<< Main Page
Click here to return to the main YPT Vancouver site
Event Summary: YPT Vancouver 6th Annual Trivia and Pub Night
YPT Vancouver hosted the 6th Annual Trivia & Pub Night on Wednesday, January 30th, 2019 at Mahony & Sons. Teams worked together to tackle interesting transportation trivia, then followed a session of food, drinks, and networking between students and professionals. This year the “Ma-homies” came out victorious, to have their names etched on the coveted trivia trophy!
2018-2019 YPT Vancouver Board
The results are in! Thank you to those who voted in this year’s election. Please help me in welcoming the new YPT Vancouver leadership team for the 2018-2019 term! The team is excited and energized in anticipation of another successful year! We hope that you will continue your support of our chapter and check out our exciting and insightful events. We have a great mixture of board members once again so please stay tuned for our next event announcement soon!
CHAIR
Calvin Pin
Parsons
DEPUTY CHAIR
Eric Tam
Great Northern Engineering Consultants Inc.
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION
Kurtis Mayne
ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd.
VICE CHAIR FOR FINANCE
Chi Yan Leung
JENSEN HUGHES Consulting Canada Ltd.
IMMEDIATE PAST-CHAIR
Alvin Tse
ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd.
I would also like to acknowledge our tremendous supporting team of officers including:
Mona Dahir
Michael Elder
Kevin Wong
Alberto Reyes
Event Summary: Fast and Furious – YPT Vancouver Edition
On the evening of Tuesday, August 28th, 2018, a dozen enthusiastic YPTers made their way (including via a new carpool initiative) to the TBC Indoor Kart Racing track to face a true test of their driving karting skills. After nearly a half hour of racing in circles, two emerged above the rest – congratulations to Ian and Enrique (top row center and right in the photo) on your fast and furious victory at YPT Vancouver’s first-ever go-kart event!
Fast and Furious – YPT Vancouver Edition Group Photo
Event Summary: Metrotown Station Tour
On the sunny evening of Wednesday, June 20th, 2018, YPT Vancouver hosted a tour of the newly-renovated Metrotown Station led by Jennifer MacLean, the Project Manager of the station upgrades. Attendees were treated to insight into the design and construction process including the uncertainty of underground utility locations, importance of coordination within and between different groups, and the influences behind major station infrastructure. After the tour, we visited the nearby Firefighters Public House for food, drinks, and intriguing discussions. Event pictures can be found on our Facebook page.
Event Summary: Price on Transportation
On the evening of Thursday, April 26th, 2018, YPT Vancouver hosted a thought-provoking discussion led by Gordon Price on the ever-changing world of transportation at the Network Hub. The event was attended by over 20 young professionals and students who were treated to topics such as the changing role of traditional transit agencies and the advent of integrated mobility providers. Questions were fielded by attendees with much ensuing conversation both during the event and afterwards over food and drinks at the nearby Railway Stage & Beer Cafe.
More event photos can be found on our Facebook page.
About the Presenter
Gordon Price, previously the Director of the City Program at Simon Fraser University, is a Fellow with the Simon Fraser University Centre for Dialogue and has won numerous awards for his work including the Canadian Institute of Planners President’s Award and Simon Fraser University President’s Award.
In 2002, he finished his sixth term as a City Councillor in Vancouver, BC. He also served on the Board of Metro Vancouver and was appointed to the first board of TransLink in 1989.
He also blogs on urban issues and transportation, with a focus on Vancouver, at Price Tags.
Event Summary: 3rd Annual Meet the Managers Night
YPT Vancouver hosted the 3rd Annual Meet the Managers event on the evening of Wednesday, February 28th, 2018 at the St. Regis Bar & Grill in Downtown Vancouver. The private venue was filled with over 30 young professionals and 13 influential managers representing 10 public and private organizations from the transportation industry. Everything from potential career paths to challenges were discussed, and experiences shared over food and drink.
This event was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors:
- Gary Vlieg – Creative Transportation Solutions
- Larry Parks – Great Northern Engineering Consultants
- Borg Chan – ISL Engineering and Land Services
- Bernard Abelson & Selena Wilson – McElhanney Consulting Services
- Julian Vasquez – PBX Engineering
- Jonathan Ho – R.F. Binnie and Associates
- William Hui & Sany Zein – TransLink
- Jayson Walker – Urban Systems
- Erica Geddes & Mike Skene – Watt Consulting Group
More event photos can be found on our Facebook page.
