 PCL began operations in 1906 as Martin and Poole Construction, founded by James Martin and Ernest Edward Poole (October 18, 1883 – March 12, 1964) in Stoughton, Saskatchewan.Poole and Martin both returned to their homes on Prince Edward Island for the winter of 1906–07, and Martin decided to remain and retire.Poole continued the company upon his return to Saskatchewan in spring 1907, and he changed the company name to E.E.