Cipywnyk receives award, attends important transportation conference

“I spoke to the Small Municipalities Integrated Committee, which is a group of volunteers associated with TAC who work in small municipalities with a population of 100,000 people or less,” Cipywnyk said. “There were approximately 20 people in attendance at the technical meeting from both private companies and the public sector from all regions of Canada.”

There was a good reason Cipywnyk was chosen to present at the event. She was the inaugural recipient of the 2025 TAC Award for Young Professionals in Small Municipalities.

“This award covered the costs of my conference registration and transportation to Quebec City, and allowed me to have the opportunity to attend the Spring and Fall technical meetings.”

Cipywnyk’s presentation centred on asset management in small communities, and challenges to building a competitive asset management plan.

“Specifically, I highlighted the different technologies I utilize in my work as Public Works Director to assess the condition of the City’s road and sidewalk network, and how these condition assessments should drive our capital and operational budgets.”

Her nearly half-hour-long presentation used data specific to Melfort, as well as pictures of the community. Cipywnyk’s opportunity and award are feathers in her cap, and could serve as an inspiration to younger employees, as well as females.

“I am very aware of the fact that receiving this award and going to present in front of a national audience of transportation engineers is an opportunity that may not have been afforded to me in previous decades given my age and/or sex,” Cipywnyk said. “I would love to share this experience with other young people from small towns, female or not, and encourage them to advocate for themselves and their own professional development.”

Also important to Cipywnyk was that she was the lone representative at the Small Municipalities Integrated Committee meeting that was from Saskatchewan, and one of the few from a community with a population under 10,000. She said It’s important to have representation from communities Melfort’s size as they face similar issues to other, larger centres, but on a different scale and with fewer resources.

“We offer a unique perspective on the emerging challenges in the transportation sector and are directly impacted by changes made to national standards.”

The event was also a great chance to do some networking, getting to know people in similar roles. Cipywnyk said she was able to leverage their expertise and looks forward to connecting with attendees in the future.

“Another encouraging thing I learned from attending this event and chatting with others is that Melfort is not the only community facing challenges with its road and sidewalk networks,” said Cipywnyk. “The City of Melfort is not alone in our efforts to renew our transportation infrastructure – communities across the country are struggling with the same issues as we are, especially potholes. “

Cipywnyk said the event also allowed her to reflect on changes happening in the transportation industry, with updated standards and new technology like AI and different construction techniques.

“One of my biggest takeaways from the event is that I am in a unique position to now advocate and encourage other young professionals from small communities to pursue this grant or participate in TAC. We are the future of the industry and have important things to share.”

She said she appreciates the support from the City of Melfort for pursuing the award and investing in her professional development.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Cipywnyk receives award, attends important transportation conference

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