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Conference
Program At A Glance
Wednesday June 17th, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Opening Remarks and Big Announcements
Mark Salsberg and Paul Murphy
9:45 a.m.
How Big Things Get Done
Andrew Kooiman
10:00 a.m.
Fireside Chat with Michael Lindsay, CEO of Metrolinx
Interviewed by Leslie Dibling, AMC Services
10:40 a.m.
Authority Moves Trains. Duty Moves Liability: The Conflict
This panel explores the Authority and Accountability Systems in Canada’s transit and passenger rail sector through a unified approach to safety management. Moderated by Kevin Brown, it features expert insights on proactive safety culture, leadership in major infrastructure projects, the critical role of independent safety assessors, and the powerful principle that while authority moves trains, duty drives liability and true safety.
12:00 p.m.
Inside the Pipeline – Upcoming Capital Projects & How to Compete
Join agency leaders for a fast-paced 75-minute deep dive into Ontario and Canada’s rail and transit capital improvement programs. Hear concise spotlights on upcoming projects, budgets, timelines, and procurement strategies. Learn exactly how contractors, suppliers, and consultants can get involved through clear guidance on bidding, collaborative contracting, alternative delivery methods, and funding opportunities.
1:40 p.m.
Beneath the Tracks: Managing Utility Risk in Canada’s Next Generation Rail Projects
This panel delves into the critical challenges of managing utilities in Canada’s transit and rail projects, focusing on complex and variable ground conditions, standards-driven risk reduction, and seamless traction power procurement. Moderated by Fabian Briceno of TY Lin, experts share practical strategies for de-risking utility interfaces, the value of a dedicated Project Utility Engineer, and innovative approaches to building safer, more resilient next-generation rail infrastructure.
2:40 p.m. (Room B)
Procurement, Performance & Partnership: Overcoming Contractual and Delivery Challenges in Canadian Passenger Rail
This panel tackles critical rail delivery issues: the 'battle of the forms' creating procurement uncertainty around risk and warranties, proactive schedule management to minimize delay disputes, and collaborative models that drive trust and best-for-project outcomes
Featuring owner, contractor, supplier, and delivery perspectives — including the East Harbour Transit Hub with Metrolinx and Hatch — it delivers practical strategies to improve certainty, protect schedules, and speed up passenger rail projects across Canada.
2:40 p.m. (Room C)
Systems Engineering for Rail: Playbooks for Configuration, Compliance & Risk Innovation
This panel continues the critical conversation on Systems Engineering for Rail, showcasing practical playbooks and innovative approaches that bridge design and real-world operation. Moderated by Mike Markoulakis of WGD Consulting, experts from Metrolinx, Rexel, and Agonics present strategies for shared station configuration from blueprint to opening day, achieving SIL-2 compliance while managing single points of failure in tunnel ventilation systems, and a new technical solution for proactively identifying and resolving train signal sighting obscurations.
Panellists:
Mike Markoulakis (WGD Consulting), Paul Zomparelli (Metrolinx), Matthew Keeler (Hedgehog Technologies), David Presley (Agonics)
Thursday June 18th, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Canadian Code for Transit and Passenger Railway Systems
Adriana Shu-Yin and Diana Soroaga, CSA Group.
This presentation addresses the persistent delivery challenges facing transit and passenger rail projects in Canada, including cost escalation, schedule delays, and inconsistent technical outcomes. It introduces the development of a unified Canadian code designed to bring clarity, consistency, and alignment to the application of standards across jurisdictions. The session outlines how this framework will support more coherent project planning, reduce fragmentation, and provide guidance across the full lifecycle of rail systems—from design and construction to operations, safety, and maintenance—ultimately enabling more efficient and reliable project delivery.
10:00 a.m.
Guardians of the Rail: Life-Saving Technologies for Safer Railways
Moderator: Kevin Brown
From advanced crossing grade & warning systems and innovative fire protection solutions to smart safety harmonization and high-performance cable systems — this panel showcases life-saving technologies protecting passengers, crews, and infrastructure across Canadian and global rail networks.
Panellists: Bret Andreason, (WVCO Railroad Solutions), Markus Mueller (WAGNER Rail GmbH), Joachim Heinzelmann (Diehl), William Pack (Fogtech), Ralf Feierabend (FRÄNKISCHE Industrial Pipes GmbH & Co. KG) and Dave Galvao, (LRI Fire)
11:00 a.m.
The Future of Passenger Rail Workforce
Career Paths and Training while on the Job in Canada
This two-part panel explores how Canada’s passenger rail workforce is being developed—from early academic pathways to specialized, job-ready training. The first session brings together post-secondary institutions to highlight emerging programs, interdisciplinary learning, and the skills required to enter the industry. The second focuses on industry-led training, showcasing how organizations are equipping professionals—particularly those transitioning from other sectors—with the practical competencies, safety awareness, and role-specific knowledge needed to operate effectively in the rail environment. Together, the sessions provide a comprehensive view of how talent is being attracted, prepared, and sustained across the sector.
