Trenchless Technology Canada – Association Updates Summer 2024
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.
CERIU
This year the Center for Expertise and Research in Urban Infrastructure (CERIU) is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Thirty years of serving municipalities, engineering, entrepreneurs and universities, to improve the good practices of management and maintenance of urban infrastructures. Since its creation in 1994, CERIU has implemented concerted, innovative actions in urban infrastructure monitoring and rehabilitation, while mobilizing the community to share know-how. CERIU, through its Trenchless Technology Special Committee, recently developed a new specialized training course, focusing on horizontal drilling with a specialized auger, that aims to deepen knowledge with a view to better targeting the appropriate trenchless method. This takes into consideration the context of the project, the issues and risks as well as the optimal elements for successful completion of the project. For more information, visit https://ceriu.qc.ca/formations/forage-horizontal-tariere-specialisee-particularites-etude-cas/1928. CERIU is a pioneer in trenchless technology in Quebec. Since 1996, it has established partnerships to develop these techniques in Canada, the United States, but also internationally, including France. In fact, five of CERIU’s experts particpated in a round table organized by France Sans Tranchée Technology (FSTT), during the Ville Sans Tranchée (VST) Convention on May 29 in virtual format. It provided a platform for exchanging information and best practices on the differences in trenchless technology project management between France and Canada. This makes it possible to ensure expanded technological monitoring and establish fruitful collaborations. For more information about CERIU, visit ceriu.qc.ca.
CUIIC
The vibrant and insightful 2024 CUIIC Advanced HDD School took place April 24-25, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta. This two-day event, organized by the Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC) in collaboration with Benjamin Media Inc., brought together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) techniques and technologies. The Advanced HDD School served as a comprehensive platform for attendees to delve into the intricacies of HDD project planning, execution, and management. Led by industry-leading professionals representing various sectors, nearly 70 consulting engineers, contractors, municipal engineers, academia, equipment manufacturers, service providers, product suppliers and students attended the event which offered a diverse range of perspectives and insights. Participants had the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills through informative presentations, real-life case studies, and interactive discussions. From project planning and equipment selection to drilling techniques and safety considerations, each session provided practical insights that attendees could apply to their own HDD projects. We are filled with gratitude for everyone who contributed to its success. This includes the support of sponsoring companies, speakers, and attendees. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to advance the field of HDD through future educational initiatives and events. For more information about CUIIC, visit cuiic.ca.
NASTT-BC
NASTT membership offers your organization a pathway to comprehensive introductions and training in all aspects of trenchless technology and its benefits to end users, businesses, residents, traffic, emissions and carbon output goals. This will help municipal, provincial and federal governments live up to their goals to resist climate change, and we can help them get there by working smarter not harder. Now is the time for your group to get involved, reach out to us and please join the organization. Participating in organizations like ours, not only promotes professional growth, but also enables individuals to make valuable contributions to the industry, connect with peers, and access educational materials to enhance their own knowledge. Additionally, it’s noteworthy that our organization is actively exploring avenues to engage members of the engineering community at the student level, particularly targeting young professionals, and municipal representatives in training. Involving these groups of future leaders can inject fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into the organization, fostering its growth and long-term viability. Innovative concepts shaping the future. Anticipation is mounting for the forthcoming No-Dig North shows scheduled for Niagara Falls, Ontario, in the fall of 2024, and the Vancouver edition in 2025. The excitement is palpable, especially with the concurrent hosting of the International Society for Trenchless Technology’s conference in Vancouver. This new collaborative effort with NASTT not only signifies the ongoing momentum of No-Dig North in Canada, but also signals an expansion of the event’s footprint and most importantly its impact on all of us. For more information on upcoming webinars, courses, events, shows and the municipal scholarship opportunities, visit nodignorth.ca or nastt-bc.org.
NASTT-GLSLA
The North American Society for Trenchless Technology Great Lakes, St. Lawrence & Atlantic Chapter (GLSLA) has had a busy 2024. Building on our success with events in 2023, we hosted an Educational Training Seminar in June focusing on Inspection and Condition Assessment for Gravity and Pressure Pipelines. We expanded our outreach to Atlantic Canada by partnering with Atlantic Canada Water and Wastewater Association to present the CIPP Best Practices Course at their annual conference in Fredericton in September. As hosts of the No-Dig North 2024 conference, we have been working hard with the NDN committee to put together a very promising show in October – expected to be the biggest NDN yet! Please join us at the GLSLA-sponsored social event at NDN. Watch your emails for an invite to the annual end-of-year member appreciation luncheon, a FREE social event. The Student Engagement Committee continues its efforts to connect with student-groups to encourage students to pursue careers in trenchless technology. We have strengthened ties with the Queen’s University Chapter, re-established a Concordia University Chapter and are working on establishing new chapters elsewhere. We are proudly sponsoring students to attend No Dig North, establishing scholarship programs and engaging with the students to meet their Chapter needs. The Magazine Committee is working on the December 2024 issue of the magazine, always looking for new and exciting content. GLSLA held Board of Directors elections this summer for both re-election and open seats. Please join us at the AGM at No-Dig North to meet the new Board Members! To get involved in committees, please reach out to any current GLSLA Board Member (located on glsla.ca).
NASTT-NW
Our section has been busy in spring 2024. Our focus remains on providing opportunities for members and trenchless practitioners to learn and expand their exposure to a range of trenchless technology for rehabilitation and new installations. We are fortunate to have access to a group of experts and technical leaders that are willing to share their experiences and knowledge. So far in 2024, we’ve hosted technical luncheons in Calgary and Edmonton and a seminar in Winnipeg. The Calgary section’s spring technical luncheon program included a presentation by Bothar in March, and Channeline in May. The section is also working on a Networking Event over the summer, before presenting two more luncheons in fall. This local group is setting a high bar for other local sections in engaging both members and other industry individuals. In Edmonton, four successful technical luncheons were presented. The Edmonton Section is planning another series of luncheons for fall, with a potential dinner event. We also hope to host a less formal Networking Event over the summer. In Winnipeg an Introduction to CIPP Seminar was presented on April 3rd. It was the first in a series that is planned in conjunction with the Red River College Student’s Chapter over the coming year. As always, we encourage trenchless practitioners from those new to our industry to those who have been involved for large portions of their careers, to join us in our endeavors to advance our industry. Please contact any of our Board members for more information on how you can become involved. Hope you all have a great summer.
