Mississauga, Ontario – January 8, 2025 – The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies -Ontario (ACEC-Ontario) proudly marks its 50th anniversary in 2025, commemorating five decades of advancing Ontario’s consulting engineering industry and designing a better Ontario for future generations. Since its founding in 1975, ACEC-Ontario has played a pivotal role in shaping provincial and municipal infrastructure, fostering innovation, and advocating for fair business practices and regulatory reform.
“Celebrating 50 years of progress, ACEC-Ontario stands behind the transformative power of consulting engineering in shaping Ontario’s infrastructure and communities,” said 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.”
A Legacy of Growth and Advocacy
Since its inception, ACEC-Ontario has grown to represent a vast and dedicated network of consulting engineer companies across the province. Early advocacy efforts established the association as a vital voice, driving key initiatives such as the partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Technology in 1989 with a focus on business conditions for consulting engineers.
Over the decades, ACEC-Ontario has achieved critical milestones, including:
- 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, 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 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.
Shaping the Future of Consulting Engineering
As part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations, ACEC-Ontario renews its commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability within the industry for the benefit of all Ontarians. Recent successes include publishing the association’s first Climate Change Position Statement, securing a commitment from the City of Ottawa to reforming its procurement policies, and launching vibrant Network Programs that bring members together around critical topics such as diversity, sustainability, and transportation.
“Our achievements over the past year, from hosting nearly 500 participants in our Procurement Pathways webinar, in partnership with our allies, to fostering stronger municipal partnerships, reflect our commitment to building relationships that will result in resilient future for Ontario,” Tulloch emphasized. “In addition, ACEC-Ontario’s dedication to recognizing the work of members continues to be a pillar of our strategic objectives, continuing the legacy of the Ontario Engineering Project awards forward.”
“ACEC-Ontario’s dedication to fostering collaboration with municipalities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders ensures that consulting engineers remain at the forefront of the province’s infrastructure and economic development. We thank our members, volunteers, and partners for their unwavering support over the years and their leadership and time to ensure positive momentum on advocacy.” Andrew Hurd, Executive Director, ACEC-Ontario concluded. “Together, we will continue to Engineer Ontario Forward, shaping a future for our communities defined by excellence and innovation.”
About ACEC-Ontario
ACEC-Ontario represents the interests of approximately 140 consulting engineering firms that collectively employ over 27,000 Ontarians. Accumulated gross revenues of consulting engineering firms across the country contribute more than $10 billion to the Ontario economy.
ACEC-Ontario is dedicated to fostering a business and regulatory climate that empowers its member companies to deliver unparalleled services and value to clients. The Association champions the vital role that consulting engineering plays in enhancing social, economic, and environmental well-being in Ontario and beyond.
For more information, please visit www.acecontario.ca.
Media Contact:
Michelle West
Director, Membership, Marketing and Communications
416.620.1400 ext. 227
mwest@ACECOntario.ca