The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Ontario (ACEC-Ontario) is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.

Since its founding in 1975, the association has helped shape provincial and municipal infrastructure, fostering innovation, and advocating for fair business practices and regulatory reform.

“Celebrating 50 years of progress, ACEC-Ontario stands behind the transformative power of consulting engineering in shaping Ontario’s infrastructure and communities,” said Mark Tulloch, 2024-2025 Chair of ACEC-Ontario. “As we honour our legacy, we remain steadfast in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and championing a future of growth and resilience for our member firms and the communities we serve.”

Since its inception, ACEC-Ontario has grown to represent a vast network of consulting engineer companies across the province.

Over the decades, the association has achieved several notable milestones, including:

• signing the first Agreement for Professional Consulting Services with Municipal Engineers Association, which has been regularly updated since,
• highlighting the role of consulting engineers in public safety during the Walkerton Inquiry,
• advocating for a fair consultant selection system with the Ministry of Transportation,
• pioneering qualifications-based selection processes with Metrolinx,
• influencing key legislation, such as the Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act,
• supporting engineers through in-person and online continual professional development,
• establishing joint liaison committees with Ottawa, London, Waterloo, Guelph, York Region, Halton Region, Peel Region, Niagara Region, Metrolinx, and the Ministry of Transportation.

Recent successes include publishing the association’s first Climate Change Position Statement and securing a commitment from the City of Ottawa to reforming its procurement policies.

“ACEC-Ontario’s dedication to fostering collaboration with municipalities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders ensures that consulting engineers remain at the forefront of the province’s infrastructure and economic development,” said Executive Director Andrew Hurd.