Trenchless Technology Canada Association Updates – Winter 2025

Presented here are the Association Updates from the Winter 2025 edition of Trenchless Technology Canada.

Association Updates is a special section in each issue of Trenchless Technology Canada. The column features associations affiliated with the trenchless construction sector. It’s 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

CERIU has been recognized as a pioneer of trenchless techniques in Quebec since 1994.
Since 2023, CERIU has organized an annual panel on trenchless techniques (TST) as part of its INFRA conference, aiming to raise awareness among municipalities and field experts about innovations and best practices in this field. For the 2025 edition, a panel on new trenchless installations was held at the Saint-Hyacinthe Convention Center. It brought together experts from diverse backgrounds – firms, universities and municipalities — to share their experiences and recommendations.
The panel is divided into two complementary segments. The first part, focusing on techniques and innovation, will highlight the social-environmental benefits of new trenchless installations, including reduced urban disruptions, cost optimization, and reduced impacts on quality of life. The discussions will also identify the challenges faced by small and medium-sized municipalities and the levers that promote the adoption of these techniques.

The second part, devoted to governance and social acceptability, will explore the conditions that support the sustainable integration of trenchless techniques into municipal strategies. Interactions will focus on the assessment of ecological and social impacts and on the possibilities for collaboration and knowledge sharing among municipalities and professionals in the sector, so that everyone can benefit from best practices, lessons learned, and available resources.

Through these annual panels, CERIU continues to play a key role in facilitating the adoption of trenchless techniques and promoting sustainable infrastructure across Quebec.

For more information about CERIU and its efforts, visit ceriu.qc.ca.

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

CUIIC

This fall, CUIIC proudly hosted the 2025 Safety Academy at the JW Marriott in Edmonton’s ICE District. Over two action-packed days, contractors, engineers, and safety professionals gathered to deepen their understanding of excavation risks, trenching and fall-protection practices, confined-space safety, and “Safety by Design” principles. We also covered legal responsibilities for supervisors, hazard assessment for tunnels, and case studies on underground water and wastewater-asset failures. Interactive panel discussions, practical workshops, and a mental-health session rounded out the agenda, while a closing reception offered valuable networking opportunities for all attendees.

In parallel, CUIIC participated in Titan Environmental Containment’s Concrete Academy, further strengthening our partnership with this innovation-focused member. Our team was honored to present on the importance of underground infrastructure resilience and how collaborative industry efforts drive long-term safety and durability. Titan showcased its mechanically anchored Concrete Protection Liner (CPL) system, which offers a chemically resistant, maintenance-free barrier to extend the service life of wastewater assets — a goal that strongly aligns with CUIIC’s mission.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce the 2026 CUIIC Academy Spring Summit, scheduled for March 3-5 in Mississauga, Ontario. This three-day summit introduces a rich technical program with sessions on geotechnical engineering, tunneling and microtunneling, and horizontal directional drilling (HDD). Case studies, panel discussions, and networking opportunities will make this our most immersive and forward-looking summit yet.

Thank you for being part of CUIIC’s growing community — together, we’re building a safer, more resilient underground infrastructure future. We’re incredibly excited for everything we have in store for 2026 and look forward to sharing it with you.

~ Calli Eliopoulos, Communications & Industry Engagement Coordinator, CUIIC

NASTT-BC

No-Dig North 2025 marked a milestone moment for NASTT-BC and the trenchless community across North America. This year’s conference not only broke all previous attendance records but also showcased what is possible when an exceptional volunteer base, an energized student cohort, and the dedicated NASTT National team work together toward a shared vision.

Vancouver proved again to be the perfect host city. Delegates experienced the best of the region throughout the week, with signature events at Canada Place, Grouse Mountain, and the Pan Pacific Hotel, each offering world-class service and breathtaking views that left a lasting impression on our North American and international visitors.

Our student volunteers, representing programs across Western Canada, played an instrumental role in delivering a seamless event experience. Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and willingness to step into any role helped elevate the entire conference. Support from CUIIC further amplified our ability to promote trenchless technology across Canada, extending awareness far beyond BC and reinforcing the strength of our national academic-industry partnership.

We were honoured to welcome local First Nations for our opening ceremony, a meaningful acknowledgment of the land and its history, and an important reminder of the relationships that guide responsible infrastructure development.

