Westland expands reach in Ontario with latest acquisition

Westland Insurance has acquired Ontario-based First Durham Insurance & Financial Ltd., one of the largest and oldest full-service independent brokerages in the Durham Region.

“Effective May 1, this acquisition helps Westland expand its reach in the important Ontario market,” Westland said in a press release Thursday.

Located in Pickering, Ont., First Durham has been in business for more than 60 years and serves Pickering, Ajax and other communities in Durham Region. The brokerage offers home (including condo and tenant insurance), personal auto, farm and commercial insurance (including commercial auto and property, general liability, contractor and professional liability insurance). First Durham also offers errors and omissions coverage for life agents.

First Durham president Bryan Yetman has extensive industry experience, and served as president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario in 2010.

“We’re thrilled to welcome First Durham Insurance & Financial, a highly respected P&C brokerage in Canada,” Westland Insurance president and CEO Jamie Lyons said in the press release. “First Durham’s longstanding reputation in Ontario is a testament to their commitment to exceptional service.”

Westland’s made several other acquisitions in 2023, including:

Quebec-based brokerages Assurances R. Legault and Niche Assurance Inc.
RiskTech Insurance Services, which focuses on large and mid-market commercial clients. As part of that acquisition, industry veteran Douglas Morrow joined Westland as vice president, commercial – Alberta.
Vancouver-based music insurance brokerage Shephard Ashmore Insurance Inc., which provides insurance and risk management for major tours, festivals and events, as well as custom policies for the assets of artists and entertainers.
Haggett & Rogers Group of Companies, BMT Insurance Brokers Limited and Dimensions Insurance Management in Alberta, Ontario and Manitoba, respectively.