Our Team

Management

John D. Vallee
President
P.Eng.
John D. Vallee
President
P.Eng.
Born and raised in Norfolk County, John has always called Simcoe “home” and grew up watching his father Doug found, develop, and grow this start-up company. John has been hands-on in the business since he was a high school student working a summer job at Vallee; following his high school graduation, John attended Queen’s University in Kingston and received an Honours Degree in Civil Engineering in 1988, followed by a P.Eng. licence and subsequent designation as a Consulting Engineer by PEO.
 
Today, John is our President, CEO, and majority shareholder. Under his leadership, the firm has grown from a handful of staff to 35 full-time team members across six specialized disciplines. John’s personal expertise lies in land development and working with our entrepreneurial clients in subdivision, condominium, industrial and commercial projects. John is directly involved in all departments at Vallee, providing experienced guidance to all of our staff members.
 
In his spare time, John is a club-level champion curler and North American level sailboat racer. He also volunteers as a member of the Rotary Club of Simcoe, has been named as Paul Harris Fellow, and is a regular contributor at Trinity Anglican Church in Simcoe.
Ryan Elliott
Ryan Elliott
Director of Structural Engineering
Consulting Engineer, BDS, P.Eng.
Ryan Elliott
Ryan Elliott
Director of Structural Engineering
Consulting Engineer, BDS, P.Eng.
Ryan is a corporate shareholder and the Director of Structural Engineering at G. Douglas Vallee Limited. He is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, a Professional Engineer and a Building Design Specialist licensed with Professional Engineers Ontario and has also been designated by PEO as a Consulting Engineer.
 
Over the course of his 20-plus years of experience in structural, civil, and geotechnical engineering, Ryan has overseen hundreds of bridge and culvert rehabilitations and replacements and architectural projects of all types, shapes, and sizes but the heritage projects are where his passion lies. Working closely with our bridge and architecture divisions, Ryan is active in the heritage specialty; he holds certification as a Heritage Building Pathologist from and is a member of the Edifice Atelier & Guild.
 
Outside of work, Ryan has contributed to local rugby programs at the school and club level. He also served as a minor hockey coach, referee-in-chief, and officials’ supervisor. Currently, all of his spare time is being dedicated to raising his young family.
Greg Smith
Director of Municipal Engineering
P.Eng.
Greg Smith
Director of Municipal Engineering
P.Eng.
Greg is a corporate shareholder and our Director of Municipal Engineering who first came to Vallee as a Queen’s University Civil Engineering student, from which he graduated with Honours. Additionally, he has completed the Drainage Superintendent Course from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
 
With over 30 years of experience in the consulting engineering industry and municipal engineering field, Greg’s expertise lies in private commercial and residential developments, ranging from small, 1–2-unit projects to large residential plans of subdivision. He often assumes the Project Manager/Engineer role on municipal infrastructure replacement projects, overseeing the assignments from start to finish, including tender and contract administration, liaising with municipality staff, and staff and subconsultant coordination.
 
Away from the office, Greg spends his time on green golf courses and white ski hills, depending on the season. Year-round, however, he enjoys woodworking and trying new recipes, both in the kitchen and on the grill.
Melissa (Stickl) Stewart
Melissa (Stickl) Stewart
Director of Architecture
OAA, MRAIC
Melissa (Stickl) Stewart
Melissa (Stickl) Stewart
Director of Architecture
OAA, MRAIC
Melissa is a corporate shareholder and Director of Architecture at Vallee and licensed architect with over 20 years of experience managing cultural heritage and municipal building projects. Her expansive portfolio includes work on public sector projects ranging from courthouses, provincial legislatures, and town halls to schools, libraries, art centres, fire stations, and paramedic base stations, as well as residential, commercial, and cultural projects in the private sector.
 
Melissa received a Master of Architecture from the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism at Carleton University in Ottawa; her thesis, ‘In‐Transition’ Towards an Ethos of Sustenance for Our Lady School, was acknowledged as original, relevant, and sensitive to the transitory state of Lowertown West Ottawa. Prior to receiving her master’s, she graduated from Carleton’s Bachelor of Architectural Studies program with high distinction and received a senate medal at convocation.
 
