A group of distinguished engineers convenes to discuss the formation of a national association dedicated to advancing the consulting engineering profession in Canada. Among the participants is meeting chairman Jacques de Gaspé Beaubien—widely recognized as ACEC’s founder—and C.N.
On this day, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada is officially incorporated in Montreal, Quebec—marking the birth of a unified voice for the country’s consulting engineering industry.
The first Annual Meeting of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada is held at the prestigious Montreal Club, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s early history. During this inaugural gathering, the Association formally elects its first members and appoints its founding Board of Directors.
To broaden its national reach and strengthen its professional network, the Board extends personal invitations to prominent engineers beyond Montreal. Among those invited are W.G. Swan, Chief Engineer for the Vancouver Harbour Commission and a leading...
The Association’s first annual report, covering 1926-27, reflects a growing and ambitious organization, with 17 members representing 13 distinct firms across Canada
The stock market crash of 1929 sends shockwaves through Canadian society, marking the beginning of the Great Depression. Like many organizations of the time, ACEC feels the strain
Amid the global upheaval of the Second World War, the Association briefly reconvenes. Board minutes from this period record the appointment of George K. McDougall as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, succeeding L.R. Thomson, who had been called to Ottawa...
After a 15-year hiatus brought on by the Great Depression and the Second World War, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada reconvenes—this time with several founding members in attendance
A committee is appointed to collaborate with the Engineering Institute of Canada on addressing the imposition of duties on engineering plans entering Canada—an issue of professional practice.
As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing the consulting engineering profession, ACEC undertakes several key initiatives:
During a special meeting of the Association, a motion is passed to hold at least one meeting in Toronto each year, an important step toward expanding the organization’s focus and activities beyond Montreal.
The Secretary represents ACEC at a special meeting of the Engineering Institute of Canada regarding the 1946 repeal of Tariff Item 180(C), which had allowed the duty-free importation of engineering plans into Canada
R.W. Gould is listed in meeting minutes as Secretary for the first time, following ACEC’s decision the previous year to initiate a search for a paid secretary—marking a shift toward more formalized administrative support within the organization.
The Association takes a formal step toward standardizing professional agreements by adopting a standard form of contract. The decision follows a proposal submitted by Board Director Mr. Friedman, whose draft agreement is approved as the recommended model for members
Amid Canada’s post-war infrastructure expansion, ACEC highlights the value of Canadian consulting engineers.
The Nominations Committee discusses increasing the number of Directors from six to eight or nine to ensure broader regional representation on the Board, including voices from the Maritime Provinces and Western Canada.
Following a membership poll, ACEC decides to hold its Annual Meeting concurrently with the Engineering Institute of Canada’s event—both at the same time and location—to encourage greater participation and alignment within the engineering community.
In a historic first for the Association, five distinguished individuals are awarded life memberships in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and the organization. The inaugural recipients are:
When tenders are issued for the new Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Building in Toronto, the process permits the general contractor to submit detailed plans, specifications, and design proposals, while the owner’s staff provides only basic plans.
ACEC takes a proactive stand for consulting engineers by writing to the Departments of Transport, Health and Welfare, and Northern Affairs and National Resources. The Association urges these departments to raise the cap on architect fees beyond the 5%...
Honorary life membership is conferred upon The Right Honourable Clarence Decatur Howe in recognition of his distinguished service. Mr. Howe held key cabinet positions in the administrations of Prime Ministers William Lyon Mackenzie King and Louis St....
In June 1955, the Board recommends the creation of a C.S.A. standard for grading structural lumber. A few months later, the Board is advised by the Revision Committee of the National Building Code of Canada that lumber to be used in structural engineering...
As discussions begin around forming the first Prairie Chapter, it’s noted that of the 30 consulting offices across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, only five or six individuals—alongside the eight existing ACEC members—meet the five-year experience requirement.
In response to an editorial in The Globe and Mail about a shortage of engineers, Chairman Edward A. Cross drafts a memorandum that outlines the role of a consulting engineer in private practice. Almost 2,000 copies of the text are distributed to Canadian...
