Sudden Death of Long-Time Member Paul O’Neill

Written by Local 793 Staff

It is with great sadness that we share with you the news of the death of Paul O’Neill, a 39-year member of IUOE Local 793. Brother O’Neill died suddenly at home on November 8. He was 58 years old. As an experienced and highly skilled mobile crane operator, Paul took great pride in his work and it was this, coupled with a can-do attitude and willingness to help others, that made him such a popular and well-respected figure among both his colleagues and employers. Local 793 Business Manager, Mike Gallagher, […]

It is with great sadness that we share with you the news of the death of Paul O’Neill, a 39-year member of IUOE Local 793. Brother O’Neill died suddenly at home on November 8. He was 58 years old.

As an experienced and highly skilled mobile crane operator, Paul took great pride in his work and it was this, coupled with a can-do attitude and willingness to help others, that made him such a popular and well-respected figure among both his colleagues and employers.

Local 793 Business Manager, Mike Gallagher, said, “As a highly valued and long-time Union steward, Paul always put the needs of others first and fought hard for members’ rights. His particular focus on health and safety helped make every jobsite he worked at safer for everyone. He will be greatly missed by all of us at Local 793.”

Away from work, Paul had a deeply rooted connection to his Irish heritage and had an uncanny ability to bring joy to the lives of all he met. Whether enjoying traditional Irish music or hosting an O’Neill family barbecue, the “craic” was sure to be mighty whenever he was around.

Visitation is at Legacy Funeral Home at 55 Cedar Pointe Drive in Barrie from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 16. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 18, at 10 a.m.at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 65 Amelia Street, Barrie. Afterwards, friends and family are welcome to Donaleigh’s Irish Pub at 28 Dunlop Street East in Barrie for a celebration of Paul’s life.

For more details, click here

Paul O'Neill
Local 793 mobile crane operator Paul O’Neill

Indigenous Veterans Day: Honouring Those Who Served in Canada’s Military

Written by Local 793 Staff

Indigenous peoples have served in times of war and peace for more than 200 years and many continue to serve. For many years, that service was often overlooked and underappreciated. Indigenous Veterans Day is observed in Canada on November 8, in recognition of Indigenous contributions to military service, particularly in the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Korean War. It’s a day to recognize and acknowledge the many contributions and sacrifices of Aboriginals not only to Canada’s war efforts but to its peacekeeping reputation. This Indigenous Veterans […]

Indigenous peoples have served in times of war and peace for more than 200 years and many continue to serve. For many years, that service was often overlooked and underappreciated.

Indigenous Veterans Day is observed in Canada on November 8, in recognition of Indigenous contributions to military service, particularly in the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Korean War. It’s a day to recognize and acknowledge the many contributions and sacrifices of Aboriginals not only to Canada’s war efforts but to its peacekeeping reputation.

This Indigenous Veterans Day, the officers, executive board and staff of IUOE Local 793 would like to express our gratitude for the contributions Indigenous veterans have made to Canada and the world.

Best regards,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager, IUOE Local 793

Local 793 Member Dan Walton Completes First Ironman Triathlon in Florida

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 member and Baffinland ore haul truck mechanic, Dan Walton, showed his mettle on the weekend as he completed his first Ironman in Florida’s Panama City Beach, part of the VinFast Ironman North America Series. Dan was sponsored by IUOE Local 793 and proudly wore a specially designed suit emblazoned with the Union’s logo. He completed the 3.9km swim, 180.2km cycle and 42.2km run in a rapid 12:50:47, placing him 48th in the 55-59 age group and 855th overall out of 1,789 competitors. The pro race was won by […]

Local 793 member and Baffinland ore haul truck mechanic, Dan Walton, showed his mettle on the weekend as he completed his first Ironman in Florida’s Panama City Beach, part of the VinFast Ironman North America Series.

Dan was sponsored by IUOE Local 793 and proudly wore a specially designed suit emblazoned with the Union’s logo.

He completed the 3.9km swim, 180.2km cycle and 42.2km run in a rapid 12:50:47, placing him 48th in the 55-59 age group and 855th overall out of 1,789 competitors. The pro race was won by American Rudy von Berg in 7:34:41.

After crossing the finish line, Dan said, “I was very happy with my performance and didn’t stop once due to fatigue. I had a good swim, a blistering bike ride and a great run.”

You can read a full account of Dan’s journey from iron mine to Ironman in December’s Making Tracks magazine.

Congratulations Dan on your terrific achievement!

