Trenchless Technology Canada – Association Updates Spring 2025
Association Updates is a special section in each issue of Trenchless Technology Canada that offers those associations affiliated with trenchless construction projects an opportunity to update the public on recent association activities.
Compiled here are the Association Updates from the Spring 2025 issue of Trenchless Technology Canada. To have your association’s information included, contact Mike Kezdi, managing editor, at mkezdi@benjaminmedia.com.
CERIU
CERIU has long been actively involved in sharing its expertise on trenchless rehabilitation techniques, supporting professionals through training courses, guides and technical sheets, as well as exchanges at the INFRA convention last November.
During this event, a panel on the success factors of a trenchless project attracted over 300 participants, including 200 in person and 100 virtually. This exchange forum enabled participants to discuss and obtain relevant and enlightening answers on the choice of trenchless rehabilitation techniques for their projects.
A panel is being prepared for the INFRA 2025 convention to be held on Nov. 24 and 25, 2025 at the Saint-Hyacinthe Convention Center. For information, email mcelia.abbas@ceriu.qc.ca.
A need has recently been expressed among those involved in trenchless work: to have technical specifications adapted to the different methods used. In 2008, CERIU developed seven technical specifications incorporating administrative and technical clauses, designed to be included in tender documents for pipe rehabilitation in Quebec. However, with the evolution of techniques, updating these documents has become essential. To this end, a survey was published to determine the update priorities, allowing the professionals to indicate which documents should be updated first.
If you have trenchless construction projects in Quebec, we invite you to respond to the survey: https://fr.surveymonkey.com/r/TST-CERIU.
The sewer pipe and manhole sealing quotation is currently being updated. For more information, visit this page: https://ceriu.qc.ca/projets/mise-jour-du-devis-clauses-techniques-colmatage-injection-conduites-regards-acces.
-By Celia Abbas, P.Eng, M.Eng, project manager, CERIU
CUIIC
The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC), now over 90 members strong, is excited to share research and education updates. Currently, CUIIC has two research programs under way focused on existing wetlands for sustainable stormwater management and greenhouse gas emission reduction in the underground infrastructure lifecycle, creating valuable opportunities for both students and industry professionals.
The 2025 CUIIC Academy lineup includes four in-person events: the Pipeline Rehabilitation Academy in Mississauga, Ontario (March 5-6), the Geotechnical Workshop in Vancouver, British Columbia (March 10), the Advanced HDD School in Calgary, Alberta (May 21-22), and the Safety Academy in Edmonton, Alberta (Sept. 16-17). Municipal members receive one complimentary pass per Academy, and student scholarships are available. Additionally, monthly webinars continue to be offered free to the public. Join us in advancing underground infrastructure research and education! Learn more at cuiic.ca.
-Provided by CUIIC
NASTT-BC
NASTT-BC is preparing for an exciting and impactful spring and summer 2025, with key educational initiatives aimed at expanding awareness and technical expertise in trenchless technology across British Columbia. Our focus is on bringing training to regions outside the Lower Mainland, ensuring that municipalities, engineers, and contractors across the province have access to the latest advancements in trenchless construction and rehabilitation.
Trenchless 101 Seminars – Expanding Industry Knowledge
This spring, NASTT-BC will host Trenchless 101 Seminars in Victoria, Qualicum Beach, Kelowna, and Prince George. These sessions introduce trenchless technology to industry professionals in regions where traditional open-cut excavation remains prevalent. Expanding outreach beyond Metro Vancouver helps municipalities and engineers better understand the benefits of trenchless methods, including:
- Cost savings and improved project timelines
- Reduced surface disruptions and traffic impacts
- Lower carbon emissions and fuel consumption
The seminars will cover horizontal directional drilling (HDD), cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), pipe bursting, manhole rehabilitation, and more. Attendees will engage with industry experts, explore real-world case studies, and learn best practices applicable to infrastructure projects.
CIPP Training Course – Advancing Technical Expertise
NASTT-BC will also host a CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe) Training Course in the Okanagan this spring. This course provides a comprehensive overview of gravity sewer CIPP rehabilitation, covering planning, design, project implementation, and verification. It also introduces CIPP applications in pressure pipe systems and sewer lateral programs.
This training is ideal for municipal leaders, engineers, and contractors looking to expand their expertise in CIPP rehabilitation.
Scholarship Opportunities for Municipalities & Students
To encourage participation, scholarships for municipal employees and students will be available for both Trenchless 101 and CIPP training. Check nastt-bc.org regularly for updates and application details.
Excitement Builds for No-Dig North 2025!
