We are one of the largest combined departments of civil, environmental, geological and architectural engineering in Canada and our community of innovative, engaged students, staff and faculty is more than 1,000 strong.
There’s a lot we’re proud of here, and whether you’re a future or current undergraduate student, interested in graduate studies or just curious about our department, we invite you to explore our programs, research and other information on this site to find out more.
Application Deadlines: Fall Feb 1st, Winter June 1st, Spring Oct 1st
Resources
News
MASc Candidate poster presentation at the Latornell Conservation Symposium
A few weeks ago, MASc student, Thiruni Thirimanne presented at the Latornell Convservation Symposium. Take a look at how amazing this is!!!
Title: Assessing Erosion Risk in Urban Watersheds: A Stream Power-Based Approach with SPINpy 1
Abstract: Managing the increasing erosion risk in urban watersheds and mitigating its adverse effects on infrastructure and river systems necessitates a watershed-scale approach. Stream power, or the rate of energy expenditure of flowing water per unit length, is related to river erosion, channel instability and morphologic change.
The Stream Power Index for Networks (SPIN), a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based toolbox, is valuable for assessing the potential impact of land use changes on river networks. By leveraging straightforward inputs, SPIN computes total and specific stream power (stream power per channel width) across river networks, utilizing digital elevation models (DEM), land-use data, and HEC-RAS information. This versatile tool currently aids decision-making processes for conservation authorities and municipalities in Ontario, where it has been integrated into the Credit Valley Conservation's Risk and Return on Investment Tool (RROIT) for estimating damage costs due to erosion. The latest iteration, SPINpy 1, brings refinements that enhance processing speed and expand the tool's capabilities.
Preliminary case studies in Southern Ontario employing SPINpy 1 have yielded promising results. This poster aims to 1) outline how SPINpy 1 calculates stream power metrics at the watershed scale, 2) provide insights into recent enhancements and anticipated future capabilities, and 3) present results from an urban river within the Greater Toronto Area.
Incredible work, Thiruni!!!
Bruce Hutchinson at Convocation 2023
Wayne Parker was pleased to encounter Bruce Hutchinson, long time faculty member in the Department and former Department Chair at Convocation 2023! Bruce was there to hood the third generation of PhD's in the family.
Architectural Engineering Students Competing in 2023 TimberFever Competition
Last weekend, from September 22nd to 24th, a group of University of Waterloo Architectural Engineering students participated in the Timberfever Design Build Competition at Toronto Metropolitan University. Celebrating its 9th anniversary, Timberfever is an annual competition funded by Moses Structural Engineering and sponsored by 30 leading architecture, engineering, and construction firms.