Don Holland
Canadian Market Leader-Water, GHD
Chair, ACEC-Ontario
As we step into this freshly minted new year, I find myself both honoured and grateful to address you as the Chair of ACEC-Ontario. I’ve been in this role for 5 months, nearly at the halfway point of my term and I would like to touch upon what has impressed me. I’m humbled by the dedication of ACEC-Ontario volunteers, we have navigated challenges, celebrated triumphs, and acted together to demonstrate the indispensable role of consulting engineers in shaping the present and future of our community.
We have worked tirelessly to share our expertise with government and stakeholders, asserting solutions at the project level and the policy level.
Our ACEC-Ontario community’s commitment to excellence has not only left an indelible mark on the infrastructure that defines our province but has also significantly impacted the daily lives of Ontarians. From innovative designs to sustainable solutions, the work of consulting engineers resonates far beyond blueprints and structures. It touches the core of our communities, influencing how we live, work, and thrive.
We recognize that the impact of our professional efforts extends across the generations. The decisions we make today have a profound effect not only on the next generation but on several to come. It is our responsibility, as stewards of progress, to always think ahead, plan meticulously, and fortify for resilience against the uncertainties that lie ahead—be it the challenges of the changing climate or the demands of evolving technologies and lifestyles.
Design, though crucial, is only the beginning. Lifecycle thinking is paramount as we consider the longevity and sustainability of our innovations. In an era where climate change is a defining challenge, our role in planning for a future that is both adaptive and sustainable cannot be overstated.
Looking forward, we must recognize the importance of diversity in the next generation of consulting engineers. Embracing diverse perspectives and backgrounds is not just a goal; it is a necessity for fostering modernization and ensuring that our profession remains responsive and reflective of our dynamic community.
It is in each of our mandates to promote our profession, to be the voice for the community we work and live in. We can do this by making our profession a well-known career path, by mentoring and leading in all we do. Let us continue to inspire the next wave of engineers.
Together, we will continue to build a legacy of both tangible and intangible outcomes that withstand the test of time.
Wishing you all a prosperous and fulfilling New Year. I look forward to connecting with you at ACEC-Ontario events, like the Ontario Engineering Project Awards, over the months to come.
Sincerely,
Don Holland
Canadian Market Leader-Water, GHD
Chair, ACEC-Ontario