Innovation Winter 2024.25

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ENGINEERS AND GEOSCIENTISTS BRITISH COLUMBIA Suite 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC Canada V5C 6N2 Tel: 604.430.8035 | Toll free: 1.888.430.8035 WINTER 2024/25 | volume 28 number 4 INNOVATION BOARD 2023/2024 Chair: Mark Porter, P.Eng., Struct.Eng. Vice Chair: Karen Ling, P.Eng. Immediate Past Chair: Michelle Mahovlich, MEng, P.Eng., P.Geo., FCSSE BOARD MEMBERS Bill Chan, CPA, CGA, MBA, ICD.D; Veronica Knott, P.Eng.; Cathy McIntyre, MBA, C.Dir; Matthew Salmon, P.Eng.; T.J. Schmaltz, JD, FCPHR, SHRM-SCP, ICD.D; Malcolm Shield, P.Eng.; Colette Trudeau, MA; Jens Weber, P.Eng.; Dr. Gordon Zhou, P.Eng. EXECUTIVE TEAM Heidi Yang, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.), Chief Executive Officer Liza Aboud, MBA, ABC, ICD.D, Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Cho, CPA, CGA, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer David Pavan, R.PH., Chief Regulatory Officer and Registrar EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP Ryan Bird, P.Eng.; Roozbeh Nemati, PMP, P.Eng.; Ian Rodriguez, EIT; Raya Smertina, P.Eng.; Aman Tanvir, P.Eng.; Stefano Vitucci, P.Eng. Innovation is published quarterly by Engineers and Geoscientists BC. As the official publication of the organization, Innovation is circulated to all registrants of Engineers and Geoscientists BC as well as architects, contractors and industry executives. The views expressed in any article do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Board or Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Email: info@egbc.ca | Web: egbc.ca MANAGING EDITOR Shelley Nicholl

Recognizing the profound role

we professionals play As I step into the role of Board Chair and look ahead to the upcoming year at Engineers and Geoscientists BC, I see a need to focus on building relationships, fostering collaboration, and ensuring our organization is equipped to

meet the challenges of a changing world. Since the Professional Governance Act has been introduced, we have achieved a lot, have put in place a solid base and are respected as leaders in this regulatory environment. One of my main goals is to strengthen, and rebuild where necessary, connections with our registrants. The regulatory changes we’ve undergone can sometimes lead to disengagement, and it’s essential that we maintain open communication to reinforce trust and engagement within our professions. Transparency and mutual respect will be key to achieving this. Another priority is supporting the newly formed BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience (BCSEG). With its focus on advocacy, BCSEG represents an exciting opportunity to collaborate with our organization, ensuring that while we maintain our regulatory mandate, we also champion the interests of our professions and their role in society. Equally important is making sure Engineers and Geoscientists BC has the internal capacity — through its staff and volunteers — to continue delivering on its vision of modern regulation for a resilient world. With the ongoing demands of climate change and protecting the public, we must ensure our organization has the resources to lead effectively. Ultimately, I want us to serve the public interest as an inclusive, progressive, and future-focused regulator. As a structural engineer, I am proud of the impact I’ve had on projects and advisory groups not only across Canada and BC but also around the world. From sustainable structures in the UK to transportation structures in the Caribbean to community infrastructure here in BC, I’ve realized that the work we do as engineers and geoscientists touches the everyday lives of the public, with ripples that extend far and last for generations. This profound responsibility makes it vital that we preserve our ability to self-regulate, ensuring that we uphold the highest standards of professional practice in the public’s best interest. Ultimately, the engineering and geoscience professions play a profound role in shaping the future, and I’m excited to help guide Engineers and Geoscientists BC through this period of growth and change, ensuring we remain trusted, respected, and capable of meeting society’s needs. Mark Porter, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., FEC

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Winter 2024/25

Innovation