Hear from these Industry Leaders: |
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Graeme Purves,
Assistant Chief Planner,
Directorate for the Built Environment,
Scottish Government |
Cathie O’Toole,
Chief Financial Officer,
Halifax Regional Municipality |
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Detailed Conference Agenda |
DAY ONE
Wednesday June 24th, 2009
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| 7:30 AM Registration & Sponsor Exhibits Open |
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| 8:15 AM Opening Address From The Chair |
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Karl Scharnitzky,
Senior Director, Business Strategy, Capital Planning,
Altus Group |
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8:30 AM Keynote Address
A Nation-Wide Approach: Setting Priorities For the Improvement of National Infrastructure |
The Scottish Government has just completed work on Scotland’s second National Planning Framework, which sets priorities for the improvement of Scotland’s infrastructure over the period to 2030. The Framework takes forward the Government’s commitments on sustainable economic growth and climate change to support the move to a low carbon economy. Hear about the approach to:
 Developing national transport, energy and environmental infrastructure
Engaging the public and communities in national infrastructure planning
Assessing the environmental impacts of strategic development
Learn from Scotland’s National Planning Framework and find out how we can develop a more unified approach to improving our national infrastructure. |
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Graeme Purves,
Assistant Chief Planner, Directorate for the Built Environment,
Scottish Government |
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| 9:15 AM Greening Our Infrastructure: Strategies to Reduce the Impact of Canada’s Infrastructure on Climate Change – And Vice Versa! |
Climate change poses serious threats to our infrastructure – and conversely, many of our practices regarding infrastructure contribute to accelerating climate change. In order to slow and halt this cycle, we must create models for infrastructure and development that take sustainability and adaptation measure into account, while acknowledging the needs of the business community.
Understand the economic impact of climate change
Hear about successful initiatives to design our structures and cities better
Improve risk and life-cycle cost management to reduce the vulnerability of our
critical infrastructure
Find out how to mitigate the effects of climate change on our infrastructure,
and how you can minimize your carbon footprint.
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Dr. Gordon McBean,
Director, Policy Studies, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction,
University of Western Ontario; Member of the Board, International
Institute for Sustainable Development |
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| 10:00 AM Sponsor Exhibit Area – Networking Break |
Interact with conference speakers and fellow attendees. Secure important new business contacts and talk about crucial developments in infrastructure funding and planning.
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10:30 AM Case Study: Portland
Creating Livable Cities: A Comprehensive Green Approach to Growth and Economic Vibrancy |
City planners in Portland have been thinking green since the 1970s, when the city enacted strict land-use policies, and so there is no surprise that for the second year in a row Portland is ranked the most sustainable city. However, the city recognizes there is much work to be done to reach critical milestones for climate protection, recycling and to ensure growth and development toward a thriving, livable city. Hear about:
The early precedents for sustainable development through land-use policies and an urban growth boundary
The economic benefits of its green approach to building, renewable energy and mass transportation
The aim to become a “20 Minute City”
Emulate the forethought and success of Portland, and make your community
as livable as it can be!
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Karl Lisle,
Senior Planner, Central Portland Team, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability,
City of Portland |
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11:15 AM Case Study: Yellowknife
Ensuring Accountability In Infrastructure And Built Environment Sustainability Initiatives |
Yellowknife has been named “Best Small City” in terms of sustainability for the second year in a row. The City is planning to build on their success with a strong plan for developing further with complete accountability and transparency. This address will cover:
Integration of energy efficiency into building bylaws
Development of capacity to ensure due diligence in public asset management
Minimization of unanticipated costs associated with remediation of future impacts of climate change
Hear about Yellowknife’s accountable decision-making and apply their success in your community. |
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Mark Heyck,
Deputy Mayor,
City of Yellowknife |
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| 12:00 PM Exhibition Area – Networking Luncheon |
Join the conference speakers and your peers for a relaxing luncheon. |
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1:30 PM Case Study: Detroit River International Crossing
International Collaboration To Boost Economic Renewal On Both Sides Of The Border |
The Michigan Department of Transportation has recently completed the environmental clearance phase for a new international border crossing system in Detroit. The project is complex, controversial, and perhaps critical to the economic recovery of the State of Michigan. Hear more about:
The challenges, successes and lessons learned in international cooperation and partnerships
The next steps for the project
The potential economic impact on Southeastern Michigan and Southwestern Ontario
Find out about the progress of the crossing and the unique challenges faced along the way. |
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Dave Wresinski,
Project Planning Division Administrator,
Michigan Department of Transportation |
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| 2:15 PM Sponsor Exhibit Area – Networking Break |
Continue the debate and discussion with your peers while enjoying a refreshing break. |
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| 2:45 PM Understanding Public Private Partnership Delivery Models to Enhance Infrastructure Decision-Making |
Particularly in times of economic hardship, governments must explore a variety of options before setting the course on infrastructure projects. This session will provide an overview of the PPP model, including associated benefits and project characteristics best suited to the model.
Explore design-build-finance-maintain, design-build-finance operate, designbuild- operate and design-build models, and the potential benefits of each model
Understand the policy framework for PPPs and the screening criteria used to determine which projects are best suited to be delivered as public private partnerships
Hear about real cases including the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project, Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, Brittania Mine Water Treatment Plant and the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre
Get the information you need to make the right choice for your projects!
