COMMITTED TO SAFETY AND INDIGENOUS INCLUSION
BUILDING CAPACITY TOGETHER
Agnes Wietrzynski, President and CEO of QM Environmental, outlines the company’s ongoing projects while emphasizing its deep-rooted commitment to safety and Indigenous inclusion
Writer: Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Kierron Rose
Characterized by continuous development as new technologies and advancements emerge, Canada’s environmental and industrial services industry is poised for growth.
Meanwhile, companies operating in this space have seen their environmental priorities evolve as new contaminants and associated remediation needs materialize.
“The industry is currently an exciting yet challenging space,” introduces Agnes Wietrzynski, President and CEO of leading Canadian environmental and industrial services company, QM Environmental (QM).
Wietrzynski points out how, to be successful, companies such as QM must remain agile to keep pace with constant industry changes, continually innovating with new technologies and approaches to address ongoing challenges.
“It’s a rewarding sector to work in as
we collaborate with others to build climate resilience,” she reflects.
With locations spanning across Canada, QM’s vast suite of services include environmental remediation, demolition and decommissioning, hazardous materials abatement, and emergency response and management, among others.
The company’s varied and diverse clientele includes general contractors, government, transportation authorities, manufacturers, mining companies, agricultural companies, and private businesses.
DONE SAFELY WITHOUT COMPROMISE
At the core of QM’s identity and success are its corporate values, which include a company-wide commitment to safety, excellence, diversity, and resilience, summarized in its tagline – ‘Done Safely, Without Compromise’.
“OUR STEADFAST DEVOTION TO DIVERSITY ENSURES THAT WE FOSTER A CULTURE WHERE EVERYONE IS VALUED FOR THEIR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES”
– AGNES WIETRZYNSKI, PRESIDENT AND CEO, QM ENVIRONMENTAL
In recognition of QM’s successful, people-centric safety strategies, Wietrzynski herself was recently awarded the Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) award for ‘CEO of the Year’ at the 2024 Canada’s Safest Employers event.
Some of the competitive criteria used to determine the winner included identifying skills in each CEO which inspire, engage, and excite the workforce about safety.
Meanwhile, Melissa Clarke, the company’s Vice President of Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS), has been recognized multiple times by Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) as a ‘Top Woman in Safety’, further solidifying QM’s commitment to welfare.
In addition, the company was awarded COS’ 5-Star Safety Cultures award in 2023, the adjudication process of which saw employees complete an anonymous survey to outline how they felt about QM’s safety culture, demonstrating the company’s positive view on safety from within.
“Our EHS policies, systems, procedures, and results consistently meet the stringent requirements of Canada’s most safety-conscious clients and industries,” Wietrzynski prides.
QM’s award-winning commitment to safety helps it to attract talent who share the company’s commitment to excellence, providing it with a competitive advantage.
INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Since its inception, QM’s Indigenous Partnerships and Capacity Building program has formed an integral part of its core values, cultivating a policy of active engagement of Indigenous peoples on its projects.
“The program is a proven methodology of integrating with and contributing to local Indigenous communities, businesses, and peoples through training, employment, sub-contracting, and other business ventures,” Wietrzynski outlines.
QM’s Indigenous initiatives have succeeded so far because of the
ONGOING PROJECTS
• Gunnar mine and mill site demolition and remediation – The project has undertaken many crucial work scopes including extensive asbestos abatement, the demolition of more than 80 buildings and structures, and the remediation of physical, chemical, radiological, and biological hazards.
• Portlands flood protection and enabling infrastructure – Involves the transformation of a blighted industrial lake fill area into a new river channel for the Don River in Southern Ontario. QM’s role in this project includes the excavation of river valleys, reuse backfilling, soil tracking, geomatics, soil treatment, horizontal reactive barrier construction, river finishes, and marine construction.
• Diamond mine demolition and remediation - The scope for this project includes the complete demolition of all above-ground mine infrastructure at a former diamond mine located in the Northwest Territories. This project strongly emphasizes local northern and Indigenous employment and relations.
• Large North American automotive manufacturer – Includes interior selective removals, asbestos abatement, and demolitions at multiple automotive facilities to pave the way for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and assembly.
• Large power generation station environmental decommissioning – Comprises the restoration of large power generation sites, returning them to their original, natural condition. For example, the construction of passive surface water management systems is used to properly manage stormwater from becoming impacted and reduce potential issues associated with erosion and flood conditions.
Reliable, Efficient, and Safe
Powering Ontario’s infrastructure with reliable trucking solutions, AM Haulage specializes in material transportation and disposal services for large-scale infrastructure projects. A proud transportation partner of QM Environmental, our hauling capabilities are second to none.
Operating one of Ontario’s most dependable and efficient trucking fleets, complete with over 90 tri-axle dump trucks and live-bottom units, AM Haulage has built a reputation for reliability, safety, and efficiency.
Whether moving aggregates, soil or construction materials, our fleet is ready to meet the demands of the most challenging projects.
Having played a crucial role in several high-profile projects in the region, AM Haulage ensures seamless material transportation solutions while maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance. We play a significant role in trucking for QM Environmental, working closely with them to support large-scale environmental projects, ensuring safe and responsible material haulage.
