Ontario Good Roads Association makes landmark gift to support U of T Engineering research chair in Asset Management & Infrastructure Informatics

Chair within the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto will ensure that infrastructure assets are built, catalogued and maintained in an efficient and effective manner

TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - The Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) has made a lead gift of $500,000 to establish an innovative research chair position in the University of Toronto's Department of Civil Engineering.

Investing in and maintaining municipal infrastructure is one of the greatest challenges facing Canada today, and a pressing issue worldwide. The Chair in Asset Management & Infrastructure Informatics will connect government and industry with the world-leading academic ecosystem at the University of Toronto.

OGRA understands the critical role of municipal infrastructure and has been the driving force behind establishing a Chair in Asset Management & Infrastructure Informatics within U of T Engineering. One of Canada's largest municipal associations, it represents the infrastructure interests of municipalities through advocacy, consultation, training and service delivery.

"The partnership with the University of Toronto makes eminent sense when you look at both the organizations' track records in the area of asset management," said Joe Tiernay, OGRA Executive Director. "OGRA has been helping municipalities with real-world asset management solutions, training and advocacy for the past 10 years. Partnering with the University of Toronto to leverage its world-class research capabilities strengthens both organizations and will advance Ontario's and Canada's reputations as leaders in asset management."

U of T's Department of Civil Engineering is an international research leader on the infrastructure challenges of municipalities across the country and around the world. Infrastructure assets such as water and wastewater treatment facilities, piping and service connections, roads, bridges, and culverts need to be continuously maintained and upgraded, often taxing the resources of the municipalities that rely on these services. The Chair in Asset Management and Infrastructure Informatics will ensure that infrastructure assets are built, catalogued and maintained in an efficient and effective manner.

"The establishment of this Chair is an exciting development that will strengthen our connections to industry and government," said Brent Sleep, Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering. "The Chair will allow us to attract and train excellent students who will go on to become leaders in the field of asset management and infrastructure informatics."

SOURCE Ontario Good Roads Association

Colette Caruso, Marketing & Communications Manager, Ontario Good Roads Association, [email protected], 905-541-7988, 289-291-6472 ext 30