11th Annual Urban Transit Infrastructure Symposium Eastern Canada - WEB

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11th Annual

Urban Transit Infrastructure Symposium Eastern Canada

May 29 – 30, 2025

Novotel Toronto North York Hotel, Toronto, ON

Managing a Changing Ridership, Finding Efficiencies for Transit Development, and Strategies for Cost-Effective Planning

Conference Co-Chairs:

Edna Cuvin Program Director, Transit, Expansion Division City of Toronto

Paul Jachymek Partner Aird & Berlis LLP

Featured Speakers:

Pierre Barrieau Lecturer, Transportation Planning and Urban Development Université de Montréal

Franck Castaing Ontario Director Ingerop Canada

Riccardo Cosentino Senior Vice President AtkinsRéalis

Paul Langan Founder High Speed Rail Canada

Sarah Morrison Director, Capital Projects Group Metrolinx

Uzay Ozince Senior Vice President, Development, TransitOriented Communities Infrastructure Ontario

Jeff Walter Digital Consulting Lead – Canada AECOM

This Year’s Highlights Include Sessions on:

Solutions to Increase Funding for Public Transit Projects in an Inflationary Economy

Prospects for a High-Speed Rail Corridor in Eastern Canada

Modern Railway Signaling and Electrification Systems, and Adaptation to the Canadian Climate

The Role of Municipal Governance to Enhance Transit Projects and Design

Transit Procurement and Delivery – Lessons Learned from Collaborative Models

Join us at the 11th Annual Urban Transit Infrastructure Symposium, Eastern Canada, where the nation's foremost transit and infrastructure leaders converge to tackle the most critical challenges shaping our urban landscapes.

In a rapidly evolving cityscape, stakeholders are under immense pressure to innovate and adapt to shifting ridership demands, technological advancements, and inflationary economic pressures. This symposium provides a unique platform for leaders to exchange best practices, develop forward-thinking strategies, and collaborate on innovative solutions.

Urban transit is a driving force behind policy advancements across multiple sectors. This event is an opportunity to gather with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers to share insights, and shape the future of transit infrastructure in Eastern Canada.

Key topics we will explore include funding solutions, fare integration, transit-oriented development, signaling and electrification, procurement and delivery strategies, and the status of major transit projects in Eastern Canada.

Join senior leaders from government agencies, transit authorities, municipalities, engineering, construction, legal, and consulting firms at this premier event. Gain invaluable insights from experts, contribute to discussions, and stay ahead in planning and building for our rapidly transforming sector during this pivotal time in the industry.

Bringing together public and private sectors to discuss critical issues, network and share expertise.

With:

ĉ CEOs

ĉ Presidents

ĉ Senior Vice Presidents / Vice Presidents

ĉ Directors

ĉ Project Managers

From:

ĉ Government Agencies

ĉ Transit Authorities

ĉ Municipalities

ĉ Construction

ĉ Engineering

ĉ Architecture and Design Firms

ĉ Developers

ĉ Solution Experts

ĉ Insurance Providers

ĉ Lenders

As well as Partners, Regional and National Leaders from Law Firms and Consulting Companies.

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY

Conference Co-Chairs

Speakers

Edna Cuvin Program Director, Transit, Expansion Division City of Toronto

Paul Jachymek Partner

Aird & Berlis LLP

Aaron Amorim Chief Software Architect Hitachi Rail

Praveen Arichandran Co-CEO and Co-Founder Argo Corporation

Daniela Aubry Chief Payments Officer Metrolinx

Pierre Barrieau Lecturer, Transportation Planning and Urban Development Université de Montréal

Richard Borbridge Transit Expansion Division, Director for Program Planning City of Toronto

Noémie Brière-Marquez Director of Public Affairs

CDPQ Infra

Thiago Carvalho School of Urban Planning McGill University

Franck Castaing Ontario Director Ingerop Canada

Shery Cherian Principal Architecture49 Inc.

Riccardo Cosentino Senior Vice President

AtkinsRéalis

Jennie A. Dann Director, Construction and Infrastructure Services City of London

Matthew Di Taranto Manager, Public Transit Partnerships Uber Canada Inc.

Scott Dupont Senior Project Manager, ZEB OC Transpo

Jonathan English Fellow, Transportation and Land Use

Marron Institute of Urban Management, NYU

Raul Gonzalez Technical Manager Ingerop Quebec

Jessica Hanson

Project Manager, Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Initiatives (CUTRIC)

Kaj Huddart

Lead, Partnerships (Northeast) Transit App

Paul Langan Founder High Speed Rail Canada

Paul Jankowski President York Region Rapid Transit Corporation

Olivier Marcil Vice President Communications & Public Affairs Canada Alstom

Mark Mis Head of Strategy & Foresight Toronto Transit Commission

Sarah Morrison Director, Capital Projects Group Metrolinx

Jay Nathwani Partner, Specialist in Construction Law

Margie Strub Construction Law LLP

Matthew O’Neil Manager, Rapid Transit Coordination Region of Waterloo

Uzay Ozince Senior Vice President, Development, Transit-Oriented Communities Infrastructure Ontario

Rob Pattison Principal Rob Pattison Consulting Former SVP, Infrastructure Ontario

Brian Reilly Senior Director Canada Infrastructure Bank

Magda Sabat Vice President, Vice President –Commercial, Major Projects Pomerleau Inc.