Panellists from: CMAI, McMaster, Ontario Tech University, Centennial College, Zenith Rail Academies, Xpan
12:20 p.m.
Building the Future: Women Delivering Complex Rail & Transit Projects
moderated by Sonia Rahman
Delivering major rail and transit infrastructure requires more than technical expertise-it demands coordination across disciplines, thoughtful risk management, stakeholder alignment and the ability to translate design into infrastructure that serves communities.
This panel brings together women leaders from both the public and private sectors who are involved in the delivery of complex transit projects. Panelists will share insights on construction realities, project leadership, communication, and the factors that contribute to successful outcomes. The discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring modern transit systems from concept to reality.
Panellists: Kirsten Watson (AECOM), Mavara Turab (ALTO), Jennifer Verellen (WSP)
1:40 p.m.
Operations & Maintenance Excellence: From Early Insight to Lifecycle Durability in Rail & Transit
This panel highlights how effective operations and maintenance strategies can be embedded throughout the entire project lifecycle to improve long-term performance and reliability. Featuring experts from operations, maintenance technology, academia, and engineering, the session explores embedding operator insights from concept stage, scenario-based simulations for troubleshooting, vibration-based predictive maintenance, designing repairable rail level crossings, and comprehensive lifecycle and durability approaches from design through asset maintenance.
Panellists: Wojciech Nawrat (RailOne), Ian Smith (WSP), Ron Thiele (Xpan), Ivo Haladin (University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering), Rashid Dorj(Genirail Inc), Francis Mongeon (Simco Technologies)
Room C:
9:00 a.m.
Communications, Signals & Information Technology Presentation: The State of Cybersecurity in Rail
Moderated by Mark Salsberg (WGD Consulting)
This session presents a rigorous, evidence-based assessment of current cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and resilience strategies in Canadian transit and passenger rail systems, including signalling, train control, and operational IT/OT environments.
OT Cybersecurity Coalition: Canada-US-Mexico
Panellists: Ali Athar (Hitachi), Jim Charbonneau (WSP), Ali Syed (Hitachi Rail), Leslie Barnes (WGD Consulting), Todd Ellis (Hatch), Charlotte Muller (Cylus)
10:15 a.m.
Digital Twin and 4D Scheduling
Moderated by Jim Charboneau
This panel examines how digital twin technologies and 4D scheduling are transforming the planning and delivery of rail and transit projects. It explores real-time data integration, simulation-driven decision-making, and schedule optimization, demonstrating how these tools enhance coordination, reduce risk, and improve project outcomes across complex infrastructure environments.
Panellists: Keith Anthon (WSP), Dan Etherington (Aeon Green)
11:00 a.m.
High Speed Railways:
Canada, the Global Experience and Lessons Learned
Moderated by Mark Salsberg
This panel explores the development of high-speed rail in Canada within the context of global experience. It examines key lessons from international projects, including governance models, funding approaches, technology choices, and delivery strategies, while assessing what is required to successfully plan, procure, and implement high-speed rail in the Canadian context.
Panellists: Laurence Lebel (AtkinsRéalis), Saurav Mittal (RAIL One)
12:00 p.m.
Innovation and Technology in Passenger Rail - WSP & ABTECH
1:20 p.m.
Future Mobility: How Generative AI is Transforming the Industry
Moderated by Jim Charboneau
This panel critically assesses the emerging role of generative AI and large language models in transit rail planning, operations, and customer experience, with a focus on Canadian applications and ethical considerations. It explores use cases such as AI-assisted design, automated reporting, predictive maintenance, and customer service chatbots, while addressing challenges related to data governance, bias, explainability, and workforce impacts in a safety-critical domain.
Panellists: Ron Thiele (Xpan), Alexander White, Marco Resta and Veronica Maris (Hitachi Rail)
2:20 p.m.
Delivering Track Performance: Practical Innovations in Infrastructure and Maintenance
This panel brings together practical innovations that are shaping the performance and reliability of rail infrastructure across its lifecycle. It explores advancements in construction techniques, inspection and measurement practices, system protection approaches, and the integration of design principles that influence long-term wheel–rail interaction. The session also examines durability-focused materials and extended-life components, offering real-world insights into improving asset longevity, reducing maintenance interventions, and achieving consistent track performance in modern rail and transit systems.
Panellists:
Franck Olejniczak-Brugger (Schweizer Electronic AG), Lionel Thoinet (Pandrol), Robert Hanczor (Piper Networks),
Richard Fox-Ivey (PrecisionTrack Inspection Inc./TrackInspect), Mark Reimer (Sahaya)
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