Society Notes September 2002

Society Notes - April 2005

1. Register for OSPE’s most important meeting of the year!

Join us on Thursday, May 19, 2005 for the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers’ Annual General Meeting.
Each year the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers holds an AGM, where members can get together and hear presentations from the Board of Directors on activities over the past year, including the audited financial statements for 2004, the appointment of the 2005 auditors and proposed by-law changes. The meeting also provides an opportunity for members to ask questions and share input with the Board on past and future OSPE activities.
This year’s meeting will be held at the Novotel Toronto North York, just north of HWY 401 off the Yonge Street exit. The AGM is free of charge and open only to OSPE members in good standing.

All members wishing to attend must register in advance with OSPE by Monday, May 16, 2005.

MEETING AGENDA:
Registration will open at 6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Annual General Meeting

•Call to order
•Report of the Nominations Committee: Announcement of new directors
•Report of the Treasurer: Presentation of audited financial statements
•Report of the Audit and Investments Committee: Appointment of auditors
•Motion to amend Bylaw No. 2, Article # 6 - Governance, 6.4, Eligibility to Serve
•Motion to amend Bylaw No. 2, Article #6 - Governance, 6.5, Nominations and Elections, 6.5.2
•Members' Questions

OSPE audited financial statements and information about the proposed bylaw changes are available online for members to view in advance of the AGM. Visit www.ospe.on.ca to find out more.

Register online now or by downloading a faxback registration form, or by contacting Elizabeth Armstrong at earmstrong@ospe.on.ca or at 416-223-9961 or toll free at 1-866-763-1654, ext. 225.

2. 2005 OSPE Board Election – Cast your vote today!

The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers is calling on members to make their voice heard by casting a vote in our annual Board election. A complete election package, including candidate biographical information, was mailed to all eligible voters on March 28, 2005. This year eight candidates will vie for four board positions each of three year terms. All Professional, Associate-Resident and Intern members of OSPE are eligible to vote. This is your organization. If you are eligible, please take a few moments to have your say and vote in this important election.

The following eight OSPE members (listed in alphabetical order) were approved as candidates by the Nominations Committee. All biographical information was prepared and submitted by the candidates. All candidate statements are the opinions of the candidates and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of OSPE or its Board of Directors. View each candidate's profile by visiting www.ospe.on.ca.

THREE-YEAR TERM

Walter K. Bilanski, P.Eng.
John F. Clayton, P.Eng.
Michael D. Monette, P.Eng.
James Victor Morris, P.Eng.
Michael Santaluce, P.Eng.
John J. Schindler, P.Eng.
Rakesh Shreewastav, P.Eng.
David Steeves, P.Eng.

VOTING PROCEDURE:
An independent agency, ADP Investor Communications (ADP), has been engaged to issue, collect and tabulate returned ballots and report on ballot results. If you are eligible to vote, please refer to the ballot you received in the mail for detailed instructions. If you are certain that you are eligible to vote and did not receive a voting package in the mail, please contact Andrea Vecera at (416) 223-9961 or 1 866 763-1654, ext. 222.
Voting officially opened on March 28. To be valid, all ballots must be received by ADP no later than May 2, 2005. Please do not send your ballot to the OSPE office.

Results of the election will be officially announced and the new Board will take office at the Society’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, May 19, 2005.

OSPE would like to ensure that our members have all the information they may need when casting their vote in our 2005 Board Election. To assist you we have provided a chart outlining our current Board's activities and involvement. View a chart of the current Board's activities and involvement at www.ospe.on.ca.

3. Job opportunities and more at OSPE’s Industry Networking Session

If you haven’t already done so, there is still time to register to attend the OSPE Industry Networking Session on April 25, 2005 in Toronto. This is your opportunity to meet top engineering employers face to face and connect with the engineering profession. Don’t miss out on this unique networking opportunity - register to attend today at www.ospe.on.ca.

Date: Monday, April 25, 2005
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Novotel Toronto North York
Cost: OSPE Member $35
Non-Member $60

Light refreshments are included in the price of admission.

