TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
SAMUEL SHANNON
1. How long have you been on the Board and what position do you currently hold?
Approximately one month. I am the Director of Infrastructure and Operations with the Municipality of North Middlesex.
2. What municipality or organization do you represent?
Municipality of North Middlesex.
3. What is your educational and professional background?
Advanced diploma in civil engineering from Mohawk College (graduated over 10 years ago now). I have worked in the industry in both the private and public sectors since graduating, that includes technologist, site inspector and surveyor, manager, and director.
4. The OMWA is a not-for-profit organization and all Board positions, including yours, are all volunteer, what inspired you to become an OMWA Board Member?
I believe strongly in the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the municipal water sector. Serving as a volunteer board member is an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of water management practices in Ontario, support advocacy efforts, and work alongside dedicated professionals who are equally committed to protecting public health and the environment.
5. What do you hope to see in the future for OMWA?
I hope to see OMWA continue to grow as a leading voice in the water sector—strengthening its advocacy, expanding training and resources for members, and fostering even greater collaboration among municipalities, First Nations, and industry partners. I’d also like to see OMWA play a key role in helping the sector adapt to emerging challenges like climate change, workforce development, and evolving regulatory demands.
6. What would you say to a 16-year-old student considering a career path, in water?
I’d say go for it. A career in the water sector is extremely stable and in high demand, and it’s a career where you make a real difference in people’s lives every day. Its meaningful work with purpose – and it gives opportunities of both outdoor and indoor work.
7. What advice would you give to a new graduate considering a position in the water industry?
My advice would be to jump in with curiosity and an open mind. The industry offers a very wide range of opportunities from the operations side of things to engineering. I would say take the time to learn from all the great experienced professionals in the industry, and most importantly, recognize the value of the work you do.
8. What’s your hometown?
Ingersoll ON.
9. What brought you to Ontario?
I was born and have grown up in Ontario my entire life.
10. What was your first job?
My first job in the professional industry was working as a Technologist for a consulting firm based in Tillsonburg ON named CJDL.
11. What challenges have you had to overcome in your career?
have been fortunate that outside of technical challenges with projects I have worked on or consultants/contractors I have worked with, I have always been surrounded by fantastic colleagues and supporters. The biggest challenge I have faced outside of that has certainly been breaking the glass ceiling of not needing a P. Eng. to do a lot of the work I have done and need to do, and my experience speaking for itself.
12. What are some of your hobbies or how do you spend your free time?
am very active with outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, rock climbing, golfing, etc. I generally spend my free time with my daughter, family, friends, and getting active doing something. I love to read and write and express myself artistically when I am able to.
13. What is something quirky about you?
I love doing laundry. On a serious note, I drink my coffee strong enough to power a small pumping station.
14. What was your most prized toy as a child, and why?
Golf clubs from my parents. My parents have worked extremely hard their entire life and they spent a lot of money supporting a hobby that has turned into a passion for me.
15. If you could have a t-shirt printed with a message, what would it be?
I brake for hydrants.