Credit: Kevin Wong
Event Summary: 5th Annual Trivia & Pub Night
YPT Vancouver hosted its 5th Annual Trivia & Pub Night on the evening of January 25th, 2018 at Mahony & Sons – Burrard Landing. Over twenty participants were in attendance who showcased their knowledge in a variety of topics, ranging from SkyTrain stations to Hollywood-themed transportation.
Teams competed for the coveted YPT Vancouver Trivia Trophy, with Team J.I.G. (featured below) coming out on top, congratulations!
Credit: Kevin Wong
Event Review: Cards Against Urbanity Pub Social
In true Vancouver spirit, 25 YPTers gathered on the dark and rainy winter evening of Thursday, November 30th, 2017 to enjoy the pub social hosted by YPT Vancouver at the Storm Crow Alehouse, where transportation-minded individuals ate, mingled, and played the limited production game produced by YPT – Cards Against Urbanity: Transportation Edition.
Credit: Kurtis Mayne
2017-2018 Board of Directors
We are pleased to announce the YPT Vancouver elections results for the 2017-2018 term! Please see below for your YPT Vancouver Board. Thank you for participating in the YPT elections!
Chair: Alvin Tse, ISL Engineering and Land Services
Deputy Chair: Calvin Pin, Parsons
Vice Chair for Administration (Secretary): Eric Tam, Great Northern Engineering Consultants
Vice Chair for Finance (Treasurer): Mona Dahir, Watt Consulting Group
Officers: William Hui, Matthew Chan, Steve Chou, Kati Tamashiro, Kevin Wong, Alex Liaw, Alberto Reyes, Chi Yan Leung, Kurtis Mayne, Mandy Wu, Michael Elder
Event Review: City of Vancouver Summer Bike Tour
In the early evening hours of Wednesday, August 16th, 2017, over a dozen enthusiastic young professionals and students embarked on a bike tour hosted by YPT Vancouver around False Creek and Downtown Vancouver. Attendees stopped at various intersections, bridges and roadway cycling treatments throughout the tour, and were given explanations and (of course) first-hand experience in riding the infrastructure!
The tour was followed with food and drinks at Library Square Public House where attendees with a shared interest in transportation were able to socialize and network with like-minded professional and students alike. A special thanks to two knowledgeable City of Vancouver staff who were instrumental in leading the tour of the City’s new and soon-to-be commissioned cycling infrastructure:
- Brian Gould: Senior Transportation Design Engineer
- Alexander Liaw: Transportation Design Engineer
We also would like to thank Mobi for kindly providing use of their public bike share system for free, with day passes made available to all attendees. For more event photos, see our Facebook page!
Credit: Eric Tam
Event Review: Evergreen Extension Tour / Pub Crawl
On the evening of April 6th, 2017, YPT Vancouver hosted a tour of the new, $1.4 billion Evergreen Extension in conjunction with a stop at a local craft brewery, food truck, and ice cream shop! Beginning at Lougheed Town Centre Station, the group of 18 enthusiastic individuals proceeded by SkyTrain towards Port Moody, ultimately ending in Coquitlam. While making stops at each station, we learned about the large transit infrastructure project from the following TransLink staff who made this exciting event possible:
- Sarah Rocchi: Project Manager II, Engineering and Project Services
- William Hui: Manager, Engineering Project Delivery (Systems)
- Geoffrey Chum: Planner, Transit Network Management
Check out our Facebook page for additional photos!
Credit: Eric Tam
Event Review: 2nd Annual Meet the Managers Event
YPT Vancouver hosted the 2nd Annual Meet the Managers event – a networking, mentorship, and social night – on Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 at the St. Regis Bar and Grill in Downtown Vancouver. Despite the dreary weather outside, the event was well attended with 14 influential transportation managers from 13 public and private organizations, and 36 young professionals/students from across the Lower Mainland. The evening brought together and provided these groups the opportunity to discuss topics ranging from career paths to overall challenges/successes in a cozy, casual environment.
More photos can be found on the YPT Vancouver Facebook page.
With appetizers provided, groups of young professionals were then paired with each organization, and participants given the chance to discuss wide-ranging topics (inspiring, technical, and personal) as they pleased. The young professionals and students then rotated to different leaders in the industry, so that every attendee had face time with each organization. The evening was followed by a free form social mixer.
This event was made possible with the generous support of our sponsors:
- Sany Zein (TransLink)
- Aled Griffiths (Mott MacDonald)
- Bernard Abelson and Michael Florendo (McElhanney)
- Larry Parks (Great Northern Engineering Consultants)
- Jonathan Ho (Binnie)
- Borg Chan (ISL Engineering and Land Services)
- Dragana Mitic (City of North Vancouver)
Event Review: 4th Annual Trivia and Pub Night
YPT Vancouver hosted its 4th Annual Trivia and Pub Night in partnership with the UBC ITE Student Chapter on Wednesday, January 18th, 2017 at the St. Regis Bar and Grill. The informal evening was buzzing with conversation as about 40 attending professionals and students conversed, networked over food and drinks, and racked their brains over the wide range of transportation trivia.
