Trenchless Technology Canada Association Updates – Spring 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

Municipalities are facing increasing pressure to maintain and expand their infrastructure within a constrained financial context. The State of Water Infrastructure Assets in Quebec Municipalities (2024) estimates that CAD 15.7 billion in investments will be needed to replace underground pipes that present a high or very high risk of failure. This amount reflects only the maintenance backlog and does not take into account heightened climate-resilience requirements or the needs associated with urban development. The scale of these challenges requires a continual search for more efficient solutions.

In this context, trenchless technologies offer a strategic alternative that makes it possible to “do more with less.” When integrated into a structured asset management approach, they support targeted interventions carried out at the right time and with the most appropriate method, helping extend infrastructure life and reduce the risk of failure. They therefore represent an important lever for ensuring the sustainable management of networks, while controlling costs and freeing up financial capacity to meet development needs and adapt to climate change.

Beyond their often competitive direct costs, trenchless technologies also help reduce indirect costs such as traffic disruptions, impacts on businesses, volumes of excavated soil, greenhouse gas emissions, and the deterioration of surface infrastructure. In doing so, they help decrease the environmental footprint of municipal works and support broader ecological transition objectives.

In Québec, the Centre d’expertise et de recherche en infrastructures urbaines (CERIU) plays a central role in advancing and promoting trenchless technologies. Through the publication of technical guides, the delivery of specialized training, and the facilitation of expert panels, CERIU supports the informed and structured adoption of these technologies. A new guide on developing technical specifications for sewer line sealing will be published shortly, accompanied by a webinar.

In a context where every dollar invested must deliver maximum value, trenchless technologies have become an essential lever for optimizing public investment.

~Driss Ellassraoui, Eng., MBA, Division Head, Asset Planning and Management Division Engineering Department, City of Laval and Chair of the Trenchless Technologies Committee, CERIU

CUIIC

This year continues to be an exceptional and fast-moving one for the Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC). With the ongoing engagement of our 90+ member organizations, both our educational and research initiatives are reaching significant new milestones.

Our webinar program remains a cornerstone of knowledge sharing within the community. These sessions consistently draw high participation from across Canada, reinforcing CUIIC’s role as a trusted forum for technical dialogue and practical insight.

Our research program, based at the University of Alberta, is also gaining significant momentum. We are seeing a growing number of graduate students advancing applied research projects that align directly with industry priorities. By tackling real-world technical challenges under the guidance of our industry partners, we ensure that our research outcomes are not only innovative but also practical and impactful for the trenchless sector.

A major highlight of 2026 was the launch of the CUIIC Summit series. In early March, we hosted our inaugural Summit in Mississauga, bringing together industry leaders, owners, consultants, and contractors for three days of technical exchange. The program featured in-depth tracks on geotechnical engineering, tunneling innovations, and advancements in horizontal directional drilling (HDD).

Looking ahead, we are excited to bring the Fall Summit to Vancouver on Sept. 15–17, 2026. This event will focus on two critical pillars: Safety in Underground Construction and Pipeline Rehabilitation and Maintenance.

Thank you for your continued commitment to CUIIC. Together, we are building a more resilient and innovative future for Canada’s underground infrastructure.

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

NASTT GLSLA

The North American Society for Trenchless Technology Great Lakes, St. Lawrence & Atlantic Chapter (GLSLA) has had a productive start to 2026, 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 or trenchless-focused webinars for their organizations hosted by GLSLA, taking our educational events to new geographies within GLSLA. We are seeking volunteers for our Events Committee and Education/Seminar Committee.

Our Student Engagement Committee continues to build relationships with our Student Chapters, and engaging with new Universities in an effort to extend our outreach. Building on the success of the introduction of the David Crowder Student Scholarship in 2025, we will be seeking applicants in Spring with an announcement of awardees in Summer.

Our Magazine Committee has an exciting publication planned for 2026 and is currently seeking volunteers to write technical articles. No-Dig North planning for Calgary 2026 is well underway and is shaping up to be another amazing show building on the success from Vancouver 2025. Get involved in No Dig North by responding to the call for volunteers for the Technical Program Committee or submitting an abstract (due April 8).

For more information or to get involved, visit glsla.ca or follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/nastt-glsla.

~ NASTT GLSLA Chapter

NASTT-BC

This past February, our Chapter travelled to Northern British Columbia to host Trenchless Fundamentals in the North, an in-person event focused on the practical application of trenchless technologies. Northern BC presents distinct geographic, environmental and logistical challenges, and it is precisely in these conditions where trenchless delivery can provide the greatest value.

