Trenchless Technology Canada – Association Updates Fall 2026

Association Updates is a special section in each issue of Trenchless Technology Canada. The column offers those associations affiliated with the trenchless construction sector an opportunity to update the public on recent association activities.

To have your association’s information included, contact Mike Kezdi, managing editor, at mkezdi@benjaminmedia.com.

CERIU

As pressurized drinking water and sewer systems age, municipalities need reliable pipeline condition information to plan timely, risk-based interventions. Inspection of pressurized pipelines is an important tool for improving infrastructure knowledge and supporting asset management decisions.

To support infrastructure managers and industry professionals, the Centre of Expertise and Research in Urban Infrastructure (CERIU) recently published the “Inventory of Inspection Technologies for Pressurized Water Pipelines*.” _{* In French only}

The guide reviews the main technologies available to assess pressurized pipelines and helps users select approaches suited to intervention objectives, pipeline characteristics, and associated risk.

The inventory groups technologies by inspection approach, including non-intrusive and intrusive methods, and covers acoustic, visual, electromagnetic, and ultrasonic techniques.

A distinctive feature of the guide is its step-by-step inspection approach. Before moving to advanced technologies, an initial analysis helps clarify information needs and determine the appropriate level of investigation. This helps direct investments toward relevant interventions while avoiding unnecessary inspections.

With this inventory, CERIU provides municipalities and industry professionals with a practical tool to navigate available technologies and make informed decisions on pipeline inspection, intervention prioritization, and sustainable management of pressurized water networks.

The guide is available free of charge to CERIU members through the organization’s online library at: https://ceriu.qc.ca/bibliotheque/inventaire-technologies-auscultation-conduites-eau-pression

The guide will also be featured in a presentation during the INFRA Conference, which will take place at the Québec City Convention Centre. For more information about the INFRA Conference, please visit: https://ceriu.qc.ca/congres-2026

~ Celia Abbas, P.Eng, M.Eng, Project Manager, CERIU

CUIIC

The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC) enters the fall with continued growth across its network of more than 90 member organizations, a major Academy event, a new national research assignment and a strengthened team.

The 2026 CUIIC Academy Fall Summit took place Sept. 15–17 at UBC Robson Square in Vancouver. The program began with Underground Safety Day, followed by two intensive days on Pipeline Rehabilitation. Attendees were able to earn Continuing Education Units through the Engineering Institute of Canada. A networking reception, co-hosted with PW Trenchless, will give members, speakers and guests an informal opportunity to connect.

CUIIC has also been awarded a Transportation Association of Canada project on estimating utility relocation costs. The work will synthesize Canadian practices for estimating dry utility relocation costs on road capital projects and scope the methodology and platform for a national estimating tool. Utility relocation remains a persistent source of cost and schedule risk on major road projects.

At the University of Alberta, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows continue applied research on greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable stormwater management using existing wetlands, and clean technologies for underground infrastructure, in collaboration with industry partners.

CUIIC Academy’s webinar series continues to attract cross-border participation, with schedules and on-demand recordings available at cuiic.ca.

CUIIC also welcomes Tammy Irg as Communications and Engagement Coordinator. She will help share the work taking place across the membership and keep the community connected.

Thank you for your continued commitment as we build a more resilient and innovative future for Canada’s underground infrastructure.

~ Alireza Bayat, Ph.D., P.Eng., Director, CUIIC

NASTT-BC

The past six months have been active and rewarding for the NASTT British Columbia Chapter. Through events in Prince George, Nanaimo and Victoria, the Chapter continued making trenchless education, professional development and industry connections more accessible across the province.

In February 2026, Trenchless Technology 101 in Prince George drew more than 42 attendees for a full day of practical education and discussion. Municipal representatives, consultants, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers explored trenchless applications for northern British Columbia infrastructure challenges, supported by five sponsors.

In August, the Chapter brought its education program to Vancouver Island with events in Nanaimo and Victoria. David O’Sullivan of PW Trenchless opened with “Trenchless Tapas,” an overview of rehabilitation and new-construction methods.

Speakers included Jeff Lore of ISCO on HDPE piping for HDD, sliplining, pipe bursting, force mains and marine applications; Andy Sherwin of Budaplast on custom GRP lining systems; Eric Leydon, P.Eng., of AECOM Canada on assessment and rehabilitation of a 150-year-old brick sewer; and George Bontus, P.Eng., of Insituform on CIPP rehabilitation for gravity sewers and pressure pipelines.

The Vancouver Island program also featured the British Columbia Common Ground Alliance on damage prevention and safe excavation, plus an interactive quiz to reinforce key lessons. For the first time, NASTT-BC is providing Professional Development and Continuing Education certificates, recognizing the technical value of its programming.

Attention now turns to No-Dig North 2026 in Calgary this November, where Canada’s trenchless community will gather for education, technology showcases, networking and collaboration.

On behalf of myself and the NASTT-BC Board of Directors, thank you to every presenter, sponsor, volunteer and attendee. We especially recognize PW Trenchless, David O’Sullivan and Chris Morris for their significant behind-the-scenes contributions to planning, organization, review and coordination. Their support was instrumental in making these events possible.

