Reflecting on the 2025 Utility Safety Conference: A Milestone Event

Reflecting on the 2025 Utility Safety Conference: A Milestone Event

The 2025 Utility Safety Conference, held at the JW Marriott ICE District in Edmonton, was a resounding success, bringing together over 200 industry professionals for two days of education, collaboration, and celebration. This year's theme, "Breaking the Ice, Building a Stronger Community," truly encapsulated the spirit of the event.

Inspiring and Informative Sessions

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in a series of focused educational sessions aimed at elevating industry awareness and safety practices. Topics included Subsurface Utility Engineering—presented by Mohab Ali and Ophir Wainer from T2 Utility Engineers—as a critical first step in damage prevention, and Look Up and Live, where Nathan Coutu & Mike Woloski of ATCO Electric and USP’s own Tasha Hunter showcased an innovative application improving electrical safety across Alberta.

Additional sessions explored themes such as Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) with Eduardo Lan of Fisher Improvement Technologies, Crossbore and Sewer Safety from Caitlin Oakley of Enbridge Gas Ontario, and Physical Pipeline Barriers presented by Luke Sperry from Seal For Life.

Later in the conference, experts dove into emerging programs and tools such as the Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) Program presented by ATCO’s Mike Woloski and TELUS’ Darcy Hurlock, Advanced Visualization in Pipeline Integrity by Abraham Alpuerto Jr. of PelicanCorp, and the What, How, and Why of Training Standards, led by Joey Motokado & J.R. Shelley of the USP Training Standards Committee.

The conference also featured training sessions aimed at enhancing safety awareness within the industry. ASTEC Safety and Global Training Center led training on Ground Disturbance 101, Ground Disturbance 201, and Locating & Marking. These sessions provided trainees with valuable insights into best practices and safety protocols, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of damage prevention.

A Plenary That Left a Mark 

The plenary address by Big Daddy Tazz was a standout moment, delivering a powerful, emotional, and humorous look into mental health awareness. His message of empathy and resilience struck a chord with many, setting the tone for meaningful discussions throughout the event.

Special Guest Spotlight: Ben Scrivens

Former Edmonton Oilers goaltender Ben Scrivens joined the conference for a memorable lunch session. Known for both his NHL career and his mental health advocacy, Scrivens shared personal stories and insights that connected with attendees on and off the ice.

Celebrating Excellence: USP Industry Recognition Awards

The conference culminated in the USP Industry Recognition Awards Dinner, where outstanding individuals and organizations were honored for their contributions to safety and excellence in the industry. Congratulations to the 2024 award winners:

• Locator of the Year: Keith Bartlett – EM Utility Locating
• Excavator of the Year: Volker-Stevin
• Members of the Year: Global Training and ASTEC Safety

These accolades celebrate the dedication and hard work of those who consistently strive to uphold the highest safety standards.

A heartfelt thank you to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, volunteers, and sponsors. Your support made the 2025 Utility Safety Conference an unforgettable success. We’re proud to be part of a community that’s always striving for a safer tomorrow.

Sher Kirk – Operations Director, Utility Safety Partners