Check out some of the employers attending this event:

• Hatch
• Ontario Power Generation
• Public Works and Government Services Canada
• KPMG MLSP
• City of Greater Sudbury
• Greater Vancouver Regional District
• MEDA Limited
• Jordan Engineering
• Ontario Ministry of Transportation
• Nuclear Safety Solutions Inc.
• Siemens VDO Automatic Inc.
• RCM Technologies Canada Corporation
• and many more!

This exclusive Industry Networking Session is part of a two-day Industry Forum for employers running from April 25 – 26, presented by OSPE and the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE). Ontario’s first Industry Forum provides an exceptional opportunity for employers of engineers across all industry sectors to learn about the latest engineering employment data and trends and the tools they need to plan their hiring and compensation strategies for the coming years.

Find out more about this event and register now at www.ospe.on.ca. Online registration is fast, safe and secure.

4. OSPE Members can Win Free Gas* For a Year!

Not only do OSPE members pay less at the pumps when you take advantage of our engineersfirst Esso program, now you can Win Free Gas* For a Year! Enter the “Win Free Gas* For a Year” contest and starting this summer and for the next 12 months you could be on your way to the cottage, to visit friends or family, wherever you’d like to go, without worrying about the cost of filling up your tank. Because we’ll take care of it for you!

It’s easy to enter, and there’s no purchase necessary. Simply download, print and fill out the Esso business account card application and mail it to the address indicated on the form or fax it to OSPE’s Imperial Oil Sales Representative, Raymond Armand at 450 246-3427. Or contact Member Services at memberservices@ospe.on.ca or by phone at 416-223-9961 ext. 222 and we’ll be happy to send you an application form. It’s that simple, and you could win!

The contest runs from February 11, 2005 until June 10, 2005 so make sure you get your application in before the contest deadline. The draw will take place on June 24, 2005 - please see complete contest rules and regulations for details.

By applying for our Esso gas discount program, not only will you be eligible to win, you’ll automatically save 3.8% on your fuel bill every month! To find out more about this exclusive contest and more about OSPE’s Esso member savings program login to engineersfirst at www.ospe.on.ca.

engineersfirst is OSPE’s exclusive membership benefits program designed to help you save money on a wide range of products and services. You must login to the Members Only section on our website in order to access engineersfirst. Remember to visit often, as new programs and services are added regularly.

*The winner will receive $2,000.00 in Esso Gift Certificates. Odds of being selected are dependent upon the number of eligible entries received.

5. New Building Code Regulations filed March 29

On March 31, 2005, OSPE held an exclusive networking breakfast that explored the changes to Ontario’s Building Regulatory System. A packed room of attendees heard from Al Suleman, P. Eng., A/Manager, Code Interpretation, Registration and Training at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, who presented a general overview of the changes and highlighted areas affecting professional engineers.

The exceptional session provided OSPE members with the opportunity to hear directly from the Ministry and learn for the first time about new regulations filed March 29, 2005. As a result of feedback provided by OSPE and other stakeholders the provincial government approved regulation 146/05.

Among the changes, Mr. Suleman highlighted specifics in the new regulations with respect to registration and qualification requirements that directly affect engineers. Most notably, a new Detection, Lighting and Power qualification category has been created as an option to Building Services for electrical engineers who design fire alarm, emergency lighting and other electrical and power systems. The new exam restricts the focus of the questions to those areas of the building code dealt with by electrical engineers.

Additional changes highlighted:

• The 5 day time frame for review of house "stock plan" agreements is eliminated. The standard 10 day timeframe will apply.
• The "complex building" qualification category is narrowed to include only those building components that make a building complex.
• For designers whose design activities are limited to sprinklers and standpipes a new "Fire Protection" qualification category is now available as an option to Building Services.
• Designers of certain CSA approved manufactured buildings are exempt from registration and qualification.
• Designers of new buildings ancillary to houses are exempt from registration and qualification if the building is not more than 50 square metres.
• Designers of pre-engineered building components such as LVL floor joists and wall panels are exempt from registration and qualification if designed by persons "competent in the specific discipline…"
• HVAC and plumbing designers who perform design work related to houses are exempt from registration.
• Design of site servicing, which includes site grading, storm water management, drainage and plumbing located outside of and under the building are exempt from registration and qualification.
• An "intern' status for building officials is created. Plans examiners and building inspectors can operate with restricted powers under the supervision of a qualified building official while working to become qualified.

