TECH TAKES

In this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard, C.Tech, dives into the world of anaerobic digestion (AD) technology—a game-changing process that turns organic waste into renewable energy and organic fertilizer.

Joined by Dave Ellis, Principal Engineer and Director of Azura Associates, and Trisha Aldovino, Chemical Engineer and Process Analyst, their lively discussion explores how AD, a process rooted in nature and refined by engineering, is revolutionizing waste management and contributing to green energy solutions.

Learn about the evolution of AD, from its industrial beginnings 150 years ago to its modern applications across municipal, agricultural, and industrial sectors. Discover its benefits and potential to reshape our environmental and economic future.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at [email protected].

In this episode of Tech Takes, guest host David Terlizzi is joined by Neil Wilkinson, Associate Director of Niagara College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (WAMIC), to explore the dynamic intersection of education, industry, and innovation.

Discover how WAMIC and the Research Innovation Division are turning ideas into real-world solutions across manufacturing, green energy, healthcare technology, and IT. From prototyping and testing new technologies to developing practical products and processes, these institutions are empowering small and medium-sized businesses while shaping the future of engineering and applied sciences. 

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at [email protected].

In this episode of the Tech Takes, host Louis Savard, C.Tech. explores the new Municipal Infrastructure Designations Program from OACETT. This program aims to improve the quality and value of non-transportation infrastructure in Ontario, focusing on the Municipal Infrastructure Inspector (mii) and Municipal Infrastructure Contract Administrator (mica) designations.

Joined by Claude Gauthier, C.Tech., rcsi, mii, a civil engineering technician from the Region of Peel, and Carol Warner, C.Tech., OACETT's deputy registrar, the discussion covers the importance of these designations for ensuring safe and reliable municipal infrastructure, including major projects like the Region of Peel's Wastewater Expansion.

Learn about the requirements for these designations, their benefits to professionals, and how they boost public confidence in municipal projects.

Learn more about OACETT's Municipal Infrastructure Designations Program  HERE. 

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at [email protected].

In this episode of the Tech Takes, guest host Julia Farner dives into the exciting world of fleet electrification with experts Pablo Fernandez from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Mike Skrzynski from Power On. 

As mass transit shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs) to meet global climate goals, we explore the technological advancements, government policies, and the urgent need for sustainable transportation solutions in Ontario.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the engineering and applied science field or just curious about the future of transportation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and engaging discussions.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at [email protected].

In this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard investigates the importance of integrating green infrastructure technology in urban planning.

Louis is joined by Gail Willis, C.E.T., of Willis Technical Services. Gail is a Certified Engineering Technologist with extensive experience in civil and municipal engineering. Together they explore how communities in Ontario are embracing sustainable practices to manage storm water, conserve energy, and enhance resilience to climate change.

Join us as we learn how green infrastructure serves as a valuable tool in building sustainable and resilient communities.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at [email protected].

In this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard delves into the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing work processes and industries.

With our guests, Doug Nix, Co-owner of Compliance Insight Consulting Inc., and Mayy Habayeb, Artificial Intelligence Program Coordinator at Centennial College, they explore the impact of AI on engineering tasks such as design optimization and testing and how automation enhances productivity and efficiency.

They also discuss the importance of acquiring new skills to adapt to the evolving workforce shaped by AI technologies and touch on concerns such as inequality, privacy, safety, and bias arising from widespread AI adoption. 

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at [email protected].

In this episode of Tech Takes, host, Louis Savard, C.Tech., takes a deep dive into the world of brownfield regulations and remediation in Ontario.

Our guests, OACETT Past President Kim Pickett, C.E.T., and Eric Cowan, C.E.T., project manager at Vertex Environmental Inc., share their extensive knowledge on the subject and discuss the challenges and processes involved in transforming contaminated and underused industrial and commercial properties into safe and usable land.

Join us as we discover how sustainable remediation technologies are revolutionizing the cleanup process and reducing environmental impact. 

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at [email protected].

In this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard discusses the difficulties that internationally trained professionals face when they immigrate to Canada and the resources available to support them.

It features a round-table conversation with Charline Tyrell, a career and training counsellor for the Accelerating Career Advancement (ACA) program at Achēv, Daniel Liao, the Dean of Applied Science, Technology and Trades at St. Lawrence College, and Pieter Bruwer, C.E.T., an internationally educated professional working in the engineering field. 

Join us as we explore the barriers faced by internationally trained professionals, including financial, language and credential recognition, as well as the challenges of adapting to Canadian culture.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at [email protected].

Join host Louis Savard as he dives into the world of 3D printing, a technology that is disrupting industries and unlocking new dimensions of innovation.

Louis speaks with Hargurdeep Singh, Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing at CAD MicroSolutions, who provides insights into various 3D printing processes, their significance for businesses today, and their integration within modern manufacturing practices.

Louis and Hargurdeep also discuss 3D printing's real-world impact, from crafting essential equipment during the pandemic to desktop solutions that are democratizing the world of manufacturing.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at [email protected].

Join host Louis Savard and Steve Vaillancourt, Senior Cyber Security Instructor at Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, as they discuss the importance of cybersecurity in today's landscape and explore how ethical hackers play a crucial role in stopping cyber criminals.

Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at [email protected].