Colleen O’Toole

Colleen O’Toole has been a Project Manager in Kerr Wood Leidal Associates’ (KWL) Utility Management Sector since 2008.  Through her engineering vocation, she honours her family traditions and Indigenous heritage.  Colleen’s work at KWL is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for dialogue and removing barriers to support Indigenous community-led projects.  She excels in bringing together multi-disciplinary teams to foster community engagement.  By developing plans and designs with guidance from local knowledge holders, she ensures they reflect the culture, traditions, and values of the specific communities she serves.

Her multifaceted engineering experience spans a broad spectrum, from facilitation, assessments, feasibility studies, GIS-based modelling, and detailed design.  Colleen also excels in securing permits and approvals from various agencies, specification development, and contract administration.  She is an MMCD Certified Contract Administrator through the Master Municipal Construction Documents Association.

Colleen has extensive work with KWL’s Rapid Hydro Assessment Model and BC Hydro’s Resource Options Mapping, critical components of the BC Hydro Integrated Resource Plan.  Colleen specializes in asset management, sewer condition assessment, and rehabilitation projects.  She is known for her proactive and problem-solving approach and her relational and communicative skills in managing projects.

Since joining KWL, Colleen has consistently brought unique perspectives and innovative solutions, reflecting her unwavering dedication to recognizing and integrating Indigenous knowledge and science into sustainable development.

Connect with Colleen on LinkedIn.

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Engineering, Environmental (Co-op), University of Guelph, Ontario, 2008

Awards & Recognition:

• University of Guelph, Young Alumnus of Honour Award, Recipient 2013, recognized University of Guelph engineering graduate of the last 10 years who has distinguished her/himself in the profession, the community, the university and/or a related field. Nominees demonstrate significant professional and/or volunteer leadership.
• BC Council for International Cooperation, Youth Making a Difference, Award Finalist 2011, recognized for playing an active role in making a positive difference and being a model of civic engagement globally and / or within the local community.