ACEC-Ontario shares eight key milestones for association’s 50th anniversary

As ACEC-Ontario celebrates 50 years in the network of consulting engineering companies, the association has selected eight milestones that are representative of its achievements since its founding in 1975. 

ACEC-Ontario’s key role in shaping provincial and municipal infrastructure, fostering innovation, and advocating for fair business practices and regulatory reform, means that it “stands behind the transformative power of consulting engineering in shaping Ontario’s infrastructure and communities,” says Mark Tulloch, 2024-2025 Chair of ACEC-Ontario. “As we honour our legacy, we remain steadfast in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and championing a future of growth and resilience for our member firms and the communities we serve,” Tulloch adds. 

Now, ACEC-Ontario represents the interests of approximately 140 consulting engineering firms that collectively employ over 27,000 Ontarians. 

ACEC-Ontario has achieved a number of milestones: 

• Signing the first Agreement for Professional Consulting Services with Municipal Engineers Association, which has been regularly updated, with the latest in 2024. 

• Highlighting the role of consulting engineers in public safety during the Walkerton Inquiry. 

• Advocating for a fair consultant selection system with the Ministry of Transportation. 

• Pioneering qualifications-based selection processes with Metrolinx. 

• Influencing key legislation, such as the Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act. 

• Continuing the legacy of the Ontario Engineering Project Awards (OEPA), which recognizes excellence in engineering and has been celebrated for nearly 25 years. 

• Supporting engineers through in-person and online continual professional development, including the launch of EngineeringCPD.ca, ensuring staff of member firms can meet their Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) PEAK requirements. 

• Established joint liaison committees with Ottawa, London, Waterloo, Guelph, York Region, Halton Region, Peel Region, Niagara Region, Metrolinx, and the Ministry of Transportation.