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!

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

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.

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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!