Theme

Imagine a major city that is no longer able to sustain its population within the geographical region in which it is defined. In order to retain the city's large workforce, urban development must spread into rural areas. Some towns and villages are re-purposed to accommodate a sizable population which supports the major city. Many problems arise if the development of these dependent but remote settlements are poorly planned, raising concern in areas such as public infrastructure, transportation and energy consumption.

In 2012, the Ontario Engineering Competition (OEC) aims to bring focus to issues relevant to urban and suburban areas, both close to home and around the world. This Competition will ask students to engineer innovative, effective and adaptable solutions to these issues while considering political, economical, and societal repercussions. As leaders and global thinkers, engineers have the responsibility to improve society and the world with their problem solving skills and innovative thinking. With competitions in design, consulting, communication, debate and innovation, OEC 2012 will challenge competitors to find solutions and conceptualize new practices that can drive a more sustainable society.