Humanizing the Technical World
“When my eldest son asked me what my professional ‘why’ was, I immediately responded: ‘to humanize the technical world’ – because in the end, it’s all about people.”
Hello, I’m Sylvie Boulanger — engineer, mentor, traveler, community builder, and someone who believes that even in the most technical fields, relationships and human connection matter most.
For more than four decades, I’ve worked on a diversity of projects that shape skylines, connect communities, and strengthen infrastructure — while never losing sight of the people who build, use, and benefit from them.
I founded Montembault conseil / MTB Consulting in 2019.
2025
My Story
I grew up as the fourth of five children in Sutton, Quebec, a small town surrounded by nature’s beauty. My career path was inspired early on by the excitement and optimism of Expo 67, sparking a lifelong curiosity for design, construction, and innovation.
Engineering took me far from home — to Edmonton, Berkeley, Toronto, Lausanne, and Sydney — but my roots, values, and love of community have always grounded me. Along the way, I built a family, welcoming two sons while living in Switzerland. With my children and husband, also an engineer, we became an outdoorsy clan, often camping, hiking, and exploring together.
Today, I balance my professional projects with my passions: pickleball, gardening, outdoor play, technology, and mentoring women in engineering.
Education
B.Sc. ‘84 Civil Engineering – University of Alberta
M.Sc. ‘85 Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics – UC Berkeley
Ph.D. ‘97 Civil Engineering (AI applied to Bridge Design) – EPFL Lausanne
Professional Journey
For more than 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of working across steel construction, infrastructure, asset management, and research, in Canada and internationally.
Some highlights include:
Leadership Roles:
Regional and National Director for the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, Vice President at Supermétal Structures (now Canam), Senior Director at the Jacques Cartier Champlain Bridge Incorporated.
Iconic Projects:
Montreal's 30-storey Maison Manuvie, Calgary International Airport, temporary towers for the Samuel de Champlain Bridge, Bogotá’s Torre Norte 44-storey diagrid building, the new Turcot Interchange's steel bridges, the Calgary Public Library trusses, and the Jacques Cartier Bridge rehabilitation.
Consulting & Teaching:
Since 2019, I’ve worked mostly with Norda Stelo (Planifika), McGill University, National Defence of Canada, and the Canadian Standards Association.
What connects all these roles is my commitment to lifecycle thinking, innovation, and collaboration — whether I’m on a construction site, in a boardroom, or in a classroom.
Signature Contributions at CISC
AESS Guidelines – Led the creation of Canada’s first Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel guidelines, later adopted in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.
Ask Dr. Sylvie – 7 years answering technical questions in CISC's Advantage Steel magazine, pulling knowledge from my network and blending expertise with accessible storytelling.
Advocacy & Leadership
I’ve long believed that steel has an important story to tell in sustainable construction — one of adaptability, strength, and longevity. I’ve spoken across North America and internationally on the role of steel in resilient infrastructure, advocated for fair trade in the industry, and coordinated design awards that celebrate innovation.
As Vice-Chair of the CSA S6 Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code and participant in ISO standards development, I work to ensure our codes evolve to meet the realities of constructability, climate change, and resilience.
Equally important to me is mentoring women engineers, showing by example that leadership and technical expertise can thrive alongside authenticity, humanity and motherhood.
Recognition and Media
Featured in University of Alberta Engineer cover magazine Fall 2017: “New Paradigm: Sylvie Boulanger is bridging a new approach to infrastructure rehabilitation.”
Received CSA Award of Merit June 10, 2025 – For my leadership and contributions particularly in advancing durability, sustainability, and steel structures sections in CSA S6 Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code.
“Sylvie’s leadership, energy, and vision have advanced durability, sustainability, and performance-based design in the CSA S6 Code, inspiring peers and future generations alike.”
“Her mentorship motivates others to contribute and excel — she creates an environment where collaboration thrives.”
My Perspective
I believe existing buildings and bridges are the unsung heroes of infrastructure. They carry our history, connect our communities, and deserve the same attention we give to new builds.
Our codes and policies must go beyond life safety, integrating a performance-based approach and business continuity targets. This isn’t just technical work — it’s a cultural mind shift, shaping how we value and care for the structures that serve us now and for generations to come.
As I prepare for retirement from consulting, but not from contributing, I will remain active in CSA bridge code development, volunteer work in the steel industry, and local leadership as President of the Sutton Museum of Communications and History Board and member of the Sutton Pickleball Club Infrastructure Committee.
Soon, I’ll be sharing more stories here — from the lessons learned, the adventures of a career that has always been about people as much as engineering, and more.
The Duluth building, from 1911 to1912, and today
Photo Gallery
A collection of moments from my journey: