Ontario Construction Report staff writer
Aspire Consulting Group Ltd. has received an Award of Distinction at the 2026 Ontario Engineering Project Awards (OEPA), recognizing its work on a major asset management and infrastructure planning initiative for the City of Niagara Falls.
The award was presented by the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Ontario and honours the City of Niagara Falls Asset Management Planning – Levels of Service Setting and Financial Plan project, completed in partnership with Aspire Consulting Group Ltd. and Hemson Consulting Ltd.
“This recognition highlights the City’s commitment to responsible infrastructure planning and meaningful community engagement,” said Erik Nickel, General Manager of Municipal Works. “Through this work, Niagara Falls is better positioned to make informed investment decisions, maintain critical services, and ensure transparency and accountability for residents today and into the future.”
The project addressed a $414 million infrastructure funding gap in a growing community of nearly 100,000 residents, which also welcomes millions of visitors annually. It established a long-term financial and planning framework aimed at ensuring municipal infrastructure and services can be maintained sustainably over time.
Key outcomes include:
- Development of 79 measurable performance indicators across 11 municipal service areas
- The City’s public consultation focused on infrastructure priorities, generating 240 survey responses and achieving 63 per cent community support for increased infrastructure investment
- Creation of a $1.08 billion, 10-year investment strategy designed to close infrastructure funding gaps while maintaining long-term financial sustainability
- Completion of all required regulatory compliance measures ahead of the Province’s July 1, 2025 deadline, helping protect the City’s eligibility for future federal and provincial infrastructure funding
Public consultation brought 240 survey responses with 63 per cent of respondents supporting increased infrastructure investment to maintain and improve municipal services.
The resulting financial plan outlines a $1.08 billion, 10-year investment strategy intended to close infrastructure funding gaps while maintaining long-term fiscal sustainability for the municipality.
The City of Niagara Falls also completed all required regulatory compliance measures ahead of the Province’s July 1, 2025 deadline, ensuring continued eligibility for future provincial and federal infrastructure funding programs.
The OEPA recognition highlights the role of consulting engineering firms in supporting municipalities as they manage growth pressures, infrastructure renewal needs and long-term financial planning requirements.