ASTTBConnect Issue 164 - Winter 2024

Land Acknowledgement

Headquartered in Surrey, BC, ASTTBC acknowledges the traditional Lands of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen Peoples.

We thank our hosts for their graciousness in welcoming us to carry out our work on their Land.

In so doing, we recognize their inherent Indigenous rights and title, the implementation without qualification of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and our support for the 94 calls to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Disclaimer: ASTTBC makes no endorsement or guarantee as to the quality or suitability of any activity, professional, product, or service advertised with ASTTBC.

CONTENTS

4

6

12

Chair & CEO message

SPOTLIGHT: ASTTBC by the numbers

You can now record your 2024

Continuing Professional Development

16

18

23

25

26

Stantec snaps up engineering firm Morrison Hershfield as expansion plans gather steam

New code will make buildings safer, more accessible and resilient to climate change

Ministry moves

BPVR code adoption consultation is now open

Registrants update

MISSION

We serve the public by contributing to a safe, sustainable society and environment by regulating technology professionals. We accomplish this through supporting the competent, safe, and ethical practice of applied science technology in British Columbia.

VISION

Regulation of technology professionals that safeguards the public through leadership and excellence.

ISSUE 164

Jan-March 2024

ASTTBCONNECT is published by the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC.

EDITOR:

Cara Christopherson

604-585-2788 ext. 501 cchristopherson@asttbc.org

The opinions expressed in ASTTBCONNECT are not necessarily those of ASTTBC or its Directors. All rights reserved. This publication may be reproduced provided credit is given as to the source of such material.

The Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) regulates approximately 6,000 applied science and engineering technology professionals in British Columbia under the Professional Governance Act (PGA).

For more information, please visit asttbc.org

Chair & CEO message

The engineering sector continues to see a rapid influx of innovative solutions. The Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) is closely monitoring these key trends and invites readers to share insights on groundbreaking innovations in BC through this publication, ASTTBConnect. In this Chair and CEO message we’ll touch on some of these trends, specifically ones that are supported by the important work of our registrants.

Green engineering practices that minimize environmental impact while enhancing efficiency are becoming standard. Innovations in sustainable materials are leading the way in this crucial shift. Additionally, all areas in the built environment can benefit from decarbonization, but some areas have a higher and more immediate need to be addressed. According to a June 2023 report from McKinsey & Company, CO2 emissions from fuel consumption constitute an estimated 90% of built environment GHG emissions. Space heating and water heating emissions are key areas that need addressing for short term wins.

Digital transformation will remain as the engineering sector continues to adopt digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and the Internet of Things. The use of digital twins — a digital representation of a physical object, person, or process, contextualized in a digital version of its environment which helps an organization simulate real situations and their outcomes, allowing for better decisions to be made and enhance safety. Combine the building information modeling (BIM) process and digital twins and we

Ken Zeleschuk ASTTBC Chair

Theresa McCurry ASTTBC Chief Executive Officer

Advances in manufacturing processes including 3D printing and automation will continue as the focus is on efficiency and precision. Several projects around the world have already demonstrated the success of 3D-printed houses in creating low-cost, decent housing for those communities in need.

The intersection of engineering with healthcare and life sciences such as biomedical engineering also has much momentum here in BC. Smart materials in biomedical engineering are contributing to the development of smart implants, drug delivery systems and diagnostic devices. One example is shape memory alloys which can be used in medical devices that change shape in response to body temperature.

Finally, we should mention that as more systems become interconnected, the importance of cybersecurity in engineering cannot be overstated. Securing critical infrastructure and engineering systems will continue to be of great importance.

We are inspired by the important work that ASTTBC registrants perform. If you have any questions for our practice department, please contact us practiceinfo@asttbc.org.

Yours truly,

Ken Zeleschuk, AScT, PTech, RTMgr, MBA, Dipl.T

Theresa McCurry, BSc, PMP

ASTTBC Chair

ASTTBC CEO

ASTTBC by the numbers

ASTTBC is pleased to share many of its 2023 registrant statistics. Statistics are important because they support ASTTBC in making informed decisions, discover which areas need more focus, and help us better understand general trends and patterns.

Number of registrants in each discipline

ENG/TECH DISCIPLINES

Architecture Building Construction Technology

BioMedical Engineering Technology

BioSciences Technology

Chemical Engineering Technology

Civil Engineering Technology

Computer Systems

Electrical Engineering Technology

Electro-Mechanical Technician

Electronics Engineering Technology

Environmental Engineering Technology

Forest Engineering

Geotechnical engineering technology

Industrial Engineering Technology

Information Technology

Instrumentation Engineering Technology

Marine Engineering Technology

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Metallurgical Technology

Mineral Resources Technology

Petroleum and Gas Engineering Technology

Survey/Geomatics Technology

Building Engineering Technology

Biotechnology Technician

Other

Foreign credentials

Number of applicants with foreign credentials received in 2023*

Number of internationally educated applicants who received some form of registration in 2023

*Several registration applications are pending due to the taking of exams and/or review by the credential committee in 2024.