A LANDMARK PROJECT
One of the largest construction undertakings in Canada, the Toronto Port Lands Flood Protection (Toronto Port Lands) project is transforming the city’s waterfront. QM Environmental was awarded the request for proposal (RFP) 33.6 subcontract in 2021.
Successfully providing tri-axle dump truck haulage solutions on the project for the past three years, AM Haulage has secured its status as a trusted partner on this complex initiative. Handling large volumes of soil and aggregate, we ensure efficient transportation solutions while navigating strict safety regulations.
The Toronto Port Lands project is known for its intricacies, presenting various challenges, however our expertise has continued to ensure success.
AM Haulage’s role in this project showcases our ability to meet stringent timelines, adhere to environmental compliance, and operate efficiently within a high-demand urban setting, and its success is a testament to our commitment to quality and reliability in major infrastructure works.
DIVERSE SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS
AM Haulage has also provided material haulage solutions for the Toronto Transit Commission’s Russell Carhouse Upgrades, efficiently transporting soil and aggregates off-site.
Our ability to coordinate logistics for high-traffic urban projects makes us the preferred choice for municipal and transit-related construction.
Further to this, experienced and efficient AM Haulage drivers bring a wealth of experience and efficiency to every project, making us a reliable choice, whilst our dedication to everything we undertake results in clients that are deeply satisfied with our services.
In addition to construction, AM Haulage also manages winter operations for the City of Hamilton’s snow removal program.
Our fleet operates across multiple sites, ensuring roadways remain safe and functional during heavy snowfall.
This large-scale, time-sensitive operation underscores the company’s adaptability and reliability in diverse project settings.
AM Haulage stands out as the best in the industry, and this is why.
Why Choose AM Haulage?
• Safety first – With one of the strongest safety track records in the industry, AM Haulage has experience in handling highrisk and complex projects. Our drivers are highly trained and our fleet is equipped with the latest safety technologies.
• Reliable fleet and experienced operators – With over 90 trucks, we provide scalable solutions that meet all types of project demands, from small-scale municipal work to large infrastructure projects.
• Efficiency and compliance – AM Haulage’s operations meet all regulatory standards, ensuring environmentally responsible and legally compliant material transport.
• Proven track record – Partnerships with major contractors, government agencies, and municipalities demonstrate our expertise and commitment to excellence.
Let’s connect and discuss how AM Haulage can support your next project with cost-effective and dependable trucking solutions.
For more information, visit www.amhaulage.ca.
diversity of its approach, commitment to its people, and corporate support at all levels of the organization.
“Our steadfast devotion to diversity ensures that we foster a culture where everyone is valued for their unique perspectives,” she notes.
Having trained over 500 Indigenous people and carried out project contracts with Indigenous partners amounting to more than $250 million and counting, QM is a leading Indigenous training provider to both the public and private sectors.
The company also works with staff and students at local high schools in remote communities to identify, train, coach, and motivate young people to work on-site while gaining credits toward their high school graduation.
“Many of those that we train have subsequently been hired by QM or other employers across a variety of industries,” Wietrzynski informs.
This approach has brought new ideas to the organization that have allowed it to continue to evolve its services offerings and enhance the way it does business.
A LEGACY OF INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS
GUNNAR MINE REMEDIATION
Committed to Indigenous partnership, capacity building, and long-term sustainability in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, QM Points (QMP) is a QM company that operates in partnership with Points Athabasca, a progressive and fast-growing Indigenous-owned general contractor.
Recently awarded to QMP by the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC), the demolition of asbestosladen buildings at the Gunnar mine and mill site is a standout project for the company due to both its operational success and the majority involvement of Indigenous people from the Athabasca Basin region, exceeding the target set by SRC.
The project scope, which is centered around a former uranium mine in Northern Saskatchewan, includes the development of approximately 400,000 square meters (sqm) of local borrow areas, alongside the innovative construction of an engineered cover system over waste rock piles using 230,000 cubic meters (cbm) of backfill material. Meanwhile, construction of
“WE ARE ALWAYS OPEN TO PARTNERING WITH ORGANIZATIONS WHO SHARE OUR COMMITMENT TO SOLVING ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES”
– AGNES WIETRZYNSKI, PRESIDENT AND CEO, QM ENVIRONMENTAL
two landfills – non-hazardous and hazardous – and their demolition and legacy waste clean-up included excess concrete removal and the excavation of soil.
In addition, the development saw the construction and installation of three stainless steel-engineered mine opening caps.
“The cooperation and partnership of neighboring communities has been critical to this project,” Wietrzynski shares.
QMP’s overall goal for the Gunnar mine and mill site remediation project is to properly engage, include, and support the people of the Athabasca Basin region throughout the project lifecycle in a manner that serves communities in the years after the project ends.
Looking to the future, the company’s priorities remain rooted in revitalizing its local environment and
building climate resilience for future generations.
“Our diverse services will continue to evolve based on the changing needs of our customers. We are always open to partnering with organizations who share our commitment to solving environmental challenges,” she passionately concludes.
Tel: 1.800.251.7773
info@qmenv.com
www.qmenv.com
