Innovation-March_April 2013

Then and Now Photo Gallery • Ethics Survey Findings • Science Games • Incidental Practice

JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND GEOSCIENTISTS OF BC

March/April 2013

Rainwater Management

C.J. Westerman Award Recipient

PM40065271

BC’s Karst Lands

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content s

March /April 20 13 [ vol .16 no .2]

fea tures 16

The Challenges of Identifying, Evaluating and Managing British Columbia’s Karst Lands Dr. Tim Stokes, P.Geo.

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Unlocking the Rainwater Management Potential of a Single Family Lot Crystal Campbell, P.Eng., and Laurel Morgan, P.Eng From Roots to Rivers, BC Hydrologist Makes a Profound Impact Jean Sorensen

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National Engineering and Geoscience Month – Then and Now Photo Gallery

news

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President’s Viewpoint – Diverse and Key Activities

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Association Notes – Cooperation MOAs renewed; Consultation on Bylaw Amendments; Call for Project Highlights Photos; Post-secondary Scholarships; CEO Highlights Need for Internationally Trained Professionals; Receive Innovation by E-mail; Call for Forest Engineering Award; Engineers Canada Fellowship; Tutorial for CPD Tracking

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Findings of the 2012 Survey on Ethics

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Council Report – January 25 and March 8, 2013

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Members Active on Engineering and Geoscience Practice Matters

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Project to Speed up Licensing of Internationally Trained Geoscientists Receives Funding

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Students Shake Things up at the Science Games

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Removals for Non-payment of Membership Renewal Fee

ON THE COVER: An example of karst formation.

depar tment s

Dr. Tim Stokes, P.Geo., discusses challenges with the evaluation and management of karst lands in British Columbia. Page 16.

6 Newsmakers 31 News 35 APEGBC Professional Development 38 Membership 41 Professional Services 46 Careers

Young would-be engineers explore, have fun and learn at APEGBC's Science Games 30

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March/April 2013

Volume 16 Number 2

v iewpoint

As president of our association, one of the greatest privileges I have been given is to participate in the association’s induction ceremonies at which we recognize and welcome our newest professional members. Currently, we hold three ceremonies a year in Vancouver, attended by over 300 new members (out of about 1,100 new P.Eng. and P.Geo. members each year). I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you some of the thoughts I expressed in a speech at the most recent of these ceremonies. As I become familiar with the backgrounds and aspirations of our fellow members, I am struck by the sheer diversity of our activities—contributing to all aspects of our lives, including our homes, our transport, our energy production and usage, our health and well-being, our communications and our communities. The engineering and geoscience professions are key to addressing many of the major societal issues we hear about every day, including climate change, global warming, sustainability, poverty worldwide, economic growth and the development of our communities. I have spent my career as a professor and, as is typical, I have thereby been engaged in four kinds of activity: professional practice (as a specialist consultant), research, teaching and learning, and professional service. But, in fact, these four areas typically apply to all our members. Professional practice forms the core activity of our members. In my experience, in undertaking this, it is always important to remember the big picture, expect the unexpected, encourage diverse viewpoints, engage in continual improvement, and always be mindful of profes- sional integrity and our code of ethics. Our members also undertake research through continually questioning, exploring, not taking things for granted, and always looking for ways of doing things better. And, we are engaged in teaching and learning through professional development, broadening our skill sets both within and beyond our professions, mentorship roles, technical presentations, sharing project achievements and engaging in career awareness in schools. Finally, many of us are active in professional service with APEGBC itself—through its branches, committees and in other ways—or with technical or other societies that may be relevant to each of our needs. In return we benefit by getting to know some amazing people, broadening our contacts and connections, developing professional and personal skill sets, and enhancing individual recognition. I just want to end with a word about the association itself. Our engineers and geoscientists were crucial to the development of our province. We now have over 26,000 members and licensees who continue to grow and strengthen our province daily. It is worth reflecting on APEGBC’s mission: “To serve the public interest through the regulation of the practices of engineering and geosci- ence in British Columbia and, where consistent with this duty, pro- mote the professions and protect the interests of members.” That is, the association is a regulatory organization, and it is here to support our members and serve the public—in short, we are here for you in your service to the public good. So please do maintain regular and close connections with your association.

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC Suite 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC Canada V5C 6N2 Tel: 604.430.8035 Fax: 604.430.8085 E-mail: apeginfo@apeg.bc.ca Internet: www.apeg.bc.ca Toll free: 1.888.430.8035

2012/2013 COUNCIL, APEGBC P resident M.D. Isaacson, P.Eng., PhD, FEC V ice P resident M.B. Bapty, P.Eng., FEC P ast P resident J.H. Holm, P.Eng., FEC

Diverse and Key Activities

Councillors A.E. Badke, P.Eng.; S.M. Carlson, P.Eng.; J.J Clague, P.Geo. PhD; A Fernandes, CIM, FCSI; H. Hawson, P.Eng., FEC; D.M. Howes, P.Eng.; H.G. Kell,y P.Eng.; G.D. Kirkham, P.Geo.; J. Martignago; A.J. Mill, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., FEC; K.E. Savage, P.Eng., FEC; M. Waberski, BCLS; M.C. Wrinch, P.Eng., PhD, FEC; S. Wynn, PhD

ASSOCIATION STAFF A.J. English, P.Eng. C hief E xecutive O fficer and R egistrar T.M.Y. C hong, P.Eng. C hief R egulatory O fficer and D eputy R egistrar J.Y. Sinclair C hief O perating O fficer M.L. Archibald D irector , C ommunications and S takeholder E ngagement J. Cho, CGA D irector , F inance and A dministration D. Gamble D irector , I nformation S ervices A. Lim A/ D irector , M ember S ervices P.R. Mitchell, P.Eng. D irector , P rofessional P ractice , S tandards and D evelopment D. Olychick D irector , M ember S ervices G.M. Pichler, P.Eng. D irector , R egistration G.A. Thiele, LLB D irector , L egislation , E thics and C ompliance R.M. F ilipiak, P .Eng. A ssociate D irector , A dmissions V. Lai, CGA A ssociate D irector , F inance and A dministration J.J.G. Larocque, P.Eng., LLB A ssociate D irector , P rofessional P ractice

Dr. Michael Isaacson, P.Eng., FEC President

Melinda Lau M anaging E ditor

EDITORIAL BOARD S. Chiu, P.Eng.; R. Gupta, P.Eng., P h D; C.L. Hall, P.Geo.; S.K. Hayes, P.Eng.; K.S. Hirji, P.Eng.; M.A. Klippenstein, P.Eng.; I. Kokan, P.Eng.; M.E. Leslie, P.Eng.; B. Thomson, P.Geo., FEC (Hon)

president@ apeg.bc.ca

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Subscription rates per issue $4.50; six issues yearly $25.00. Annual subscriptions of Association members are apportioned from membership dues in the amount of $15 per member (rates do not include tax). Innovation is published six times a year by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia. As the official publication of the Association, Innovation is circulated to members of the engineering and geoscience professions, architects, contractors and industrial executives. The views expressed in any article contained herein do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Council or membership of this Association. Submission Guidelines: Innovation encourages unsolicited articles and photos. By submitting material to Innovation, you grant Innovation a royalty-free, worldwide license to publish the material in Innovation magazine; and you warrant that you have the authority to grant such rights and have obtained waivers of all associated moral rights. Innovation reserves the right to edit the material for length, clarity and conformity with our editorial guidelines (www. apeg.bc.ca/resource/innovation/editorial.html) and is under no obligation to publish any or all submissions or any portion thereof including credits. All material is copyright. Please contact the Managing Editor for reprint permission.

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US Postmaster: Innovation (ISSN 1206-3622) is published bimonthly for $25.00 per year by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, c/o US Agent-Transborder Mail, 4708 Caldwell Rd E, Edgewood, WA 98372-9221. Periodicals postage paid at Puyallup, WA, and at additional mailing offices, US PO #007-927. POSTMASTER send address changes (covers only) to Innovation, c/o Transborder Mail, PO Box 6016, Federal Way, WA 98063-6016.

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as soc ia t ion notes

Renewed Agreements Support Internationally Trained Professionals APEGBC has renewed Memoranda of Agreement with several support organizations of internationally trained professionals, with the goal of working together in good faith to support each other’s goals and mandates. The Society of Internationally Trained Engineers of BC (SITEBC) is an independent non-profit society founded in 2004 to represent the interests of BC’s internationally trained engineering community. APEGBC Council renewed their MOA with SITEBC in September 2012 and received a presentation from this group at their March 2013 meeting, where APEGBC president Dr. Michael Isaacson, P.Eng., FEC, and SITEBC president Dr. Gary Lin, P.Eng., participated in a formal signing ceremony. APEGBC Council also renewed an agreement with the Iranian Engineers of BC Association (IEBCA) at the March meeting. IEBCA is a non-profit, non- religious, non-political, independent organization which serves engineers with an Iranian background working or residing in British Columbia. IEBCA was founded by a group of Iranian Engineers in October 2007 and first signed a Memorandum of Agreement with APEGBC in February 2009.

Consultation on Licensee-inclusive Bylaw Amendments APEGBC’s governing legislation, the Engineers and Geoscientists Act, received 11 modernizing amendments in June 2012. These included changes that enable limited licensees to participate in APEGBC’s key governance processes, including the ability to run for Council and vote in Council elections, petitions and bylaws; and to call and vote at meetings of the association. Council is now opening consultation with members on three related bylaws. The amendments to the Act in June resulted in a number of automatic changes to some of APEGBC’s bylaws to bring them into alignment; however Council has identified three additional bylaws for possible amendment that, while not in direct conflict with the Act changes, exclude limited licensees from related processes of governance and recognition. As it would be inconsistent to exclude limited licensees from these processes and recognition when they are now eligible to participate as members of Council, including president, APEGBC Council approved in principle amendments to support the inclusion of limited licensees in these processes: Bylaw 3 (a.1) Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee is responsible for nominating individuals for the offices of president, vice president and for elected members of Council. Currently, the wording of this bylaw states that only members (as defined in the Act, professional engineers and professional geoscientists) may participate on this committee. Proposed amendments would allow limited licensees to participate on the Nominating Committee. Bylaw 3 (j) Ballot This bylaw outlines the procedure for counting ballots for the Council election. It currently states that only members (as defined in the Act, professional engineers and professional geoscientists) may participate as ballot counters. Amendments will allow limited licensees to participate as ballot counters. Bylaw 10 (c.1 and c.2) Life Membership and Honorary Life Membership Bylaw 10 (c.1) permits Council to confer life membership in the association upon any member who meets certain criteria. Since this bylaw refers only to “membership,” limited licensees are currently excluded from this consideration. Bylaw 10 (c.2) permits Council to confer honorary life membership in the association to those who have served in the office of president, or to an individual Council deems has made outstanding contributions to the professions of engineering or geoscience. Currently, both of these honours are limited to members (as defined in the Act, professional engineers and professional geoscientists). Amendments to these bylaws will allow life and honorary life licensure to be bestowed on limited licensees. APEGBC is now beginning a period of member consultation on these proposed amendments through a process that was established recently as part of a Council initiative to increase the opportunities for members to provide feedback on potential bylaw changes. Members and limited licensees may provide their comments and feedback on these bylaw amendments until May 3, 2013 . Following review of this input, the proposed bylaws, with any further amendments or refinements, will be brought before Council at its June 2013 meeting for approval of the final wording. The approved bylaws would then be submitted to the membership for ratification in the fall of 2013. The full bylaw text, as well as background information on these amendments, is provided online at www.apeg.bc.ca/about/bylawconsultation.html. Comments may be submitted to bylaws@apeg.bc.ca until May 3, 2013.

APEGBC President Michael Isaacson, P.Eng., FEC, and SITEBC president Gary Lin, P.Eng., renew a Memorandum of Agreement on behalf of their organizations.

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2012/2013 Project Highlights

CEO’s Letter to the Editor Highlights Need for Internationally Trained Engineers A letter to the editor by APEGBC CEO and Registrar Ann English was published in the Vancouver Sun on February 18, 2013. Titled “Foreign-trained engineers needed to help build BC,” the letter drew attention to the projected labour supply shortage of experienced engineers, and the need for Canada to integrate internationally trained professionals. Describing some of the ways APEGBC is working to support labour market development while maintaining high regulatory standards, the letter noted the contribution of internationally trained professionals in bringing knowledge and experience to BC to provide a competitive edge in the global market. You can read CEO Ann English’s letter to the Vancouver Sun online: www.vancouversun.com/business/ Foreign+trained+engineers+needed+ help+build/7979428/story.html. Receive Innovation by E-mail Did you know that you can opt to receive Innovation magazine online in lieu of having a hardcopy of the magazine mailed to you? If you opt-in for this service, you will receive a notification e-mail every time the magazine is published with links to access the latest issue. The magazine can be viewed on a desktop or mobile device, or downloaded for later reading, To make the switch, simply update your communication preferences by signing into the APEGBC member portal: https://secure.apeg.bc.ca/imisCustom. • Click on the Communications Preferences link on the left menu bar. • Click on the checkbox next to “Innovation Magazine” under the section titled Canada Post Mail . • Click on the Submit button on the bottom-right of the page to complete the change. The magazine continues to be available by post for those who prefer to have their copy mailed to them. Innovation is APEGBC’s primary publication for association and regulatory news, and is produced bi-monthly.

Call for Photo Submissions

Scholarships for Post-Secondary Entrance and Transfer The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Foundation is offering a number of entrance scholarships to BC high school graduates entering engineering or geoscience programs, and engineering transfer programs at BC universities, colleges, and university colleges. The entrance scholarships are valued at $2,500 each, and transfer scholarships at $1,000 each. Scholarship selection is based on Grade 12 academics, extracurricular activities, references, financial need and the student’s written statement outlining reasons for entering the profession of engineering or geoscience. Other scholarships awarded to applicants will be taken into consideration. The deadline for submissions is June 27, 2013 . For more information and scholarship application forms, visit www.apeg.bc.ca/ students/scholarships/. The deadline for photographs, complete with description, is Friday, May 10, 2013. Please direct all submissions to Innovation at the association office in Burnaby by mail, or by e-mail at pictorial@apeg.bc.ca. Questions about the pictorial feature may be directed to Melinda Lau, Managing Editor, Innovation at 604.412.4866 or toll-free 1.888.430.8035 ext. 4866 • Projects that reflect the diversity of the work performed by members; • Representation from a wide variety of employers of APEGBC members; • Sustainability features; and • Visual appeal. Due to space limitations, Innovation is unable to print every submission received, and only one submission per company will be accepted, except where space permits. Members working for large companies are recommended to coordinate their project submissions to avoid multiple or duplicate submissions. The Project Highlights pictorial feature, published annually in the July/August issue of Innovation, showcases the diverse activities of BC’s professional engineers and geoscientists both at home and abroad. Submissions relating to all engineering and geoscience disciplines are encouraged. Members or companies are invited to submit photographs of projects undertaken during the past 12 months, within or outside BC, employing APEGBC members or licensees. Photographs should be submitted as high-resolution digital image files. Before submitting your project for consideration, please view the details on submission requirements, including specifications for digital images, at www.apeg.bc.ca/go/pictorial/. Photos must be accompanied by a project description of 100-150 words, identifying the owners and professionals involved where possible. Members are also encouraged to describe the innovative or sustainability aspects of their particular project. In selecting project submissions for the pictorial, the key considerations for the Editorial Board are:

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as soc ia t i on notes

Call for Nominations: Forest Engineering Award of Excellence The Forest Engineering Award of Excellence—sponsored jointly by APEGBC and the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP)— recognizes excellence and promotes cooperation and leadership in forest engineering in the broadest sense. Nominees may be individuals, demonstrate or represent outstanding accomplishments in forest engineering. Individuals must be members of either ABCFP or APEGBC. Organizations and associations must be recognized as being associated with professional forestry, professional engineering or professional geoscience. To be eligible, projects must have been completed within the past two years and carried out by, or under the supervision of, a member of either association. Nominees must be either residents of BC or work for a BC-based firm, or the work must have been carried out in BC. A management, academic or research contribution, or the life work of an individual may also be considered. Nominations must contain the names and signatures of three registered members of either association, accompanied by a one- page statement of nomination outlining the reason(s) for the nomination, and supporting information such as CVs, project outlines, letters of reference and news clippings. The award is presented annually and alternates between associations; this year it will be presented by APEGBC in October at the 2013 annual conference in Whistler, BC. The nomination deadline for the 2013 Forest Engineering Award of Excellence is July 12, 2013. Details on the award criteria and nomination forms are available on the website at www. apeg.bc.ca/services/awards/awards. html. Further questions may be directed to Laurel Buss at lbuss@apeg.bc.ca or 604.412.6052. organizations or associations responsible for projects that

Volunteers Honoured with Engineers Canada Distinction On March 7, 2013 at the Coast Coal Harbour hotel, a number of APEGBC members were inducted as fellows of Engineers Canada by President Michael Isaacson, P.Eng., FEC, and CEO and Registrar, Ann English, P.Eng. The ceremony was emceed by Vice President, Mike Bapty, P.Eng., FEC, who congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their years of service to APEGBC and the profession of engineering. APEGBC is a constituent association of Engineers Canada, the national organization of the 12 provincial and territorial associations that regulate the practice of engineering in Canada. Engineers Canada Fellowships were created to identify and recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of the profession of engineering. For more information, visit www.engineerscanada.ca.

Fellowship of Engineers Canada Inductees Sean Abram, P.Eng., FEC Mohammad Afsar, P.Eng., FEC Yusuf Altintas, P.Eng., FEC Robert Armour, P.Eng., FEC Sheldon Cherry, P.Eng., FEC Jennifer Clarke, P.Geo., FEC (Hon.) Michael Currie, P.Eng., FEC Farmand Ghafari, P.Eng., FEC Victor Goncalves, P.Eng., FEC Donna Howes, P.Eng., FEC Michael Isaacson, P.Eng., FEC Steven Keyes, P.Eng., FEC Balvinder Khangura, P.Eng., FEC Randall Kovacs, P.Eng., FEC

John Lenahan, P.Eng., FEC Megan Leslie, P.Eng., FEC

Donald Littleford, P.Eng., FEC Phyllis MacIntyre, P.Eng., FEC Mahmoud Mahmoud, P.Eng., FEC Peter Marsh, P.Eng., FEC James Moors, P.Geo., FEC (Hon.) Claudia Ng, P.Eng., FEC John Perry, P.Geo., FEC (Hon.) Leonard Pianalto, P.Eng., FEC James Robertson, P.Geo., FEC (Hon.) Catherine Roome, P.Eng., FEC Shahabaddine Sokhansanj, P.Eng., FEC Kevin Smith, P.Eng., FEC Leslie Taggart, P.Eng., FEC Thor Tandy, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., FEC

Clarence Wong, P.Eng., FEC Michael Wilson, P.Eng., FEC Michael Wrinch, P.Eng., FEC

Craig Labas, P.Eng., FEC Jules Lajoie, P.Eng., FEC Jack Lee, P.Eng., FEC

Video Tutorial Available for Professional Development Tracking A new online video makes it easy for members to learn how to use the CPD Online Recording Centre to track their professional development hours. This short, five-minute video tutorial

walks the viewer through the online recording tool, which allows members to record and classify professional development activities into six eligible

categories. The Recording Centre assists with tracking the limits associated with the amount of professional development hours a member may claim, per category, per calendar year, displaying the remaining available hours left to be claimed when entering professional development activity. Through the Recording Centre, members can claim their professional development hours in the year in which they were earned, or carry them through to future reporting years. The tool also automatically tracks professional development hours accrued by members taking APEGBC seminars and can export data to an MS Excel spreadsheet, allowing members to easily modify the data to meet reporting requirements of other jurisdictions and professional bodies. The tutorial video and the CPD Online Recording Centre can be found on the APEGBC website at www.apeg.bc.ca/prodev/recording.html.