Melissa is a cultural heritage specialist, maintaining currency with the requirements, processes, materials, and details for heritage conservation and adaptive re‐use projects. She is involved with the preparation of building condition assessments, heritage records, impact assessments, conservation plans, interpretation plans, strategic conservation plans and guidelines for heritage conservation districts.
 
Melissa was born and raised in Norfolk County. In her spare time, she is an award-winning mixed media artist, avid flower farmer, and member of the Lynnwood Arts Centre Board of Management.
Andrew Vallee
P.Eng.
Andrew Vallee
P.Eng.
Andrew is a lifelong Norfolk resident, third-generation Professional Engineer, and Vallee corporate shareholder, poised to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. In 2019, he graduated with Distinction from the Civil (Structural) Engineering program at Western University, where he achieved the Dean’s Honour List in his second, third, and fourth year during his undergraduate degree and was his class’s sole recipient of the Dr. James A. Vance Award for Excellence in Engineering Design across all disciplines. He obtained his P.Eng. designation in September 2023.
 
Since beginning his career with Vallee in 2014 as a student, Andrew has gained varied experience, from OSIM inspections and report writing to structural design, drawing production, construction inspection, and contract administration for Vallee’s bridge, residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Now in his 10th year with the company, his focus is concentrated on structural engineering for buildings, including coordination with our architectural projects and related consultant teams.
 
When Andrew isn’t on-site or in the office, he’s either working on his golf game at one of the beautiful courses in and around Norfolk or sailing the Great Lakes with the Port Dover Yacht Club Racing Division.

Architectural

Melissa (Stickl) Stewart
Melissa (Stickl) Stewart
Director of Architecture
BAS, M.Arch, OAA, MRAIC
Melissa (Stickl) Stewart
Melissa (Stickl) Stewart
Director of Architecture
BAS, M.Arch, OAA, MRAIC
Melissa is a corporate shareholder and Director of Architecture at Vallee and licensed architect with over 20 years of experience managing cultural heritage and municipal building projects. Her expansive portfolio includes work on public sector projects ranging from courthouses, provincial legislatures, and town halls to schools, libraries, art centres, fire stations, and paramedic base stations, as well as residential, commercial, and cultural projects in the private sector.
 
Melissa received a Master of Architecture from the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism at Carleton University in Ottawa; her thesis, ‘In‐Transition’ Towards an Ethos of Sustenance for Our Lady School, was acknowledged as original, relevant, and sensitive to the transitory state of Lowertown West Ottawa. Prior to receiving her master’s, she graduated from Carleton’s Bachelor of Architectural Studies program with high distinction and received a senate medal at convocation.
 
Melissa is a cultural heritage specialist, maintaining currency with the requirements, processes, materials, and details for heritage conservation and adaptive re‐use projects. She is involved with the preparation of building condition assessments, heritage records, impact assessments, conservation plans, interpretation plans, strategic conservation plans and guidelines for heritage conservation districts.
 
Melissa was born and raised in Norfolk County. In her spare time, she is an award-winning mixed media artist, avid flower farmer, and member of the Lynnwood Arts Centre Board of Management.
Lesley Hutton-Rhora
Lesley Hutton-Rhora
Architectural Project Manager, Registered Building Practitioner
Lesley Hutton-Rhora
Lesley Hutton-Rhora
Architectural Project Manager, Registered Building Practitioner
Lesley is an Honours graduate of Fanshawe College’s Architectural Technology program, Registered Building Practitioner, and, most importantly, Vallee’s Architectural Project Manager. Prior to joining our team, she led a team of skilled drafting and administrative professionals and managed a network of trade partners on behalf of a large-volume home builder and developer and, in 2013, served as President of the St. Thomas & Elgin Homebuilder’s Association.
 
Since joining our team in 2021, she has provided comprehensive project management throughout the process, including schematic and detailed design for a variety of residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development in support of official plan and/or zoning by-law amendments, site plan applications, and building permit applications. 
 
Lesley’s expert knowledge of the Ontario Building Code and years of practical experience working with civil, structural, interior, and mechanical design partners are key components of our success in meeting the objectives of our clients. Arguably her most valuable asset, however, is Lesley’s ability to effectively manage stakeholder and client outreach and engagement, emphasizing relationship and team-building initiatives every step of the way.
 
