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Today, we celebrate the remarkable career and lasting legacy of Mike Cleland.

Mike began his journey in the industry nearly 50 years ago. Through hard work and determination, he established himself as one of the best structural engineers in the City of Ottawa. While his technical skills have always been top-tier, Mike’s true legacy lies in the impact he’s made on the people of this city. Whether it’s the residents and workers in the buildings he helped create, the clients he collaborated with, the friends he made, or the colleagues he mentored, Mike has left an undeniable mark. He has played a role in shaping homes, workplaces, livelihoods, and opportunities, fulfilling dreams, and—most importantly—helping create spaces that save lives. His contributions have been instrumental in transforming the city’s skyline into what we see today.

Mike is a devoted family man and a special person who always makes time for others. Through his charitable work, mentorship, and relentless dedication, he has spent nearly five decades fostering the next generation of industry leaders, taking immense pride in doing so. No matter how busy he was, Mike always found time to guide engineers—both young and seasoned—toward creative engineering solutions to challenging problems. Throughout his career, he emphasized that engineering is not just about math; it goes beyond numbers. It’s about developing a sense and feel for a building—cultivating an intuitive understanding of how structures come together and function, a skill that can’t be captured by formulas alone.

Whether in the office, on a construction site, or out on a fishing boat, Mike always has a smile on his face and a humble attitude. His ‘office door is always open, even when it’s closed,’ reflecting his unwavering willingness to help others. It’s this generosity of spirit that makes Mike not only a brilliant engineer, but also an extraordinary founder, leader, mentor, and cherished friend to so many.

Congratulations on your retirement, Mike. It is well earned. Though we won’t see you in the office every day, we’re confident you know exactly when Happy Hour kicks off each week, so we will see you there!