The Voice - Winter 2020 - 13

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

where and how climate change and flooding in particular, is likely
to impact Ontario's communities.
OSPE responds to PEO's Guideline for Providing Engineering
Services Under O. Reg. 1/17 and Part II.2 of the EPA. OSPE
identifies that Section 4: Responsibilities of the LEP does not
explain exactly what the requisite qualifications are. We believe
that this Guide would be strengthened by explaining this in detail.
Section 6.6: Professional Competency and Disclosure should also
recommend the disclosure of formal training that the person has
had.

INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE

The infrastructure committee is tasked to advocate for greater
autonomy for engineers to provide essential management expertise
and oversight of public and private infrastructure, enhancing the
value, functionality and resiliency of projects that support our
communities. An integrated and reliable infrastructure system
is a key component of job creation and overall economic growth.
Investing in infrastructure translates to investing in people and
communities.

July

OSPE submits a response to ERO 019-1712: Environmental
assessment modernization: amendment proposals for
Class Environmental Assessments. Engineers note that the
proposal to exempt certain projects from the requirements of the
Environmental Assessment Act, subject to certain conditions to
be set out in a future regulation, has the potential to diminish the
environmental protections that would otherwise be in place.

to publicly release its entire costed plan and consult with
engineers when it comes to transit development.

November

OSPE submits a response to ERO 019-2462 Extending
Grandfathering for Infrastructure Projects and Providing
Additional Flexibility for Excess Soil Reuse.

ENERGY TASK FORCE

This committee works to promote the use of organizations
that have the engineering expertise to develop energy systems
in a cost-effective manner, while asking government to focus
on establishing high-level goals for Ontario's energy systems.
Effective energy policies must accommodate fundamental
engineering principles that govern energy production,
distribution and consumption.

February

OSPE speaks with VP of Policy at the Independent
Electricity System Operator (IESO) to discuss the need
for retail electricity pricing reform in Ontario.

June

Engineers write to the Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister of
Energy, Northern Development and Mines, calling on the
government to reform the province's electricity system.

July

OSPE meets with the Assistant Deputy Minister for the
Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines to
discuss the electricity file. Energy Task Force members
discussed OSPE's Retail Electricity Price Reform report and
the opportunities it presents for the province.

September

August

Engineers release a statement regarding The Eglinton
Crosstown West Extension and The Scarborough Subway
Extension. OSPE's Infrastructure Task Force has been calling
on all levels of government to retain expert engineering input
on transit infrastructure to guarantee short and long-term
transportation planning that best serves the Greater Toronto
and Hamilton Area for many years. OSPE urges the government

Engineers report that Ontario Wasted Enough Clean
Electricity to Power 720,000 Homes in 2019 - 12%
more than in 2018. Following a detailed analysis of yearend data issued by the Independent Electricity System
Operator (IESO) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG),
OSPE is reporting that in 2019, the province wasted a total
of 6.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean electricity - an amount
sufficient to power 720,000 typical homes for one year. This
data was highlighted by several media outlets, including:
Business Wire, Toronto Sun, Global News, Financial Post,
National Post, Toronto City News, North American Clean
Energy, The Vulcan Advocate, among others.

Winter 2021 THE VOICE

The Voice - Winter 2020

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