Outside of her professional life, Lesley is a proud (but busy) stepmom, attending and volunteering with her children’s sports and activities. At home, she can likely be found baking, crafting or, depending on the season, swimming.
Darrell Hiltz
Darrell Hiltz
Manager of Construction Services
Darrell Hiltz
Darrell Hiltz
Manager of Construction Services
As Vallee’s Manager of Construction Services, Darrell is an integral part of the architectural team and his 30-plus years of project management experience have facilitated a number of successful projects since joining our firm in 2020.
 
Darrell holds an Architectural Technician diploma from Fanshawe College and is accredited as a Gold Seal Certified Project Manager by the Canadian Construction Association. Throughout his career, he has administered over 100 major construction contracts of up to $5 million and has overseen nearly 20 projects in his four years at Vallee.
 
Within his role with Vallee, Darrell oversees contract administration, project site meetings, and shop drawing review on a range of construction projects, from fire and emergency service stations and medical offices to residential, institutional, and commercial/retail developments. Additionally, his extensive experience has made him proficient in construction cost estimation and efficient in decision making and problem solving.
 
Beyond the office and job sites, Darrell’s often draining birdies on the golf course or sniping pucks at the hockey rink.
Julian Stewart
Julian Stewart
Senior Architectural Technologist
BArchSc
Julian Stewart
Julian Stewart
Senior Architectural Technologist
BArchSc
Julian is a Senior Architectural Technologist with a Bachelor of Architectural Science, Design Option, from Ryerson University and over 20 years of experience in the architecture and construction industries. Over the course of his career, he has worked on both public and private sector projects ranging from OPP stations, cultural centres, schools, fire stations, paramedic base stations, offices, residential buildings, and barns.
 
The core of Julian’s expertise is in developing construction documents; however, he is also well versed in design, product selection, specifications, and contract administration. Before working for architectural firms, Julian was employed as a carpenter, working closely with clients to design, draft, and construct residential structures. This hands-on experience in construction continues to provide him with an invaluable practical approach to both design and construction. Julian’s ability to relate with builders and clients continuously proves to be a positive asset when communicating with contractors, trades, and suppliers.
 
Julian has a passion for heritage architecture and the re-use and rejuvenation of existing structures and has experience working on heritage conservation projects across Ontario.
 
Julian is a modern-day jack of all trades who does not shy away from hard work. When he’s not drawing or swinging a hammer, he is most likely out on the water fishing or on dry land farming.
Brian Harvey
Senior Architectural Technologist
Brian Harvey
Senior Architectural Technologist
A recent addition to Vallee, Brian graduated from Conestoga College’s Architectural Construction Engineering Technology program and brings over 20 years of experience to our Architectural department as a Senior Technologist.

Over the course of his career, Brian has developed extensive proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit, positioning him as a specialist in the application and management of Building Information Modeling (BIM). His experience has equipped him with the skills to develop quality detailed working and shop drawings, schedules, and specifications and his knowledge of the Ontario Building Code is a valuable asset. He has worked on a variety of projects, including industrial facilities, food and beverage manufacturing, and commercial and residential developments.

Brian is a proud father to three daughters, who keep him and his wife busy outside of work. He also designs and constructs high-end, custom cornhole boards and enjoys taking on other woodworking and do-it-yourself projects.
Nadine Walker
Architectural Technologist
Nadine Walker
Architectural Technologist
Nadine is an Architectural Technologist with an advanced diploma from Mohawk College and eight years of progressive drafting experience. Her rigorous education and work history have provided her with the skills to work on a range of projects since joining Vallee in 2019, including drafting, specifications and project administration on fire stations, municipal and institutional building upgrades and renovations, and townhouses.
 
Outside of work, Nadine finds joy in creating pottery and spending time with her dogs Stella and Frank, friends, and family.
Brodi Martin
Brodi Martin
Architectural Technologist
BArchSc
Brodi Martin
Brodi Martin
Architectural Technologist
BArchSc
Brodi joined Vallee in 2019 as an Architectural Technologist with several years of experience in the industry as both a draftsperson and architectural designer. She obtained a Bachelor of Architectural Science from Ryerson University in 2013, providing her with a unique education, as this is the only undergraduate program in the country to provide courses in architecture, building science, and project management.
 
