Thursday, September 25, 2025
Canadians were among the winners at the 2025 FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) Global Infrastructure Awards, held in Cape Town, South Africa, which highlight the achievements and successes of consulting engineering member firms and their clients across the globe and the important impact their construction and infrastructure projects have on social, economic and environmental quality of life around the world.
Outgoing FIDIC president Catherine Karakatsanis, senior vice president of Stantec commented: “I’m so proud that once again this year we are able to highlight the best of our industry, the difference it makes and the lasting contribution that engineers and other professionals in the infrastructure sector make to society on a worldwide scale. The successful projects this year reflects the excellence of the work of consulting engineers and the value that our industry brings to society by planning, developing and delivering world-class projects.”
Negin Tousi, a senior project manager and water engineer with David Nairne + Associates in Vancouver was named as the winner of the winner of the FIDIC 2025 Future Leaders Award.
The FIDIC Future Leaders Awards highlight the outstanding talent and potential within the consulting engineering sector, recognising individuals who have made, or are poised to make, significant contributions to the sector.
Announcing the winner of the award, Artur Brito, the chair of the FIDIC Future Leaders Advisory Council and a development manager at TPF Engenharia in Brazil, said: “These awards are absolutely essential in recognizing the exceptional accomplishments of emerging leaders in the consulting engineering sector. And this year’s winner is an exceptional young leader in the consulting engineering industry who has proven time and again that their ability to take projects over the finish line is truly exemplary.
“They are already well known for implementing innovative solutions that address complex challenges and their inclusive approach and ability to foster positive collaboration among a wide range of diverse stakeholders is widely praised by industry peers. Negin Tousi has demonstrated her capabilities, excellence in engineering and community and professional society leadership in an exemplary manner.”
gbi, a Quebec consulting engineering firm, won first prize in the Large Projects category for the design and implementation of a dual energy transfer loop in the Royalmount commercial building, a project located in the heart of the Island of Montreal.
As lead engineer, gbi proposed a solution based on two interconnected energy transfer loops that optimize energy sharing between buildings, according to the specific needs of each space. With 150 geothermal wells reaching depths of 600 feet, renewable energy sources, geothermal and hydroelectricity, supply 86 per cent of the project’s energy needs in a highly densified urban environment.
“This international award recognizes our ability to design concrete and innovative energy solutions tailored to the challenges of modernity. My greatest pride is that, as a team, we achieved all the objectives while showcasing the expertise of Quebec engineering. Since this concept can be replicated for both buildings and entire districts, we are optimistic about adapting it to other projects on a global scale,” said Serge Beaudoin, president and principal designer of the energy transfer loop
CIMA+ received top prize in the Small to Medium Project category for the Mill Creek Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Project for the project’s innovative and sustainable approach to climate-resilient infrastructure.
“This international recognition is a powerful testament to the talent and teamwork of our people. It also reflects CIMA+’s commitment to creating resilient infrastructure and contributing to a more sustainable world,” said Denis Thivierge, president and CEO of CIMA+.
The Mill Creek flood protection project, delivered by CIMA+ on behalf of the City of Kelowna, was developed in response to increasingly severe flood events caused by climate change and urban development. The project involved upgrading an existing diversion structure to reduce flood risk by redirecting excess water from Mill Creek to Mission Creek and included the construction of a dam and dike. The upgrades also restored upstream fish passage and enhanced in-stream habitat to support fish and wildlife, contributing to both flood resilience and ecosystem health.
“This award celebrates the strength of partnerships and the power of engineering to address both climate challenges and community needs. We are proud to have collaborated with the City of Kelowna and local stakeholders to deliver a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready solution for flood protection and environmental infrastructure,” said Ali Malekian, senior project manager at CIMA+.
The project also provided meaningful social and economic benefits to the community. By reducing flood risk in a densely developed urban area, the project protected over 1,650 properties and key infrastructure—such as roads, utilities and emergency access routes—within a 3.4 km² zone. This significantly reduced the risk of flood-related damage, costly repairs and service disruptions.
“For CIMA+, being recognized on the global stage by FIDIC is a great honour. It showcases not only our ability to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to complex challenges, but also the relevance of Canadian expertise in advancing infrastructure resilience worldwide,” added Ali Taleb, Senior Director at CIMA+.
The project also stood out for its engagement with Indigenous communities and its economic impact, involving more than ten local and Indigenous-owned businesses throughout the planning and construction process.
“This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of our teams in Western Canada,” said Daniel J. Matthews, regional executive vice president, Western Canada for CIMA+. “It’s a rewarding moment that highlights not only the success of this project, but also the growing recognition of CIMA+ as a key contributor to resilient infrastructure solutions across the West, across Canada, and even internationally.”
Featured image: Negin Tousi, winner of the 2025 FIDIC Future Leaders Award (centre), Artur Brito, chair of the FIDIC Future Leaders Advisory Council (left) and FIDIC’s outgoing president Catherine Karakatsanis. (FIDIC)
