Quarterly Newsletter

President's Report

Happy New Year, ASPE Members! As your President, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued participation and support. Last year felt like it just flew by and I’m now looking back asking where the time went.  

We are celebrating our 10th Anniversary in May of this year and we will be planning a social event/anniversary party to commemorate this milestone.  Stay tuned for more details on this and other ASPE GTA events!

Sadly, our VP Technical, Jerry Babin of Morris Lee Ltd., had to step down from his role as VP Technical leaving this board position vacant.  If you or someone you know may be interested in filling this role on the board of directors, please reach out to one of the board members and we would be happy to discuss responsibilities and time commitments with you!  We will continue to provide informative technical content with a focus on hands-on opportunities to add value to your membership.    

I look forward to a great year with you all!

Please visit our Website at www.aspe-gta.ca for more information on our upcoming meetings for 2025 including our golf tournament and other social events this season!

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VP Technical Report

Topic: Code Details – PEX Requirements

Date: February 18th at 8:30 am to 9:30 am

Abstract:

In this session, we will discuss the implications of the changes for PEX systems, including how it affects manufacturers, engineers, plumbers, and distribution. There is a code interpretation aspect and added responsibilities to all stakeholders.

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VP Legislative Report

Hello everyone,

My name is Kevin Wong, and I am excited to continue serving as the VP Legislative for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Chapter. As the Canadian Codes Manager of Uponor, I am passionate about fostering a transparent and openly supportive environment for our engineers in the plumbing design industry to have clear access to codes, interpretations, and resources. I seek to link the trades and the inspectors to our members so that we work off the same song sheet. 

Mission One is engagement, through education, communication, and access to resources. 

With Ontario updating the Ontario Building Code and adopting the nationally developed model codes as a reference and resource, ASPE members’ jobs just got a little more complex having to reference both the OBC and the national model codes as a foundation for design…

Thankfully the codes are free to access… links on the side. 

I am eager to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we can better serve our community and achieve our goals.

Please feel free to share your feedback, suggestions, and any topics you would like us to address in our upcoming events and programs. 

Your input is invaluable in helping us create a vibrant and empowering network for all members.

Thank you, and I look forward to working with you all!

Best regards, Kev

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VP Membership Report

Hello ASPE-GTA Members, here are a few professional development points to consider as an ASPE member.  

Convention & Expo – Held biennially (even-numbered years); more than 4,000 attendees; 300+ manufacturers; 35+ technical education sessions; networking; social events

Tech Symposium – Held biennially (odd-numbered years); in-depth technical education seminars; networking; social events

Technical Sessions – One-hour web/in-person sessions held monthly on various topics that will expand the skills of plumbing system designers

Regional Workshops – One and two-day workshops held around the GTA offering hands-on education

Valuable Continuing Education Units (CEUs) – All of ASPE’s educational opportunities offer CEUs for licensing and recertification.

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AYP Liaison Report

Calling all young professionals under 35, get ready to elevate your professional image in 2025! 

ASPE Toronto Chapter is hosting an exclusive AYP Networking Headshot Event (Friday, February 21st, 2025), where you can grab a photo from our amateur photographer. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded professionals while getting a photo to update that outdated LinkedIn profile. 

 This event will be sponsored by ATS Group and will have a limited number of spaces! 

Reach out to me for more details. [email protected]

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WOA Liaison Report

Hello everyone,

My name is Alyson Brhelle, and I am excited to continue serving as the representative for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Women of ASPE (WOA). As the Director of Engineering, I am passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women in the plumbing design industry.

Our mission at WOA is to engage, retain, and advance women through education, leadership development, and networking opportunities. I am eager to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we can better serve our community and achieve our goals.

Please feel free to share your feedback, suggestions, and any topics you would like us to address in our upcoming events and programs. Your input is invaluable in helping us create a vibrant and empowering network for all members.

Thank you, and I look forward to working with you all!

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Affiliate Liaison Report

Hello ASPE-GTA members, my name is Xan Du and I am happy to continue serving as your Affiliate Liaison. 2025 looks like another business year for our industry. Below are some key dates and links to news from the ASPE Pipeline.

Some important 2025 dates:

• March 24-26: Quality Service Contractors (QSC) Catalyst 2025 conference, New Orleans

• April 9-10: 2025 Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) European Conference & Expo, Edinburgh UK

• May: ASPE GTA 10th Anniversary Celebration

• September 15: ASPE GTA 9th Annual Golf Tournament

• September 24-28: ASPE Tech Symposium, Orlando

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