In her role, Brodi applies her expert knowledge of the Ontario Building Code as she prepares drawings through AutoCAD and Revit, working closely with our architects and senior technologists on fire station and Part 9 residential building projects.
 
Away from the office, Brodi takes any opportunity to get outside – walking, cycling, and soccer are just a few of her favourite ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Civil

Greg Smith
Director of Municipal Engineering
P.Eng.
Greg Smith
Director of Municipal Engineering
P.Eng.
Greg is a corporate shareholder and our Director of Municipal Engineering who first came to Vallee as a Queen’s University Civil Engineering student, from which he graduated with Honours. Additionally, he has completed the Drainage Superintendent Course from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
 
With over 30 years of experience in the consulting engineering industry and municipal engineering field, Greg’s expertise lies in private commercial and residential developments, ranging from small, 1–2-unit projects to large residential plans of subdivision. He often assumes the Project Manager/Engineer role on municipal infrastructure replacement projects, overseeing the assignments from start to finish, including tender and contract administration, liaising with municipality staff, and staff and subconsultant coordination.
 
Away from the office, Greg spends his time on green golf courses and white ski hills, depending on the season. Year-round, however, he enjoys woodworking and trying new recipes, both in the kitchen and on the grill.
John Iezzi
John Iezzi
Manager of Land Development
P.Eng.
John Iezzi
John Iezzi
Manager of Land Development
P.Eng.
John is a licensed professional engineer, Associate and Manager of Land Development at Vallee, leading his team through the development application process. He graduated in 2012, receiving a Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a specialization in International Development. As part of his studies, John completed a Summer Community Development Placement and Design Project with The Gambia’s Ministry of Agriculture in West Africa and co-founded WEAID (Western Engineering Association for International Development), a student-run organization working to strengthen UWO’s engineering students’ connection with developing countries.
 
As Manager of Land Development, John oversees the site plan approval, design, drafting, stormwater management analysis, and subconsultants for numerous projects within southwestern Ontario. These projects include subdivisions, condominium developments, fire and EMS stations, and commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities.
 
As an extension of his education, John has a passion for learning about sustainable practices and emerging green technology and strives to live a life that minimizes his ecological footprint. He spends much of his free time enjoying the outdoors through hiking, back-country portaging, camping, and skiing (both water and snow) and plays golf, volleyball, hockey, and squash.
Natalie Ongena
Natalie Ongena
Manager of Municipal
P.Eng.
Natalie Ongena
Natalie Ongena
Manager of Municipal
P.Eng.
Natalie graduated with distinction from the Civil Engineering program at the University of Waterloo. While completing her undergraduate degree, she completed six four-month cooperative work placements at various engineering firms and began working full-time at Vallee in 2020, obtaining her P.Eng. designation in November 2023.
 
Throughout Natalie’s work experience, she has been responsible for drafting construction drawings using AutoCAD Civil 3D for both municipal and private land development projects, including road reconstructions, subdivisions, condominium developments and commercial developments. Her experience also includes the design of sanitary and storm sewer networks, stormwater management systems, and ponds. Natalie is proficient in MIDUSS and Visual OTTHYMO stormwater modelling software and has analyzed complex drainage systems. In the field, Natalie has completed topographic surveys and construction layouts and had exposure to the storm sewer and water main installation and road reconstruction.
 
Outside of work, Natalie stays busy with friends at concerts, exploring Norfolk’s renowned local breweries and playing volleyball. When the weather cooperates (and sometimes even when it doesn’t), there’s a good chance you’ll find her on one of the area’s many golf courses or fishing along Lake Erie.
Sarah Freeman
P.Eng.
Sarah Freeman
P.Eng.
Sarah is a dedicated Professional Engineer at G. Douglas Vallee Limited, holding a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo. Graduating with distinction in 2020, she completed six co-op placements and was awarded the prestigious Sandford Fleming Foundation Co-op Proficiency Award. Sarah was also a two-time recipient of the First in Class Engineering Scholarship and was part of the first-place team in the 2020 Capstone Design Symposium.
 
