Message from the President
I would like to invite you to join us for our annual Spring Symposium in Niagara Falls for the week of April 9 to 11, 2025. We have education courses happening on Wednesday and Thursday so take a look at the schedule under the education tab. Friday we have a fulsome day of great industry professionals on a variety of topics. If you are a returning guest, then thank you for coming back! Whether you are attending for the first or the tenth time, we treasure your trust in what we deliver and the networking opportunities you walk away with.
As in years past, we have put together a collection of educational opportunities, presentations, panel discussions, and networking breaks that everyone can benefit from. Our presenter list and agenda are getting the final touches and will be ready for you to review soon.
As always, we will have our Networking reception on Thursday evening and hope you will be able to join us. We have discounted room rates for those staying over, so please take advantage of the Chapter 29 rates by using the links on our website and sign up for one of the educational courses being offered.
Again, thank you for visiting our website and attending our annual Spring Symposium. Please feel free to connect with us to learn more as the event unfolds.
Thank you again, and welcome!
Chapter 29 President
Paul B. Conor, SR/WA
The International Right of Way Association was founded in Los Angeles, California in 1934 under the name of the Southern California Right of Way Agent's Association and on August 9, 1946, was incorporated as the American Right of Way Association. Since that time, the Association has expanded into an international professional organization dedicated to the advancement of right-of-way and land acquisition work as a fully recognized profession. On March 15, 1980, the Articles of Incorporation were changed by a vote of the membership to reflect the new name--International Right of Way Association.
Throughout the United States and Canada, billions of dollars are expended annually in the acquisition, management, and transfer of rights-of-way. The technical skills required for proficiency in this complex activity embrace the fields of appraisal, engineering, law negotiation, public relations, property management, and public service administration. It is logical, therefore, that the foundation of the International Right of Way Association is a vigorous, continuing educational program. This program is designed to better equip right-of-way practitioners in the fulfillment of professional obligations to their employers, whether they be the public or the stockholders of private organizations.
Because the Association has expanded into an international association, composed of approximately 75 Chapters, it now plays a stronger and more significant role in the development of the economies of the United States and Canada. This is especially true with respect to the multitude of vital community, regional and national improvements, highways, flood control projects, public utility construction, pipelines, railroads, and all other public and quasi-public development activities.
As the Association expands, so also does its program to unite the professional efforts of all right-of-way professionals toward the betterment of the conditions of the individual. The Association will continue to promote high standards among its members to the end that they render their full potential of service to their employers. To accomplish this, members must predicate their professional aspirations upon the Code of Ethics of the International Right of Way Association.
Any person who is principally engaged in the acquisition, management, or disposition, of real property or interests therein, in connection with public, quasi-public, or private activities is eligible for membership in this Association.
The IRWA helps to build relationships among business and our members in many ways. IRWA's multi-disciplined educational program is designed to ensure right of way professionals maintain the highest standards of competency. The technical skills required for proficiency in this complex field embrace the areas of appraisal, environment, engineering, law, negotiations, property management and communications. The IRWA provides unique and valuable courses focused on the needs of the Right of Way Industry.
Ontario Chapter 29 continues to coordinate local and regional meetings, with the goal of linking members through improved communication and relationships.
The Chapter 29 Executive are all volunteers from a diverse spectrum of the business and government sectors in Ontario.
Please contact Janeth Huab , Membership Chair, for information on how to join the IRWA. The application is available on the IRWA Headquarters website.
