Archives: 40 Under 40 Winners

Kenton Betts has made significant contributions to both the construction industry and its public sector clients over the past decade, primarily by maximizing the value for money delivered to taxpayers on social infrastructure projects. Among other achievements, he spearheaded development of the Manitoba government’s widely acclaimed Alternative Capital Project Framework, led the team that provided Toronto’s North York General Hospital with revolutionary procurement and financial strategies for a senior’s campus of care and other facilities, and, as director of public private partnership implementation for Alberta Infrastructure, oversaw the award-winning P3 procurement of five high schools. Equipped with a bachelor of arts in political science and a master of arts in public administration, Kenton holds certifications as a management accountant, a chartered professional accountant, and a project management professional. Most importantly, whether as mentor, colleague, or partner, he generously shares the benefits of his learning and experience with those around him.

Kazim Kanani’s 19 years in the construction sector have positioned him as an authority in field of construction specifications, contracts and contract administration. His professional journey began in 2006 as a specification writer at Parkin Architects Limited. In 2010, he transitioned to B+H Architects, assuming the role of specification writer and contract administrator. Kaz’s career eventually led him to BDP Quadrangle in 2015. By 2017 he achieved the designation of associate and was promoted to senior associate just a year later. In addition to his work at BDP, Kaz has been a professor at George Brown College since 2017 where he has helped develop and deliver the specifications and documentation course for its architectural technology program. His dedication to the industry is evident through his involvement in Construction Specifications Canada, CSI and Canstruction. At CSC he became the youngest Fellow to be inducted in 2020 and subsequently become one of its youngest presidents in 2022.

Julien Laplante-Laberge has managed construction projects across Ontario and Quebec with contract values ranging from $22 million to almost $2 billion. In various capacities, he has contributed to several ventures recognized for their outstanding execution, including the Caribou Falls Block Dam 2 Reconstruction Project, the Turcot Interchange, and the Lower Mattagami River Project. While his own experience is long and broad, Julien is a big believer in helping junior colleagues and craft workers to develop by encouraging them to propose solutions to complex engineering problems and – as and when appropriate – implementing their suggestions. Julien embraces diversity and inclusiveness, supporting and sponsoring efforts to increase the number of women at Kiewit and within the industry as a whole. In addition, he has demonstrated a passion for using trainings and community sports events to help build and maintain healthy relationships with Indigenous communities.

Jon Higgins has been instrumental in pushing the limits of modular construction in Canada with his work at Stack Modular and Bird Construction. His began his career at Bird in 2009 as a project coordinator, going on to work as an estimator, project manager and construction manager. Over the years, he has developed an extensive understanding of offsite construction processes and on-site installation that have elevated the company’s modular project execution. His portfolio includes $100 million of executed modular projects, including the award-winning Aqsarniit Hotel and Cedar Valley Lodge. Jon is working to bridge the worlds of construction and modular manufacturing. He also played a key role in keeping massive, complex modular projects on track in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, coming up with creative solutions to mitigate risks. 

Geoff Howe began his PCL career as an estimator in Toronto where he was exposed to estimating, pursuing and securing profitable work, and alternate delivery models. One of his early key roles was as design manager on the successful Toronto Pan Am Aquatic Centre constructed for the 2015 Pan Am Games. He progressed up the PCL ranks through various assignments and operational roles in Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg and Vancouver, and now works in his hometown of Ottawa as district manager where he oversees the business and multiple active pursuits valued at more than $3 billion. PCL noted his role as a leader is critical for the management and future growth of PCL Ottawa’s District, which is currently working on proposals amounting to $6 billion in potential major and special projects. On top of that, Geoff has spearheaded the adoption of digital construction methods, is a strong advocate for women in construction and continues to dedicate his time to charitable initiatives including MS, Special Olympics Canada, United Way, Pathways to Education, and the CNIB.

After his graduation from an architectural technologies program, Connor Chow doubled down on his academic journey. While working for a consulting engineering firm he completed certificates in project management and construction law. Subsequently he was part of the first graduating class of a brand-new bachelor of construction management program at SaskPolytech prior to completing a master of architecture degree from the University of Calgary. He commands a niche position in construction surety that requires the review and audit of distressed projects, using his knowledge to make key determinations, take remedial action, and complete the project. Directing a team of consultants and lawyers across Canada he is responsible for a diverse commercial construction portfolio. Connor can frequently be found at project locations across the country. He performs project audits, retains completion contractors and manages stakeholders, including owners, sponsors, contractors, lawyers, governments and the public. Connor holds holds several industry honours and designations, and has successfully united various professional undertakings as a comprehensive construction expert.

