January 2026 Networking and Technical Event

Welcome to the January 2026 Networking and Technical Event! Join us for an evening filled with learning and connecting. Please note that the location has changed - The event will now take place at the Society Clubhouse. DOn't miss this exciting chance to collaborate and grow professionally. See you there!

About the Presentation:

Railway Network Upgrade Program

Railway network upgrade programs are critical to meeting growing transportation needs but are far more complex than building new subway or LRT systems, as they must integrate new infrastructure into active rail operations with minimal disruption. These programs require coordination among multiple stakeholders and must contend with aging tracks, stations, and signaling systems. With more than 100 projects often running simultaneously and budgets ranging from millions to billions, each with its own delivery model, overall program management becomes highly challenging. This presentation examines these complexities, highlights what makes active‑network upgrades uniquely difficult, and outlines systemic issues identified through lessons learned

About the Presenters:

Ali Montaser is a senior project controls and infrastructure delivery leader with over 20 years of experience across major transit, rail, heavy civil, and energy programs in Canada, the U.S., and the Middle East. As Vice President of Program and Project Controls at Accenture, he oversees planning, scheduling, cost, risk, and performance integration for multi‑billion‑dollar infrastructure initiatives. A licensed P.Eng. and certified PSP and PMP, he is recognized for advancing the project controls profession through innovation, mentorship, and thought leadership. Recipient of the 2025 North America Project Controls Professional of the Year award, Dr. Montaser has authored more than 40 publications with institutions such as AACE International, translating real‑world program insights into frameworks that shape best practices in digital delivery and performance management worldwide.

Ahmed Montaser is a project management leader with over 16 years of expertise in Project Controls. He holds an MSc in Project Management and certifications including PMP, PMI‑SP, and EVP. His experience spans major residential, nuclear, infrastructure, hydropower, and transit projects across Canada and Saudi Arabia. As Corporate Project Controls Director at Aecon Group Inc., he leads planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk, and reporting for high‑profile infrastructure programs. Ahmed has earned notable industry recognition, including the "40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction Award" (2023) and the "Best in Innovation and Construction Management Award" (2022), reflecting his leadership in advancing project controls and BIM on major Canadian projects such as the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, GO Rail Expansion, and the Darlington SMR Project.

See you there!

AACE Toronto Section Team

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Host or Publisher AACE International - Toronto Section