No-Dig North 2025 Visits Vancouver

NASTT’s Canadian-Focused Trenchless Extravaganza Gets an International Flare

For the first time since the inception of No-Dig North, Canada’s leading trenchless-focused extravaganza broke the 1,000-attendee mark. This milestone proves that there is an unbridled thirst for trenchless knowledge in Canada.

“The defining takeaway from No-Dig North 2025 for me is that the trenchless community is stronger, more collaborative and more energized than ever going into 2026. This year’s record-breaking attendance and exceptional engagement showed that trenchless technology has moved far beyond a niche specialty. It is quickly becoming a central pillar in how municipalities, engineers, contractors, and asset owners are planning for the future,” says Robert Epp, vice president of business development, infraStruct Municipal Services. “The success of the show reaffirmed that when we unite volunteers, students, industry leaders and NASTT members under a shared mission, we can deliver an event that advances the entire industry nation- and world-wide.”

Epp, NASTT-BC president, co-chaired No-Dig North with Craig Vandaelle, president, Michels Preconstruction Services.

Attending the Oct. 27 exhibit hall networking event, you could feel the buzz in the room as the early projections had attendee counts exceeding those of Niagara Falls in 2024. This bore to be true, and organizers note that No-Dig North attendance has increased each year.

“Each year this show seems to continue to evolve and has become the industry’s premier trenchless event in Canada,” says Vandaelle. “The networking opportunities, educational offerings and opportunities to discuss new projects is second to none in Canada.”

Building Relationships

With more than 130 exhibitors, attendees were able to connect with the preeminent companies in the trenchless industry. These companies provide goods and services in Canada. Also, there are those looking to enter the Canadian market.

“What stood out most to me was the level of connection across every corner of the event. As someone who was on the floor constantly meeting exhibitors, sponsors, and as many attendees as possible,” says Jessie Clevenger, NASTT conference and sales director and interim executive director. “I was struck by how intentional everyone was about building relationships. The integration of ISTT, the strong industry presence, and the incredible support from our volunteers created an atmosphere that felt both world-class and deeply community driven.”

Technical presentations are a hallmark of NASTT’s No-Dig conferences. No-Dig North boasted more than 70 presentations over two days. Like the North American No-Dig Show, the technical sessions are the main draw to No-Dig North. Several session rooms experienced standing room only scenarios.

“What stood out most was the level of passion and commitment from our volunteers and student teams. Their professionalism and energy elevated the execution of every event, from technical sessions to venue logistics,” says Epp. “The cultural richness of the First Nations welcome ceremony, the presence of international delegates from ISTT, and Vancouver’s world-class venues added dimensions of depth and global relevance. These made this year feel bigger, more connected, and more impactful than any previous No-Dig North.”

Projects of the Year

A highlight of the show is the awarding of the annual NASTT No-Dig North Projects of the Year. A volunteer committee selects the winning projects – awarded in New Installation and Rehabilitation. In 2025 the formal presentation of the the winning projects was the Oct. 28 Gala Awards Dinner.

The 2025 NASTT No-Dig North Project of the Year New Installation is: Nose Creek Sanitary Sewer Trunk Project Phase B – Contract 4. The award was presented to Ward & Burke Microtunnelling Ltd., Jacobs and the City of Calgary.  

The 2025 NASTT No-Dig North Project of the Year Rehabilitation is: 99 Avenue Sanitary Trunk Rehabilitation – Stage 2.  The award was presented to EPCOR, Shanghai Construction Group (Canada) Corp., and Associated Engineering.

No-Dig North 2026

The Canadian chapters are looking forward to starting work on the 2026 No-Dig North in Calgary, Alberta. The show is Nov. 2-4, 2026 and it’s impossible to pull off without a dedicated team of volunteers.

“This is a great time to get involved. We are in the early stages of planning for the No-Dig North show in Calgary next year. We need volunteers to populate the committees and bring fresh new ideas to the show planning,” says Vandaelle. “People can reach out to anyone at NASTT at info@nastt.org or feel free to reach out to me directly at cvandael@michels.us. I will put you in touch with the right people!”

Clevenger adds, “Whether it is through volunteering, speaking, exhibiting or attending, there is a place for everyone to be part of what is shaping up to be an incredible 2026 event in Calgary.”

Mike Kezdi is managing editor of Trenchless Technology Canada.

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