New internationally trained technology professionals registrants by country

You can now record your

2024 Continuing Professional Development

Written by Jason Jung, director, professional practice & development

Last year, ASTTBC launched our new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) recording system. The dedicated efforts of our practice department have resulted in a streamlined and user-friendly system. On behalf of the practice department, I’d like to thank our registrants for their patience as we navigated through this implementation, and to congratulate those who successfully completed and recorded their CPD for 2023.

Registrants can now record their 2024 CPD, with the annual deadline set for November 30 of each year. As an ASTTBC registrant, you have the responsibility of safeguarding public health and environmental well-being within your profession. Earning CPD not only fulfills this responsibility but also positions you to provide enhanced advice and services.

CPD is instrumental for individuals, organizations, and entire industries in sustaining and advancing knowledge, offering a competitive advantage to both individuals and their employers. By actively pursuing CPD opportunities, you take control of your career development, ensuring ongoing skills enhancement, and maintaining your currency of knowledge.

To assist registrants in fulfilling their CPD requirements, ASTTBC offers a comprehensive CPD learning resources webpage, including FAQs, instructions on CPD activity recording, and more. Throughout the year, ASTTBC will conduct informative webinars addressing questions related to the CPD program.

ASTTBC’s professional practice department is ready to address any queries and provide support to registrants in completing their CPD. If you have any questions, please contact us at, cpd@asttbc.org.

Required CPD

ASTTBC registrants have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of both the public and the environment, as it relates to their profession.

To support this, practising registrants are required to complete

12 continuing professional development (CPD) hours annually. CPD helps individuals, organizations, and entire industries maintain and develop knowledge, providing a competitive edge to both the individual and their employer.

Annual CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

2 CPD hours of Indigenous awareness & reconciliation

10 additional CPD hours chosen from eligible activities

ASTTBC

Record your CPD activities by November 30 of each year

Structured Learning

ELIGIBLE CPD ACTIVITIES

Courses

Teaching

Presenting

Professionbased Volunteering*

Self-Directed Learning*

Technical training

Technical content creation

Conducting research

Volunteering with ASTTBC Courses

Volunteering on profession-related committees, and associations

Indigenous awareness & reconciliation

*Maximum 8 CPD hours applied across all activities for this category.

Participating in awareness & reconciliation activities

HOW TO RECORD

ASTTBC BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023/2024

Under the Professional Governance Act, ‘Council’ is referred to as ‘Board of Directors’, ‘president’ is ‘chair’ and ‘vice-president is ‘vice chair.’

Chair, Ken Zeleschuk, AScT, PTech, RTMgr, MBA, Dipl.T

Vice chair, Brian F. Davies, CTech, RSIS, CGM

Past chair, David Sparanese, AScT, PTech, CPWI 3

Registrant directors:

Dana Graves, AScT, CSO

Carlo Vijandre, AScT, PMP, FMP, SFP, CSSBB

Prakash Joshi, AScT, PTech, PLEng

Randy Meszaros, AScT, PMP, CET

Kerry Barth, AScT

Lay directors:

Roslyn Kunin, PhD

James Coble, MA, EdD

Mary O’Callaghan, MBA, FCMC

Oluwatobi (Tobi) Abisoye, LLB, LLM

Stantec snaps up engineering firm Morrison Hershfield as expansion plans gather steam

January 9, 2024

By Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press

Stantec Inc. has snapped up engineering firm Morrison Hershfield, the latest in a string of acquisitions and broader growth that have boosted the company’s presence in Canada and across the globe.

Stantec’s purchase of the 1,150-employee outfit enhances its presence across North America, where Morrison Hershfield has 22 offices, plus one in India. Founded in 1946, the Markham, Ont.-based company works in transportation,

buildings and environmental services, with a particularly large footprint in Canada.

The addition increases Stantec’s headcount by 10 per cent, according to RBC Dominion Securities analyst Sabahat Khan. In Ontario, it will double Stantec’s transportation footprint — key to highway, bridge and construction contracts, just as the province looks to build the 52-kilometre Highway 413 just north of Toronto, among other major road projects.

The deal marks Stantec’s second hefty acquisition in two months, as the Edmonton-based firm launches a three-year strategic plan to increase net revenue by roughly 60 per cent. In November, it announced the purchase of the 645-employee German infrastructure firm Zetcon Engineering. In June, it signed a deal to buy the 270-person Environmental Systems Design, headquartered in Chicago.