Congratulations to Team 2 on their victory! Competition was fiercer than ever this year for the top spot.
4th Annual Trivia and Pub Night – Team 2 Victors
Credit: Ian Mckenna
4th Annual Trivia and Pub Night – Group Photo
Credit: Steve Chou
For access to all the event photos, be sure to visit our YPT Vancouver Facebook page.
Event Review: TransLink Compass Lab Tour
A tour of the TransLink Compass Lab was kindly given to YPT Vancouver on November 23rd, 2016 by:
- William Hui: Manager, Engineering Project Delivery (Systems)
- Tom Prestia: Senior Systems Engineer – Compass
- Doug MacKinnon: Manager, Compass System & Infrastructure
YPT Members were given a truly behind the doors experience, including being shown various back-end components, including a look inside full-sized Compass vending machines and fare gates (yes, they shoot lasers!). There was also a brain teasing portion which gave us a glimpse into the complexity of the setup of the Compass Card system. Did you know that there are over 150 fare product types that are accommodated by Compass Cards? The numbers also reveal that around 1.2 million taps occur on the TransLink system each day, just over a year after Compass has been fully released to the public!
Afterwards, we enjoyed dinner at a nearby restaurant, where professionals and students from a wide range of backgrounds chatted and got to know each other over food!
Check out our Facebook page for more event photos!
Event Review: Transportation Camp Vancouver 2016
On Sunday September 11th 2016, YPT Vancouver hosted a transportation camp as part of the Pro Walk Pro Bike Pro Place (PWPBPP) Conference. The transportation camp included a scavenger hunt and an unconference. This event was the second time that YPT Vancouver held an unconference, with the first taking place last summer at CITE Kelowna.
At the Transportation Camp, there were nine attendees that participated in the
scavenger hunt and over 30 attendees that participated in the unconference. It was quite the international turnout as there were participants who came from other parts of the world.
The day started off with a scavenger hunt that took participants to some of Vancouver’s great landmarks such as Robson Square and the Jim Deva Plaza.
After the scavenger hunt, everyone regrouped at the Sheraton Hotel, where introductions for the unconference began and the winners of the scavenger hunt were awarded with delicious chocolates from Purdys.
Attendees brainstormed questions and posted their questions on a board so that similar topics could be grouped and put up for discussion. There was a diverse range of topics, spanning from big data and mobile transportation apps to parking and transportation demand management. Four sessions of 45 minutes were held, but they went by quickly with everyone having a great time.
To round the evening off, everyone headed out to a bar for drinks and appetizers then played a rousing game of Cards Against Urbanity. A big thank you to PWPBPP for arranging facilities and A/V for YPT Vancouver to host this event as part of the conference.
Sponsorship
This event is possible with the generous support from the following sponsors:
Event Review: CITE Transportation Camp – Unconference Session
On the morning of Tuesday, June 7th, YPT Vancouver held an unconference session in conjunction with the Annual CITE Conference held in Kelowna, BC this year. The unconference consisted of multiple rounds of sessions with different topics, group sizes, and formats which were all proposed by attendees themselves. Attendees were free to join and propose any session they were interested in which could take the form of a presentation, group discussion, Q+A, workshop etc. The unconference format fostered open and engaging conversations about transportation with hot topics such as Autonomous Vehicles, TDM Effectiveness, Transit Design, and Infrastructure Funding emerging during the first session. The second session revolved around topics including Big Data, Transportation Equity, and Master Planning.
A wide range of professionals attended the event, including those representing public and private sectors, students and vendors. Some attendees attended both sessions. Other attendees dropped in and participated in part of the sessions.
At the end of the unconference, YPT Vancouver organizers received comments from participants indicating that they enjoyed the unconventional format and appreciated the opportunity to have an “informal” discussion of topics that were not addressed elsewhere in the conference program. Participants also appreciated the opportunity to have a more interactive experience than a traditional podium session. Several individuals expressed interest in participating at an unconference in the future, including CITE 2017 in Toronto. This unconference provided the perfect platform for attendees who wanted to generate ideas, talk about topics they felt passionate about, or wanted to inspire others in the field of transportation!