Sarah received her P.Eng. designation in February 2024 and specializes in civil design for water supply and distribution, wastewater collection systems, and stormwater management. She has worked on all phases of project lifecycles, from planning and design to construction, with particular expertise in hydraulic modeling for water distribution systems and capacity assessments for infrastructure elements like culverts and sewers. Her technical skills span a range of modeling software, including InfoWater, EPANET, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and more.

Outside of her professional life, Sarah enjoys playing volleyball, basketball, and golf, and organizes/participates in an annual Tough Mudder event with friends and family. She also spends time camping, going to concerts, and fervently cheering on the Buffalo Bills.
Cameron Cluett
P.Eng.
Cameron Cluett
P.Eng.
Bio coming soon!
Don Bint
Don Bint
C.E.T.
Don Bint
Don Bint
C.E.T.
Don has logged over four decades in the municipal and land development design field, with 30 years as a valuable part of the Vallee team. He is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s Civil Engineering Technology (Municipal) program and holds the Certified Engineering Technologist designation from the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists. Don has also continued to develop his skills, completing continuing education courses in AutoCAD and Civil 3D design software.
 
Within his role at Vallee, Don’s work has been concentrated on pre-engineered surveying, design, and construction inspection and contract administration, spanning across several project types, including subdivisions, commercial and industrial developments, and municipal road reconstructions.
 
Outside of the office and site visits, Don is an avid (yet mediocre) golfer and keeps active through biking, hiking, and gym workouts, and makes time for home improvement projects and travel.
Rod Shortt
Rod Shortt
Civil Engineering Technologist
Rod Shortt
Rod Shortt
Civil Engineering Technologist
Rod is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s Civil Engineering Technologist program and holds certifications from their Beginner and Intermediate AutoCAD courses. He has also completed the Drainage Superintendent Course from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ontario Good Roads Association’s General Inspection Course.
 
As a 40-year veteran of the industry, Rod has amassed valuable experience and superior skills in surveying, infrastructure and road design, and construction inspection. He is Vallee’s go-to technologist for GPS and Total Robotic Station surveying and Civil 3D, training many of our other technologists on the tools. Within his nearly 20-year career with Vallee, Rod’s work has focused on pre-engineered surveys and design of road reconstruction projects, subdivision development, and grading plans; he has also assisted with the preparation of tender packages and cost estimates and completed numerous construction inspections.
 
Even when he’s not on-site, Rod is likely to be found outdoors; during the warmer seasons, he’s often spotted cycling throughout Norfolk County’s picturesque trails and scenic bike routes or at any one of the area’s golf courses and trudging through the snow on cross-country skis when winter hits.
Tim Cox
Tim Cox
C.Tech
Tim Cox
Tim Cox
C.Tech
Nicholas Nault
Nicholas Nault
Civil Engineering Technologist
Nicholas Nault
Nicholas Nault
Civil Engineering Technologist
Lou Crotta
Lou Crotta
Civil Engineering Site Inspector
Lou Crotta
Lou Crotta
Civil Engineering Site Inspector
Andy Pacitti
Andy Pacitti
Civil & Structural Engineering Inspector
Andy Pacitti
Andy Pacitti
Civil & Structural Engineering Inspector
Andy brings nearly 40 years of practical experience to Vallee’s civil and structural departments as a Site Inspector on sewer, watermain, bridge, and culvert projects. He is a graduate of Mohawk College’s Civil Engineering Technology program and worked as a CSA/CCIL Certified Construction Materials Technologist for the highly regarded consulting firm of Peto McCallum Limited for over 35 years.
 
The combination of his education and extensive career provides Andy with an expert-level of knowledge on construction materials, from concrete and reinforced steel to waterproofing, asphalt, granular materials, and soils. Since beginning his career, he has worked on thousands of municipal projects, many of which have been with Norfolk County and Vallee.
 
Away from the job site and inspections, Andy is an avid outdoorsman, spending time rock climbing, mountain biking, snowboarding, and salmon trout fishing. He’s also the father of two active teenagers and spends time cheering them on at their mountain biking competitions and volleyball tournaments.

