James McVeety Elected President of the Ontario Road Builders’ Association
MISSISSAUGA, ONT. — The Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA) welcomed a new leadership milestone during its 93rd annual general meeting held on February 3 in Toronto. James McVeety, the director of pre-construction, P3, and major projects at Black and McDonald, has taken the helm as the association’s new president, succeeding Steve Smith, who held the position since February 2019.
A New Era in Leadership
The transition from Smith to McVeety marks a significant moment in ORBA’s leadership. McVeety brings nearly three decades of extensive experience in the construction and engineering sectors, promising a fresh perspective that aims to bolster the association’s mission. His election suggests a strong commitment to both innovation and longstanding industry standards as Ontario continues to modernize its transportation infrastructure.
A Background Rooted in Engineering
James McVeety’s credentials speak volumes about his suitability for this role. Residing in Hannon, near North Bay, he is not only a licensed professional engineer but also holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Ryerson University alongside an MBA from the University of Western Ontario’s Richard Ivey School of Business. Furthermore, he has attained a Gold Seal Certificate for Road Building and Heavy Construction from the Canadian Construction Association—signifying his extensive knowledge and expertise in the industry.
Starting his career as an engineering student, McVeety quickly immersed himself in the practical challenges of construction work. His early experiences took him through various projects in Northern Ontario, including critical road, sewer, and watermain developments. These foundational experiences established his understanding of the industry’s nuances from the ground up.
Ascending the Ranks
Over the years, McVeety matured from working for a small family-owned paving contractor in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to leading projects with larger firms, both domestic and multinational. His current role at Black and McDonald involves managing large-scale North American infrastructure initiatives, focusing on partnership development, construction joint ventures, and financing strategies. McVeety’s involvement in these complex projects underscores his ability to navigate the multifaceted landscape of infrastructure development.
Commitment to the Ontario Road Builders’ Association
McVeety’s connection with ORBA dates back to 1999, and he joined the board of directors in 2013. He has held various influential roles, including chair of the Alternative Financing and Procurement Committee and participation on the Audit, Contracts and Documents, and Executive Committees. He also chairs the Metrolinx Transit Contractors Council, demonstrating his active role in facilitating partnerships and fostering collaboration within the industry.
Vision for the Future
Expressing his gratitude in a recent statement, McVeety remarked, “It is an honour and privilege to have been elected as ORBA’s president as we enter the association’s 93rd year. ORBA has made great strides over the past few years in not only growing the association’s membership but building a solid foundation as a unified voice for the road building industry and promoting excellence in Ontario’s transportation infrastructure sector. With this positive momentum, we are in a better position to be proactive in addressing industry challenges.”
McVeety aims to build on the foundation laid by previous leadership while actively addressing the evolving needs of the construction industry. His commitment to enhancing collaboration among stakeholders will be pivotal as Ontario navigates the complexities of modernizing its infrastructure.
Conclusion
As James McVeety steps into the presidency of the Ontario Road Builders’ Association, the future looks promising for both the association and the larger road-building community in Ontario. With his extensive background, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication, McVeety is poised to lead ORBA into a new era, reinforcing its position as an authoritative voice in shape-shifting the province’s transportation and infrastructure landscape. The road ahead seems brighter, with new initiatives and a collaborative spirit guiding Ontario’s journey in road building.
