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| Date | Location | Event | Contact |
| Oct 30, 2025 | Lone Star Texas Grill (930 Dixon Rd, Toronto) | TAC Ontario Chapter Talk: Tunnelling in a Pumped Storage Scheme Join the TAC Ontario Chapter on Thursday, October 30, 2025, for our next Chapter presentation event on Tunnelling in a pumped storage scheme, led by Angelos Gakis, Dr. Dipl.-Ing, MSc DIC, Head of Geotechnics, Principal Tunnel Engineer, Dr. Sauer & Partners. Location: Lone Star Texas Grill (930 Dixon Rd, Toronto) Time: 5:30 p.m. (Registration) 6:00 p.m. (Presentation) Registration: TAC Members: Compliments of Dr. Sauer & Partners Non‐Members: $10 Abstract: This talk will showcase the ongoing design and construction of portals, tunnels, shafts and power waterway pipes for a 220 MW pumped storage power facility. The underground works extend over 4 km of tunnels and 750 m of shafts, including a powerhouse and surge tank, developed under complex geological and hydrostatic conditions. With overburden depths reaching 700 m and operational pressures of up to 93 bar, the project includes the full range of tunnelling, from soft-ground, low cover tunnels to deep tunnels under squeezing conditions. Extensive ground investigation is key to optimize tunnel layouts, support systems, and excavation methods. Advanced numerical modelling is utilised to verify stability and aid the design of the various support classes and permanent structural members. The talk will also focus on the key design optimisations implemented in the project. About Angelos Gakis, Dr. Dipl.-Ing, MSc DIC: Angelos’ academic background includes 5-year diploma (BSc and MSc) in Civil Engineering in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, followed by an MSc in Soil Mechanics and Environmental Geotechnics in London Imperial College (MSc DIC) and a PhD in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He is a Chartered Civil Engineer in UK (CEng MICE). His working experience includes among others about 20 years of geotechnical and tunnelling design and site supervision, in both urban and rural environments. Since 2011 he has been working with Dr. Sauer and Partners in the U.K., on major UK and International projects, and in 2019 he relocated to the Salzburg office. Major projects he has been involved in holding senior roles include among others, Crossrail 1 and 2 UK, Eglinton Light Rail Toronto, Metro M2 Tel Aviv. Registration will be at the door of the event. No need to RSVP in advance. We look forward to seeing you there! | Contact admin@tunnelcanada.ca |
| Nov 11, 2025 | École de Technologie Supérieure, Pavilion E, Vidéotron Graduates’ Lounge 1220 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3C 1K6 | TAC Eastern Canada Chapter: Extension of the Blue Line: Progress Update and Construction Innovations It is with great pleasure that the TAC Eastern Canada Chapter invites you to a joint event with the Western Quebec Section of the Canadian Geotechnical Society. Below you will find relevant information and the registration link for the event. Act quickly—spaces are limited. Title: Extension of the Blue Line: Progress Update and Construction Innovations Presenter: David Chartier, P.Eng. Construction Director, Blue Line Extension Project Office Date: Tuesday, November 11 at 5:00 PM Reception cocktail from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by the technical presentation. Location: École de Technologie Supérieure, Pavilion E, Vidéotron Graduates’ Lounge 1220 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3C 1K6 Summary: In presentation, the construction director of the Montreal Metro Blue Line extension project, David Chartier, P.Eng., will present an overview of the worksite, its objectives, and the key milestones achieved so far. He will discuss the technical challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and the innovative construction methods used to carry out this major project. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about: • The main aspects and scope of the project • The current progress of the work • Underground construction techniques (roadheader, rock splitter, tunnel boring machine, etc.) • Mitigation measures implemented to minimize the impact on communities near the project This presentation event is intended for engineering professionals or students, as well as anyone interested in major public transportation infrastructure projects. Note: The presentation will be conducted in French. --- Vous êtes conviés à un évènement conjoint entre le chapitre de l’Est du Canada de l’association canadienne des tunnels et la section Ouest du Québec de la société canadienne de géotechnique. Vous trouverez plus bas l’information pertinente et le lien d’inscription pour l’évènement. Faites vite, les places sont limitées. Titre : Prolongement de la ligne bleue : état d’avancement et innovations en construction Présentateur : David Chartier, ing. Directeur Construction PLB, Bureau du projet ligne Bleue Date : Mardi le 11 novembre à 17 :00. Cocktail de réception de 17 :00 à 18 :00 suivi de la présentation technique. Lieu : École de Technologie Supérieure, Pavillon E, Salon des Gradués Vidéotron. 1220 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3C 1K6 Résumé : Dans le cadre de cette conférence, le directeur de la construction du projet de prolongement de la ligne bleue du métro de Montréal présentera une vue d’ensemble du chantier, ses objectifs et les étapes clés franchies à ce jour. Il abordera les défis techniques rencontrés, les solutions mises en œuvre, ainsi que les méthodes de construction innovantes utilisées pour mener à bien ce projet d’envergure. Les participants auront l’occasion de découvrir : • Les grandes lignes du projet et son envergure. • L’état d’avancement des travaux. • Les techniques de construction souterraine (haveuse, éclateur de roc, tunnelier, etc.) • Les mesures de mitigation misent en place pour minimiser les impacts sur les populations riveraines au projet. Cette conférence s’adresse aux professionnels ou étudiants en génie, ainsi qu’à toute personne intéressée par les grands projets d’infrastructure de transport public. La présentation sera faite en français. | Register HERE! |