Amarjot Sandhu Parliamentary Assistant, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure Government of Ontario

Thomas Schwerdtfeger Program Manager, Transit Implementation City of Toronto

Julia Stefanishina Partner and Senior Vice President, Real Estate Advisory Ernst & Young LLP

Mike Tracey Vice President, Infrastructure Markets & Strategy

Kiewit

Jeff Walter Digital Consulting Lead – Canada AECOM

Jesse Zuker Vice President, Infrastructure Northcrest Developments

DAY ONE

Thursday, May 29, 2025

8:30

Edna Cuvin Program Director, Transit, Expansion Division City of Toronto

Increased project costs for materials and services due to global inflation are impacting project timelines and funding security for transit projects. Challenges associated with inflation such as organizational capacity, long-term planning, and stabilized funding continue to grow. This session will discuss innovative ways to increase funding for transit projects in inflationary economic times.

• Exploring alternative financing options, including public-private partnerships and value capture strategies, to secure stable funding amidst rising costs

• Understanding the role of policy reforms and effective advocacy in driving increased government support and investment in transit projects

• Examining a congestion tax to generate income for transit projects, where this has been implemented, and outcomes

Riccardo Cosentino Senior Vice President AtkinsRéalis

Jonathan English Fellow, Transportation and Land Use Marron Institute of Urban Management, NYU

Brian Reilly Senior Director Canada Infrastructure Bank

Moderator: Magda Sabat Vice President, Vice President – Commercial, Major Projects Pomerleau Inc. Pierre Barrieau Lecturer, Transportation Planning and Urban Development Université de Montréal

Vice President Communications & Public Affairs Canada Alstom

Olivier Marcil

11:30 Transit Project Progress and Lessons Learned: Status Report on Major Transit Projects in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic

This session will provide project updates and discuss recent developments in project delivery for major projects in Eastern Canada. Projects for discussion include the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, the Ontario line, the GO Smart Track expansion, and Montreal’s REM.

• Assessing the obstacles to deliver massive projects within a dense urban environment

• Understanding the partnerships needed to excel in project delivery and key trends in neighboring sectors

• Developing strategies to overcome project delivery barriers, such as funding and construction delays

• Collaborating to find solutions, build alliances, and share best practices for urban transit projects

Shery Cherian Prinicpal Architecture49 Inc.

Jay Nathwani

Partner, Specialist in Construction Law Margie Strub Construction Law LLP

Noémie Brière-Marquez Director of Public Affairs CDPQ Infra

12:30 Networking Luncheon

1:30 The Role of Municipal Governance to Enhance Transit Projects and Design

Municipal governance plays a crucial role in transit projects and design by overseeing public transit, active transportation, and local highways and roads.

While municipalities have the power to prioritize and implement transportation policies to promote sustainability and reduce congestion they need to collaborate with provincial and federal governments to create multimodal transportation networks that better serve transit riders and enhance urban planning.

• Seeking more successful collaboration by recognising organisational responsibilities and motivations

• Examining comparative questions: improving collaboration in technical reviews

• Developing governance and dispute resolution structures in transit projects

• Obtaining advice and developing processes to influence without authority

• Prescription-performance-partnership: clearing hurdles of culture change through commercial models

Richard Borbridge Transit Expansion Division, Director for Program Planning City of Toronto

Matthew O’Neil Manager, Rapid Transit Coordination Region of Waterloo

2:15 Modern Railway Signaling and Electrification Systems, and Adaptation to the Canadian Climate

• Uncover how modern signaling and electrification systems improve railway safety and operational efficiency

• Understand adaptive technologies designed to withstand extreme weather and climate challenges in Canada

• Explore eco-friendly innovations in railway infrastructure paving the way to a sustainable

Franck Castaing Ontario Director Ingerop Canada

Raul Gonzalez Technical Manager Ingerop Quebec

3:00 Networking Refreshment Break

ONE | Thursday, May 29, 2025

3:15 Assessing the Development and Benefits of Bus Rapid Transit in Large and Medium-Sized Communities in Eastern Canada

This session will highlight the implementation of BRT in Montreal, York Region, Mississauga, and London and provide lessons learned in delivering bus rapid transit.

