Explore the Future of Digital Transformation in Canada’s Built Environment at GeoIgnite 2025

GeoIgnite 2025, Canada’s premier geospatial leadership conference, will be held from May 12-14, 2025, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. As part of this year’s programme, GeoIgnite will feature a dedicated track in collaboration with buildingSMART Canada, titled “Empowering the Digital Workforce: Boosting Productivity with AI, OpenBIM, and Information Standards.”

This track, which is also a key component of the buildingSMART Canada National Summit, will explore the integration of BIM and GIS, focusing on how advanced technologies and standardized practices can address productivity challenges and drive innovation in the AECOOM (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance) industry.

As Canada continues to transform its built environment, there is a growing need for new partnerships in geospatial and construction technology. Given the evolving trade dynamics and international relations, fostering these partnerships has never been more critical to strengthening Canada’s geospatial and construction sectors.

Over the course of the event, attendees will gain valuable insights through keynotes, technical sessions, and panel discussions that focus on fostering efficiency, collaboration, and resilience within Canada’s geospatial and built environment sectors.

Monday, May 12

The pre-conference day will feature a series of workshops designed to enhance your GIS, BIM, and digital skills. These workshops will provide hands-on insights into key technologies and practices that are transforming industries and driving innovation. Here are the details:

BIM & GIS: Smarter Data, Smarter Decisions

May 12, 9:30 AM

This workshop will help you understand the critical role of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in the geospatial landscape. Learn why BIM matters for GIS professionals and explore how the convergence of Digital Twins, BIM, and GIS is transforming industries by improving data management and decision-making processes. Buy Tickets

bSC Foundational Certification & ISO 19650 Compliance

May 12, 12:30 PM

This in-depth workshop provides a comprehensive overview of buildingSMART Certification and offers insights into ISO 19650 compliance. Learn how these standards apply to the geospatial and construction industries and how they can enhance your organization’s approach to BIM management and digital project execution. Buy Tickets

BIM-GIS Integration Workflow with Open-Source Tools

May 12, 3:00 PM

Explore how to integrate BIM and GIS using open-source tools. This workshop will cover the use of BonsaiBIM for IFC model preparation, QGIS for spatial data transformation, and Maplibre for web visualization, offering a practical approach to implementing GIS and BIM workflows using free software solutions. Buy Tickets

Tuesday, May 13

Day 2 of GeoIgnite 2025 comes with a packed agenda, including insightful sessions, interactive site tours, and networking opportunities, bringing together industry leaders, professionals, and innovators in the AECOOM industry.

Morning Site Tour: Centre Block

May 13, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Experience firsthand the innovative use of technology in the rehabilitation of the iconic Centre Block. PCL-EllisDon will showcase how they’ve utilized cutting-edge tools to streamline processes, improve data accuracy, and define workflows that replace outdated methods of data transfer. Location: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive. Get Your Tickets

Canadian Data at the Crossroads: The Need for ‘Other Pipelines’

May 13, 10:45 AM

In this keynote, industry leader Prashant Shukle, Member, Board of Directors, buildingSMART Canada, and Board Chair OGC, will explore how Canada is at a crossroads in terms of data and technology. He will emphasize the importance of geospatial data and the need for Canada to invest in data infrastructure to compete globally, driving productivity and innovation within the data economy.

Afternoon Site Tour: Centre Block

May 13, 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

This afternoon tour will provide another opportunity to see how modern technologies are transforming the Centre Block Rehabilitation project. Learn how data workflows are changing to meet the demands of this critical project. Location: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive. Get Your Tickets

buildingSMART Canada Networking Party

May 13, 7:00 PM

Join us for an exclusive networking party at the Canada Science & Technology Museum, as part of the 2025 buildingSMART Canada National Summit. Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and peers in a dynamic setting. Discuss the future of digital transformation in the AECO industry, all while enjoying refreshments and surrounded by inspiring exhibits. Location: Canada Science & Technology Museum. Get Your Tickets.

Wednesday, May 14

GeoIgnite returns the next day, kicking off with a special address from the President of buildingSMART Canada. The third and final day of the conference will feature keynotes, technical sessions, and a thought-provoking debate on whether Canada needs a BIM mandate.

Keynote: Bridging Reality and Digital

May 14, 9:00 AM

This keynote from John Hale, President, buildingSMART Canada, will explore how integrating BIM and Digital Twin technologies is revolutionizing asset management with real-time insights and lifecycle optimization, highlighting buildingSMART Canada’s initiatives in supporting these advancements.

Securing BIM Data: Digital Signatures for Trust & Integrity

May 14, 9:20 AM

This presentation from Patrick Drolet, CTO, Portage CyberTech, discusses digital signatures’ role in ensuring BIM data authenticity, enhancing trust, transparency, and traceability while supporting compliance and reducing disputes within BIM workflows.

The Roadmap for the Digitalization of National Construction Codes and Development of a National Common Data Framework

May 14, 9:40 AM

Farzad Jalaei, Research Officer, Digital Construction Practices Lead, National Research Council Canada & David Minicola, Project Manager, National Research Council Canada, will present the findings from a report on digital construction practices, exploring OpenBIM principles for compatibility, transparency, and collaboration across systems and stakeholders, as well as strategies for improving data management and interoperability.

How to Become a Knowledgeable Owner in the Digital World?

May 14, 10:00 AM

This session Ozge Kuden, CAD / BIM Specialist, Defence Construction Canada, will focus on the role of a knowledgeable owner in digital construction, highlighting managing BIM processes and project handovers in various construction projects.

Panel: Future Trends & Opportunities with Spatial Data

May 14, 11:15 AM

This panel discussion will explore how spatial data technologies are transforming industries like architecture, earth observation, climate monitoring, engineering, construction, and more, driving global economic, environmental, and social benefits.

Enhancing Municipal Planning: Case Studies from Vancouver and Beyond

May 14, 12:15 PM

This session will feature case studies from Vancouver and other municipalities, demonstrating how digital tools and geospatial analysis are used to optimize land use, streamline development approvals, and improve urban planning efficiency.

Digital Twins in Canada: Defining, Scaling, and Standardizing for the Future

May 14, 2:00 PM

This session tackles the challenges of defining and scaling Digital Twins in Canada, presenting buildingSMART Canada’s strategic initiative to standardize and drive adoption, positioning Canada as a leader in Digital Twin innovation.

Does Canada Need a BIM Mandate? A Debate

May 14, 2:45 PM

This debate between Jonathan Bailey, Digital Advisory Lead, ARUP & Erik Poirier, Professor, École de technologie supérieure, will focus on the need for a national BIM mandate in Canada, discussing the pros and cons of mandates for standardization, productivity, and workforce readiness in the construction industry.

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