Stantec has snapped up 14 companies — including Morrison Hershfield — since September 2020, expanding from about 22,000 workers that year to some 28,000 currently. Many of the deals were for environmental consulting firms, from Texas to Australia and the Netherlands.

Desjardins analyst Benoit Poirier said he does “not expect these M&A announcements to slow down” anytime soon, calling the latest buy “a nice tuck-in to start the year.”

The growth spirit is not unique to Stantec. A spate of acquisitions has consolidated the engineering consulting landscape in Canada, as companies such as WSP Global acquire firms left and right while even AtkinsRéalis — formerly SNC-Lavalin and recently in retreat — shifts to growth.

Montreal-based WSP picked up at least four companies last year, and its biggest ever — U.K.-based John Wood Group — in 2022. Asked whether the buying spree was a barrier to future purchases, CEO Alexandre L’Heureux told analysts in November: “Absolutely not.”

Stantec’s third quarter marked the best three-month period in its 70-year-old history, setting company records with profits of $103.9 million, revenue of $1.32 billion and earnings per share of $1.14. More than half of Stantec’s net revenue flows from the U.S., while roughly a quarter stems from Canada.

“We are thrilled to bring a firm of Morrison Hershfield’s stature into the Stantec fold,” CEO Gord Johnston said. “Stantec and Morrison Hershfield have a similar history from our roots in the Canadian market, growing and diversifying services both by geography and service line. And, importantly, our values and culture are very well aligned.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Analysts estimated a purchase price of between $250 million and $300 million. Expected to close in the first quarter of this year, the acquisition is subject to court, regulatory and Morrison Hershfield shareholder approvals.

New code will make buildings safer, more accessible and resilient to climate change

The Province adopted the British Columbia Building and Fire Codes (BC Codes 2024) to provide people with a greater level of building safety and to make new buildings more sustainable, resilient and accessible.

“As we take historic steps to build more homes for people faster, we are also taking action to make sure homes are safe, accessible and more resilient to climate change,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “We have to find ways to innovate and build differently. Over the next year, the Province will lead a discussion on enabling single-egress stairs in the BC Building Code.”

Key updates to the building code will require all new buildings to:

• provide one living space that is designed not to exceed 26 C;

• have power-operated doors in all building entrances and universal washrooms; and

• have an elevator in all large two-and three-storey apartment buildings.

Additional updates to the building code focus on accessibility, mass-timber construction and radon safety.

“We have seen evidence of extreme weather impacting our province and warmer temperatures because of climate change,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer. “We need to find ways to protect people in BC, especially those most at risk from being impacted by extreme heat, to have the supports they need to be safe. These adjustments to the BC Building Code are one measure that will help to ensure people in shared spaces have somewhere they can go to on hot days to stay cool and be better protected from hot weather. We know that heat can sneak up on us, so we want people to be as prepared as they can to find cool places when temperatures rise.”

Most updates to the building code will come into effect provincewide on March 8, 2024. The implementation window will allow construction and housing-industry professionals more time to review the changes and complete any necessary training. It will also allow an easier transition for housing projects underway.

The updates align with the new Residential Development Act, which includes small-scale, multi-unit housing (SSMUH) legislation that will allow three to four units on land currently zoned for single-family homes and duplexes, and as many as six units near bus stops with frequent transit service.

The Province is deferring the effective date on the adaptable dwellings and earthquakedesign changes to March 10, 2025, to provide a one-year transition period. This will allow the Ministry of Housing to work with interested parties and local governments to develop strategies to implement the new requirements.

“Eliminating barriers to accessibility is a core motive in our efforts to making our province a safe and barrier-free place to live in,” said Susie Chant, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility. “We are taking action on what we’ve heard in our engagements with British Columbians, especially people living with disabilities. That is why we are updating the standards in our building code to support everyone in their day-to-day activities.”

As the Province updates the building code, it continues to work to identify and review opportunities to support cost-effective and efficient construction of more new homes. The Province, along with fire-safety professionals and national partners, is examining opportunities in codes, including requirements for egress stairs. These opportunities may simplify the design of smaller multi-unit residential buildings and create options for quicker and more affordable construction, while maintaining or enhancing safety.

The BC Building Code is a provincial regulation that governs how a building’s construction, alterations and demolitions are required to be carried out. The code establishes minimum requirements for safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings, and energy and water efficiency.

Quick Facts:

• The changes include updates to Plumbing Systems Book II and adoption of the National Fire Code 2020 as the BC Fire Code.

• The BC Building Code applies across the province, except on some federal lands and in the City of Vancouver, which has its own building bylaw.