• What have been the operational and perceived impacts of BRT implementation?

• Reviewing costs of capital, operations and maintenance; how does this compare to LRT? Assessing the effects of bus networks to improve travel times, reduce costs and increase ridership

• Assessing broader impacts on the city, such as new development and the environment

Thiago Carvalho School of Urban Planning McGill University

Jennie A. Dann Director, Construction and Infrastructure Services City of London

Moderator: Paul Jankowski President

York Region Rapid Transit Corporation

4:15 How Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) Help Transit Agencies Build Better Connected Mobility Networks

Using real-world examples, this session will present innovative solutions on how Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) help public transit agencies build better connected mobility networks.

Arichandran Co-CEO and Co-Founder Argo Corporation

5:00 Closing Remarks, Day 1 and Conference Adjourns

HANDSHAKE Global Sponsorship Opportunities

With conferences in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe, the C5 Group of Companies: American Conference Institute, Canadian Institute, and C5 Group, provides a diverse portfolio of conferences, events and roundtables devoted to providing business intelligence to senior decision makers responding to challenges around the world.

Don’t miss the opportunity to maximize participation or showcase your organization’s services and talent. For more information please contact us at: SponsorInfo@CanadianInstitute.com

Media Partner:

Praveen
Matthew Di Taranto Manager, Public Transit Partnerships Uber Canada Inc.

7:45 Registration and Coffee

8:45 Opening Remarks from the Co-Chairs

Edna Cuvin Program Director, Transit, Expansion Division City of Toronto

9:00 Transit

Procurement and

Delivery

Paul Jachymek Partner Aird & Berlis LLP

– Are Collaborative Models the Answer?

• Learn how collaborative procurement models can lead to improved project quality and efficiency by fostering strong partnerships and clear communication

• Explore strategies for distributing risks among parties to ensure better risk management and resilience throughout the project lifecycle

• Discover how collaborative approaches encourage innovative solutions and adaptability, enabling transit projects to respond effectively to changing circumstances and technological advancements

Rob Pattison Principal Rob Pattison Consulting Former SVP, Infrastructure Ontario

10:00 Networking Refreshment Break

10:15 YZD Case

Study:

Transforming Former Airport

Lands

into Thriving, Sustainable Neighbourhoods

This case study will discuss YZD, the once-in-a-generation transformation of the 370-acre former Downsview Airport lands in Toronto. YZD is reimagining what it means to live well in a city, now and in the future. Over the next 30 years, this project will evolve into seven vibrant neighbourhoods, focused on community, connection, transit, and sustainability.

• Diving into the unprecedented scale of this city-within-a-city redevelopment project and the special considerations that need to be made

• Exploring the benefits and challenges of utilizing existing infrastructure and access to transit connection points, and what that means for YZD’s future residents

• Designing YZD’s blank canvas with forward-thinking and innovative transportation infrastructure that prioritizes climate resilience and sustainability

• What it means to create a complete community

Sarah Morrison Director, Capital Projects Group Metrolinx
Mike Tracey Vice President, Infrastructure Markets & Strategy Kiewit
Jesse Zuker Vice President, Infrastructure Northcrest Developments

• What principles and policies guide TOC development?

• Building elements of the TOC process and negotiating approaches to various issues for successful implementation

• Highlighting emerging trends in TOC projects

• Transitioning from early-phase concepts to the delivery stage of TOC development

Uzay Ozince Senior Vice President, Development, Transit-Oriented Communities Infrastructure Ontario Thomas Schwerdtfeger Program Manager, Transit Implementation City of Toronto

Highlighting recent developments in E-bus and Fuel Cell Bus innovations, autonomous vehicle shuttle pilot projects and what the future in this space might bring.

• Unveiling the Brampton Transit Facility Expansion and Cadetta Johnson Transit facility with plans for an entirely electric fleet

• Examining Durham Region Transit’s strategy for their first battery electric buses, and their roadmap to a full fleet of zero emission buses

Jesse Zuker Vice President, Infrastructure Northcrest Developments

Julia Stefanishina Partner and Senior Vice President, Real Estate Advisory Ernst & Young LLP

Dupont Senior Project Manager, ZEB OC Transpo Jessica Hanson Project Manager, Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Initiatives

Urban transport design faces numerous challenges, including regulatory constraints, economic pressures, supply chain disruption, unexpected repairs, and significant upfront investments. Leveraging AI, automation, and data analytics can help with these challenges and lead to tangible improvements, enhancing service quality, reputation, and cost savings.

This session will delve into the transformative potential of AI in transit project delivery.