Another highlight of the program was the outstanding keynote presentation delivered by FortisBC, detailing the construction of the LNG Woodfibre facility and the complex boring projects connecting the site to Squamish, British Columbia. Their presentation demonstrated how major infrastructure can advance while respecting First Nations stewardship, community values, and environmental responsibility.
Looking ahead, the NASTT-BC Chapter is heading to Prince George in February 2026 to deliver TT101, supported by four trenchless-focused presentations from industry experts. Follow our LinkedIn and website for updates — and please share with your peers that we are coming to the NORTH!

Our goal is to bring trenchless knowledge to those who could not attend No-Dig North but have a hunger for cutting-edge solutions and the proven benefits of trenchless technology.

~ Rob Epp, Chair, NASTT-BC

NASTT-GLSLA

The No Dig North Conference in Vancouver, BC in October hosted the North American Society for Trenchless Technology Great Lakes, St. Lawrence & Atlantic (GLSLA) Chapter’s Annual General Meeting with support from over 20 members. Our meeting highlighted the year’s successes, reflected on 30-years of GLSLA history and looked forward to 2026.

In 2025 our Student Engagement Committee established GLSLA’s annual David Crowder Student Scholarship, awarding $2,000 to student(s) dedicated to trenchless technology. The scholarship was named to recognize Past Chair David Crowder’s unwavering commitment to mentorship and education in the trenchless community throughout his career.

Our Seminar and Events Committee was busy this fall. The Trenchless Insights: New Installations Seminar in September highlighted emerging technologies, best practices and case studies relating to HDD, microtunnelling and tunnelling. In October, a Site Visit event offered students and members the opportunity to witness both non-circular sliplining and UV-CIPP lining at the Lakeshore Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Project.

This year the Magazine Committee delivered our annual Trenchless Journal 2 months early to align with distribution at No Dig North. The 2025 magazine celebrated GLSLA’s 30th Anniversary, recognized our student scholarship winners, and detailed emerging trenchless methods, research and technical advancements through articles on sliplining, microtunneling and watermain rehabilitation.

At our AGM we welcomed new Board Member Sahil Kakkar and thanked past Board Member Harry Krinas for his dedication to trenchless technology through his years of service.

For more information, follow us on LinkedIn @NASTT GLSLA Chapter or visit glsla.ca. See you in 2026!

~ Marya Jetten, chair, NASTT-GLSLA

NASTT-NW

Edmonton Section. Many enthusiastic volunteers have joined our long-term contributors to help us grow and innovate.

Our NW Chapter Board is going to focus on strategic planning while we align feasible financial goals for the future.We have grown in Ma

nitoba and would like see evolution in Saskatchewan. For instance, the red river college polytechnic became a student chapter officially last year and helped students in the water and wastewater industry developed networking relationships and avenues upon graduation or certification. We would like to continue to see this trickle in all our provinces.

Our board is going to focus on student scholarships and aim to have a continuous scholarship for students and members to be apart of the NASTT families.

We look forward to the new year and what prospects our board will continue to bring.

~ Raven Sharma, Chair, NASTT-NW

OWWA

This quarter, Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA) hosted a range of successful events as we returned to our regular fall programming. We kicked things off with the Distribution Seminar, themed “Strengthening the Foundations – Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges.” The event drew a sold-out crowd and featured engaging presentations on key issues facing Ontario’s water distribution systems.
Our Water and Energy Efficiency Committee also partnered with Redbrick Communications to deliver a joint communications workshop tailored for water and wastewater professionals, municipal leaders, and communications teams. The session focused on strategies for building community trust and engagement, tools for effective messages, and lessons learned.

Rounding out the quarter, we held our annual joint YP Meet & Greet with the WEAO YP Committee, which brought together 65 enthusiastic attendees. The event provided a valuable opportunity for young professionals to connect, network, and share insights on building successful careers in the water sector.
Looking ahead, Early Bird registration for NextWave is now open! Building on the legacy of Ontario’s Water Conference & Trade Show, NextWave is OWWA’s national flagship conference, taking place in Niagara Falls May 4-7, 2026, uniting over 1,000 delegates from across the water industry—including operators, owners, manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, academics, and regulators. The Trade Show will feature more than 100 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services that are shaping the future of water.

Hosted by OWWA in collaboration with the Atlantic Canada, Western Canada, and British Columbia Sections of AWWA, and supported by AWWA, this dynamic event offers a unique opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and stay informed on the latest technical, regulatory, and equipment developments defining Canada’s water future.

Now is the time to plan your participation and be part of the next wave of progress in the water sector!

~ Ross Cadasse, Marketing & Membership Coordinator, OWWA

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