Trenchless Technology Canada – Association Updates Winter 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
In Quebec, CERIU plays a crucial role in the transfer of know-how in trenchless techniques, offering training courses, technical guides and panel discussions at the annual INFRA Convention. This year, a panel discussion on the elements of a successful trenchless project will take place from 9-10:30 a.m. on Nov. 25. Two consulting engineers, two contractors and two municipal representatives will make up the panel which promises to be rich in constructive exchanges. The panel will provide an excellent opportunity to exchange information on how municipalities manage their trenchless tenders and the challenges they face. According to our experts, it’s very important to draw up a performance specification and to know the main aspects to consider when preparing it. Also, understanding the application of quality control, as well as the skills and resources required to guarantee its effectiveness is key. Discussions will also be held on the constraints influencing the design and choice of trenchless technologies. Panel experts will share their expertise to inform and guide attendees on this topic. In addition, an interactive survey will be set up for delegates, whether in attendance or online. This will help to enrich exchanges and gain a better understanding of participants’ experiences on the two topics covered. As a reminder, the subjects of performance specifications in connection with trenchless rehabilitation techniques and quality control of works have already been addressed at the INFRA 2023 Convention. Given their importance for municipalities, consulting engineering firm and contractors, the expert committee on trenchless rehabilitation techniques has chosen to explore these topics in greater depth this year.
CUIIC
The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC), now over 80 members strong, is excited to share research and education updates. Recently, CUIIC submitted a research grant aimed at using existing wetlands for sustainable stormwater management. This will offer exciting opportunities for students and those in the industry. 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 in the fall. Municipal members receive one complimentary pass per Academy, and monthly webinars continue to be available for free to the public. Join us to support underground infrastructure research and education! Learn more at cuiic.ca.
NASTT-BC
The excitement doesn’t end in Niagara Falls! The British Columbia trenchless community is excited and already preparing for the 2025 No-Dig North, which will be held in Vancouver. This event will be particularly special as it coincides with the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) International No-Dig Show, bringing together delegates from over 24 countries. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains, the 2025 conference promises to be a truly global celebration of trenchless technology. The North American Society for Trenchless Technology British Columbia Chapter (NASTT-BC) is committed to growing its membership and offering exciting opportunities for professionals in the civil and trenchless industries. With a focus on providing educational resources and expanding networks, NASTT membership offers significant benefits. Members have access to more than 2,000 technical papers, live and online training sessions, and opportunities to present, volunteer, and lead within the organization. NASTT is also taking steps to engage with the next generation of professionals. Student chapters are being formed, and students can now join for free, giving them access to an extensive catalog of training opportunities. Municipal representatives and safety professionals are also encouraged to get involved, ensuring the organization continues to evolve with fresh perspectives and ideas. As excitement builds for No-Dig North in 2024 and 2025, the trenchless community is buzzing with anticipation. With educational opportunities, networking events, and international collaboration on the horizon, there’s no better time to get involved. For more information on upcoming webinars, courses, events, and 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) celebrates a successful 2024 and looks forward to 2025. The Magazine Committee put out the 2024 GLSLA Magazine, which includes articles on trenchless advancements, perspectives from Student Chapter members and municipal scholarship awardees on their experience at the No Dig North show – look for it in in December 2024 – look for it online or in your mailbox to read about exciting advancements and lessons learned in trenchless technology. Continuing our efforts to connect with student-groups to encourage students to pursue careers in trenchless technology, our Events and Training Committee hosted a site visit in coordination with Kingston Utilities for our Queen’s University Student Chapter members to hear about CIPP best practices and quality assurance procedures followed up a live demonstration of CIPP installation in a local collection sewer in Kingston, Ontario. To improve our connection to Chapter Members, we have started a LinkedIn page. Follow us to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities (https://www.linkedin.com/company/nastt-glsla). At the No Dig North tradeshow in Niagara Falls, Ontario in October 2024, we welcomed new Board Members: Alexandra Grant, Brad Marin, Hiva Mahdavi, and John Bowles, and thanked Kevin Bainbridge, Ashley Rammeloo, Brian Moreau and Bill Garibaldi for their service. For more information, visit glsla.ca.
NASTT-NW
We’ve wrapped up another great No-Dig North Conference in Niagara Falls. We keep beating the attendance records and there were several NASTT-NW Chapter attendees, including 15 Municipal Scholarship recipients. It was nice to see that many municipal folks taking advantage of the opportunity to attend. The NW Chapter held our AGM during the conference, having moved the meeting to this conference rather than the North American No-Dig Show. Key take aways from the AGM were the resignation of Keith Moggach (Westlake Pipe and Fittings) as our treasurer, and Craig Pass (Associated Engineering) being named Treasurer. The Board and I want to thank Keith for his long stewardship of our finances and wish him the best in his new position with Westlake in Houston. Our Calgary section is working hard preparing for the Symposium that will be held June 2-3, 2025. It will include one day of seminars, and one day of trenchless focused presentations. Keep an eye out for more details on our website, and through NASTT emails. Also be on the lookout for our technical luncheons in Edmonton and Calgary as well as other opportunities to network or learn. Last and not least, the Northwest Chapter will be celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2025! We are looking to previous Board members and other individuals that were involved in the early days to help us with any details from our past that we can share. Check us out at www.nastt-nw.com if you are looking for more information, or to contact any of our Board.
OWWA
The OWWA hosted several events for water professionals across Ontario. The 2024 Water for People World Water Classic kicked off with two unique fundraisers: a Run, Walk, or Paddle along the scenic Guelph Eramosa River on Sept. 13 and a Bike Event along the Hamilton-Burlington waterfront trail on Oct. 9. Both events successfully united participants in support of global access to safe water and sanitation. On Sept. 26, the 2024 OWWA Distribution Seminar at the Red Rose Convention Centre in Mississauga provided in-depth sessions on crucial topics such as sediment accumulation and boil water advisories. That evening, members attended the OWWA YP and WEAO Young Professionals Fall Meet and Greet at The Crooked Cue in Etobicoke. The event fostered networking over pool and pints, offering an ideal environment to connect with new faces in the industry. The OWWA Curling Event at the Penetanguishene Curling Club provided a fun-filled opportunity for socializing. At the same time, exclusive tours of the Smiths Falls Water Treatment Plant on Oct. 11 and Britannia Water Treatment Plant on Oct. 25 offered members a closer look at the water treatment processes and the supply systems that serve the municipalities and their residents. Additionally, the Member Appreciation Event at Beertown Cambridge offered an evening of networking and engaging conversations among OWWA members. The season wrapped up with the South-Central Ontario Water Works Association bi-annual conference on Nov. 6. It was followed by the 2024 OWWA Automation Webinar on Nov. 13 and the OWWA Certification and Education Seminar on Nov. 21, which covered topics such as intelligent control and operator certification updates.