• Master the essentials of safely integrating AI into transit system design and planning

• Identify the risks associated with AI use and develop a comprehensive checklist for project managers and urban designers

• Analyze potential savings in transit design projects through the application of AI automation and data analytics

2:15

2:30 Achieving Seamless Transit through Fare Integration

With increasing ridership in less-serviced regions, eliminating double fares with the TTC remains a top priority for Ontario transit regulators. Discover how integrated fare systems can streamline revenue collection and enable single fare payments.

This session will highlight innovative solutions to help transit operators enhance transaction efficiency for both customers and stakeholders.

• Examining implimentation and lessons learned from fare integration and revenue automation

• Exploring strategies to remove double fares and encourage riders to utilize diverse transit options in the region

• Assessing the impact of free transfers for riders transitioning between GO and TTC transit systems

Daniela Aubry Chief Payments Officer Metrolinx

Kaj Huddart Lead, Partnerships (Northeast) Transit App

Mark Mis Head of Strategy & Foresight Toronto Transit Commission

3:30 Fortifying Transit Networks: Advanced Cybersecurity Strategies for Transit Operators

Protecting both transit assets and riders from cyber security breaches is an essential aspect of building resilient transit systems. As cities continue to densify and transit system usage increases, the size and quality of data needing protection also increases, making the need for cyber security protections critical. This panel will discuss the cybersecurity threats facing transit projects and solutions from top industry experts.

• Developing secure communications protocols to ensure secure interaction with customers, vendors, employees, and internal systems

• Mitigating and assessing breach risks and implementing strategies to minimize cyber threats and securely store data

• Creating a disaster recovery plan and establishing a framework for risk prevention and mitigation

• Exploring the importance of cooperation between transit operators, government agencies, and cybersecurity experts to enhance overall system resilience and security

4:15 Closing Remarks and Conference Ends

Aaron Amorim Chief Software Architect Hitachi Rail

The C5 Group, comprising American Conference Institute, the Canadian Institute and C5 in Europe, is a leading global events and business intelligence company.

For over 40 years, C5 Group has provided the opportunities that bring together business leaders, professionals and international experts from around the world to learn, meet, network and make the contacts that create the opportunities. Our conferences and related products connect the power of people with the power of information, a powerful combination for business growth and success.

Urban Transit Infrastructure Symposium

June 17 – 18, 2025 • Vancouver, BC

AGENDA AT A GLANCE

CONFERENCE DAY 1 | TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025

8:00 Registration and Coffee

9:00 Opening Remarks from the Conference Co-Chairs

9:15 Navigating Financial Hurdles: Innovative Strategies for Transit Funding and Financing

10:15 Networking Refreshment Break

10:45 Keynote

11:00 CASE STUDY: Exploring Congestion Pricing to Offset Funding Shortfalls

12:00 Networking Luncheon

1:00 Prospects for a Commuter Rail Corridor in Western Canada

1:45 TRANSIT PROJECT PROGRESS AND LESSONS LEARNED

– Status Report on Major Transit Projects in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver

2:45 Networking Refreshment Break

3:00 The Future of Mobility: Seamless and Integrated Transit Solutions

4:00 Assessing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Developments in Western Canada: What's New and What's Planned

5:00 Closing Remarks, Day 1 Conference Adjourns

CONFERENCE DAY 2 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2025

8:00 Registration and Coffee

9:00 Opening Remarks from the Conference Co-Chairs

9:15 Strategic Planning to Transform Urban Spaces with Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

10:15 Networking Refreshment Break

10:30 Transit Procurement and Delivery – Lessons Learned from Collaborative Models

11:30 Electrification of Transit Fleets – Meeting the New Carbon Goals

12:30 Networking Luncheon

1:30 Fortifying Transit Networks: Advanced Cybersecurity Strategies for Transit Operators

2:15 Networking Break

2:30 Transforming Urban Transit: The Power of AI and Data Analytics in Public Transportation Systems

3:15 Innovations and Overcoming Challenges to Achieving Seamless Transit through Fare Integration

4:00 Closing Remarks and Conference Ends

Upcoming Events

Venue & Hotel

NOVOTEL TORONTO NORTH YORK HOTEL 3 Park Home Avenue, Toronto, ON, M2N 6L3

Phone: 416-733-2929 extension 1 or 2

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Canadian Institute is pleased to offer our delegates a limited number of hotel rooms at a negotiated rate. To take advantage of these rates, please contact the hotel directly and quote "CI's Urban Transit East or Block ID 1799110".

Please note that the guest room block cut-off date is April 28, 2025. After that date OR when the room block fills, guestroom availability and rate can no longer be guaranteed.

Book with Confidence!

Register and pay to lock in your early rate and be eligible for a full refund until May 15, 2025.

If you are unable to attend for any reason, you will have the following options:

y A full credit note for you, or a colleague to attend another event.

y A full refund.

All cancellations and changes must be submitted to CustomerService@CanadianInstitute.com by May 15, 2025.

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