TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Billy Haklander
How long have you been on the Board and what position do you currently hold?
I joined the board in 2020 as a Technical Director.
What municipality or organization do you represent?
I represent the Lake Huron and Elgin Area Primary Water Supply Systems.
What is your educational and professional background?
I earned my B.Sc. in Engineering at the University of Guelph in 2004 and received my P.Eng. designation in 2008. In 2014, I earned my Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School. My professional background includes water resources/stormwater but currently practice in water treatment and transmission.
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 am at a point in my career where I felt it was time to give back to the industry and I think being an OMWA Board Member provides me with an opportunity to do that.
What do you hope to see in the future for OMWA?
I hope to see the OMWA continue to grow and act as the voice for water authorities in Ontario.
What would you say to a 16-year-old student considering a career path, in water?
Speak with as many people as you can that are in the water industry about their experiences.
What advice would you give to a new graduate considering a position in the water industry?
Go for it! I regret spending too much time worrying about whether the position was the right fit. Every position I have had in the industry has been instrumental in developing the skills I employ in my current role.
What’s your hometown?
Komoka, Ontario.
What brought you to Ontario?
Born and raised.
What was your first job?
Rock picking.
What challenges have you had to overcome in your career?
I am fortunate that I have enjoyed all the positions I have had in my career. The biggest challenge for me has been transitioning to different positions within the industry.
What are some of your hobbies or how do you spend your free time?
My two sons are involved in sports and my free time is devoted to driving them around.
What is something quirky about you?
I was named after my father and did not want to be a Jr. so to avoid confusion I still go by Billy.
What was your most prized toy as a child, and why?
We had a pool table growing up that I would spend hours playing on so I would say my most prized toy was my pool cue.
If you could have a t-shirt printed with a message, what would it be?
No water no hockey.
