PROBING PROBLEMS WITH PRIORITIZED PROJECTS: PROFOUND PARTNERSHIPS AND PROPAGATING PERFORMANCE (Invited Presentation)

Into our third decade of three-dimensional (3D) sediment mapping, the Ontario Geological Survey has a mature but flexible workflow that has spring-boarded our team into collaborations and projects that have the potential to influence a wide range of stakeholders far beyond local project area boundaries.

Reliable topographic, surficial, and subsurface data are the foundations of 3D mapping. Targeted geophysical surveys, often conducted in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Canada, and new or refined surficial maps based on lidar data are a great start. Looking beyond the data requirements for each project, we have expanded our impact by partnering with local governments and conservation authorities to convert cored boreholes into long term groundwater monitoring wells and, perhaps more importantly, training the next generation of mappers and environmental geoscientists. By thinking big, we are extending our reach beyond project area footprints and working with the province’s water well drillers and college educators to develop a new system and terminology to improve geological data reported on provincial water well records. Should we think bigger still and, taking a page from Europe, work towards revising the Construction Playbook so that ALL publicly funded projects submit geotechnical records to the survey? Actions like these can set the stage for future survey projects and streamline operations for stakeholders across the province.

Generating core products, including reports, analytical data, subsurface databases and gridded model layers designed to meet the needs of our traditional hydrogeological and geotechnical clients within each area ensures 3D mapping remains a priority. Recent collaborations show that we can improve client experiences and reach new audiences by creating derivative maps, new tools and plain language reporting. With 3D coverage encompassing much of Southern Ontario’s urbanized regions, we are upscaling our knowledge by refining the provinces Quaternary lexicon, collaborating to generate provincial-scale models, answering broader questions about the timing and mechanics of ice advance and retreat, and provide stratigraphic context for conservation authority and provincial groundwater monitoring wells. Big and bold gets results!