Structural

Ryan Elliott
Director of Structural Engineering
Consulting Engineer, BDS, P.Eng.
Ryan Elliott
Director of Structural Engineering
Consulting Engineer, BDS, P.Eng.
Ryan is a corporate shareholder and the Director of Structural Engineering at G. Douglas Vallee Limited. He is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, a Professional Engineer and a Building Design Specialist licensed with Professional Engineers Ontario and has also been designated by PEO as a Consulting Engineer.
 
Over the course of his 20-plus years of experience in structural, civil, and geotechnical engineering, Ryan has overseen hundreds of bridge and culvert rehabilitations and replacements and architectural projects of all types, shapes, and sizes but the heritage projects are where his passion lies. Working closely with our bridge and architecture divisions, Ryan is active in the heritage specialty; he holds certification as a Heritage Building Pathologist from and is a member of the Edifice Atelier & Guild.
 
Outside of work, Ryan has contributed to local rugby programs at the school and club level. He also served as a minor hockey coach, referee-in-chief, and officials’ supervisor. Currently, all of his spare time is being dedicated to raising his young family.
Michael Rapai
Michael Rapai
Manager of Bridge, Culvert & Retaining Wall Division, Associate
P.Eng.
Michael Rapai
Michael Rapai
Manager of Bridge, Culvert & Retaining Wall Division, Associate
P.Eng.
With a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Ottawa in Civil Engineering (Structural Geotechnical Option), Professional Engineer designation, and work experience as a field engineer, Michael is a valuable member of the Vallee team and a leader within our Structural Engineering department.

Serving as our Manager of Bridges, he assumes the lead project engineer role on OSIM, rehabilitation, and replacement projects, taking responsibility for the asset management, design, inspection, analysis, and construction. With Michael at the helm of the division, Vallee has consistently held contracts with Norfolk, Haldimand, Brant, Oxford counties and the Town of Tillsonburg for over 800 structures.
 
Beyond his work as an engineer, Michael’s an avid home cook and audiophile with a special interest in hi-fi stereo and vinyl.
Ben Buchwald
Ben Buchwald
Manager of Structures, Associate
P.Eng., M.Eng.
Ben Buchwald
Ben Buchwald
Manager of Structures, Associate
P.Eng., M.Eng.
After completing his Bachelor’s of Engineering at McMaster University, Ben first came to Vallee as an Engineering Intern while completing his Master’s of Engineering, also at McMaster. He later returned as a full-time, Professional Engineer and now holds the titles of Associate and Manager of Structures in our Structural Engineering department. In addition to his PEO license, Ben is a member of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers and holds a certificate in Engineered Masonry from Canada Masonry Design Centre.
 
Within his role, Ben is responsible for managing the pre- and detailed design and drawing production phases, inspections, and contract administration for all of Vallee’s structural building projects, ranging from commercial, agricultural, and industrial to institutional, municipal, and residential.

Over the course of his career, Ben has gained structural design experience with a variety of materials, including reinforced concrete, structural steel, masonry, precast concrete, timber, and cold-formed steel. Additionally, he has worked on a number of post-disaster building projects and assisted Vallee’s bridge division with inspections, design, and drawing review.
 
Ben lives in rural Haldimand County with his young family and, when life as a father of two isn’t keeping him busy, can be found in his woodworking shop, out for a round of golf, at a curling match or stock car race.
Andrew Vallee
P.Eng.
Andrew Vallee
P.Eng.
Andrew is a lifelong Norfolk resident, third-generation Professional Engineer, and Vallee corporate shareholder, poised to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. In 2019, he graduated with Distinction from the Civil (Structural) Engineering program at Western University, where he achieved the Dean’s Honour List in his second, third, and fourth year during his undergraduate degree and was his class’s sole recipient of the Dr. James A. Vance Award for Excellence in Engineering Design across all disciplines. He obtained his P.Eng. designation in September 2023.
 
