The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) stands as a powerful advocate for engineers across the province, championing their interests and amplifying their voices. At the heart of its founding and early advocacy efforts is engineer Robert “Bob” Goodings, P.Eng., the recipient of the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 Ontario Professional Engineer Awards. His lifelong commitment to the profession has left a lasting impact on the engineering community in Ontario and beyond.
A Life in Engineering
Born in Timmins, Ontario, in 1929, Robert Goodings shared an inseparable bond with his identical twin brother. Their journey through life and education mirrored one another’s, ultimately leading Goodings to Queen’s University, where he graduated in 1951 with an engineering degree.
His professional career began at Gore and Storrie Limited, an engineering company specializing in designing water and sewage treatment plants across Canada. Goodings played a crucial role in major projects such as the Ashbridges Bay Sewage Plant and the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant. Over time, his career extended beyond Canada, contributing to global projects through his work with Parsons Brinkerhoff and CH2M Hill.
OSPE members Bob Goodings, P.Eng., and Bill Goodings, P.Eng., photographed with their classmates after receiving their iron rings from Queen’s University in 1951.
The Birth of OSPE
Goodings’ leadership extended beyond engineering design. He became actively involved with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), serving as its president. However, during his tenure, he recognized a critical gap in that while PEO was responsible for licensing and regulating engineers, it was unable to advocate on behalf of the profession. There was a pressing need for an organization that could address the professional, economic, and business concerns of engineers. This realization led to the creation of OSPE.
In the early days, OSPE faced an uphill battle. Few knew of its existence, and it had to establish its role as the voice of engineers. One of its first major advocacy efforts came during the Walkerton water crisis, where Goodings and OSPE played a pivotal role in shaping legislation that strengthened water and sewage system regulations. This effort marked OSPE’s emergence as a trusted advocate and industry leader.
Michael O’Flaherty, P.Eng., (left), and Robert Goodings, P.Eng. (right).
A Lasting Impact
Goodings often credited the success of OSPE to the engineers who rallied behind it. His leadership philosophy was not about personal accolades, but about enabling others to thrive. He believed in creating opportunities for engineers to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to society.
His legacy is evident not only in the policies and advocacy efforts spearheaded by OSPE, but also in the engineers who have gone on to lead within OSPE and PEO. As he humbly put it, “I don’t think I had any special skills, but I was a hard-working guy that people could depend on.”
Thanks to his tireless leadership and dedication, OSPE has grown into the strong organization it is today, serving as a model for other provinces in Canada. His contributions to the engineering profession—both in practice and advocacy—have transformed the field, ensuring that engineers in Ontario have a platform to advance their interests and shape the future.
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