Event Review: Port of Vancouver Tour
YPT was hosted by the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest and most diversified port, for a presentation and tour on May 19th. The presentation was given in the new Discovery Centre, an interactive room where the public can now go to learn about the Port. The presentation gave an overview of how the Port operates, and described each of the Port’s primary business sectors and sustainable initiatives. The Port Vancouver is one of the only ports in the world that offers Shore Power, an emissions reduction technology that allows cruise ships to turn off their engines when docked!
After the presentation, attendees were given a tour of the Operations Centre, where staff monitor and manage daily operations including all ships and nearly 2000 delivery trucks around the lower mainland!
We would like to thank the Port of Vancouver for hosting us for this informative and interesting tour, and we hope to return again soon!
Event Review: Main Street SkyTrain Station Architectural and Planning Tour
YPT Vancouver hosted two tours of the upgraded Main Street SkyTrain Station on March 22nd and March 24th. The tours focused on different facets of the station upgrades with particular emphasis on the architecture and a focus on the station planning. The tours highlighted the benefits of the upgraded station including new bicycle infrastructure, enhanced entrances and how the it all fits into the neighbourhood context. The station is one of the oldest and busiest on the SkyTrain system and was built for Expo 86 over three decades ago.
On the second tour, we welcomed a group of urban planning students from UCLA to join us. This was an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and introduce them to YPT Vancouver. Following both tours, the group headed to Tap and Barrel in Olympic Village for some food and drinks. Overall the event was a huge success with a fantastic turnout that provided attendees with insight to what went into the Main Street SkyTrain Station upgrade.
This event would not have been possible without the tour guides who generously donated their time and effort. A big thanks to:
VIA Architecture
– Alan Hart, Founding Principal
– Dale Rickard, Director
– Artour Adamovitch, Senior Technologist
TransLink
– Pieter Agneesens, Manager, Facility Planning and Integration
– Dan Paris, Real Estate Development Manager
– Debra Rolfe, Planner
– Michelle Babiuk, Acting Manager, Transit Network Management
Event Review: Meet the Managers – A Networking and Mentorship Night
YPT Vancouver kicked off 2016 with one of the most highly anticipated events! On January 26th (Tuesday), we hosted a Meet the Managers night, where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and talk to influential transportation managers hailing from both the public and private sector. This event brought together managers from all aspects of the transportation industry to discuss their career and how challenges and successes along the way have led them to become leaders in the industry. The night was composed of two parts, a speed networking session in groups followed by a free form social mixer afterwards. With over 50 students and young professionals in attendance, the event was a huge success!
The managers in attendance include:
– Bernard Abelson (McElhanney: Transportation Planning Lead)
– Borg Chan (ISL Engineering and Land Services: Manager, Traffic Engineering and Road Safety)
– Jayson Walker (Urban Systems: Principal, Transportation Engineer)
– Jeff Busby (TransLink: Senior Manager, Project Development & Network Management)
– Ken Curry (Parsons: Vice President, Systems)
– Mark Merlo (MMM Group / WSP: Acting Manager, Alberta Transportation Planning)
– Peta Wolmarans (McElhanney: Division Manager – Strategic Transportation Planning)
– Peter Joyce (Bunt and Associates: President)
– Ross McLaren (Great Northern Engineering Consultants: Manager, Traffic Engineering)
– Sany Zein (TransLink: Director – Infrastructure and Network Management)
– Tim Murphy (Parsons: Senior Transportation Engineer)
This event was sponsored by:
Event Review: 3rd Annual YPT Vancouver Trivia and Pub Night
On Wednesday December 9th,2015, YPT Vancouver hosted the 3rd Annual Trivia and Pub Night at Mahony & Sons Stamps Landing located a few minutes’ walk from the Olympic Village Canada Line station. Participants came to have a drink and meet like-minded people all while showing off your transportation trivia knowledge!
The annual Trivia and Pub Night was an informal event and was an excellent opportunity to network with other people interested in the transportation industry. Attendees also had a chance to meet newly elected YPT Vancouver Board members and found out what new and exciting events were planned for the upcoming year!
Congratulations to Team 3 who won the YPT Trivia Trophy with special honours to Team 1 who finished closely behind in second place.
Click here to find pictures from the night!
Event Review: Moving People, Moving Goods: Building the SFPR Presentation
On Wednesday, September 30th, 2015, YPT Vancouver organized a special presentation on the South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) – presented by Joe Di Placito, P. Eng., Project Manager and Partner at Ram Engineering Ltd. Joe spoke about his experience, including the design process, procurement, and construction challenges, that he encountered on this $658 million public-private partnership.
The SFPR, also known as Highway 17, is part of the British Columbia’s Gateway Program, which is aimed at improving roads and bridges for people, goods, and transit in Metro Vancouver. The SFPR, approximately 37 km long, is a four-lane, 80 km/h route along the south side of the Fraser River – extending from Deltaport Way in Southwest Delta to 176th Street in Surrey.
