
Aleksi Makila
VP & Division Manager, Civil
Chandos Construction


About
Michael
Access to safe, clean drinking water is one of the most critical imperatives for any thriving society, demanding constant innovation and vigilant stewardship of natural resources. In Canada, maintaining this vital infrastructure requires a deep understanding of complex environmental systems and the application of cutting-edge treatment technologies. It is within this essential domain that Dr. Michael McKie, Senior Project Manager and Associate Partner at CIMA+, has established himself as a distinguished leader and technical authority. His remarkable career is anchored by an exceptional academic foundation, holding a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Waterloo, alongside a Master of Applied Science and a Ph.D. in Civil and Mineral Engineering from the University of Toronto. Licensed as a Professional Engineer in both Ontario and Alberta, Michael seamlessly integrates rigorous scientific research with practical consulting expertise to deliver robust water infrastructure projects across the country.
At CIMA+, Michael leads a specialized team through the planning, design, and execution of critical water and wastewater treatment facilities. His impressive portfolio showcases his ability to tackle multifaceted engineering challenges, including the delivery of an advanced drinking water network technology plan for the City of Calgary, ozone upgrades for the Region of Halton South Water Treatment Plants, and comprehensive water quality reviews for the award-winning Union-Windsor Emergency Water System Connection Project. His capacity to translate advanced academic research into tangible municipal infrastructure solutions has made him an invaluable asset to his clients, his firm, and the communities they serve.
Beyond his project delivery success, Michael is a globally recognized expert in water quality and treatment. He serves as the Vice President of the International Ozone Association (IOA) and chairs its Regulatory Committee, while also co-chairing the Ontario Water Works Association Treatment Committee. His commitment to advancing the industry is further demonstrated by his role as Principal Investigator on a groundbreaking Water Research Foundation project examining microplastics in drinking water distribution systems—the first known project of its kind. A prolific author and frequent speaker at major North American conferences, Michael actively bridges the gap between academia and industry.
He is deeply invested in mentoring the next generation of water professionals, serving as an IOA Ozone Guide and regularly guest lecturing at leading universities. His leadership extends into the community as well; in 2011, he founded the Georgian Bay Musky Association, a not-for-profit organization that has raised tens of thousands of dollars to support fisheries research. Michael’s unparalleled technical expertise, combined with his visionary approach to business development and his unwavering dedication to the betterment of the water industry, solidifies his standing as a premier engineering leader. His work ensures that millions of Canadians have reliable access to safe drinking water, actively shaping the future of environmental engineering and safeguarding Canada's most precious natural resources.
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VP & Division Manager, Civil
Chandos Construction

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