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UDI Fall Conference 2025
November 19, 2025
Nova Centre
Conference Pricing; Member Price $425 or a Table of 6 $2250
Non-Member Price $549
Registration/Breakfast - 7:00 am
Conference Start - 8:00 am
Conference Title Sponsor
Conference Speakers (Bios on Home Page)
Keynote Speaker - Scott Brison
Mayor Andy Fillmore (HRM)
Steven Haylestrom (Modular Housing)
Jaydan Tait
Robert Kavcic
Danny Chedrawe
Minister John MacDonald
Minister John White
Innovation in Building
Panel Members
Jacob Ritchie
Panel Moderator
Jacob Ritchie is an accomplished planner and executive leader with over two decades of experience across public, private, and academic sectors. As former President of United Gulf Developments Ltd., Jacob led strategic planning and real estate initiatives with a focus on resilient, impactful urban development in Nova Scotia. His career spans significant leadership roles, including Director of Campus Planning at NSCC and Director of Operations Services for the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, where he oversaw transformative initiatives in transportation and capital planning. Jacob managed urban design and policy for Halifax Regional Municipality through a series of landmark projects such as the Centre Plan and streetscape revitalizations. A licensed professional planner and active member of numerous boards and professional associations, Jacob is also an educator, shaping future planners as a sessional lecturer at Dalhousie University. His work is widely recognized through national awards and speaking engagements on housing, equity, and sustainable urbanism. With a background in both engineering and urban planning, Jacob combines analytical rigour with creative vision to shape thriving communities.
Michael Lesanko
Michael Lesanko is an accomplished executive technical engineering professional with over 30 years of experience in product development, research, intellectual property (IP) development, commercialization, and product management. His expertise extends to marketing and technical academic training, with a strong focus on the energy sector.
Cassie Kent
Since 1996, Cassie has been working in the design of educational, institutional, mixed use residential and commercial projects, focussing on sustainable design. A Certified Passive House Designer, her current projects are targeting CAGBC’s Zero Carbon Building Design Standard, Net Zero Energy and mass timber tall building design.
Cassie is also on the Project Management Team for the Halifax Water Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) for the Burnside Operations Centre- the first IPD project in Atlantic Canada.
Mike Myatt
Mike Myatt, Eng.L., is the Managing Director of BPA’s Halifax and Sydney offices in Nova Scotia, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the assessment, design and management of projects across a wide range of sectors. His work spans both new construction and renovation projects, where he is recognized for his leadership, collaborative approach and strong emphasis on communication and responsiveness.
Mike joined BPA in 2023 through the acquisition of M&R Engineering Ltd., where he had built a reputation for delivering practical, client-focused solutions. In his current role, he leads with a commitment to growth, innovation and mentorship. He is deeply invested in advancing sustainable engineering practices, supporting the development of his team and strengthening long-term client relationships.
With a focus on fostering a positive workplace culture, Mike encourages collaboration and creativity while building trusted partnerships that contribute to the continued success and reputation of BPA in the region.
Book Your Conference Seat now
Member Price $425pp.
Member Price for Table of 6 $2250
Non-Member Conference - $549pp
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