The Grands Prix du génie-conseil québécois 2022 celebrate the achievements of engineering leaders

July 12, 2022 - Leaders in the engineering field were honored for exemplary projects at the 20th edition of the Grands Prix du génie-conseil québécois, an event presented last night in Montreal by the Association des firmes de génie-conseil - Québec (AFG).

From a record 61 nominated projects, 14 were selected by an independent jury chaired by Luc Sirois, Quebec's Chief Innovator and General Manager of the Quebec Innovation Council. The quality of the engineering, the innovations developed and the benefits for society in terms of sustainable development were all taken into consideration in the evaluation of the nominated projects.

" The quality of the nominated projects and the innovation demonstrated by Quebec consulting engineering and its partners reflect our industry's ability to act as Leaders in a World in Transition, this year's theme," said Bernard Bigras, President and CEO of AFG.

Visionary Award: BBA, Polytechnique Montréal and Consortium SAF+

Consulting engineering firm BBA, Polytechnique Montréal and Consortium SAF+ have won the Visionary Award, presented to an engineering project of particular merit in terms of innovation, boldness or proactivity.

The project involves the installation and operation of a pilot plant to convert industrial carbon emissions into a new sustainable aviation fuel, with 80% less GHG impact than conventional kerosene. This is the first project to capture and convert CO2 into a usable product to be carried out in Quebec, and a forerunner in North America.

Winners in 13 categories

In addition to the Visionary Award, prizes were awarded in 13 categories.

Bâtiment Mécanique - Électrique: gbi was chosen by the CISSS des Laurentides to design a mobile sterilization unit for medical devices, a first in Quebec for this type of equipment. This extraordinary project called for ingenious solutions, as it included installation at the Mont-Laurier Hospital, then relocation and installation at the Saint-Jérôme Hospital.

Bâtiment Structure: EXP designed Canada's first three-storey wood-frame school building, the Vauquelin elementary school in Longueuil. This sustainable and innovative project, commissioned by the Centre de services scolaires Marie-Victorin, pushes the limits of wood construction and paves the way for similar projects!

Energy: CIMA+ and WSP joined forces on a project commissioned by Hydro-Québec, the Lac-Mégantic microgrid, involving the integration of photovoltaic solar panels, battery energy storage systems (centralized and decentralized) and building management systems.

Environment: To solve the problem of preservative contamination at a railroad tie reclamation center, GHD provided Canadian National with innovative design-build services. This innovative project used sustainable and effective waterproofing and water treatment methods.

Geotechnics and materials engineering: Groupe ABS provided the Société de transport de Montréal with materials engineering, geotechnical and environmental services for the construction of a universally accessible intermodal hub linking the Vendôme metro station, the EXO train station and the MUHC. A Canadian first was achieved, namely the installation of a tunnel using the riprap method.

Industry: Tasiast is a gold mine in Mauritania. An optimization study recommended a two-phase expansion to modernize the plant's existing infrastructure. The first phase of the expansion increased plant throughput from 8,000 to 12,000 tonnes per day. The value of the project carried out by Progesys for Kinross Gold Corporation is 300 million (USD).

Transportation infrastructure: The winning project involved the construction of a railway overpass to connect the Casavant Boulevard in Saint-Hyacinthe. AECOM's engineers demonstrated great ingenuity in proposing solutions to Canadian National Railway Company - CN that would enable the new structure to be built without disrupting train traffic and minimizing environmental impact.

Urban infrastructure: The city of Magog wanted to revitalize its downtown area to attract citizens, tourists and merchants. The Principale Ouest revitalization project, carried out by Pluritec, included replacing municipal services, rebuilding roads and sidewalks, burying networks, installing road lighting and charging stations, adding trees, landscaping and street furniture.

International: CIMA+ 's project for Votorantim Cimentos North America involved building a new maritime cement distribution network on the east coast of the United States and Canada, including a brand-new terminal in New York with a capacity of 44,000 metric tons, equivalent to 1,500 truckloads.

Consulting Engineering Mentor of the Year: With a career spanning over 35 years, Robert Marier of ABS Group has inspired many young professionals in the environmental field. His extensive technical knowledge and ability to share it have made him a natural mentor. Now retired, he continues to make himself available to accompany his former colleagues on occasion.

Consulting Engineering Mentor of the Year: Having worked in the field for almost 35 years, WSP 's Anne Chevrier has held many roles and acquired solid experience in all facets of engineering. She is a passionate engineer with an inspiring career path, and an exceptional ambassador who has paved the way for many women engineers.

PME génie-conseil: Maison Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine, a heritage gem, avoids demolition and is reborn in its most beautiful guise. "ENFIN, ELLE REVIT!" headlined La Presse columnist Mario Girard in September 2020. For the community, this project of great architectural value, realized by SDK et associés and Groupe Brivia, offers a replacement for a derelict site.

Consulting engineering: Mélanie Doyle-Pesant of Bouthillette Parizeau is an inspiring role model for the next generation. Leading the design team for the emergency air-conditioning project at Hôpital Jean-Talon to combat COVID-19, she found innovative engineering solutions for CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal that were rapidly applicable, efficient and sustainable, to the benefit of the hospital, its nursing staff and patients.

Telecommunications and new technologies: In its 2025 organizational strategic plan, the Société de transport de Montréal aims to achieve excellence in passenger mobility services and the evolution of its offer. It therefore entrusted WSP with the mandate of assisting it in a shift towards electric mobility, by implementing a demonstration project for a computerized monitoring and control solution.

To find out more about the winners of the Grands Prix du génie-conseil québécois, visit the AFG website.