Dan Walton Ironman Florida competitor
Dan Walton celebrates completing the Ironman event in Florida.
Dan Walton emerges from ocean
Dan emerges from the ocean after a 3.9km swim.
Dan Walton on bike.
The Baffinland mechanic completed a 180.2km bike ride.
Dan Walton runs a marathon
The Ironman event concluded with Dan running a marathon.

Doing A “Dam” Good Job In Timmins

Written by Local 793 Staff

Brother Blake Triebl operates a Link-Belt LS-108B crawler crane for GDB Constructeurs at the Frederick House Lake Dam, 50 km northeast of Timmins. The rehabilitation project will extend the operating life of the dam, which was constructed in 1937-38, by approximately 50 years. The work, which will run until the fall of 2025, includes concrete repairs to the dam and sluiceway structure; the replacement of gains, sills, stop logs and sectional gates; road maintenance to support construction access; and temporary in-water work (e.g. cofferdams).

Brother Blake Triebl operates a Link-Belt LS-108B crawler crane for GDB Constructeurs at the Frederick House Lake Dam, 50 km northeast of Timmins. The rehabilitation project will extend the operating life of the dam, which was constructed in 1937-38, by approximately 50 years.

The work, which will run until the fall of 2025, includes concrete repairs to the dam and sluiceway structure; the replacement of gains, sills, stop logs and sectional gates; road maintenance to support construction access; and temporary in-water work (e.g. cofferdams).

Operator with crane at dam project
Brother Blake Trieble operates a crawler crane for GDB Constructeurs

London Calling for OETIO

Written by Local 793 Staff

The Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs made its latest stop in London on November 1-2. Sponsored by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and supported by the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO), Level Up! allows young people and jobseekers in every corner of the province to explore opportunities within the skilled trades. Staffing the OETIO booth in London were: (L to R) Mike Barons (Sarnia Business Rep), Kelly Burla (London Business Rep), Steve Booze (Southwest Ontario Supervisor), Paul Knight (Sarnia Business Rep) and Donny […]

The Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs made its latest stop in London on November 1-2. Sponsored by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and supported by the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO), Level Up! allows young people and jobseekers in every corner of the province to explore opportunities within the skilled trades.

Staffing the OETIO booth in London were: (L to R) Mike Barons (Sarnia Business Rep), Kelly Burla (London Business Rep), Steve Booze (Southwest Ontario Supervisor), Paul Knight (Sarnia Business Rep) and Donny Collins (London Business Rep).

Next, Level Up! visits the International Centre in Mississauga from November 15-16.

OETIO booth and staff at the Level Up! career fair in London, Ont.
L to R: Mike Barons (Sarnia Business Rep), Kelly Burla (London Business Rep), Steve Booze (Southwest Ontario Supervisor), Paul Knight (Sarnia Business Rep) and Donny Collins ( London Business Rep).

Members Keeping Work on Track in Ottawa

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 member Shalynn Marsh (pictured below) operates a Link-Belt RTC-8090 rough terrain crane at the corner of Greenbank Road and Queensview Drive in Ottawa, as progress continues on the LRT Stage 2 Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project. Stage 2 is a package of three extensions – south, east, and west – and will bring 77 per cent of residents within five kilometres of rail. Contractor: Kiewit-Eurovia-Vinci

Local 793 member Shalynn Marsh (pictured below) operates a Link-Belt RTC-8090 rough terrain crane at the corner of Greenbank Road and Queensview Drive in Ottawa, as progress continues on the LRT Stage 2 Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project.

Stage 2 is a package of three extensions – south, east, and west – and will bring 77 per cent of residents within five kilometres of rail.

Contractor: Kiewit-Eurovia-Vinci

Local 793 member Shalynn Marsh standing in front of a Link-Belt 8090 RT crane.

Blazing a Trail in the North

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 member Marissa Gilhooly is a surveyor with Teranorth Construction working on the $107 million Highway 11/17 four-laning project at Pearl, located halfway between Thunder Bay and Nipigon. The project is due for completion in 2026. Contractor: Teranorth Construction & Engineering

Local 793 member Marissa Gilhooly is a surveyor with Teranorth Construction working on the $107 million Highway 11/17 four-laning project at Pearl, located halfway between Thunder Bay and Nipigon. The project is due for completion in 2026.

Contractor: Teranorth Construction & Engineering

Member with surveying equipment
Member Marissa Gilhooly on site.