Colin Smith-Windsor’s career path in the construction industry has passed through several of Saskatchewan’s most important sectors, beginning in 2006 where he led a small civil crew on a remote gold mine site. Since joining Graham in 2008, he has taken on progressive roles delivering projects in the uranium, potash, oil and gas, and energy industries. Apart from a BSc in mechanical engineering, he holds P. Eng and PMP designations, and has demonstrated exceptional management, leadership, and interpersonal skills. His attention to health, safety and environmental issues is likewise well-established, and of course, he has consistently achieved strong bottom-line results. Colin is perhaps best-known, however, for promoting and achieving stronger partnerships with Indigenous communities, opening up both labour and professional opportunities to Indigenous individuals, and ensuring that decision-making includes a focus on capacity development.

Starting his career in construction as a project manager, Colin Olfert reinforced his experience by overseeing a diverse portfolio of projects spanning healthcare, education, recreation, water treatment, and retail. He joined Westridge in 2018 and in just a few years was named CEO. Since joining the company, revenues have increased by more than 35 per cent with another 40 per cent expected this year. Among many other things, he has overseen the development of a complete performance management process for the company and has created an outline for a detailed project forecasting tool. He has also transformed the company’s health and safety practices. Outside of work, he serves on many boards, including charities and industry associations. 

Chuck acts as senior legal counsel at the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority where he manages legal risk on the $5.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge project and liaises with numerous government stakeholders. With nine years of experience in construction law, Chuck has also represented contractors, sureties and owners in various infrastructure projects, and teaches construction law at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law. He has made significant contributions that have shaped the industry and facilitated the successful execution of major infrastructure projects, including his role in Ontario’s expert review of the Construction Lien Act, where his team’s recommendations were instrumental in the subsequent overhaul of the province’s lien legislation. He is also involved in the broader legal community as a member of various legal associations, including the Ontario Bar Association where he serves as an executive member in the Construction and Infrastructure Section.

As a lawyer with Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP in Toronto, Cheryl Labiris has been using her legal talent to assist some of the country’s largest construction projects. Cheryl has been involved in several successful, nine-figure settlement negotiations, and co-led the negotiation and settlement process in relation to resolving over 100 discrete claims totaling over $1 billion. ​​She is also part of Canadian legal history with her involvement in the first-ever COVID-19 application in North America. With Cheryl’s assistance, Singleton Reynolds was successful in overturning the contractor’s successful COVID-19 application at the Ontario Court of Appeal, which involved the declaration that COVID-19 was an emergency, and that the owner directed the contractor to perform additional and overriding procedures. Cheryl thrives on finding unique solutions based on the specific factual matrices at play and is a true forward-thinker and a significant contributor to the construction law bar.

Brandon Bird combines the ingenuity of an old-school tradesperson with the vision of a forward-looking leader. His personal certifications include Red Seal Plumber, Forklift Class 1-7 Instructor, Aerial Work Platforms Instructor, WHMIS Instructor, and Construction Health and Safety Representative. As the third generation to run his family’s business, Bird has led multiple acquisitions, expanding the company’s services into strategic construction management, as well as its geographic footprint as it entered Atlantic Canada, all while personally supervising its project management, estimating, fabrication and administration teams. Among other roles, he also sits on the boards of both the Mechanical Contractors Association of Toronto, leading its Education Committee, and the Durham College Foundation, and has helped to fund the latter’s efforts to impart more skilled trades. His dedication has made Bird Mechanical a unique player in the industry, empowering it to win high-profile contracts and provide safe conditions and generous benefits for its employees.

Brad Cyr exemplifies EllisDon’s core value of entrepreneurial enthusiasm, but just as importantly, he’s built a culture of freedom, trust, and innovation where everyone has the ability to drive the business and their own career to the fullest. Brad got his start as a field engineer, then moved up to assistant superintendent before shifting into project management. When EllisDon decided to enter the Quebec market for the first time in its seven-decade history, he embraced the challenge, relying on his rich experience with different types of projects, clients, and contracts to ensure a successful expansion. The Quebec office now boasts over 100 employees and is establishing EllisDon as a premiere construction services company within the market. Having studied civil engineering at Carleton University and corporate finance at Wharton, Brad also carries numerous certifications, including construction law, leadership in energy and environmental design, project management professional, and virtual design/BIM.

Ashvin Ghurburrun came to Canada as an immigrant working at a Montreal call centre. After entering the construction industry, he began rising through the ranks. Starting as a field engineer, he eventually became construction engineer/COO of MND North America, overseeing four diverse lines of business in Canada and the U.S. Today, as the senior project manager for civil projects at PCL Construction in Calgary, Ashvin has amassed an 18-year track record of achievements that spans multinational bridges, infrastructure, and geotechnical design endeavors. This includes working on a first-of-its-kind detachable aerial tramway in Canada and the U.S., boosting concrete design and quality assurance for LaFarge Precast in Calgary, managing remote Parks Canada infrastructure projects, and collaborating on the $3.7 billion Turcot Interchange design rehabilitation and feasibility study at Quebec Transportation. He attributes his success to applying value engineering to the field, constructability, leadership and community engagement.