| Nov 16-18, 2025 | Vancouver, B.C. | 2025 TAC Workshop: Health and Safety in Tunnelling We are excited to announce the TAC Workshop on Health & Safety in the Canadian Tunnelling Industry, set to take place from November 15-18, 2025, in Vancouver, B.C.! The 3-day hybrid workshop will focus on the critical topic of safety in tunnelling through engaging sessions that explore real-world challenges and innovations in the field. Whether you're in engineering, construction, regulation, legal, or insurance, this is the event to attend. We hope to see you in 2025 to experience the best that TAC and Vancouver, British Columbia, have to offer! Registration is OPEN! See all the Workshop details including the preliminary program on the event website: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/EVEDFJBGYXABH/home | Visit the Workshop Website |
| Nov 27, 2025 | The University Club | University of Alberta 11435 Saskatchewan Drive Edmonton, AB T6G 2G9 | TAC Alberta Chapter Talk: West Valley LRT Drainage Relocation Talk The TAC Alberta Chapter is excited to announce our next talk presentation event. Topic: West Valley LRT Drainage Relocation Presenters: Shiva Maharjan, E.I.T., PMP, Project Manager, Shanghai Construction Group (Canada) Corporation Location: University of Alberta Faculty Club (11435 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G9) Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Registration Cost: Complimentary thanks to SCG Canada! Presentation Overview: The Valley Line West LRT project, currently under construction, will connect downtown Edmonton to the city's west side. As part of the project, EPCOR, which owns and operates several sanitary sewers along the LRT alignment, needed to replace a primary sewer due to conflicts with the new infrastructure. Given the location, depth, and length of the sewer—combined with other utility conflicts—microtunnelling was selected as the preferred construction method. Shanghai Construction Group was awarded the contract and developed a plan to execute the work within a tight construction schedule. Four different drives were planned to install the new trunk in conjunction with the open-cut portions, with drive lengths ranging from 130 to 990m. To meet the timeline, two of the drives were planned to be done simultaneously from opposite sides of an existing 1500 mm diameter trunk, which placed the trunk at risk during the installation. Tight working spaces, which at times were limited to one to two lanes of traffic, required small and compact equipment and shafts to complete the drives. This presentation outlines the methodology and construction planning needed to execute the multiple microtunnel installations and a number of the challenges and obstacles encountered during construction. The Valley Line West LRT Drainage Relocation project in Edmonton, Alberta, presented a series of intricate challenges for microtunneling due to dense urban utility networks and unpredictable subsurface conditions. Led by Shanghai Construction Group (Canada) Corporation, the project involved relocating critical drainage infrastructure to accommodate future LRT tracks, spanning multiple tunnel drives and shaft locations across Stony Plain Road and adjacent streets. A detailed conflict matrix identified over 20 known utility conflicts, categorized by priority. Mitigation strategies included realignment of tunneling paths, descope of microtunneling segments, hand-tunneling, and temporary flow control systems such as inverted siphons. At several locations—136 St, 133 St, 121 St, 120 St, and 118 St—solutions were tailored to address direct conflicts with manholes, rib-and-lagging tunnels, active telecom lines, and deteriorated clay pipes. Unknown conflicts emerged during tunneling at 134 St and 119 St, where operations were halted due to high torque and obstruction by reinforced concrete piles. These were resolved through emergency rescue shafts, MTBM realignment, and ground investigations using hydrovac and ground penetrating radar. The presentation highlights the importance of adaptive engineering, real-time monitoring, and collaborative problem-solving in navigating both anticipated and unforeseen subsurface challenges in urban microtunneling projects. Get to know the presenter: Shiva Maharjan, E.I.T., PMP Shiva Maharjan is a seasoned project manager and technical lead with over a decade of multidisciplinary experience spanning urban infrastructure, trenchless tunneling, and high-voltage electrical systems. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Shiva brings a rare blend of engineering precision, strategic leadership, and stakeholder fluency to complex construction environments. Currently serving as Project Manager at Shanghai Construction Group (Canada) Corporation, Shiva oversees major microtunneling and drainage relocation projects for clients including the EPCOR, City of Edmonton, and Government of Nepal. His portfolio includes high-profile works such as the Valley Line West LRT Drainage Relocation, Groat Road Storm Trunk Rehabilitation, and the 99 Avenue Tunnel Rehabilitation Project—where he managed the installation of over 1 km of non-circular 1300 x 950 mm ID sanitary trunk tunnel at depths reaching 30 meters. Shiva’s expertise in MTBM (Microtunnel Boring Machine) operations and environmental compliance has made him a trusted figure in both trenchless and open-cut construction. His technical acumen is matched by his ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, negotiate with stakeholders—including indigenous communities—and deliver cost-effective solutions. He holds a Master of Science in Electrical Utility Engineering from Curtin University (Australia), a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development from Macquarie University (Australia), and a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from Tribhuvan University (Nepal). His credentials are recognized by WES Canada, and he is certified in Project Leadership (NAIT) and Project Management Professional (PMP), alongside safety and field certifications such as CSTS, Fall Protection, and Confined Space Training. | Register HERE! |
| Dec 03, 2025 | Trolly 5 - 728, 17th Avenue SW | TAC Alberta (Calgary) Chapter: Holiday Mixer You're Invited: TAC Calgary Holiday Mixer Calling all tunnellers in the Calgary region! Join the TAC Calgary Chapter as we celebrate the end of 2025 with a laid-back evening of networking, drinks, and bites. Connect with fellow professionals and toast to the year’s achievements in a relaxed atmosphere. When: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 Location: Trolly 5 - 728, 17th Avenue SW Time: 4:00 p.m. Registration Cost: $10 – for TAC Members $20 – for Non-members Event Highlights: - Networking & Entertainment - Connect with industry professionals in a lively environment! - Short Technical Session - A 30-minute-long presentation will cover a timely topic in the industry. Details to come! - Food & Drink - Enjoy two drink tickets courtesy of TAC and a selection of delicious appetizers and refreshments. | Register HERE! |
| Dec 04, 2025 | Bellvue Manor, 8083 Jane Street, Vaughan, ON, L4K 2M7 (East side of Jane, North of Hwy 7). | TAC Ontario 2025 Year End Social As 2025 comes to a close, it's time to come together, celebrate our accomplishments, and enjoy an evening of festive cheer! The TAC Ontario Chapter is thrilled to invite you to the TAC-ON Year-End Social and Santa Barbara Celebration. Join fellow TAC members, colleagues, and friends for a night of fun, food, and great company. What to Expect: • A delicious buffet dinner & drinks • Live music • Exciting raffle prizes (bring cash to participate!) • Networking with industry peers • TAC Coffee Table Book for sale at $200 (HST included) • And a few surprises along the way! Event Details: • Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025 • Location: Bellvue Manor, 8083 Jane Street, Vaughan, ON, L4K 2M7 (East side of Jane, North of Hwy 7). • Time: 5:30 p.m. (Doors Open) Registration: • TAC Members: $20 • Non‐Members: $120 (includes a $30 voucher towards TAC 2026 membership) • Corporate members are entitled to two participations as member. Online Pre-Registration is required. Walk-ins may not be accepted if we exceed the capacity and contract value. Showcase your Company - Sponsorship Opportunities are Available: • Platinum sponsorship (includes posting of banners and company promos, along with and 4 complementary registrations) • Gold sponsorship (includes posting of banners and company promos along with 2 complementary registration). Refer to the event registration page for more information. | Register HERE! |
| May 15-21, 2026 | Montréal, Québec, Canada | The WORLD TUNNEL CONGRESS 2026: Montréal Planning is underway for the WTC 2026! Get excited to join us in Montréal to meet high-profile leaders, decision-makers, and influencers from around the world. The Call for Abstracts will be launched in March 2025 followed by Registration in June 2025. In the meantime, be sure to join the conversation! We are excited to launch the www.wtc2026.ca website, distribution list as well as the World Tunnel Congress 2026 (WTC 2026) LinkedIn page! These platforms will keep you updated on all things related to the World Tunnel Congress in Montréal, including the theme "Connecting Communities through Underground Infrastructure / Connecter les communautés au moyen d'infrastructures souterraines." Stay tuned for the latest news, insights, and opportunities to engage with fellow tunnelling enthusiasts in 2026! Let’s connect and shape the future of our industry together! Exhibitor & Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Visit the event website for all the details! | https://wtc2026... |
| Jul 20, 2026 | Copper Creek Golf Club (11191 Highway 27, Kleinburg, ON. L0J 1C0) | SAVE THE DATE - TAC Ontario Chapter 2026 Golf Tournament Join the TAC Ontario Chapter for its 3rd annual golf event in 2026 at the Copper Creek Golf Club. Show your skills with the club and ball and enjoy a relaxed evening with industry colleagues. Space is limited (only 70 slots available). Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Details: - Monday, July 20, 2026 - Copper Creek Golf Club (11191 Highway 27, Kleinburg, ON. L0J 1C0) Registration will open in early Spring 2026. Registration includes: • Golf fees and dinner. • 18 Holes of Golf including Power Carts, Short Game Driving Range, Locker Room Usage, and Scoring • Dinner menu: will be sent by email for selection upon registration. --- Be a part of our event – get in touch about a sponsorship opportunity! • Bronze sponsorship - $1,000 (includes 1 free entry) • Gold sponsorship - $2,000 (includes 2 free entries) • Platinum sponsorship - $4,000 (includes 4 free entries) Sponsors will be recognized on the course and the TAC website. Get in touch with admin@tunnelcanada.ca today! |