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Sue Fimrite,
Project Director,
Partnerships BC |
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3:30 PM Case Study: Town of Markham
Engaging The Public Through Innovative And Interactive Consultation To Expedite Project Delivery |
Understanding the needs and expectations of the public is crucial factor in implementing and facilitating the progress of infrastructure programs. This case study will examine how to:
Develop the most effective programs for soliciting feedback in today’s age
Ensure participation is encouraged and a consistent message presented
Follow up with concrete results
Take away tips to understand the needs and expectations of your community
and get buy-in for your projects.
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Joseph Virgilio,
Councillor, Ward 3,
Town of Markham |
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4:15 PM Conference Adjourns to Day Two
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DAY TWO
Thursday June 25th, 2009 |
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| 7:30 AM Registration & Sponsor Exhibits Open |
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| 8:15 AM Opening Remarks from the Chair |
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Karl Scharnitzky,
Senior Director, Business Strategy, Capital Planning,
Altus Group |
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8:30 AM Case Study: Kingston
Energy Infrastructure: Addressing Climate Change Concerns with Renewed, Expanded and Smarter Power Infrastructure |
Ontario’s Hydro One has taken extensive steps to renew the province’s electricity system with a focus on infrastructure renewal. Key to this program is innovation and an eye to greening energy infrastructure. This session will address:
Empowering consumers to control their power usage and costs
Allowing clean and renewable generation to meet an increasing share of our power needs
The role of increasingly clean power generation in meeting carbon challenges of other economic sectors, and transportation in particular
Recognize the economic and environmental benefits of greening our energy
infrastructure.
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Steve Dorey,
Vice President, External Relations,
Hydro One |
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9:15 AM Best Practices: Water Sustainability Action Plan For BC
Doing Business Differently to Achieve Water Sustainability Through Partnerships, Innovation and Integration |
The Water Sustainability Action Plan for BC is developing a vision and road map for achieving settlement and balance with ecology concerning water infrastructure practices. Implementing green infrastructure policies is key to achieving water sustainability, which requires an integrated paradigm shift to remove silos from water and land management. In this session, delegates will:
Increase their understanding of what Living Water Smart can mean for Canada
Learn about regional initiatives where business is already being done differently
Understand the tools that support integration of land and water management
Hear about integrated innovations that will help local governments to make green choices and keep our water healthy and secure.
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Kim Stephens,
Program Coordinator,
Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia |
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| 10:00 AM Networking Break |
Interact with conference speakers and fellow attendees. |
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10:30 AM Case Study: Saskatoon
Priority Setting and Needs Assessment: Developing a Long-Term Strategic Plan for Sustainable Infrastructure That Balances Renewal, Rehabilitation and New Development |
The City of Saskatoon is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. Its relatively new boom has placed a strain on the balance of growth and maintenance of its infrastructure. Hear about the coordinated plan to:
Account for new growth and communities and enhance the economy
Manage the task of renewal and rehabilitation to provide adequate service levels
Determine the best process for priority setting and needs assessment
Gain valuable insight into how you can set priorities and find the balance to serve your municipality’s needs best. |
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Colin Prang,
Manager of Surface Infrastructure Preservation,
Strategic Services Branch - Infrastructure Services Department,
City of Saskatoon |
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11:15 AM Panel Discussion
Proactive Planning Strategies To Manage Infrastructure Challenges And Receive Government Funding |
Canada’s smaller centres face different challenges to addressing the needs of their capital planning business processes to manage their infrastructure, which requires creative and proactive approaches. Our larger centres can also benefit from hearing the ways small rural communities can overcome their limitations and effectively manage their infrastructure.
How can communities take advantage of infrastructure monies from Federal and Provincial governments?
How can they balance the costs of preserving aging infrastructure and the community’s needs?
Join the discussion with federal, provincial and municipal representatives
Learn about proactive and implementable strategies to take advantage of federal and provincial funding. |
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Moderator:
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Jennifer Keesmaat,
Partner,
Office for Urbansim |
Frank Miele,
Chief Administrative Officer,
Town of Meaford |
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 More to come... |
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| 12:00 PM Exhibition Area – Networking Luncheon |
Compare notes with your colleagues and conference faculty over a relaxing lunch. |
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1:30 PM Case Study: Halifax
Optimizing Asset Management: Best Practices and Innovations to Build Municipal Economic Prosperity |
Municipal infrastructure across the country is aging, and many communities are struggling to maintain adequate service levels to serve their citizens. A solid asset management plan will give your municipality the foundation on which to build a stronger future.
Minimize cost to maintain sustainable levels of service
Maximize the use of existing infrastructure
Unify all processes to build toward a strategic plan
Emulate Halifax’s success in infrastructure asset management in your community. |
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Cathie O’Toole,
Chief Financial Officer,
Halifax Regional Municipality |
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| 2:15 PM Supplier and Vendor Report Card: Performance Indicators and Measurement for Evaluating Infrastructure Service Providers |
Many municipalities rely heavily on infrastructure service providers to assist them to plan, develop, operate, and manage infrastructure initiatives. However, it is crucial to have firmly established criteria in place to evaluate the benefit received.
What are the key criteria for evaluation based on your needs?
When is the right time to fire a firm? And how?
How can you ensure clear communication with the provider to avoid unforeseen problems?
Come away with a comprehensive strategy to evaluate industry suppliers to enhance your decision-making process. |
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John Haythorne,
Partner,
Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP |
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| 3:00 PM Conference Adjourns |
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