Since beginning his career with Vallee in 2014 as a student, Andrew has gained varied experience, from OSIM inspections and report writing to structural design, drawing production, construction inspection, and contract administration for Vallee’s bridge, residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Now in his 10th year with the company, his focus is concentrated on structural engineering for buildings, including coordination with our architectural projects and related consultant teams.
 
When Andrew isn’t on-site or in the office, he’s either working on his golf game at one of the beautiful courses in and around Norfolk or sailing the Great Lakes with the Port Dover Yacht Club Racing Division.
Braden Ongena
Braden Ongena
P.Eng.
Braden Ongena
Braden Ongena
P.Eng.
Braden graduated with distinction from the University of Waterloo’s Bachelor of Applied Science undergraduate program and holds a Structural Certificate from UWO, highlighting his educational background in structural engineering. In his final study year, he was a member of the first-place team for the 2020 University of Waterloo Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering Capstone Design Competition and received his P.Eng. designation from Professional Engineers Ontario in November 2023.
 
Over the course of his career with Vallee, Braden’s work has provided him with a range of experience, including structure rehabilitations and replacements and he has become an expert in design, drawings, inspection, asset management, tender preparation, and contract administration on bridge, culvert, and retaining wall projects.
 
In his time away from work, Braden’s a fixture at Norfolk’s golf courses and plays in local volleyball and basketball leagues. He also volunteers as a coach with the Norfolk Youth Basketball Association.
Matt Alderson
Matt Alderson
C.E.T.
Matt Alderson
Matt Alderson
C.E.T.
Matt is a Certified Engineering Technologist in Vallee’s Structural Engineering department and graduate of Mohawk College’s Civil Engineering Technology Advanced Diploma program. He joined our team in 2013, became certified as a C. Tech in 2017, and received his C.E.T. designation in 2021.
 
In his role with Vallee, Matt has worked on the design and drawings and is the primary inspector of our bridge and culvert rehabilitation and replacement projects across Norfolk, Haldimand, Brant, and Oxford counties. Additionally, he performs biennial OSIM structure inspections and has completed over 1,000 since joining our firm.
 
Away from work, Matt is an action sport athlete, primarily riding BMX, as well as FMX motocross and Jet Ski. He was also instrumental in the development of the Waterford Skate Park, assisting with the design in his spare time and now sits on the facility’s committee.
Keegan Amy
Keegan Amy
B.Eng., E.I.T.
Keegan Amy
Keegan Amy
B.Eng., E.I.T.
Keegan is a McMaster University graduate and registered E.I.T. awaiting his P.Eng. designation. He graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Engineering & Society and Minor in Sustainability; this degree, the only one of its kind in North America, provides traditional engineering education with additional courses that study the intricate relationships between technology, society, and sustainable and responsible engineering.
 
At the outset of his time with Vallee, Keegan worked in the Civil department where he successfully completed the design, tendering, and construction inspection of asphalt parking lot redesign projects for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, as well as assisted on grading plans, site servicing, and stormwater management for other projects.
 
Since then, Keegan has transitioned to Vallee’s Structural Engineering department, working in our Structures division on in-progress construction site inspections, drawing preparation, preliminary engineered design, and existing structure inspections. His portfolio of work includes fire stations, workshops, and maintenance buildings.
 
Outside of work, Keegan’s interests range from home renovations, reading, crop tours, trips to local breweries, and spending time with family (shoutout to Nana). He’s played the baritone saxophone for a number of years with the Haldimand Norfolk Concert Band and, like the true engineer he is, working on the newest LEGO set.
Joseph Thomas
B.Tech, M.E., PMP®, E.I.T.
Joseph Thomas
B.Tech, M.E., PMP®, E.I.T.
Joseph is currently working as an Engineering Intern in our Structural Engineering department’s Bridge Division as he progresses toward receiving his P.Eng. designation. He received a Bachelor of Technology degree in Civil Engineering from Mahatma Gandhi University and Master of Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, completed Seneca Polytechnic’s Engineering Connections program and is a Project Management Professional (PMP)®.
 
Since joining Vallee in 2023, Joseph has applied his skills to stability checking on our bridge and culvert projects, as well as small building rehabilitation and lifting and foundation and retaining wall design.
 