YPT Vancouver’s members, friends, as well as non-members came out to learn about how this massive infrastructure project was built and to network with like-minded people interested in transportation.
About the Presenter
Click here to find out more about the Joe Di Placito
Spotlight: Top 40 Under 40 by Mass Transit Magazine
Congratulations our YPT Vancouver Chair, William Hui, being named to the 2015 top 40 under 40 by Mass Transit Magazine!
Click here to read more about Will’s story.
Event Review: 2015 ITE QUAD Conference Mix and Mingle
YPT Vancouver cohosted a Mix and Mingle event with ITE as part of the 2015 ITE QUAD Conference on April 30th, 2015.The event was free to attend and members and non-members alike came out to network with like-minded people interested in transportation and to enjoy some complimentary appies! Thanks to everyone who attended!
Event Highlight: Surrey and Vancouver Rapid Transit Discussion!
On January 29th, 2015 YPT Vancouver hosted one of the most highly anticipated events of the year at SFU Harbour Centre! The transportation referendum set for this spring will be one of the most important decisions impacting the future of Metro Vancouver. Where the next major transit investment should go is at the forefront of this decision. To discuss this important question, we were joined by two of the leading advocates for rapid transit projects in Metro Vancouver:
- Lon LaClaire, Manager of Strategic Transportation Planning at the City of Vancouver and;
- Paul C. Lee, Manager of Rapid Transit & Strategic Projects at the City of Surrey. (Click here for his BIO)
Lon and Paul joined us to talk about the merits of the UBC-Broadway SkyTrain extension and the light rail transit network in Surrey, respectively.
The event was moderated by Gordon Price (click here for his BIO), Director of the City Program at SFU. This was a fantastic opportunity to hear from two leading professionals in the transportation field and to participate in a discussion with Lon, Paul, and other transportation professionals in the region who were interested in transportation.
Event Highlight: 2nd Annual Trivia and Pub Night
On Wednesday November 19th, 2014 YPT Vancouver hosted the 2nd Annual Trivia and Pub Night at Mahony & Son Public House (Burrard Landing). Attendees came out to have a drink and meet like-minded people all while showing off your transportation trivia knowledge! This was the first chance to meet newly elected YPT Vancouver Board members. Congratulations to Team 1 (Blocking Bunny’s) for winning the closely fought contest.
Event Highlight: City of Surrey Traffic Operations and City Hall Tour
On Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014 attendees became one of the first people to tour the new Traffic Operations Centre at the new Surrey City Hall! For the first time, Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT) collaborated with the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) student chapter of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) to jointly host a tour of Surrey City Centre. The event included a tour of the following facilities:
- New City Hall,
- Traffic Operations Centre (located in the new City Hall),
- City Centre Library,
- Central City Shopping Centre, and
- Simon Fraser University’s Surrey campus
The tour was hosted by senior City engineers, planners, and decision-makers. Attendees learned about the fastest growing City in British Columbia. Topics included land use and transportation planning decisions required to transform a suburban town centre into the downtown, South of the Fraser River, as envisioned in Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy.
Following the tour, attendees headed out for food and drinks at Central City Brewing.
Event Highlight – Oakridge Centre Redevelopment
On Wednesday June 25, 2014, YPT Vancouver hosted a very special presentation of the recently approved $1.5 billion Oakridge Centre redevelopment. Graeme Silvera, Vice-President of Retail Development for the Western Region at Ivanhoe Cambridge, spoke about the project. Attendees had the opportunity to hear about this exciting project and to ask their questions.
Following the presentation, guests went out for dinner and drinks and had the opportunity to catch up with colleagues in the transportation field.
Highlights of the event can be found here. Special thanks to Steve Chou and Alvin Tse for their photographs.
Past Events
To kick of the beginning of 2014, YPT Vancouver hosted a pub social night on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at St. Regis Bar and Grill. It was great to reconnect with old acquaintances and foster new friendships over a pint. The informal atmosphere lent itself to lively discussions. Thanks to everyone who attended! YPT also hosted a networking event with special guest speaker Jhenifer Pabillano in April. Jhenifer spoke about her perspective on transportation and what role social media has to play.
The first YPT Vancouver event was held on Thursday, November 21st, 2013 at Mahony & Son Public House. The networking and trivia night was a huge success and this was reflected in the atmosphere at the event. It was great to meet all of you and I hope you all had a great time. Congratulations to Team 4 for a big come-from-behind victory for the trivia game! Click here and here for some pictures from that night from our photographers Alvin and Steve!
