On February 10, 2026, OETIO hosted an open house at its Oakville campus to showcase the new High-Rail Integrity Excavator Operator course. The event brought together major industry stakeholders to tour OETIO’s facilities and experience the training firsthand.
As Canada continues to invest in major rail infrastructure, OETIO remains committed to elevating the training standards and producing highly skilled operators prepared to work safely and effectively in this specialized environment.
The open house was attended by representatives from Kiewit, Metrolinx, ONExpress Civils GP, ReadyPower Canada, Van Elle Canada and Soncin Construction.
During the session, Kyle Holmes of Van Elle Canada and Lee Coulson of ReadyPower Canada emphasized the importance of higher training benchmarks in the sector and that industry-wide changes are essential to improve safety and operational efficiency.
OETIO Executive Director Rick Kerr provided a deep dive into the course structure. The curriculum focuses on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on training.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Van Elle Canada and ReadyPower Canada for their invaluable partnership in helping build this program. Together, we are training the skilled workforce to drive Ontario’s future forward!