2024 Winner - Claude Décary, P.Eng.

(OTTAWA) October 24, 2024 – At this year’s Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards on October 24, Claude Décary received the 2024 Beaubien Award for a lifetime of achievements in the consulting engineering industry. 

Throughout his impressive career spanning over 4 decades, Claude has stood out for his unfailing work ethic and excellent judgment. Early on, he made a name for himself as a pioneer in energy efficiency and sustainable development in Quebec. He led initiatives in this increasingly important area in response to the first oil shocks in the 1980s and was responsible for one of the first efficient lighting programs in the province. He also conducted an ambitious energy analysis program for thousands of commercial and industrial buildings across Quebec so that efficiencies could be found and implemented. 

During the 90s, Claude managed several iconic projects in Quebec and Ontario, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Biosphere, and the Biodome—all of which demonstrated his expertise in environmentally-friendly innovations. Claude is also known for his eighteen years as CEO of Bouthillette Parizeau from 2002-2020. By prioritizing quality service and finding efficiencies to best serve his clients’ needs, he skillfully managed this firm and ensured its continued growth—taking it from a team of 80 to 500 employees. 

In addition to being an exceptional leader, Claude has always been wholeheartedly invested in the success of the industry. His 20-year service to the Association des firmes de génie-conseil (AFG)-Québec—including two terms as chairman—was pivotal and is reflected in AFG’s status as a well-respected and vibrant organization. At the Canadian level, he was also a Director for Quebec on the ACEC-Canada Board for four years. 

Claude’s passion for consulting engineering and sustainable development has also led him to devote himself to several other organizations doing good work in the building sector, such as the Association québécoise pour la maîtrise de l’Énergie (AQME), BOMA Québec, and the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montréal. His leadership with these groups has allowed him to promote the value of consulting engineers to property owners and managers.

Despite his busy schedule, Claude consistently makes time to support causes he believes in. He volunteers with many charities that promote health, education, a more equitable society, and the next generation of engineers. He has been an active participant for fundraising campaigns and initiatives for Centraide, Chu Ste-Justine Foundation, Tel-jeunes, as well as dozens of hospitals and school boards. With such a strong focus on giving back to his community, Claude brings the human dimension of engineering to the forefront—a quality that is deeply appreciated by his peers. 

The positive impact of Claude’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. His charity work, expert perspective, and business success have been regularly recognized in the news over the years. He has also led various award-winning projects, and in 2012, AQME honoured him for helping to “improve the lives of people in Quebec and Canada through his innovation, creativity, passion and commitment to his profession.” 

Claude’s generous spirit, strong dedication to sustainable development, and enthusiasm for the industry throughout his 40-year career made him the clear choice for the 2024 Beaubien Award.