APEGGA Centennial Leadership Award o John Lagadin, P.Eng. (Calgary)

John Lagadin has changed the face of the natural gas industry by way of his vision and determination. A man of firsts, Mr. Lagadin and his team launched Energy Exchange Inc. in 1994, now Altra Energy Technologies, the first commodity styled electronic exchange for the purchase and sale of natural gas in North America. That same year his keen business sense led Mr. Lagadin to begin the conceptualization of a competitive new grassroots pipeline project - the Alliance Pipeline. Incorporating Mr. Lagadin's innovative high pressure mixed gas pipeline technology, the 3,080 kilometre pipeline stretching from northern British Columbia to Chicago is expected to be in service by October 1, 2000. Mr. Lagadin also holds two Canadian patents for his work.

APEGGA L.C. Charlesworth Professional Service Award o J.A. (Tony) Howard, P.Eng. (Calgary)

There are those who actively seek the spotlight. Others come by it reluctantly, by virtue of the way they conduct themselves personally and in business. Such is the case with Tony Howard, who for years has worked assiduously behind the scenes of the Association to advance its professional status. His energy, enthusiasm and passion for improving the professions is evidenced in his involvement on numerous APEGGA committees, his service on Council and the Executive Committee and as a past president of the Association. He is currently a director of The APEGGA Education Foundation.

APEGGA Excellence in Education Award o Anil K. Mehrotra, P.Eng., PhD (Calgary)

The first recipient of this award, Anil Mehrotra has demonstrated a genuine concern for his students and an enviable enthusiasm for teaching. Since 1989 he has served as professor and associate head of graduate studies at the University of Calgary. Dr. Mehrotra has shown outstanding leadership in advancing the theory, learning and practice of engineering in an educational environment by introducing three new experimental apparatus for use in undergraduate courses. He also participated in the development of a B.Sc. in Oil and Gas Engineering Program at the university and in the creation of courses by the Faculty of Engineering for continuous professional development.

Honorary Membership o Hon. Stan Woloshyn, MLA (Edmonton)

As Minister of Public Works, Supply and Services until 1999, Stan Woloshyn was responsible for the Engineering, Geological and Geophysical Professions (EGGP) Act, an Alberta government statute governing the practice of these professions. A true visionary, Mr. Woloshyn imparted his innovative leadership and understanding of the role of self-governing professions, finding appropriate ways to acknowledge the significant role engineering technologists play on the engineering team. His philosophies and dedication to improving the working environments for all engineering and geoscience professionals was genuinely inspirational.

Honorary Membership o Robert E. McTague (Calgary)

Robert McTague appreciates, supports and reinforces the concepts of professionalism and professional ethics that are of paramount importance to APEGGA. With his superior knowledge of engineering design, project and construction management and cost estimating, Mr. McTague, as President of Optima Engineers and Constructors Inc., has courageously built the company into a major firm in which business and engineering thrive. A man of esteemed character and mentor for many employees and clients, Mr. McTague was instrumental in helping to establish the Chair in Project Management at the University of Calgary. He continues to impart his initiative and leadership as a lecturer in the university's Project Management Specialization Program.

Honorary Life Membership o Darrel Danyluk, P.Eng. (Calgary)

Darrel Danyluk has shown notable service and worked to strengthen the image of APEGGA's membership in the eyes of employers, government, the community and academia. Mr. Danyluk was instrumental in formulating a Memorandum of Understanding between the Consulting Engineers of Alberta (CEA) and APEGGA, recognizing and defining the relationship and responsibilities between the two organizations. He speaks widely on the value of the engineering profession and the need for broadened skill development for engineering students. As chief operating officer of Reid Crowther & Partners Ltd. he has developed partnerships with local schools to promote engineering as a profession. He completed his term as President of the Association this year.

APEGGA Community Service Award o David Irvine-Halliday, P.Eng., PhD (Calgary)

This award goes to David Irvine-Halliday for his outstanding commitment to voluntary service, inspiring professionals to put the needs of others before their own. Dr. Irvine-Halliday has made a serious commitment to his community over the years, raising money for aboriginal athletes and local hospitals through his involvement with the Calgary Roadrunners Club. Since the early nineties, Dr. Irvine-Halliday has served as chair of the Women in Engineering Committee (WIEC), promoting engineering as a career to young women and is a founding member of the TriCouncil on Education. He is currently a member of the Everest 2000 team now making its ascent in Nepal.

The APEGGA Frank Spragins Technical Award o Gérard Lachapelle, P.Eng., PhD (Calgary)

Gérard Lachapelle's outstanding dedication is evidenced in his exemplary contributions towards the development and commercialization of satellite-based positioning and navigation technology. A pioneer in the field of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), he was a founding member of Calgary-based Nortech Surveys (Inc.) and Norstar Instruments. His efforts in the area of GPS are recognized internationally and used by organizations such the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and Transport Canada. Mr. Lachapelle is the head of the Department of Geomatics Engineering at the University of Calgary and owner of G. Lachapelle Consultant Inc.

The APEGGA Project Achievement Award o Wabasca Horizontal Well Network Drilling Project (Wabasca)

How do you develop a heavy oil play where above average rainfall makes constructing roads on muskeg nearly impossible? The Wabasca Resource Development Team of Amoco Canada Petroleum realized that success could be achieved by drilling longer than conventional horizontal wells from frozen, winter access only sites and communicating them through a networked system from one permanent surface conduit location. The outcomes were astounding, resulting in significant cost and operational benefits. A major win was also achieved on the environmental side, reducing permanent surface access and flowline requirements. The innovative model of extended reach wells conceived and executed by Albertans on this project has been copied, and is being used successfully in Venezuela to reduce the impact of oil and gas development on the environment.