OETIO Joins Level Up! Careers Event in Windsor

Written by Local 793 Staff

OETIO’s mission to spread the word about the benefits of a career as an Operating Engineer continues in Windsor this week as the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair makes a two-day stop at the LaSalle Event Centre. The event, which concludes tomorrow (Thursday), is part of a series of dynamic, multi-day careers fairs sponsored by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development that allows young people and jobseekers to explore opportunities within the trades. Pictured representing Operating Engineers at the OETIO booth in Windsor are (from left) […]

OETIO’s mission to spread the word about the benefits of a career as an Operating Engineer continues in Windsor this week as the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair makes a two-day stop at the LaSalle Event Centre.

The event, which concludes tomorrow (Thursday), is part of a series of dynamic, multi-day careers fairs sponsored by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development that allows young people and jobseekers to explore opportunities within the trades.

Pictured representing Operating Engineers at the OETIO booth in Windsor are (from left) Mike Barons (Sarnia Business Rep), Ian Oncea (Windsor Business Rep), Carla St. Louis (OETIO Director of Indigenous Affairs and Marketing), Steve Booze (Southwest Ontario Supervisor), Paul Knight (Sarnia Business Rep), and Dave Pfaff (Windsor Business Rep).

OETIO’s next stop will be at the Western Fair District Agriplex in London from November 1-2.

Visit: https://levelupontario.ca

OETIO booth and staff.
L to R: Mike Barons (Sarnia Business Rep), Ian Oncea (Windsor Business Rep), Carla St. Louis (OETIO Director of Indigenous Affairs and Marketing), Steve Booze (Southwest Ontario Supervisor), Paul Knight (Sarnia Business Rep), and Dave Pfaff (Windsor Business Rep).

Brother Ken Boyle Honoured at Beloved YMCA

Written by Local 793 Staff

A memorial plaque honouring former Local 793 Executive Board member and Honourary Lifetime member Kenneth (Ken) Boyle was unveiled at the Sarnia YMCA (Jerry McCaw Family Centre) on Tuesday, October 24. Brother Boyle, who passed away on February 11, 2021, after a 50-year career that saw him work in the earthmoving and pipeline sectors before becoming a crane operator, took his personal fitness seriously and was a popular figure at his local YMCA, where he spent much of his free time. After his death, Local 793’s Executive Board voted to […]

A memorial plaque honouring former Local 793 Executive Board member and Honourary Lifetime member Kenneth (Ken) Boyle was unveiled at the Sarnia YMCA (Jerry McCaw Family Centre) on Tuesday, October 24.

Brother Boyle, who passed away on February 11, 2021, after a 50-year career that saw him work in the earthmoving and pipeline sectors before becoming a crane operator, took his personal fitness seriously and was a popular figure at his local YMCA, where he spent much of his free time.

After his death, Local 793’s Executive Board voted to donate $15,000 on behalf of members to the YMCA in Sarnia, with the money being used to ensure almost 100 children and seniors will be able to access a subsidized membership over the next five years.

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher shared some of his fondest memories of Ken at Tuesday’s ceremony, which was also attended by Ken’s brother and retired executive board member Bill, retired Southwest Ontario supervisor Bob McQueen, retired Sarnia business rep Vince Prout, current Southwest Ontario supervisor Steve Booze, and Sarnia business reps Mike Barons and Paul Knight.

The plaque honouring Brother Ken Boyle and his legacy will be affixed to the wall in the YMCA’s cycle training room, where he enjoyed so many happy hours.

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher shared some of his fondest memories of Ken Boyle at Tuesday’s ceremony.

The plaque honouring Brother Ken Boyle and his legacy will be affixed to the wall in the YMCA’s cycle training room, where he enjoyed so many happy hours.

Ken’s brother and retired executive board member, Bill Boyle.
Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher (centre) holds the plaque dedicated to the late Ken Boyle alongside Ken’s brother Bill (right) and Sarnia YMCA general manager Paul Skuza.
Plaque dedicated to the late Ken Boyle.

Members ‘Digging’ Their Job in the Brockville Area

Written by Local 793 Staff

Robert B. Somerville was contracted by Enbridge Pipelines to complete integrity digs on various diameter pipelines. Seen here are Local 793 members T.J. Harrison (backhoe operator) and Luke Zorad (apprentice) working on a series of digs in the Brockville area. Contractor: Robert B. Somerville Ltd.

Robert B. Somerville was contracted by Enbridge Pipelines to complete integrity digs on various diameter pipelines. Seen here are Local 793 members T.J. Harrison (backhoe operator) and Luke Zorad (apprentice) working on a series of digs in the Brockville area.

Contractor: Robert B. Somerville Ltd.

L to R: Brothers Luke Zorad (apprentice) and T.J. Harrison (backhoe operator).