Articles from Canadian Consulting Engineer

Kayla Vineham, a transmission and distribution engineer-in-training with CIMA+, has been awarded the 2025 Future Leaders Award by the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Newfoundland and Labrador. She received this accolade during the organization's AGM in St. John's, acknowledging her leadership and commitment to consulting engineering. Vineham has extensive experience in structural projects and is now expanding her expertise in energy-related projects. This award marks CIMA+'s first industry recognition in the Atlantic provinces since its regional expansion.

Englobe plans to acquire Cambium, a consulting engineering firm based in Peterborough, Ontario, which specializes in environmental and geotechnical services. The acquisition aims to increase Englobe's service capacity in the ecological sector, with Cambium operating as a separate division. This marks Englobe's third acquisition in 2025, aligning with their strategy to expand their market reach in Ontario and beyond.

CIMA+, a consulting engineering firm, has appointed four leaders to key positions across Canada. Kelly Frensch and Matt Woodbeck have been promoted to executive directors and water business leaders, while Mathieu Lemay has been named VP of energy and resources. Cian Murphy, focused on infrastructure, has been promoted to senior vice-president of major projects. These appointments took effect on June 1st.

Michael Jackson, a WSP executive, has been appointed as the president of the Consulting Engineers of Alberta for the 2025-2026 term. With a background in electrical engineering from the University of Alberta, Jackson has years of experience in the field, holding various roles before becoming VP of mechanical and electrical for WSP in Western Canada. He has previously served as a director and vice-president at CEA and is keen to advance the engineering profession in Alberta. Peter Hatcher from WSP expressed confidence in Jackson's leadership at CEA.

Thurber Engineering has appointed Campbell Chow as the new president and CEO, and David Regehr as the chief operating officer. Chow, who joined Thurber in 1993, brings a wealth of experience in industrial and commercial infrastructure projects to his new role. Regehr has been with the company for 25 years and will focus on achieving operational excellence. Both leaders studied engineering in Alberta and have had long-standing careers with the firm.

AtkinsRéalis has secured a $450 million contract from Ontario Power Generation for a small modular reactor (SMR) project at the Darlington new nuclear project site east of Toronto. This reactor, the first of four planned, is expected to generate enough power for 300,000 homes. The scope of services provided by AtkinsRéalis includes project management, design, and construction support among others, with construction scheduled for completion by 2030. This project marks Canada's first nuclear new build in 30 years and is a major step in nuclear energy for the region.

J.L. Richards & Associates has promoted Patrick Carrozzi to director of industrial and manufacturing. With 25 years of industry experience, Carrozzi will lead projects in various sectors like manufacturing, chemical, and power generation. He succeeds Neil Farr, who now becomes VP of mining and industrial, and aims to use emerging technologies to enhance collaboration and sustainability in designs.

EkoBuilt has finished constructing a net-positive model home in West Ottawa. The development includes a 1,634-sf four-bedroom bungalow and a separate two-car garage with office space and a solar panel system. The buildings are designed to produce more energy than they consume, significantly contributing to sustainability objectives. Consulting firms Egis and Gemtec provided structural and geotechnical engineering services, respectively.

Beacon AI Centers has enlisted Stantec, an Edmonton-based consulting engineering firm, to design and engineer six AI data center campuses in Alberta to meet growing demand. Stantec will provide a range of services, including architectural and sustainability, across five municipalities. The projects will span hundreds of acres, with design and permitting starting in 2024 and construction commencing this year. Stantec aims to position Alberta as a key player in data-driven AI innovation.

Rio Tinto has contracted AtkinsRéalis for a seven-year refurbishment of the Isle-Maligne hydropower plant in Alma, Quebec, investing $1.7 billion to modernize the facility. This effort, which includes replacing turbine-alternator groups and various upgrades, marks Rio Tinto's largest hydropower investment since the 1950s. The Isle-Maligne hydroelectric plant, operational since 1926, represents a significant component of Rio Tinto's strategy to support low-carbon aluminum production in Canada. The project is expected to be completed by 2032.

Englobe, a Montreal-based consulting engineering firm, has acquired Higher Ground Consulting and Herold Engineering to expand its presence in Western Canada. Higher Ground Consulting, based in Calgary, specializes in environmental and civil engineering, while Herold Engineering is based in Nanaimo, B.C. and focuses on building and marine projects. Both companies will maintain their existing organizational structures as divisions within Englobe, enhancing Englobe’s reach and capabilities in the region.

The city of Kelowna, British Columbia, has commenced the redevelopment of the Parkinson Recreation Centre with the help of Stantec, Diamond Schmitt Architects, and Bird Construction. This initiative will significantly expand the facility to include enhanced athletic and aquatic spaces, multiple gyms, a fitness center, and an express library. The project aims to transform the area into a multifunctional community hub with outdoor sports fields and connections to nearby facilities. Stantec's team expresses pride in contributing to this inclusive project for the community's present and future benefit.