Engineering beyond the project: Keith Foster’s 30-year journey with Englobe

Earlier this year, while reviewing material samples with a colleague, Keith Foster, Senior Technical Director, Materials at Englobe, found himself sharing his insights once again. 

As they discussed aggregate properties and long-term performance, Keith explained not only what engineers test for, but why those properties matter. “When someone tells you that nobody ever explained why they test and inspect materials the way they do - that’s when you know you’ve made a difference,” he says. 

For Keith, these moments are among the most rewarding aspects of engineering. After nearly five decades in the profession and 30 years with both Englobe and partner companies, he continues to combine technical expertise, curiosity, and mentorship in equal measure.

A career built on curiosity

Keith knew early on that engineering was the right path for him - and that has never changed. 

Since entering the profession as a student at age 18, he has contributed to projects involving bridges, roads, tunnels, and airports spanning multiple disciplines including bridge design, materials engineering, construction, quality management, and expert consulting. He also had the unique opportunity to work with contractors, manufacturers, and consultants from across Europe, gaining exposure to new ideas and approaches that helped shape his technical knowledge. 

The variety built into his role is a key factor in keeping Keith engaged.

Embracing change through five decades of engineering 

Over nearly 50 years in the profession, Keith has witnessed significant advances in materials, technology, and infrastructure design. Rather than resist these changes, Keith actively embraced them. “I very much enjoyed being on the leading edge of new technologies and working with teams to implement them. I found that very rewarding in many ways,” he notes. 

This commitment to continuous improvement has remained a constant throughout his career. His work helped support the development and implementation of stronger, more durable concrete mixes that contribute to longer infrastructure service lives. Specifically, changes in technology now enable concrete designs – formerly capped at a service life of roughly 50 years – to last anywhere from 75 to 100 years.

A defining infrastructure project 

Among the many major Canadian projects Keith has worked on, the Niagara Tunnel Project stands apart. 

The 10.2-kilometre tunnel diverts water from above Niagara Falls to support hydroelectric power generation in Southern Ontario. On this project, Keith oversaw quality management, quality assurance inspection and testing throughout its seven-year construction period. 

At the time of construction, it was the largest rock-bored tunnel in the world. 

“It was a massive project, technically challenging, and incredibly rewarding to be part of,” he says. 

The project combined many of the elements that have defined Keith’s career: technical expertise, innovation, quality management, and collaboration on infrastructure with long-term community impact.

Supporting the next generation of engineers 

Keith’s impact extends beyond projects. For many years, he has supported the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) Foundation, helping raise funds for scholarships, mentoring programs, and STEM outreach initiatives designed to introduce high school students to careers in transportation engineering. 

Keith's advice to aspiring engineers is simple: seek practical experience, remain flexible, and embrace opportunities that may take you outside your comfort zone. His commitment to supporting the next generation stems from his belief that many young people have never been exposed to engineering and everything it can offer. 

Keith also believes that a strong co-operative education program can provide valuable hands-on learning, while challenging assignments often accelerate professional growth. Early in his own career, Keith spent several seasons supervising bridge construction projects in Labrador, experience he still considers invaluable to his professional development.

Recognizing long-standing excellence 

Earlier this year, TAC recognized Keith’s long-standing contributions to the profession with its highest honour, the Distinguished Service Award. 

This award honours leaders whose work has had a tangible, enduring impact on TAC and, more broadly, on Canada’s transportation sector and economy. Recipients are recognized for their sustained leadership, volunteer service, and contributions to the profession. 

For Keith, this recognition reflects nearly four decades of involvement with TAC. Since becoming a member in 1987, he has contributed to technical and project committees, councils, and boards, while helping advance professional development, mentorship, and workforce development initiatives across the industry.

A legacy of quality and mentorship 

For Keith, engineering is about much more than building infrastructure. It is also about helping people grow, learn, and succeed in life. 

When asked about his possible legacy, Keith focuses less on projects and more on people.

He also notes that he made many friends along the way. 

While Keith’s project contributions will continue serving communities for decades, the engineers, technologists, and students he has encouraged along the way are equally important. After nearly five decades in the profession, that may be his most enduring contribution to engineering and to society – and he is not done yet.