~ Robert Epp, Chair, NASTT-BC

NASTT GLSLA

The North American Society for Trenchless Technology Great Lakes, St. Lawrence & Atlantic (GLSLA) Chapter continues to support the industry through the efforts of its volunteer committees, which have expanded educational programming, industry networking opportunities, student outreach, and communications initiatives throughout 2026.

A major highlight of the year was the 2026 Trenchless Insights: Aging Infrastructure Seminar, Sept. 22–23 in Vaughan, Ontario. This year’s program was developed by the Seminar Committee and featured technical presentations, case studies, and industry discussions focused on rehabilitation challenges and solutions. New additions includes the NASTT Good Practices Course Introduction to Rehabilitation, a technical site visit highlighting a variety of rehabilitation technologies, and a social networking event on Sept. 22, providing attendees with additional opportunities for professional development and peer-to-peer learning.

GLSLA is also pleased to recognize Dana Bou Saab (University of Toronto) as the recipient of the 2026 David Crowder Student Scholarship. The scholarship reflects the chapter’s ongoing commitment to supporting students and young professionals pursuing careers in trenchless technology. A profile of the recipient and other student initiatives will be featured in the upcoming 2026 GLSLA Trenchless Journal, which will be published in Fall 2026 and available in print at No Dig North.

Looking ahead, members are encouraged to participate in the GLSLA Virtual Annual General Meeting Oct. 27 to hear chapter updates, celebrate accomplishments, and help shape priorities for 2027 – information to join the meeting will be available via the GLSLA LinkedIn page. We also look forward to connecting with members and industry colleagues at No-Dig North in Calgary, where GLSLA will host a social gathering.

For more information, follow us on LinkedIn at @NASTT GLSLA Chapter or visit glsla.ca.

~ Marya Jetten, P.Eng., BC.PLW, Chair, NASTT GLSLA

OWWA

OWWA’s summer events continue to bring the water community together. Our member-favourite OWWA Golf Tournament officially sold out, welcoming professionals from across the sector for a day of golf, networking, and community-building. Proceeds from the tournament support Water for People, helping advance access to safe water and sanitation in communities around the world.

The momentum continued on Aug. 21 with the Water for People Committee’s Ontario Water Classic. Participants are invited to complete a 5K walk, run, or paddle while supporting an important cause. Whether you are joining for the workout, the scenery, or the opportunity to give back, your participation will help support safe water and sanitation initiatives around the world.

Looking ahead, OWWA has a full lineup of seminars, events, and regional conferences planned for Fall 2026. These events offer opportunities to build technical knowledge, exchange ideas, and connect with colleagues from across Ontario’s water sector.

Save the date for:

• 2026 Fall SCOWWA: Oct. 21
• 2026 Georgian Bay Water Works Fall Conference: Oct. 28-29
• 2026 OWWA Certification and Education Seminar: Nov. 19

Beyond the fall calendar, OWWA is also preparing to come together with the Water Environment Association of Ontario for our first joint conference since 2024. From May 10 to 13, 2027, Ontario’s water community will gather at the Enercare Centre in Toronto forOntario’s Water and Wastewater Conference and Exposition. We look forward to welcoming water and wastewater professionals from across the province for another memorable week of education, innovation, networking, and collaboration.

~ Provided by OWWA

UESI CANADA

The UESI Canada chapter came together at the UESI Pipelines 2026 Conference in Detroit. The gathering gave Canadian members an opportunity to reconnect, share updates and discuss UESI Canada’s growing role in education, collaboration and utility-risk awareness.

A key milestone over the past year was the amalgamation of UESI Canada’s two regional chapters into one cohesive national chapter. This unified structure is intended to strengthen communication, simplify participation and support consistent programming for members and partners across the country.

Chapter co-founder Ophir Wainer also highlighted recent educational and training events delivered with like-minded industry organizations, including the NASTT-BC Chapter, the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) and TRACCS. While much of the recent programming has focused on subsurface utility engineering, interested members are encouraged to get involved as UESI Canada expands topics across its broader membership.

More information is available through the redesigned UESI Canada website at uesicanada.org. Chapter leadership can be contacted at info@uesicanada.org.

UESI Canada partnered with the Utility Management Subcommittee to deliver a 3.5-hour workshop at the Transportation Association of Canada Conference in Winnipeg: CO.3 Use of ASCE 38 on Major Transportation Projects: Strategies and Innovation on Risk Mitigation. The session supports UESI Canada’s focus on practical education that helps organizations mitigate utility risk.

UESI Canada will also present an interactive workshop at the CCGA Damage Prevention Symposium, Managing Utility Risk from Planning Through Construction: The Anatomy of a Change Order, Nov. 17–19 at The Westin Calgary. Register here – canadiancga.com/2026-Symposium.

The workshop will explore how utility conflicts drive delays, cost overruns and change orders, while providing practical strategies to identify, manage and mitigate risks from planning through construction. Through case studies, lessons learned and industry best practices, participants will gain tools to apply standards, strengthen early investigations, support SUE, improve project certainty and reduce impacts to budgets, schedules, stakeholders and the public.

~ Provided by UESI Canada

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