In response to the evolving media landscape, Directors explore the use of radio and television as strategic tools to enhance the promotion of the Association and the industry.
Following a membership application submitted by the Chairman, the Board receives confirmation that the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) has unanimously approved the application. In recognition, the FIDIC President extends an...
By the close of the 1950s, ACEC’s influence has grown both nationally and internationally.
Chalmers Jack Mackenzie, a civil engineer, is a key figure in the development of science and engineering in Canada. He serves as chancellor of Carleton University and president of the National Research Council, and is the founding president of both Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and the Atomic Energy Control Board.
The Quiet Revolution in Quebec—a period of profound socio-economic and political transformation during the early 1960s—has a lasting impact across Canada, contributing to a stronger federal government, heightened recognition of French-Canadian influence in national politics, and a renewed commitment to bilingualism and...
A request to form an Ontario chapter is approved by the Board.
Recognizing the vital role of the natural resource sector in Canada’s economy, ACEC takes a major step in advocacy by forming a Committee on Natural Resources
A committee on water resources is established to represent the Association in the national program of pollution control. This initiative marks a strategic step in expanding its national advocacy efforts.
In 1961, the Association sets ambitious public relations objectives to elevate its profile and strengthen support for the consulting engineering industry
The creation of a Quebec chapter is approved
The Executive Secretary requests that ACEC take the necessary steps to apply for approval to use the names “The Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada” and/or “Association des ingénieurs conseils du Canada” where appropriate, marking an important step in recognizing the value of bilingualism and reinforcing the...
During a Board meeting, it is proposed that ACEC’s Annual General Meeting be held independently of the Engineering Institute of Canada’s. This shift fosters closer member connections and marks a key step toward a more independent identity within the engineering community.
ACEC strengthens its global presence by participating in international trade missions to Israel, Australia, and New Zealand.
For the first time, a Certificate of Merit is approved for presentation at the Annual Dinner, recognizing a member’s long-standing dedication and service to the Association. This marks the introduction of a formal way to honour exceptional contributions and strengthen a culture of recognition.
In a pivotal step toward greater inclusivity and national representation, the Board approves a by-law change allowing ACEC to be recognized by both its English and French names. This decision lays the groundwork for a more bilingual and accessible...
The Association’s commitment to inclusivity and national representation is formally affirmed with the issuance of a Supplementary Letters Patent, officially renaming it to The Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada / Association des ingénieurs-conseils du Canada.
At an Executive Committee meeting, the Association considers approaching one or two insurance providers to explore potential concessions on Professional Liability Insurance for consultants who meet ACEC membership standards.
The French edition of the membership application form is completed, allowing members to apply in their language of choice.
ACEC agrees to participate in Expo 67 to highlight the achievements of Canadian engineers. An Engineers’ Plaza is created as a dedicated space to showcase the profession and serve as a focal point for an international technical conference honoring Canada’s Centennial.
The Canadian Council of Resource Ministers recognizes ACEC’s expertise by inviting the Association to present at a key conference on a critical issue: Water – New Technologies for Controlling Environmental Pollution
ACEC publishes its first member directory.
A new logo is approved and remains in place until 1998.
ACEC introduces a new tiered membership fee structure: $100 for the first member of a firm, $75 for the second member; $50 for each subsequent member. This change is the first step toward the firm membership structure now in place.
ACEC, in partnership with Canadian Consulting Engineer magazine, establishes what will become the Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards. This initiative marks the first time the Association publicly showcases the outstanding work of firms on a national...
ACEC’s stature as a trusted voice in the engineering sector continues to grow. The Minister of Trade and Commerce under the Pearson government formally requests that ACEC establish a committee focused on the export of engineering services—recognizing the organization’s strategic insight on international trade.
Following the dissolution of the Prairie Chapter, the Winnipeg Branch is re-established as the Manitoba Chapter of ACEC. Similarly, the Alberta Branch transitions into the Alberta Chapter of ACEC. To complete the region’s representation, Dr. J.D. Mollard is invited to lead the formation of the Saskatchewan Chapter.