festival (live theatre), Head Lake Bandshell Initiative, Highlander Brewfest, the Santa Claus Parade, and many others.
Learn more about Your Design and Build Journey with Cedar Winds.
Our Promise to You
We’re Passionate
Building is not just a job for us; it’s our passion. But we don’t design and build houses—we design and build homes. We live and work in the community and look forward to helping others become a part of it, as well as helping current residents achieve their goal of living in their dream home.
We Listen
We love design, but you are the only one who knows your family’s lifestyle and needs in a home. We invest the time to truly understand your dreams and goals for your home or cottage.
We’re Committed
Whether you’re building a cottage or a home, every client receives our full, dedicated attention from start to finish. Our Client Project Window is an online platform that helps us communicate throughout the process and enables you to monitor progress from wherever you are—around the corner or around the world.
Let’s Build Something Great Together
We walked out the door and knew right away that we’d be back. We clicked right away! I don’t like to use the term ‘cookie cutter,’ but we didn’t want to work with a builder who said you have to choose from a set of plans. We wanted to have something that didn’t look like anything else on the lake. The fact that Cedar Winds is a design-build company and that everything would be handled under one roof was also appealing.
– Liz & Duncan
There’s a very welcoming feel as you approach the cottage. It feels like a big hug. It’s the perfect design for what could have been a very difficult lot. Coming down the stairs and looking out at the view of the lake... it still catches my breath. It doesn’t feel real yet. It feels like someone’s beautiful Airbnb.
– Steve & Kerry
From the living room and kitchen to the dining room, had excellent views of the lake. The design process itself was very in-depth and personal. They explored how we wanted to use the cottage and how best to design the space for functionality while also maximizing the view. By encouraging us to think through details, it made the entire process much more efficient.
– Haliburton Home Owners
View Our Work →
Your Dream Home Starts Here.
Let’s Build It Together.