As innovation director for the Americas, Anton Ricafort is a key part of keeping Acciona’s operations on the cutting edge. With 15 years of global experience, Anton has become integral to fostering innovation, talent development and sustainable infrastructure practices. Anton recently orchestrated the company’s inaugural North America Innovation Awards, engaging over 70 employees from the region to devise creative solutions enhancing operational efficiency. As a key contributor to redesigning Acciona’s co-op program, he continually helps develop emerging talent. Notably, he contributed to Acciona’s successful launch of its Silicon Valley Antenna, which has opened a gateway to cutting-edge technological trends. His peers noted that he leads with an innovative mindset, strong industry knowledge and most importantly, empathy and a genuine interest in developing talent and advancing the construction industry.

Anthony Burden is a highly regarded Calgary-based lawyer whose practice focuses heavily on construction. He has appeared as counsel of record in more than 20 written court decisions – usually as lead or sole counsel for the successful party, and typically opposite much more senior counsel. Anthony is also the author of dozens of articles, most of them on construction law, and is closely involved with numerous professional and industry groups, including the Canadian Bar Association’s National Construction and Infrastructure Section, the Society of Construction Law – North America, and the Calgary Construction Association. In his own workplace, Anthony is devoted to supporting the development of both summer students and articling students and is on his firm’s Wellness Team. Since 2015, he also has provided pro bono law services to needy clients who cannot afford legal counsel.

Annik Forristal was an engineer before she became a lawyer, giving her unique and valuable perspectives from which to advise clients in the construction industry. The success of her practice is evident by many measures, starting with the high profiles of the clients and projects she has advised, among them Rogers Stadium Limited Partnership (renovation of Rogers Centre) and The Hospital for Sick Children (including its Project Horizon campus redevelopment). Annik also worked with the Ontario Association of Architects to update their standard form contracts. Recognized by multiple organizations as one of Canada’s leading construction and infrastructure lawyers, she also received McMillan’s in-house Leadership in Mentoring Award. Annik’s devotion to the construction industry is manifest in the sheer number of activities she undertakes on its behalf, including strong advocacy for best practices and working with opposing counsel in a spirit of partnership rather than of animosity.

Andrew Bigioni has been a key player in numerous prominent infrastructure projects in Canada and abroad, including the Keeyask Hydropower Station in Manitoba, LRTs in Ontario and Alberta and the USA, several billion-dollar bridge refurbishments across the country, and both the expansion of the Go Train system and redevelopment of the Port Lands in Toronto. Having previously worked as a labourer, surveyor and foreman before becoming a lawyer, his in-depth knowledge of the construction industry has made him a crucial adviser and problem-solver for his employers, as well as their clients and partners. From project development to execution and delivery models, Andrew helps colleagues and clients alike to get things done. He even helped to pick up the pieces after Canada’s first P3 default, negotiating a deal that got the project back on track. Andrew’s inventiveness and can-do attitude make him a facilitator par excellence, and he also helps younger lawyers to follow in his footsteps.      

Allison Hurley first joined EllisDon as a co-op student in 2010 and has worked her way up by excelling in several positions requiring multidisciplinary leadership, including project coordinator, bid manager, and business development manager. She has been instrumental in a series of successes for EllisDon, from building the company’s reputation in the B.C. market to shepherding successful bids for a wide variety of big-ticket civil projects in Ontario and Quebec. Allison’s educational background is equally diverse. Having earned an honours degree in applied bio-molecular science from Lakehead University and an MBA from Vancouver Island University, she has also furthered her industry knowledge through various construction related courses. In addition to her personal achievements, Allison also finds time for mentoring, volunteering, contributing to industry groups, and sharing knowledge with respect to new contracting models.

Ahmed Montaser, director of integrated operational controls at Aecon, is making his mark on construction and engineering. He has had a hand in such major Canadian projects as the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, the GO Rail Expansion program and the Darlington Small Modular Reactor Project. While Ahmed holds a master’s in construction engineering and management, he is also highly experienced in planning, engineering and construction of major infrastructure and energy projects. Ahmed implements innovative integrated project controls and BIM processes and develops digital tools to fortify project management from the earliest planning stages to execution to eliminate waste and establish project execution strategies. His impact goes well beyond projects, showing a commitment to the community by mentoring immigrant engineers and sharing knowledge at conferences. His seven publications, including insights into hydropower construction, demonstrate his dedication to advancing industry practices.