Operations Corner

An exciting year ahead!

Doubra C. Ambaiowei - Director, Technical Services, ORBA

In the words of ORBA CEO, Bryan Hocking, “Like 2021, 2022 begins with a BANG! But after almost two years of the pandemic, nothing surprises us anymore, and there isn’t anything that we haven’t already learned to deal with as it comes along; so bring it on 2022!”

Typical of a relay, at the recently concluded ORBA 2022 virtual summit, OAPC’s 2021-22 team of executives and directors passed on the leadership baton to their successors, who will continue to steer the council’s vision and mission through 2022-23. As we extend our thanks to the past team of council executives and directors, we also welcome the new team, including council directors starting a first term. We wish the new team a term of successful accomplishments, trusting their directives, and knowing that they have our unequivocal support in the execution of the council’s mandate: To promote excellence in asphalt product quality and paving techniques, and to promote asphalt as the sustainable choice for Ontario’s roadways.

In this spring issue of ASPHALTopics magazine, we set the stage to tackle some of the council’s short- and long-term strategic priorities. We revisit the benefits of asphalt, outlining why it is the pavement of choice, and how new talent can be a part of our industry’s success. We also share several perspectives in our continuing quest to provide awareness and education on the latest developments in innovations in asphalt technologies and climate change criticalities. Conversations pertaining to net-zero carbon emissions, what these mean for the paving industry, and how we can thrive sustainably and more are discussed. We also feature OAPC award highlights and the Paver of the Year award. Enjoy it!

Operationally speaking, we continue to engage with agencies on provincial and municipal specifications through consultation review channels and processes to bring forward topical issues and content reflective of present and future industry challenges. Our focus on the 3D milling technology, for example, remains a priority for member education — stay tuned for what’s coming! The Spring Operations Seminar, scheduled for March 24, 2022, is expected to have panelists constituting plant manufacturers, contractors, producers, and municipal experts who will provide perspectives on factors impacting the consistency of asphalt mixes and performance of asphalt pavements. They will also outline key practices and solutions toward managing variability, especially when introducing RAP during production. The Partners in Quality (PIQ) Road Tour is scheduled for April 5 in Sarnia, April 7 in the GTA, April 12 in Kingston, and April 14 in North Bay. As usual it will offer members across the province the opportunity to meet owners and specifiers, and discuss ways to continue to improve Ontario’s number one choice in pavement — asphalt. Everyone who is responsible for asphalt testing, materials approval, specification and quality control is encouraged to register and attend the National Binder Technician Certification Program scheduled for April 26 to 29, 2022. Further strengthening of municipal and stakeholder relationships as well as training and dialogue on technical matters is expected at the 2022 Asphalt Technical Symposium (ATS) on June 14. Please refer to ORBA communications and our website for more details. In closing, we anticipate that by our first in-person event in March, capacity limits for all indoor public settings will have been lifted (fingers-crossed). The health and safety of everyone remains our priority, so we will continue to adhere to any latest recommended government regulations. We will continue to engage our membership and expect to see you at an in-person event soon. Please stay safe and well!