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e t h i cs

Findings of the 2012 Survey on Ethics

Dr. Alison L. Dempsey

A third of all respondents (30%) reported experiencing pressure to compromise professional or ethical standards in their work for competitive or financial reasons.

I n November and December last year, APEGBC conducted an online survey of members and licensees on the topic of ethics in engineering and geoscience practice in BC. An overwhelming majority (92%) of the 755 respon- dents to the 2012 APEGBC Ethics Survey recognize the

importance of professional standards of conduct and ethics in the public perception of the engineering and geoscience professions. This finding is timely given the recent media coverage of corruption and scandals in the Canadian engineering and construction sectors, and huge penalties levied on resource sector companies for environmental damage due to improper monitoring and maintenance of equipment and safety standards. Whether or not these situations are isolated or reflective of a wider problem, these kinds of occurrences can have a negative impact on the reputation of the professions generally. The public relies on engineering and geoscience profes- sionals to ensure the safety of their physical environment and to protect against unacceptable risk. This reliance now extends to their technological environment with increas- ing awareness that technology-based systems also expose individuals and organisations to risks that cross many boundaries—spatial, legal and ethical. The commitment that APEGBC members and licens- ees make to work according to professional standards and to be governed by the Code of Ethics is the cornerstone of earning and maintaining that public trust. APEGBC wishes to thank all who took the time to participate in the survey for their contribution and valued insights into how APEGBC members and licensees experience ethics in practice. Among the other key findings, the survey results revealed that: • Respondents’ awareness of ethical issues and risks is reported to be high: however their use of resources spe- cifically related to the APEGBC Code of Ethics is low as is their direct experience of dealing with potential ethical breaches. • Over three quarters of respondents (79%) reported being governed by codes or standards of ethics and conduct in addition to the APEGBC Code of Ethics in their work context.

The Board of Directors of McElhanney Consulting Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Allan Russell as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 2013. Russell is an award-winning civil engineer with more than 25 years’ experience in major construction projects. He has also served on the Boards of both ACEC–Canada and ACEC–BC. Incumbent President and CEO Chris Newcomb says, “Allan has clearly demonstrated the energy, skill, and vision necessary to lead McElhanney forward for many years into the future. I’m delighted he has accepted this role.” “McElhanney has a long tradition of quality and innovation that has made it very successful,” says Russell, previously McElhanney’s Vice President, Vancouver Region Engineering and Major Projects. “I’m looking forward to leading the McElhanney team, to take the company to the next level of excellence and success.” McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. appoints Allan Russell, P.Eng., as new President and CEO

www.McElhanney.com Vancouver@McElhanney.com 604.683.8521

McElhanney is a Canadian consulting firm, providing engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, and environmental services through a network of 20 local offices across Western Canada and in Indonesia. Calgary | Campbell River | Canmore | Courtenay | Cranbrook | Duncan | Edmonton | Kamloops | Kitimat | Moose Jaw | Nanaimo | Penticton | Prince George | Prince Rupert | Regina | Saskatoon | Smithers | Surrey | Terrace | Vancouver | Victoria | Jakarta

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• Risks related to ethical breaches and unethical conduct are reported to be factored into risk management processes at the overall or project-specific level in 70% of the cases, and both in two thirds of the cases. • Four out of 10 respondents feel the current level of ethics in

participate in the survey via a link on the APEGBC website. A total of 755 respondents completed the survey. v Dr. Alison Dempsey is a legal professional specialising in the area of governance, ethics and accountability. She has been retained by APEGBC to deliver the Ethics in Practice project.

their work environment is higher than when they started working as profes- sional engineers or geoscientists. • Only 9% of the sample felt that their work environment has become less ethical, however 21% of respondents identifying themselves as working in industry reported their work environ- ment to be less ethical than when they started their careers. • A third of all respondents (30%) reported experiencing pressure to compromise professional or ethical standards in their work for competitive or financial reasons. • Over half of respondents (58%) said that, depending on the situation, they might consider using a confidential mechanism to report or seek guidance on potential or actual concerns relat- ing to ethics. These findings, along with other find- ings and insights from the survey, will be used to inform the work underway to provide members and licensees the ethics-related resources, learning and development opportunities they need to maintain, strengthen and meet current and emerging challenges to the ethical standards of their professions. About the Survey The 2012 APEGBC Ethics Survey, con- ducted in November and December 2012, is part of the Ethics in Practice initiative launched in the fall of last year. The survey provided an opportunity for members and licensees to give feedback on ethics related issues and their input on resources and professional development to support the integration of ethical standards in everyday practice. The survey questions were focused in four areas: ethics awareness, ethics preparedness, operating environment, and learning and professional development. Invitations to participate in the online survey were sent by e-mail to a randomly selected sample of members and licensees. As well, members and licensees who did not receive an invitation could access and

