Tuesday, May 27, 2025
The Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) Annual Awards Luncheon is a premier event celebrating excellence in public works across Ontario. This prestigious event recognizes outstanding achievements in various categories, including engineering, construction, innovation, and public service. This year, the 60th Annual Awards Luncheon took place on May 22, 2025, during National Public Works Week.
For the keynote address, Strategey Corp’s Sabine Matheson, an advisor to Ontario provincial and municipal leaders, shared insights on tariffs, trade, and times of uncertainty in the public works sector. Matheson explored the interplay between global trade policies and their impact on public infrastructure projects and how governments and contractors can mitigate risks through adaptation strategies.
The much-anticipated awards program recognized the achievements of the public works community.
CIMA+ was one of the companies to be recognized. One of Canada’s largest private consulting engineering firms, CIMA+ has received two prestigious honours that reflect both its technical expertise and its strong commitment to inclusive values.
The Toronto Port Lands Dockwall Restoration project is a key initiative led by CreateTO and CIMA+ to assess, restore, and future-proof 650 metres of the historic dockwalls along Toronto’s inner harbour. These dockwalls, many of which date back over a century, play a crucial role in stabilizing the shoreline and supporting economic activities in the Port Lands. The project was part of the broader Port Lands revitalization initiative, aimed at enhancing urban resilience, flood protection, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Credit: CIMA+
CIMA+ received a 2024 Project of the Year Award from the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) in the Historical Restoration/Preservation category for the Toronto Port Lands Dockwall Restoration Project. Completed in partnership with CreateTO and Dean Construction, this project exemplifies excellence in sustainable waterfront revitalization. Using innovative techniques—including underwater surveys, 3D scanning, and habitat-enhancing shoreline reinforcements, the team restored 650 metres of historic 110-year-old dockwall infrastructure. The restoration ensures the long-term resilience and operational viability of the dockwall structures and lays the groundwork for the broader revitalization of the Port Lands for local businesses, industries, and recreational users.
The firm also received OPWA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, which recognizes CIMA+’s ongoing efforts to foster a workplace culture rooted in respect, equity, and belonging. Through bold initiatives in education, policy, community partnerships, and employee engagement, CIMA+ continues to demonstrate its commitment to designing sustainable communities and creating inclusive, respectful workplaces for people of all identities.
“These awards reflect the strength of CIMA+’s mission to deliver infrastructure solutions that are as inclusive as they are innovative. Whether through inclusive workplace initiatives or transformative infrastructure projects, we aim to build lasting relationships and contribute meaningfully to society by creating a more sustainable future,” said Karen Freund, Regional Executive Vice President, Ontario.
For a complete list of winners, click here.
Featured image: By stabilizing and modernizing historic infrastructure, the restoration of the Toronto Port Lands dockwall serves as a model for sustainable urban development. Completed for CreateTO, it demonstrates how historical preservation, engineering innovation, and ecological enhancements can work together to transform waterfront spaces into thriving economic and cultural hubs. Credit: CIMA+