We are also eagerly preparing for the 2025 No-Dig North and ISTT International No-Dig North Conference, taking place Oct. 27-29 in Vancouver at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This will be a landmark event for the trenchless industry, bringing global experts together for knowledge-sharing, networking, and innovation.
For questions or more details, feel free to reach out me via nastt-bc.org.
-By Robert Epp, Chairman, NASTT-BC
NASTT-GLSLA
The North American Society for Trenchless Technology Great Lakes, St. Lawrence & Atlantic Chapter (GLSLA) has had a productive start to 2025, planning a year full of activities.
Our Seminar and Events Committee has been busy planning a Trenchless Insights Seminar for fall, site visits to see trenchless installations in-person, networking events and more. We have initiated partnerships with other industry organizations to offer NASTT Good Practice Courses in coordination with their conferences, taking our educational events to new geographies within GLSLA.
Our Student Engagement Committee continues to build relationships with our Student Chapters, and engaging with new Universities in an effort to extend our outreach. This year we will be hosting “Introduction to Trenchless” presentations at various Universities throughout Atlantic Canada.
Our Magazine Committee has an exciting Magazine planned for 2025 and is currently seeking volunteers to write technical articles. No Dig North planning for Vancouver 2025 is well underway. Get involved by responding to the call for volunteers for the Technical Program Committee or submitting an abstract.
For more information or to get involved, visit glsla.ca or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/nastt-glsla.
-Provided by NASTT-GLSLA
NASTT-NW
Despite the less than tropical weather we’ve experienced so far in 2025 across our area, our Chapter volunteers have been busy. In January we started the Edmonton Section technical luncheon series off with a presentation on trenchless crossings on the Trans Canada pipeline. Our next luncheon topic is a case study on Over the Hole CIPP installation, scheduled for Feb. 27 luncheon. We will finish the spring program with presentations on March 27 and April 24.
Our Calgary Section has a luncheon planned for March 13, with HDD as the topic and a final spring presentation planned for May 22. We’ve seen an increase in luncheon attendees and hope the trend continues in Calgary and Edmonton.
The NW Chapter is reviving the historically successful symposiums that morphed into No-Dig North. No-Dig North grew in size and attendance and has been cycled from West to East since the inaugural conference in Calgary in 2019. We have committed to offering educational opportunities across the region on an annual basis.
The Calgary section has moved to fill the void by planning the 2025 Symposium on June 2 and 3. The planning committee has put together an exciting couple of days with two NASTT training courses on the 2, and over 15 presentations and a tradeshow on the 3. The Calgary planning committee has done an outstanding job in preparation for the Symposium. Check out the program online as it evolves at nastt-nw.com and sign up for the learning and networking opportunity.
Our Board remains focused on offering learning and networking opportunities to a growing member base. In Winnipeg, our local section continues to work toward organizing luncheons and seminars, including the Red River College Student group. We are also making progress reestablishing the Edmonton Section’s presence with a number of individuals expressing interest in joining us.
In the next quarter look for an opportunity to join the NW Chapter. We will be holding an election for a Board member, a position vacated when our long-time treasurer, Keith Moggach resigned. We will also be restaffing our committees. Please consider joining the Chapter at the Board or local section levels.
-Provided by NASTT-NW
OWWA
As OWWA dives into 2025, the organization is making waves with fresh initiatives and highly anticipated events. A major milestone was the unveiling of our new logo and colors, reflecting a modern, forward-thinking, and more accessible identity while staying true to our mission. Alongside this, we launched the Automation Forum, a cutting-edge platform bringing together experts, suppliers, and utility professionals to explore advancements in the automation of water systems.
The year kicked off with a bang as the Construction Seminar on Feb. 6 sold out in record time. Later, industry professionals hit the slopes for another successful Water for People Ski Day.
But the biggest event is still ahead! From May 5-7, Ontario’s Water Conference & Trade Show will take over Blue Mountain, bringing together more than 1,000 attendees, more than 100 speakers and more than 100 exhibitor booths showcasing the latest and greatest in water management. Interest has been overwhelming with Trade Show booths being sold out since December, but a waitlist is available by emailing conference@owwa.ca. Attendees should book accommodations by April 2 to secure their stay.
Beyond networking and professional development, the conference features signature events, including the No Water… No Hockey Game on Sunday May 4, setting the stage for an action-packed week. On May 6, the Water Cup, hosted by the Young Professionals Committee, promises friendly competition and camaraderie.
With so much in store, now is the perfect time to become a member of OWWA and be part of the future of water in Ontario. Don’t miss out and secure your spot today!
-Provided by OWWA