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c ounc i l repor t

The Member-in-Training Program is intended to provide guidance and feedback to individuals earning the required experience and competencies for registration. The program is voluntary, and over 3,600 EITs and 230 GITs are currently enrolled. The Registration Committee will typically extend an EIT or GIT internship for up to three additional years past the eight-year limit if the individual provides sufficient reasons for the request. Approximately 30 to 40 EITs and GITs are removed from the rolls each year for exceeding the membership time limit. The Registration Committee obtained stakeholder input on the proposed bylaw change in accordance with APEGBC’s Bylaw Consultation Policy. This consultation took place through a survey of all current members- in-training, as well as current supervisors who participate in the online experience reporting, feedback and credit system. Council approved this proposed bylaw change for ratification by members in the fall of 2013. Alternative Complaint Resolution In December 2011, Council approved in principle a draft alternative complaint resolution bylaw and directed that consultation be undertaken with the membership on this proposed bylaw. The Engineers and Geoscientists Act was amended in 2008 to permit alternative complaint resolution (ACR) of discipline cases. While the Act amendments envisaged and authorized an ACR bylaw, and some mediations of disciplinary matters have been conducted using the ACR provisions in the Act as a framework, a bylaw had not yet been developed. The proposed ACR bylaw will address common issues and considerations that are not covered by the Act, including the form of ACR (mediation, negotiation, other), the association’s involvement in the mediation, payment for the process, and publication of any consent order negotiated as a result of ACR. Following a period of consultation in the spring of 2012, the feedback gathered from members as well as the legal community was reviewed by the Discipline Committee, the original proposers of the bylaw. Based on this feedback, the committee enacted further refinements to the bylaw to clarify the respective roles of the association and the Discipline Committee in the process.

in-training are cancelled for non-payment of fees, typically because they either a) neglected to pay the renewal fee, but need their practice rights immediately renewed; or b) had no need of their membership in the current year and believed that by letting their fees lapse they had, in fact, resigned in good standing. To allow for the expedited reinstatement of members who neglected to pay their renewal fee but need their practice rights continued, Council has approved a revised Return to Practice Policy with a simplified process. Members who wish to take advantage of this process must pay the renewal fee, late fee and reinstatement fee, and complete a simplified application form and declaration. Practice rights will be reinstated within one to three business days and will be retroactive to the date of cancellation of membership. Former members or licensees who wish to reinstate their memberships and/or practice rights and who have not practised in British Columbia in the current year must follow the traditional reinstatement and return to practice process. For mem- bers in this category whose membership lapsed because of non-payment of fees, Council has directed that the membership fee and late fee be forgiven for the year in which the membership lapsed. Council Approves Bylaw Amendments for Member Ratification In January and March, Council approved amendments to two APEGBC Bylaws for member ratification. These amendments were approved following a consultation period with members as per the APEGBC Bylaw Consultation Policy, a process that was established to increase the opportunities for members to provide feedback on potential bylaw changes. (Information on the current consultation on limited licensee inclusive bylaw amendments may be found on page 6.) Removal of Eight-Year Limit for EIT/GITs In June 2012, Council provided approval in principle that Bylaw 11(c) be changed to remove the eight-year limit on EIT/GIT membership. The proposed adjustment supports the premise that keeping members-in-training engaged in the professions could be of greater value than imposing a time limit on their membership.

January 25 and March 8, 2013 Women in Engineering and Geoscience Task Force Formed Increasing the number and retention of women in engineering and geoscience careers is an issue that Council has been considering over the past several months, prompted by a motion brought forward by members at the annual general meeting in October. According to an Engineers Canada report, fewer women undertake careers in engineering compared to other professions requiring a university degree in Canada. While much work has been done by other organizations to examine this issue, including Engineers Canada and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, APEGBC has not yet committed significant resources to this matter. At their January meeting, Council discussed this challenge and determined that APEGBC should actively assess how it could add benefit, and act to improve the gender imbalance within the engineering and geoscience professions. Council approved terms of reference for a task force that will maintain clear deliverables to identify what the causes of the gender imbalance are, how they could be addressed effectively by APEGBC, and what metrics would be used to determine success. To inform its work, the task force will reach out to groups already working on this matter as well as those who should be engaged further, and will recommend how to supplement, rather than duplicate, the activities of these groups. APEGBC’s Council meets throughout the year to conduct the business of association governance. The follow- ing are the highlights of the January 25 and March 8, 2013 meetings of APEGBC Council. Return to Practice Policy Amended, Adding Simplified Process In 2010, the Engineers and Geoscientists Act was amended to allow Council to forgive the membership renewal fee and/or the late fee in a range of circumstances. Each year, the memberships of approximately 300 professional members and 200 members-

