The Quay, 100 Queens Quay East, 3rd Floor
In Person
Amidst rising economic uncertainty, Toronto is entering a pivotal moment. Billions of dollars are poised to flow into new transit, housing, energy, and climate infrastructure. But if we want to build a more connected, competitive region, we need to deliver these projects on time and on budget.
At this half-day symposium, senior leaders from government, industry, labour, and finance will explore the practical tools, partnerships, and policies needed to make that happen.
Topics will include:
- Improving productivity and cost efficiency across the construction sector
- Addressing workforce gaps and supply chain constraints
- Exploring new procurement and project delivery models
- Learning from global examples of successful infrastructure delivery
Whether you’re delivering infrastructure, shaping policy, or navigating procurement, this symposium will give you practical insights you can apply right away. Learn what’s working in other jurisdictions, hear directly from decision-makers, and build relationships that can move your projects forward. It’s an afternoon designed to help you stay ahead of industry shifts and drive better results in your work.
- 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
Agenda
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
Speakers
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The Hon. Kinga Surma
Minister of Infrastructure, Government of Ontario
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Tim Coldwell
President & CEO, Énska
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Leah Cowen
Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives, University of Toronto
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Andrew Hope
Chief Capital Officer (Rapid Transit), Metrolinx
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Ian Howcroft
CEO, Skills Ontario
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Mathieu Laberge
Chief Economist & SVP, Housing Insights, Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC)
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Roselle Martino
Executive Vice President, Policy and Strategic Affairs
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Jane Ogilvie
Alliance Director, East Harbour Transit Hub Alliance, AtkinsRéalis
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Jeff Parker
Chief Strategy Officer, Infrastructure Ontario
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John Williams
President of Bechtel Infrastructure for Northeast US & Canada, Bechtel Corporation
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Matt Woodbeck
Partner / Executive Director / Infrastructure, CIMA+
Tickets & Registration
Members
- Single Ticket: $349
- Table of 10: $3,141
Non-Members
- Single Ticket: $499
- Table of 10: $4,990