Yves Gagnon - OWNER - MGR The idea for Living Spaces came gradually to my mind as a result of my varied construction experience. At 16 years of age (1967), I was working as a mason's helper in Southern Ontario. At 19, I was working in Yellowknife, N.W.T., in permafrost. To this experience was added a Horticulture & Landscaping course at Algonquin College (1979). Wishing to expand my construction experience into year round, rather than just seasonal work, I turned to carpentry and completed the apprenticeship program through Vance Millman Architects in 1986. The skills required for successful renovation complement my personal interests and especially my willingness to work in a continuously challenging environment. My formal construction instruction started in 1979 with my enrolment in the two-year landscape construction program at Algonquin College in Ottawa. Starting at the bottom in one of the most labour-intensive trades has given me an understanding and respect for hard work. more... See more text