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Council approved this proposed bylaw for ratification by members in the fall of 2013. Three Canadian Framework for Licensure Elements Reviewed The CEO/Executive Director Group of Engineers Canada’s constituent members is leading the initiative to develop a Canadian Framework for Licensure (CFL) in order to create national consistency and enhance equity, consistency, fairness and timeliness of services. The group has identified 12 essential elements of the regulated engineering profession in Canada, which will be developed collaboratively by engineering regulators with extensive consultation to identify best practices. APEGBC Council considered three elements at their January and March meetings: title rights and responsibilities, investigation and discipline practices, and code of ethics. Council reviewed and approved the key considerations proposed by Engineers Canada for title rights and responsibilities and investigation and discipline practices, and provided additional comments related to title rights and responsibilities.

Council also accepted a report prepared by the Professional Practice Committee on the key considerations for the code of ethics element and directed that this feedback be provided to Engineers Canada. Participation in Emergency Management BC Planning Committee APEGBC is currently exploring the value of greater engagement with the provincial government on emergency planning, response and recovery. Recent meetings and discussions have taken place between staff and officials of Emergency Management BC (EMBC) to explore the potential of APEGBC’s involvement in the planning, response and recovery phases of emergency operations. APEGBC has been invited to work together with the Province to develop a model for post-disaster building and infrastructure damage assessment that would involve APEGBC members as a key component. Additionally, EMBC officials anticipate that opportunities exist for APEGBC to play an important role in the planning and building of provincial capacity to respond to major emergencies and disasters.

Council directed that APEGBC staff continue to participate in discussions with provincial officials and other stakeholders to explore areas where APEGBC members can support emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

One Guideline Approved, Three Withdrawn

Council approved the Seismic Retrofit Guidelines, 2 nd Edition pending final editorial and technical review at their March meeting. Enhancements to this edition include refined and expanded number of prototypes, investigation of the impact of long duration earthquakes, and a new version of the Seismic Performance Analyzer tool. Three professional practice guidelines ( Guidelines for Professional Practice – Building Envelope Professional Engineer; Points of Principle – Building Envelope Professional ; and Building Envelope Practice – Roles and Responsibilities ) were withdrawn by Council at their March meeting, and replaced by the Professional Practice Guidelines – Building Enclosure Engineering Services .

APPOINTMENTS

INTERNAL Climate Change and Adaptation Advisory Group Vladimir Mikler, P.Eng. Sarah O’Keefe Consulting Practice Committee Travis Penno, P.Eng. Discipline Committee Paul Adams, P.Eng., FEC, Chair Alistair Black, P.Eng. Frank Denton, P.Eng., FEC Geoscience Committee John Clague, P.Geo. Kevin Turner, P.Eng., FEC, Chair Governance Committee Jeff Holm, P.Eng., FEC, Chair

Mentoring Committee Ash Abhyankar, P.Eng. Eric Nadin, P.Eng.

Sustainability Committee Geoff Karcher, P.Eng. Mark Porter, P.Eng., Struct.Eng. Maya Stano, P.Eng. Women in Engineering and Geoscience Task Force Lisa Blackham Shiloh Carlson, P.Eng. Elizabeth Croft, P.Eng., FEC Steve Frith Donna Howes, P.Eng. Kendra Johnston, P.Geo. Anja Lanz, EIT Marg Latham, P.Eng. Lianna Mah, P.Eng., FEC François Morton Catherine Roome, P.Eng. Diana Theman Tom Tiedje, P.Eng.

Special Task Force on Alternative Admissions/ Registration Systems Lindsay Bottomer, P.Geo., FEC (Hon) Dick Fletcher, P.Eng., FEC Philippe Kruchten, P.Eng., FEC Arash Masbough, P.Eng. Andy Mill, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., FEC Polly Nahar, P.Eng. Michael Waberski, BCLS, Chair EXTERNAL City of North Vancouver’s Energy Efficiency Buildings Working Group Yashar Khalighi, P.Eng.

