Infrastructure Symposium: Delivering What's Next for Toronto

• Infrastructure builders and engineering firms
• Government and agency leaders
• Labour organizations and workforce planners
• Investors, developers, and procurement professionals
• Supply chain, logistics, and construction innovators

12:00 – 1:00 pm: Networking, Registration and Lunch

1:00 – 1:05 pm: Opening Remarks

• Giles Gherson, President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade

1:05 – 1:40 pm: Keynote and Fireside Chat

Gain insights into the provincial government’s infrastructure ambitions and its role in strengthening resilience amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and shifting U.S. trade dynamics. Hear how the province is approaching the challenges of project delivery in this complex environment. 

• The Honourable Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure

Moderator:

• Giles Gherson

1:40 – 2:10 pm: Lightning Talks | Vision and Investment – The Owner’s Perspective

This first set of lightning talks showcases the strategic thinking and capital commitments of project owners – institutions and public agencies investing in infrastructure to drive innovation, mobility, and resilience across the Toronto region. These lightning talks will spotlight region-shaping projects at various stages of planning and investment, offering a window into the priorities, timelines, and ambitions driving Toronto’s next generation of infrastructure.

• Leah Cowen, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives, University of Toronto
• Andrew Hope, Chief Capital Officer (Rapid Transit), Metrolinx
• Pat Dalzell, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs and Market Development, Bruce Power  

2:10 – 2:55 pm: Discussion | Driving Productivity in the Construction Industry

Many factors contribute to high costs of building new infrastructure, including materials, cost of capital, burdensome regulation, and slow and uncertain approvals. But the construction industry has had a negative average growth rate since 1998. This requires urgent solutions lest it put our infrastructure ambitions at risk. What are practical ideas for improving construction productivity? What models exist in other jurisdictions? 

• Tim Coldwell, President & CEO, Énska Advisors
• Mathieu Laberge, Chief Economist & SVP, Housing Insights, Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC)
• Ian Howcroft, CEO, Skills Ontario

Moderator:

• Christine Ferguson, Partner, National Leader, Infrastructure & Construction Group, BLG LLP

2:55 – 3:20 pm: Networking Break

3:20 – 3:40 pm: Lightning Talks | Delivery in Action – The Builder’s Perspective

In this second set of lightning talks, we spotlight the builders – the engineering leaders and delivery partners bringing complex infrastructure to life. These presenters share how innovative construction practices, cross-sector collaboration, and real-time problem-solving are enabling major projects to move from blueprint to reality.

• Matt Woodbeck, Partner / Senior Director - Water / Infrastructure, CIMA+ 
• Jane Ogilvie, Alliance Director, East Harbour Transit Hub Alliance, AtkinsRéalis

3:40 – 4:05 pm: Meeting Our Ambition – Aligning Capacity with Demand 

Ontario’s infrastructure boom is driving intense demand for materials, labour, finance, and expertise. But do we have the capacity to deliver at scale? Procurement policies, evolving trade dynamics, and global competition for resources will shape the pace and cost of our infrastructure build. How can we structure procurement to ensure efficiency, competition, and value for money? What role should international firms play, and how can we strengthen supply chains and investment opportunities to meet the challenge ahead? 

• Jeff Parker, Chief Strategy Officer, Infrastructure Ontario
• Alena Thouin, Chief Operating Officer, Ontario Financing Authority, and Executive Lead, Building Ontario Fund Secretariat

Moderator:

• Roselle Martino, EVP, Policy and Strategic Affairs, Toronto Region Board of Trade

4:05 – 4:20 pm: Keynote Address: Delivering Major Projects at Scale – Global Lessons for Ontario 

Hear how one of the world’s leading engineering and construction firms is delivering complex infrastructure projects on time and on budget. Drawing on Bechtel’s experience across transit, energy, and civil infrastructure, John will share insights on project sequencing, procurement excellence, workforce development, and the use of digital tools and innovation to drive productivity and improve outcomes, offering valuable lessons for Ontario’s infrastructure ambitions.

• John Williams, President of Bechtel Infrastructure for Northeast US & Canada, Bechtel Corporation

4:20 – 4:25 pm: Closing Remarks

• Giles Gherson

4:25 – 5:30 pm: Networking