On Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 Asset Management professionals from across Canada came together at the annual CNAM conference at the Fredericton Convention Centre, Fredericton, NB to celebrate excellence in Asset Management. The Student Symposium Awards, the Tereos, the Visionary and Volunteer Awards were presented.
TEREO Awards
1st Place – Lake Huron and Elgin Area Primary Water Supply Systems (Regional Water) and Dillon Consulting Limited
The 1st place Tereo Award was presented to Lake Huron and Elgin Area Primary Water Supply Systems (Regional Water) and Dillon Consulting Limited for the 2022 updates to the water utilities’ asset management plans at the Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) annual conference. “Advancing asset management practices by integrating climate change in the risk assessment as well as adding digital technology assets as a separate category of assets were exciting additions in this update,” stated Darla Campbell Project Manager with Dillon Consulting Limited.
In the process of updating its Asset Management Plans, the Lake Huron and Elgin Area Primary Water Supply Systems started with establishing an Asset Management Policy. This policy set the stage for an update to the Levels of Service (LOS) Framework and risk mitigation strategy that aligns with the policy and with ISO 55000 as a best practice. Director, Regional Water, Andrew Henry highlighted the value to operationalizing asset management. “Ongoing updates to the Asset Management Plans further integrate asset management and asset planning processes into the Regional Water’s day-to-day business processes.” A state of the infrastructure report for the utility’s $680 million CDN assets was presented in June 2022 and will be updated on an annual basis, measuring performance against the target LOS. Alignment of the key drivers for investment with the policy and LOS demonstrates robust application of asset management and supports service delivery for the 15 municipalities today (combined population of 500,000), and the Oneida First Nation community in the near future. Senior Manager, Capital Programs, Billy Haklander, acknowledged the team’s efforts, “It was a team effort, our staff working with Dillon Consulting and the Ontario Clean Water Agency, in developing our fourth-generation asset management plans.”
2nd Place – City of Regina Asset Management team
The 2nd place Tereo Award was presented to the City of Regina’s Asset Management team for creating Regina’s first State of Infrastructure Report (Report) at the Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) annual conference. The Report looked at all City-owned assets and the replacement value, remaining life, condition and amount of investment needed.
Karen Gasmo Director, Sustainable Infrastructure acknowledged “The State of Infrastructure Report was the first time we pulled together a report on all the assets for the entire organization. This project came together through a holistic approach with multiple divisions collaborating on the collection of data and analysis of information. The process increased knowledge and awareness across the organization. The Report is a vital decision-making tool to ensure we deliver services effectively and sustainably into the future.”
The City is committed to advancing a best practice approach to asset management so residents can continue to rely on the necessary and desired services that make Regina an attractive place to live, work, visit and invest in.
Visionary Award – Christiaan Lombard
The Visionary Award recognizing an individual who has made an integral contribution and long-term dedication in advancing the asset management industry in Canada was presented to Chris Lombard, Asset Management Leader for the Americas Water business at AECOM.
For over two decades, Chris Lombard has been working closely with Canadian municipalities to help them optimize their asset management strategies, collaborating with colleagues around the globe to bring the latest asset management practices to Canada. Chris’s passion for asset management extends far beyond his workplace. He has mentored dozens of young professionals, cultivating the next generation of asset management experts. Most recently he designed and delivered a course in asset management to more than a hundred professionals from around the world. Chris is known for his progressive approach to asset management by leveraging the latest tools and technology, being among the first to include natural assets and consider the impact of climate change. He is frequently sought after by American utilities for his expertise and valuable insights.
Volunteer of the Year Award – Mike Benson
This year’s Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Mike Benson. Mike has been a leader in asset management (AM) in Canada since 2015. He grew up in Fredericton, NB and completed his B.Sc.E and M.Sc.E degrees in civil engineering from the University of New Brunswick (UNB). His masters’ degree focused on sustainable performance of public infrastructure projects. Upon graduation, Mike joined R.V. Anderson Associated Limited as an Asset Management Engineer where he quickly became an Associate.
Mike is involved in both the Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) and the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) to advance AM practices. He was a 2016 CNAM student research symposium winner, joined and later chaired CNAM’s New Professionals Network (NPN).
Recently, Mike began his PhD specializing in infrastructure asset management and co-founded DCA Consulting Inc. where he continues to deliver AM projects across Atlantic Canada. He was a 2023 CNAM National Conference planning committee member as conference co-chair, leading the development and execution of the technical program.
Student Research Symposium Award – Thiago Muzzi
Congratulations to Thiago Muzzi this year’s recipient of The Student Research Symposium Award. Thiago abstract titled “Investigating Impacts of Spring Thaw on Ontario’s Low-Volume Roads for Improved Asset Management” was judged, based on novelty, practicality, need, and overall presentation quality. His research demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges in the asset management field and presented creative ideas with the potential to impact the industry.