Soheyl Soltani-Nasab, P.Eng. Practice Review Committee Bob Gerath, P.Geo., FEC (Hon) Sharlie Huffman, P.Eng., FEC Alex McGowan, P.Eng. Ken Newbert, P.Eng. Registration Committee Eric Lalli, P.Eng., FEC Kevin Riederer, P.Eng. Value for Money Steering Committee Mike Bapty, P.Eng., FEC

Sean Brophy, P.Eng. Harlan Kelly, P.Eng. Michael Waberski, BCLS

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p rofes s iona l pract i ce

M embers and their involvement with APEGBC are essential to the successful execution of self-regulation. APEGBC has over 50 member committees, boards and task forces, with varying levels of activity. Members and licensees are involved in every aspect of regulation of the professions, from the admission of new members to the governance of the association itself. Matters of professional practice and conduct are of key importance to APEGBC’s members and licensees. Through the work of volunteers on APEGBC’s committees, members and licensees are directly involved in the process of shaping and maintaining the standards of practice and ethics for the engineering and geoscience professions. This article provides a snapshot of some of the practice issues and activities being tackled by members and licensees through their work on APEGBC committees, boards and task forces. The Professional Practice Committee is currently supervising the engagement and consultation process involved in the development of new practice guidelines

Members Active on Engineering and Geoscience Practice Matters Mojan Farschi for building guard rails and dam safety reviews, as well as revisions to the following existing guidelines: Guidelines for Professional Practice , Guidelines for Professional Structural Engineering Services for Part 9 Buildings in BC , and the Seismic Retrofit Guidelines (2nd Edition) . The Practice Review Committee oversees administration of APEGBC’s Practice Review Program. This program provides a quality assurance check on the individual practice of a member or licensee and the committee is currently involved in its ongoing work of evaluating members who have undergone a practice review. The Building Codes Committee provides input on building codes, including national building codes, the BC Building Code, Vancouver Building By-Law and other municipal and regional construction-related legislation and regulations. Subject specialists within the committee recently provided comments on the new 2012 BC Building Code, and are currently providing feedback on the proposed changes to the upcoming 2013 Vancouver Building By-Law. The City of Vancouver’s revised edition of its Building By-Law will be based on the 2010 National Building Code of Canada and the 2012 BC Building Code. Amendments will be made to categories such as short-term temporary facilities, existing buildings, and environmental protection. The committee will also be amending the Guidelines for Professional Structural Engineering Services for Part 9 Buildings in BC to meet the new BC Building Code requirements. The Building Enclosure Committee (formerly the Building Envelope Committee) deals with all matters related to the environmental separation of buildings. In fall 2012, the Committee released the Building Enclosure Guidelines and is actively organizing seminars on specialty topics such as the new guidelines and fenestration pertaining to laboratory, manufacture and field testing. The newly formed Temporary Structures Task Force deals with issues relating to structures intended for short-term use

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Interested in getting involved? Our committees appreciate the level of diversity that members can bring to their work. Committee members are appointed by Council for two-year terms. Contact APEGBC for more information on volunteer opportunities at apeginfo@apeg.bc.ca. Quality Management (OQM) Program which launched in 2012 to improve the quality management of professional engineering and geoscience practices at the individual and organizational level. This voluntary program includes a certification for organizations. OQM Training sessions are currently being offered, and three organizations have already received OQM certification this year. v consistent for members of both associations. A new Online Recording Centre was launched, providing members with a convenient and secure place to track professional development hours. Presently, the committee is exploring options for CPD reporting. The Consulting Practice Committee deals with issues related to the practice of professional engineering and geoscience as they pertain to consulting. With a recently updated work plan, the committee will focus on updating the Guidelines for Mechanical Engineering . The committee is also working to collect similar forms pertaining to the practice of engineering used by different municipalities and bringing their content into uniformity for consistency. The OQM Committee oversees the Organizational

such as tents, bleachers, grandstands, temporary excavation shoring, and temporary building stabilization. The task force was formed in response to an increase in demand for temporary structures, such as those designed for community events across the province as well as face preservation of historic buildings. Currently, the task force is working on new terms of reference to formalize its elevation to the role of full- fledged advisory committee. The ABCFP/APEGBC Joint Practice Board is mandated by the Councils of the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP) and APEGBC to make recommendations to their respective Councils on matters related to practice overlap among the professions. The board, alongside the executive of the Division of Engineers and Geoscientists in the Resource Sector (DEGIRS), is currently coordinating their involvement with an audit team as mandated by the Forest Practices Board. The audit team’s objective is to determine whether parties who plan, design, and construct bridges are upholding the intent of the professional practice guidelines established jointly by the associations, in addition to meeting the legislated requirements under the Forest and Range Practices Act and Regulations. The AIBC/APEGBC Certified Professional Program Specialist Designation Working Group is comprised of representatives from both APEGBC and the Architectural Institute of BC (AIBC), and is developing a business model for assuming administration over the Certified Professional Program, an alternative building permitting process

authorized by architects and engineers. The Sustainability Committee has been working on the Sustainability Practice Guidelines which will come into effect next year. Generally, the Guidelines ask members to maintain up-to-date knowledge of sustainability issues, and promote the integration of sustainable solutions into professional practices. In putting together and revising the Guidelines , the committee consulted other divisions, committees and members extensively. The CPD Committee advises on the development and implementation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policies. In 2012, in response to member feedback, the committee introduced a revised CPD Guideline aligned with the requirements of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. This revision ensures that CPD requirements remain

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