Away from work, Joseph spends time reading, watching movies, and gardening, and also serves as the Vice President of the Norfolk Malayali Association. He and his wife welcomed their first child in May.
Robert Mills
Structural Engineering Technologist
Robert Mills
Structural Engineering Technologist
Robert is an Honours graduate of Mohawk College’s Civil Engineering Technology Advanced Diploma program and prospective OACETT student member. Since joining the Bridge division of our Structural Engineering department as a Structural Technologist in early 2024, he’s worked on various bridge and culvert rehabilitation and replacement projects across Norfolk, Haldimand and Brant counties, developing technical drawings, conducting site inspections, and overseeing contract administration.
 
Prior to graduating in 2024, Robert completed an eight- and four-month co-op term at a GTHA-based consulting firm as a Junior Site Inspector, where he was responsible for editing drawings and documents for review and submission and gained experience working with payment certificates and tenders. He also volunteered with Mohawk College’s Building and Construction Sciences department.
 
Robert’s a bit of a gearhead, spending his free time riding and fixing bikes, and is working on his golf game. Aside from being active, he volunteers with his church, coordinating the Sunday service livestream.

Planning

Eldon Darbyson
Eldon Darbyson
Director of Planning
RPP, MCIP
Eldon Darbyson
Eldon Darbyson
Director of Planning
RPP, MCIP
With over 20 years of combined municipal and private consulting experience, Eldon brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Director of Planning. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies with a focus on Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Waterloo, is an accredited Registered Professional Planner, and member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.
 
Since joining Vallee, Eldon has spearheaded a diverse range of land use planning initiatives; notably Official Plan and zoning by-law amendments for various developments, including residential subdivisions, condominiums, mixed-use developments, and commercial projects. His experience extends to navigating applications to regulatory bodies such as the Niagara Escarpment Commission.
 
Eldon has overseen site plan applications for multi-commercial developments and stand-alone retail establishments, as well as managed residential condominiums projects in several municipalities. He also has experience handling consent and part lot control applications and securing minor variances to address specific property challenges and local regulations.
 
Outside of his work, Eldon volunteers for various committees and local events with his church. He enjoys quality time with his children and wife, travelling, camping, exercising, cooking, and landscaping, home improvement and gardening projects. He also finds joy in live music and dancing.
James Canzano
Planning Technician
James Canzano
Planning Technician
Bio coming soon!

Administration

Karen Peacock-Thomson
Karen Peacock-Thomson
Executive Assistant
Structural Support
Karen Peacock-Thomson
Karen Peacock-Thomson
Executive Assistant
Structural Support
Lisa Culver
Lisa Culver
Office Administrator
Architecture & Civil Support
Lisa Culver
Lisa Culver
Office Administrator
Architecture & Civil Support
Lisa is one of Vallee’s longest serving team members, starting with the company in 2003 as one of just 10 employees. A graduate of the Business program at Fanshawe College, Lisa provides valuable support to our Architecture and Civil Engineering departments, preparing contracts, progress payments, and change orders on all types of projects, including residential and commercial developments and municipal and institutional projects. She also manages the office building and is an integral part of the Vallee Social Committee, spearheading the planning and coordination of all of our special events.
 
Outside of her time in the office, Lisa enjoys working on her green thumb, cultivating her garden and propagating plants. She also spends time knitting and walking and is a proud grandmother of two.
Heather Rollo
Heather Rollo
Office Administrator
Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
Heather Rollo
Heather Rollo
Office Administrator
Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
Heather joined Vallee in 2023 after two years of working as a freelance social media manager in the real estate industry. She is a graduate of Loyalist College’s Journalism program and obtained a post-graduate diploma in Public Relations from Mohawk College, after which she began working as a communications coordinator.
 
A career shift in 2021 brought Heather into the world of social media marketing. Within the Vallee organization, she coordinates our sponsorship and advertising efforts, as well as creates content for and manages our social media platforms. She’s also the first face our clients and colleagues see upon visiting our building and assists with various administrative responsibilities.
 
Away from the office, Heather spends time with her dog Stella on hikes and trail walks, and relaxes through reading, jogging, and golfing. She is a self-proclaimed armchair athlete and, from August to February, spends her Sundays yelling at the TV.