In addition, a new designer legal process exam can now be applied for which changes the focus of the current questions to make them more relevant to designers.

To view syllabi or other qualification related materials please visit http://www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca/scripts/index_.asp
OSPE will continue to post updates as they become available.

Find out more about all of OSPE's work on Building Code Reform at www.ospe.on.ca.

6. Connect with engineers and enjoy a little Golf in between!

Warmer weather is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about OSPE’s 2nd Annual Golf Tournament – “The Pengy” to be held on July 7, 2005. Join fellow engineers, politicians and guests for a day of fun, food and prizes at Copper Creek Golf and Country Club, one of Ontario's premier golf courses. Bring your friends, clients and colleagues. Enjoy a morning shot-gun start followed by a barbeque lunch and awards presentation.

“The weather was perfect and the day was just wonderful,” said Daniel Couture, P.Eng, who was part of last year’s winning team. “I entered as a single and was paired up with an excellent group of fellow engineers and we unexpectedly ended up playing very well. As a member of the OSPE Government Relations Committee, I was also very pleased to see the Deputy Minister of Transportation at the event.”

Tournament Details:
When: Thursday July 7, 2005
Where: Copper Creek Golf and Country Club
11191 Highway #27
Kleinburg, ON
Schedule: 7:00 a.m. Registration and light breakfast
8:00 a.m. Shot-Gun Start Tournament begins
1:00 p.m. Luncheon and awards presentations

We encourage you to invite your colleagues, clients, employees or family members to join you for this day of fun on the links. Enter a foursome or feel free to register as a single and organizers will create a foursome for you.
Don’t have clubs? Rentals are available at the course. See directions and more about the Copper Creek Golf and Country Club.

Registration closes June 30, 2005. You can register online or download a registration form and fax it to us at (416) 223-9963 or 1 866 763-1655. For more information, contact Elizabeth Armstrong at earmstrong@ospe.on.ca or by phone at (416) 223-9961 or 1 866 763-1654, ext. 225. Find out more and register now.

Copper Creek - Voted Best New Course in Ontario! - Ontario Golf Magazine

7. OSPE Professional Development – Special Group Discounts

Did you know that many of OSPE’s professional development seminars and courses are available for on-site presentation? Take advantage of special group discounts when you or your employer books a group of three or more.

By bringing an OSPE custom program directly to you and your colleagues, you can significantly reduce your per person and total training costs. OSPE offers a large variety of on-site training and/or needs-based training opportunities to choose from that are both convenient and economical. Our most popular requests have come from many engineering employers requesting custom Building Regulatory Reform courses in order to meet the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing implementation deadline on July 1, 2005. Contact us at pd@ospe.on.ca or at 416-223-9961 ext. 230 to find out more.

Check out some of our upcoming courses/programs:
Advanced Design and Manufacturing Institute (ADMI) - various dates
Toronto: Complex Buildings - 2003 (April 11- May 10, 2005)
Ottawa: Building Structural - 2003 (April 21- 30, 2005)
Toronto: Small Buildings (May 2 – June 8, 2005)
London: Building Structural – 2003 (May 12 - 28, 2005)
London: Hazard Analysis and the Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (May 3, 2005)
Quality Assurance - various dates
The Project Management Course (April 11 - 13, 2005)
‘Inventive Problem Solving’ The Engineering of Creativity (May 10, 2005)

Visit Professional Development at www.ospe.on.ca to register for any of these courses and to find out more about all of our current offerings.

