Significant progress is being made by the Ontario Asphalt Pavement Council (OAPC) on its sustainability plan to meet the federal government’s commitment to be net-zero by 2050.
That was the message Ontario Road Builders’ Association/OAPC technical adviser Donn Bernal delivered to attendees at the council’s fall seminar.
OAPC’s sustainability initiatives include the development of Environmental Product Declarations for asphalt mixes, advocacy/demonstration projects to promote the increased use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement and ongoing work with the province to harmonize specifications, he said.
“When standardization is achieved, quality and efficiency improves in many aspects of the industry.”
The council’s goal of replacing its self-regulating Trillium Awards program with third party certification is also moving ahead, he said.
An ad hoc planning committee comprised of owners, asphalt producers and consultants has been holding a series of meetings and will conduct a yet-to-scheduled information session for members. The implementation target date is 2027, said Bernal.
Currently managed by the OAPC’s plant and paving committee and based on a very rigorous criteria, the Trillium Awards recognize asphalt plants that adhere to high operational standards such as appearance, safety and environmental measures. The awards are approved for a three-year period, at which point the plant must apply for re-certification.
This year there were 20 renewal certifications, said plant and paving committee chair Mike Deckert, whose PowerPoint presentation included images of the plants.
Approximately 152 plants are certified, of which roughly 95 per cent are operated by OAPC/ORBA members. The ultimate goal is to have all OAPC member plants Trillium awarded/renewed, said Deckert.
The technical updates came near the end of the seminar which consisted of a diverse agenda of specialized presentations and three award winner announcements.
Retired Canadian Asphalt Industries sales director Bruce Armstrong was given the Honourary Life Membership Award. He wasn’t able to attend the event, so the award was accepted in his absence.
The award recognizes members who have shown exceptional dedication and notable service to OAPC’s objectives. Nomination preferences are given to members who are approaching retirement or who have retired.
Dufferin Construction quality control manager Ronald Abdul had the distinction of being chosen as the 2025 Bleeds Black Award recipient. It is given to individuals who demonstrate a high degree of dedication and commitment to the asphalt industry.
In presenting the award OAPC chair Chris Campbell said Abdul’s work, “has demonstrated outstanding technical and professional excellence, as well as inspiring dedication to advancing our field.”
Canadian Asphalt Industries senior technical adviser Fernando Magisano was the third award winner. He was given the King Beamish Excellence Award which honours OAPC members who have made an outstanding voluntary contribution to council’s work over an extended period of time.
Just before Magisano was officially named the recipient, Campbell said many remarkable candidates were considered.
“Making this decision was challenging. However, one individual stood out for their extraordinary contributions and unwavering commitment to the industry.”
In closing the seminar, Campbell said it provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about the cutting-edge practices, technical advancements and innovations in the asphalt industry and the “impactful work” being accomplished by the council.
