Innovation Winter 2025/26

Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s website contains information on the complaint, investigation, and discipline processes. You can contact us at 604.558.6647 or toll-free at 1.888.430.8035 ext. 6647, or by email at complaints@egbc.ca . Scan the code to see the full text of all Consent Orders in the Disciplinary Notices section of our website, DISCIPLINE NOTICES DISCIPLINE AND ENFORCEMENT

DISCIPLINE NOTICE: ZHANCHAO ZHAO application, Schedule A and Schedule B, for four separate residential properties in Surrey, BC. Dr. Zhao took responsibility for the structural and geotechnical aspect of the Surrey projects,

In a September 15, 2025, Consent Order, Dr. Zhao admitted that he provided geotechnical and structural engineering services in contravention of a Practice Restriction that was ordered through a 2019 Consent Order with Engineers and Geoscientists BC. As of September 15, 2025, Dr. Zhao’s registration with Engineers and Geoscientists BC is cancelled. The Consent Order resolved four separate matters involving Dr. Zhao. In 2017, Dr. Zhao entered into a Consent Order with Engineers and Geoscientists BC. In 2019, the Consent Order was amended to include a practice restriction which limited Dr. Zhao to structural engineering of Part 9 wood frame buildings in accordance with the British Columbia Building Code.

Dr. Zhao submitted a field review report and a Letter of Assurance for a seismic restraint for another Part 3 building in Richmond. Dr. Zhao undertook structural engineering work for the Richmond projects, contrary to the Practice Restriction. Some of Dr. Zhao’s conduct took place when the Professional Governance Act ( PGA ) was in force. In the Consent Order, Dr. Zhao admitted that he demonstrated unprofessional conduct contrary to the Engineers and Geoscientists Act as well as conduct unbecoming and professional misconduct contrary to the PGA by providing geotechnical and structural engineering services in contravention of the Practice Restriction. Dr. Zhao admitted that his conduct was contrary to the Code of Ethics of Engineers and Geoscientists BC, which requires that registrants act in accordance with the public interest and uphold the values of truth, honesty and trustworthiness. As outlined in the Consent Order, Dr. Zhao agreed not to apply for reinstatement as a professional engineer for a period of three years. If Dr. Zhao applies for reinstatement of his registration with Engineers and Geoscientists BC after the cancellation period, he must meet all eligibility requirements per the Bylaws of Engineers and Geoscientists BC at the time of application. Dr. Zhao agreed to pay a fine of $10,000 and $10,000 toward the legal and investigative costs of Engineers and Geoscientists BC.

contrary to the Practice Restriction. Dr. Zhao also submitted a building permit application for a property in Coquitlam, BC, where he prepared drawings, designs and schedules for an aluminum patio cover, contrary to the Practice Restriction. In the second matter, Dr. Zhao submitted a Letter of Assurance for a structural steel building in Delta, BC. Dr. Zhao took responsibility for the structural components of the project, contrary to the Practice Restriction. In the third matter, Dr. Zhao submitted a field review report and Letters of Assurance for the seismic restraint and architectural components of a Part 3 building in Richmond, BC. In the fourth matter,

In the first matter, Dr. Zhao submitted a building permit

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Winter 2025/26

Innovation