8. Looking for options in Home and Auto Insurance? Check out OSPE program through The Personal

Are you one of the thousands of professional engineers in Ontario considering switching your current home and auto insurance provider? If yes, than OSPE would like to remind you of one of our most popular member benefits programs through The Personal. As an OSPE member you receive preferred rates on home and auto coverage through OSPE’s exclusive program for Ontario’s engineers.

OSPE members can enjoy significant group savings when you switch your auto and property insurance to The Personal. You will be dealing with a company that has a reputation for excellent service, hassle-free claims and innovative products that meet your individual needs.

Read a message from The Personal – “Putting Perspective on Profits” at www.ospe.on.ca.

Find out how much you could save as an OSPE member by contacting The Personal at 1-866-669-6696.

Here's what members are saying about The Personal:

"I am pleased and amazed at the value I have received from the OSPE group insurance program with the Personal. By switching my auto policies to the Personal I have realized a reduction in my auto insurance of over 30%. These days auto insurance is skyrocketing and it is great to know that my membership in OSPE has proven to be a great hedge against rising insurance costs."
OSPE Professional Member

"When I received the newsletter from the OSPE advertising The Personal Insurance Company, I called them to see if I could get a better deal for my car insurance. For me the saving was $500 a year...that is huge! My OSPE membership has more than paid for itself!"
OSPE Professional Member

The Personal Home and Auto Insurance is part of engineersfirst, OSPE’s exclusive membership benefits program designed to help you save money on a wide range of products and services.

You must log into the Member’s Only section on our website in order to access engineersfirst. Remember to visit often, as new programs and services are added regularly. Haven’t registered to access our Members Login yet? Set up your account now!

You can also contact us at 416 223-9961 ext. 222 or by email at memberservices@ospe.on.ca to find out more.

9. Multifunctional Engineering: The Story of Engineers Without Borders in Ghana

Since 2001, OSPE has been proud to support the important work of Engineers Without Borders (EWB). The Society is pleased to present this six-part series of stories highlighting the exceptional work of EWB volunteers around the world. This series is an exclusive to Society Notes.

Part One:

Though previously known as the Gold Coast, for the 40 percent of Ghana’s population who live on less than $1 a day, this name is far from accurate. Rather, the West African country is highly dependent upon subsistence agriculture, has limited resources at its disposal and is heavily indebted.

In September 2003 Mike Quinn, a newly minted mechanical engineer committed to assisting developing world communities, left for Ghana on a placement with Engineers Without Borders. Partnering with the Kumasi Institute for Technology and Education (KITE), Mike’s task was to contribute to human development by assisting the launch of the first multifunctional platform (MFP) in Ghana.

A MFP is a 10 hp diesel engine mounted on a steel chassis that can power various agro-processing machinery such as a corn mill and oil press. It can also drive an alternator to charge batteries, power a water pump, and light up to 200 bulbs. Though the technology itself is standard equipment, made of widely available parts, low in cost and can be maintained and run by local technicians, the successful integration of the MFP into rural Ghana has proved extremely complex. Ultimately, it is hoped that the MFP can be used to reduce the amount of time spent on domestic labour and to provide energy for additional income generating activities, diversifying and expanding sources of income for local entrepreneurs.

Soon after arriving in Ghana, Mike’s enthusiasm was quickly interrupted as the extensive pilot project was crippled. Caught in a cyclical catch 22, the pilot project was stunted due to a lack of funding, and no one would commit funding without a successful pilot.

With massive amounts of work and significant financial resources already invested in the project, Mike along with KITE had to make a decision: a decision that could fall heavily upon Ghana’s most impoverished citizens. Should they risk their funds, including their operating budget, in hopes of a successful initiative? Or should they abandon the project altogether and use their limited resources on a project with a stronger guarantee?

Look in next month’s Society Notes for the continuation of the MFP project in Ghana.

Engineers Without Borders is a registered Canadian charity that helps people in developing communities gain access to basic engineering technologies that can reduce poverty, hunger and disease. Visit EWB’s website at www.ewb.ca to learn more.