Women in Public Works

What is your current position and what do you do? 

“As the Supervisor, Compliance and Training, I am responsible for supervising compliance and training staff. I work on various water distribution projects, like the Drinking Water Quality Management System, that aim to provide clean and safe drinking water to homes and businesses in Vaughan. I also oversee compliance-related initiatives and programs for water, wastewater and stormwater, ensuring the City is compliant with relevant regulations, acts and by-laws. In addition, I manage, arrange and facilitate training programs for water, wastewater and stormwater operations staff to ensure licensing requirements are met.

I act as a liaison with Environmental Officers from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks during inspections and annual audits of the City’s Drinking Water Quality Management System.”

Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to Public Works?

“I have an Environmental Science Degree from Queen’s University and a post-graduate certificate in Environmental Management from Canadore College. While at Canadore College, I completed a volunteer work placement in water/wastewater compliance with the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury; this was my first exposure to the world of water/wastewater compliance and my passion for this industry skyrocketed from there.

I started my career as a contract Water Compliance Co-ordinator for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury and then shortly after, I joined the City of Vaughan’s Environmental Services department as a Drinking Water Quality Management System Co-ordinator. Throughout that time, I expressed a willingness to learn and sought opportunities to further develop my leadership skills. 

After nearly six years of rewarding experience with the City of Vaughan, I am now the Supervisor, Compliance and Training. Within the past two years, I have become a certified Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Water Quality Analyst. This certification allows me to take specific water quality tests within plumbing and the water distribution system and requires an awareness of provincial and environmental standards and practices. As an Associate Member at the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, I have begun the process of becoming a Certified Engineering Technologist!”

What do you find most rewarding about working in Public Works?

“I am proud to be part of a team that is committed and dedicated to providing clean and safe drinking water, complying with applicable legislation and regulations, and continuous improvement of the City’s procedures and quality management system. Access to clean safe drinking water is an innate right for everyone. I love working in an industry that embraces a multi-faceted approach to protecting drinking water in Ontario.”

What is your current position and what do you do? 

“As a Program Co-ordinator for the Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations department, I build and manage contracts, review development packages, take part in technical advisory committees and help support my team with various other tasks.”

Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to Public Works?

“I have a Bachelor of Commerce – my favourite courses were always in logistics, team building and coaching. This led me to pursue project management, where I ended up becoming a project lead for a general contractor specializing in landscape and civil construction. We built playgrounds, trails and bridges, and completed hardscape works for transformer stations. The majority of our customers were municipalities, so it felt natural to move into the client side, especially into Parks Operations. My time in Parks Operations has led me also to obtain my Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, something I am very proud of.”

What do you find most rewarding about working in Public Works?

“What I find most rewarding about working in Public Works is the tangible impact this portfolio has on the community. You can see the positive impact our services have on residents and their quality of life. Joining the Parks Operations team was like joining a family, the way everyone works together and supports each other is admirable. I am lucky to be here.”

What is your current position and what do you do? 

“As a Project Engineer, I work on various traffic and transportation projects that aim to provide a transportation system that is safer, more efficient and sustainable in the city of Vaughan.”

Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to Public Works?

“I have a master’s degree in Transportation Planning and Engineering from University of New Brunswick. I am also a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario. My career journey into transportation planning and engineering started at Peel Region about 11 years ago. I have been with City of Vaughan for almost two years.

Transportation, as a vital artery of societal function, not only facilitates commerce and growth but is also a part of everyone’s day to day life. By joining Vaughan’s Public Works portfolio, I have embraced the opportunity to contribute to the enhancement of infrastructure, optimizing transportation systems and road networks and improving accessibility for all road users.”

What do you find most rewarding about working in Public Works?

“For me, the most rewarding aspect of working in Public Works is the tangible impact I can make on the community I serve. Being able to see the direct results of my efforts in improving infrastructure, enhancing transportation systems, and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents is fulfilling. The collaborative nature of Public Works projects, working with diverse teams and stakeholders to solve complex challenges, adds another layer of satisfaction to my role.”

What is your current position and what do you do? 
"I am a Project Manager, MoveSmart Mobility Management Strategy. I am responsible for developing, planning and managing MoveSmart Mobility projects and initiatives, including road safety and sustainable mobility projects. As part of this role, I support Traffic Services’ business planning functions, consultant contract development and management and research to help key performance indicators."

Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to Public Works?

"I am a Registered Professional Planner with a multidisciplinary background over a 20-year career, including 14 years of consulting and five years in the public sector. My experience includes managing environmental assessments, municipal master plans, land use and Official Plan policy studies, healthy public policy development, active transportation and transportation planning across Canada and internationally.

As a planner, I did not imagine I would be working in Public Works. I am very excited to bring my multidisciplinary perspective and integrating my experience in transportation planning, land use, health equity and infrastructure development to advance mobility and road safety for Vaughan’s residents."

What do you find most rewarding about working in Public Works?

"For many years, much of my work has been to improve the quality of life and healthy active living for other communities across Canada and internationally. As a Vaughan resident, it is rewarding to work where I live and see how our work is helping make it easier, safer and more comfortable for our families, neighbours and fellow residents."

What is your current position and what do you do?

"I am an Operations Administrative Assistant with the Business Excellence and Operational Performance team. I support the daily operations of the Parks, Forestry, and Horticulture Operations team and the Transportation and Fleet Management Services team. My daily tasks include resolving resident inquiries via telephone and email, creating and assigning work orders in our customer relationship management system, processing all invoices for Parks, Forestry, and Horticulture Operations and Transportation and Fleet Management Services, and partaking in special projects. Each day, I work collaboratively with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure that operations run smoothly."

Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to Public Works?

"I graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Administrative Studies degree. I began my business career in the private sector as a program specialist and went on to become a marketing co-ordinator.

After several years, I returned to school to pursue my passion for landscape maintenance and design. I earned a Horticulture Pre-Apprenticeship Level 1 Certificate from Humber College through their Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women. Through this program, I began my journey with the City’s Public Works department as a horticultural labourer. After completing two seasons with the horticulture team, I transitioned into my current role. I am very proud to leverage my customer service and project co-ordination skills, and front-line experience in Public Works to better serve City residents."

What do you find most rewarding about working in Public Works?

"I enjoy providing solutions to resident inquiries, ranging from offering education on the City’s service levels to escalating cases when needed to the appropriate department or staff. As a lifelong resident of Vaughan, I take great pride in providing operational support to ensure the city remains beautiful and safe."

What is your current position and what do you do?

"I am a Project Manager, Water Services within the Environmental Services department. I work on various water distribution projects that aim to provide clean and safe drinking water to homes and businesses in Vaughan."

Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to Public Works?

"I have a Chemical Engineering Degree from Queen’s University with a focus on the Environment. I began working for an engineering consulting firm on various water and wastewater projects for municipal clients. After doing that for 10 years, I decided I wanted to see how things are done from the client side of things, so I applied to the City and the rest is history! I’ve now been in my role for eight months."

What do you find most rewarding about working in Public Works?

"The feeling of making an impact on community members. It is clear the entire Environmental Services department cares deeply about what they do and it is very inspiring. The work is often fast-paced and collaborative and it’s rewarding when we can come together as a team to solve problems."