• Adoption of the new BC Codes follows an 11-week public engagement on accessibility from October 2021 until January 2022, and a four-week public review in spring 2023, which invited interested parties to review and comment on a variety of proposed building-code changes. A second engagement happened in October 2023 to explore the impact of earthquake-design changes.

• The four-week technical review in spring 2023 resulted in 251 responses, the majority of which indicated that the proposals were clear and buildable.

StrongerBC Future Skills Grant

The StrongerBC Future Skills Grant is open to British Columbians aged 19 years or older regardless of financial need and covers up to $3,500 per person for eligible short-term skills training at public postsecondary institutions.

Registrants are required to notify ASTTBC of any change of name, address, email, place of employment, or other contact information previously provided, within two weeks of any change. Please update your information to ensure it is current.

Ministry moves

LISA BEARE

Lisa Beare is now the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

MITZI DEAN

Appointed Minister of State for Child Care in January 2024 and serves as chair of the Cabinet Committee on Social Initiatives. She previously served as Minister of Children and Family Development and Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity.

ANDREW MERCIER

He is the Minister of State for Sustainable Forestry Innovation. He previously served as Minister of State for Workforce Development and Parliamentary Secretary for Skills Training.

George Chow is now the Minister of Citizens’ Services.

GEORGE CHOW

Advance your knowledge in digital transformation with the Applied Internet of Things (IoT) online flexible learning course. By analyzing case studies, you’ll develop an understanding of both the practical application and the real-world impact of IoT in different market segments, including transportation, utilities, Smart City, and health. Prepare for an ever-evolving technological landscape in just 26 weeks.

Learn more at bcit.ca/iot

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FOR A COMPLEX WORLD.

BPVR code adoption consultation is now open

Technical Safety BC is inviting individuals to participate in their first boiler, pressure vessel, and refrigeration code adoption consultation. This consultation will gather feedback from industry to understand their readiness to use the latest editions of boiler, pressure vessel, and refrigeration codes in BC.

Major changes include:

• introducing A2L and B2L refrigerant groups in CSA B52:23; and

• expanding requirements for pneumatic testing of pressure vessels and piping systems in CSA B51:24.

Participate in the consultation!

Consultation is open until March 8, 2024.

REGISTRANTS UPDATE

New

AScT:

Amit Arora

Joo Yoon Bae

Jeongsoo Bae

KayLyn Beckman

John Bowdige

Steven Cassidy

Laura Chalmers

Weiwen Chan

Oliver Chew

Matthew Clouthier

Joshua Dikau

Scott Gamble

Rory Greggain

Wesley Ha

Kyle Hohman

Jerrod Aaron Hutchings

Jagdeep Johal

Adrian Johnson

Mushfeq Khan

Brandyn Lemoine

Jun Li

Brandon Loehr

Christian Marquez

Bradley Maxwell

Stephanie McGill

Scott McKenzie

Owen McNabb

Ryan Mohr

Travis Nowell

Bonaventures Oghoghoiye

Sean Olechow

Arman Pabla

Nirav Patel

Derek Roetman

Derek Skauge

Benjamin Steele

Li Yuan

Retired: New RTS:

Darren Arsenault

Ryan Bellham

David Blake

Nicholas Boldt

Ashton Carloss

Hin Sheung Chan

William Hannah

Eric Hau

Sean Kerry

Michael Lambert

Chun Lok Li

Thomas Meyer

Duncan Olufson

Ryan Peterson

Rafael Poloni

Christopher Price

Junel Ramon

Wade Shull

Paul Ryan Valencia

Phillip Wilkin

Christopher Young

New CTech:

Christopher Barber

Vasyl Koval

Donald Baergen

Jordy Bowen Alfaro

Douglas Bush

Douglas Bush

William Colclough

Gary Deering

Brian Gummeson

Mark Hansen

Charles Johnstone

John Langtry

Christopher Lewis

Michael Pilling

Thomas Plumb

Jeremy Roberts

Jeremy Roberts

Linda Rutland-Petch

Robert Smith

Garry Smith

Karen Stewart

Richard Thibault

Michael Trigg

Alexius Villaraza

Jason Young

Jan-March

REGISTRANT SERVICES TECHJOBS

Our partners offer exclusive rates on their products and services. Follow the links below to learn more:

» Willis Towers Watson

» TD Insurance Meloche Monnex

» Manulife

Project manager

City of Kimberley

Kimberley, BC

Closing date: 03-08-2024

Field Operations Technician

Metro Vancouver

Burnaby, BC

Closing date: 03-06-2024

Civil Drafting Technologist

Urban Systems

Calgary, AB

Closing date: 03-05-2024

Fire Alarm Technician

Troy Life & Fire Safety Ltd

Langley, BC

Open until filled

Sprinkler Systems Designer

Troy Life & Fire Safety Ltd

Various locations, BC

Open until filled