Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Region of Waterloo is bringing in a new senior water official as it works to address capacity constraints that are limiting growth in the Mannheim service area.
Ishtiaque Tunio, P.Eng., PE, PMP, will become the Region’s commissioner of water and wastewater services today (Sept. 8).
Tunio brings more than 20 years of public-sector experience overseeing major infrastructure projects, including water and wastewater systems, transportation infrastructure and utility programs.
He has held senior positions with the cities of Mississauga and Ottawa, the Maryland Transportation Authority, Metrolinx and the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
His previous work includes major infrastructure programs such as the Union Station Rail Corridor program and the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Region officials said Tunio’s experience will help advance infrastructure projects needed to increase water capacity in the Mannheim service area, an issue that has become increasingly important as Waterloo Region continues to grow.
“We are excited to announce that Ishtiaque Tunio is joining us here at the Region of Waterloo as commissioner of water and wastewater services,” chief administrative officer Darshpreet Bhatti said in a news release, adding Tunio’s experience delivering water and wastewater projects at several Ontario municipalities, along with his work on major infrastructure projects, will help the Region work with municipal, provincial and community partners to add water capacity.
The Region has identified additional water and wastewater infrastructure as necessary to support future development in the region.
Tunio said he is joining the Region at an important time as it plans for the needs of a growing community.
“Throughout my career, I have focused on bringing people and organizations together to deliver complex infrastructure safely, responsibly, and with a long-term perspective,” Tunio said.
He holds a Master of Engineering in civil engineering from the University of Toronto and is a professional engineer in Canada and the United States. He is also a certified Project Management Professional.
Tunio will work with area municipalities, the province and community leaders as the Region advances infrastructure solutions intended to increase water capacity.
The Mannheim service area includes portions of Waterloo, Kitchener and surrounding areas and has been a focus of regional efforts to expand servicing capacity needed to accommodate future growth.
