ACEC-Ontario highlights five water-based projects at 2025 awards

Five water-based projects were part of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies—Ontario (ACEC-Ontario) 2025 Ontario Engineering Project Awards, celebrated on May 1 in Toronto.

“Our members play a vital role in building a stronger Ontario,” said Andrew Hurd, executive director of ACEC-Ontario. “They deliver critical expert engineering advice and services to businesses and all levels of government, solving complex problems and enabling well-informed decisions that support a thriving, resilient society. The OEPA program exists to celebrate these accomplishments.”

Full list of 2025 winners

Pilot Scale Remediation System for PFAS-Contaminated Groundwater

The federal government retained AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. to develop a three-year pilot for an in-situ PFAS contaminated groundwater remediation system at Canadian Forces Base Trenton in Ontario. The in-situ treatment train – permeable reactive barrier addresses PFAS contamination largely linked to the historical use of aqueous film-forming foams at the base for firefighter training. AtkinsRéalis has significant ties to CFB Trenton and has been involved in architectural and engineering services for new aircraft and hangar facilities.

Interconnection of the Union and Windsor Water Systems

Consulting engineering firm CIMA+ was recognized for its split central reservoir design for a study on the interconnection of the Union and Windsor municipal water systems. The configuration allows the two largest water systems in the region to function independently under normal operating conditions, while providing mutual support in emergencies. The proposed solution enhances system resilience, safeguards the integrity of the water supply system and improves water quality, all while minimizing capital investment by eliminating the need for redundant infrastructure. “We take pride in supporting our clients as they plan and prepare for a more resilient and sustainable future,” says Brian Sudic, vice president of infrastructure in Ontario at CIMA+.

Development of a Flood Risk Assessment Model for Infrastructure in York Region

York Region retained LEA Consulting Ltd. to serve as prime consultant for the development of a geospatially enabled two-step risk assessment methodology over a 1,760 square-kilometre study area with diverse assets leveraging advanced GIS technologies for multi-layer risk screening and floodplain prediction. The project addressed significant complexities due to the expansive study area, which encompassed nine municipalities and two conservation authorities. A key challenge was the dynamic nature of climate change, requiring detailed analysis and the downscaling of climate projections tailored to the local context. 

Halton Region’s Ashgrove Pumping Station and Georgetown South Water and Wastewater Mains

Halton Region retained R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited to deliver Lake Ontario drinking water to Georgetown South. Project one: Ashgrove pumping station is a 22 megalitre per day booster pumping station with connections to the adjacent Astro Reservoir and a new 750-mm watermain on Trafalgar Road. Project two: The Trafalgar Road watermain is 2.4 km of 750-mm watermain along Trafalgar Road and 1.4 km of 600-mm watermain along a side road. Project three: Georgetown South water and wastewater mains included four km of 400- to 600-mm watermain and 4.9 km of 1,200- to 1,500-mm wastewater main on multiple streets in Georgetown South. The completed infrastructure has been sized to meet the projected future population, allowing for homes to be developed faster to meet demand.

Attawapiskat First Nation Water Shortage Emergency

WSP Canada Inc. used technical specialists to investigate the use of an alternative raw water source, as well as immediately deployable water treatment technologies. Within three months, a new treatment system was deployed, capable of supplementing 50% of the community’s total water supply needs. In addition to addressing the short-term water supply needs, the system greatly improved overall water quality and ended a 17-year drinking water advisory in effect.