We approach these initiatives not as roadshows, but as focused exchanges of knowledge. The objective was to support students, contractors, designers, operators, and municipal public works professionals in understanding where trenchless solutions are most effective, where they are not, and how method selection based on site-specific attributes can reduce risk, disruption, and long-term lifecycle cost. Informed decision-making — not default construction methods — remains the most powerful tool available to asset owners.

We were equally encouraged by the participation of students from the University of Northern British Columbia. Through our national partnership, British Columbia students are able to access free memberships, structured education resources, and peer networks that help bridge the gap between academia and industry. These connections support informed career paths and help cultivate professionals who understand both theory and constructability.

Beyond education, trenchless delivery offers measurable environmental and community benefits that resonate strongly with municipalities: reduce carbon emissions from heavy equipment and trucks, lower petroleum consumption, minimize excavation and ground disturbance, and significantly reduce disruption to residents, businesses, and transit users.

As municipalities continue to balance asset renewal, climate responsibility, and public disruption, early consideration of trenchless options, during planning and design, can meaningfully influence the outcomes. If this work helps support better decisions, strengthen educational pathways, and advance responsible trenchless adoption in Northern British Columbia and beyond, then the effort was well worth it.

~ Robert Epp, Chairman, NASTT-BC Chapter

OWWA

This winter, Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA) has delivered a strong lineup of well-attended events and new initiatives that reflect the momentum of our water community heading into 2026.

On Feb. 5, the Construction Committee hosted its sold-out Annual Seminar, drawing professionals eager to explore current issues and practical solutions for the delivery water and wastewater infrastructure. The Committee also released its latest White Paper on Product Procurement Methods, providing valuable guidance to municipalities, consultants, and contractors navigating procurement decisions.

February also featured one of our favourite member events, the Water for People Ski Day at Devil’s Glen on Feb. 27. We welcomed a record 74 attendees, with proceeds supporting Water for People Canada and reinforcing a commitment to safe and sustainable water access worldwide.

Throughout the month, our What You Need to H2Know podcast presented a special miniseries, Flowing into Leadership, introducing the candidates running for election to the OWWA Board of Directors. Each episode highlights their background, motivation, and perspective on how the Board can support members and advance the industry.

There is more ahead this spring. Join us March 26 for the Treatment Seminar, Performance in Every Drop: Tools for Optimizing Treatment Performance. We also look forward to the Spring South Central Ontario Water Works Conference on April 2 and the Georgian Bay Ontario Water Works Conference on April 14-15.

All roads lead to NextWave 2026, May 4-7 at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre. With more than 1,200 delegates and over 150 exhibitors expected, the event will gather, water professionals from across the country to connect, learn, and lead. The dynamic technical program, trade show floor, and networking events promise an unforgettable experience.

Momentum is building fast! Secure your spot and be part of the next wave shaping Canada’s water future.

~Ross Cadasse, Marketing & Membership Coordinator. OWWA

UESI Canada

On April 23, T2ue will host an hour-long webinar supported by UESI Canada. The increased density of utility infrastructure in urban areas highlights the importance of learning how to integrate SUE deliverables into infrastructure design and development projects. Having reliable subsurface utility data has become increasingly important, especially in urban project planning. We will look at one municipality that has integrated SUE investigations into their process: making SUE a prerequisite for issuing development permits. This has broad impact on the developer, the right of way owner and the engineering consultant. As this impacts all parties, we can do a deep dive into the financial benefit to all when conducting SUE investigations tied to development from infill to towers. Register here.

UESI Canada And NASTT-BC will host a joint workshop – Solving Utility Conflicts on Projects – May 20 at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown. This one-day workshop covers the existing Standard ASCE 38 and its use in coordination with TAC UCM OBB and TAC UCM P3. Click this link for more information or to register.

On June 16, UESI Canada and TRACCS will present a Solving Utility Conflicts on Rail Projects, a pre-conference workshop to TRACCS Rail Day 2026. The session will provide a in depth look at the published ASCE 38 and its impact on Utility coordination. This standard, the ASCE 38 is the foundation of utility coordination and will guide the future of utility coordination standards of how to collect and depict existing infrastructure. How to document the validated utility information. Where utility information is used as a baseline deriving from accuracy to a point that can set a risk mitigated, future utility coordination projects from facts and not assumptions.

~ Ophir Wainer, Director of Market Expansion & Education, Canada, T2 Utility Engineers and UESI Canada Chapter Founder

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