Rob Walter

Vice Chair, ḴEL,ḴELOŦEN ȻE S,ISTEW̱ Fund
Principal, AME Group

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Founding the AME Consulting Group Ltd. in 2005, Rob has created a company full of employees that share his passion to Build Legacy. Through shear dedication to the work we do, remaining connected to our clients and trusting in our expertise, AME has grown to be where it is today.

Bringing 30 years of experience with the completion of over 150 Multi-use recreation facilities to the table, Rob can successfully integrate mechanical systems on a variety of complex projects. His extensive knowledge and expertise in aquatic filtration and disinfection, plumbing, HVAC and arena refrigeration covers all aspects within a multi-use facility to provide in-depth understanding of integrating diverse mechanical systems.

In his continued effort to Build Legacy, Rob is committed upholding AME’s solid reputation within the industry which is evident by his strong client relationships.

P.L.Eng., ASCT, LEED AP

 

 I grew up in a small town in Saskatchewan. My graduating class in Fort Qu’Appelle had 32 students. My father was somewhat of an entrepreneur but was largely involved with farming. I knew I never wanted to be a farmer; I saw how much hard work with little reward that they would get. Growing up in Saskatchewan at the time, any other type of trade was always seasonal. So, I knew that I needed to go to university.

I was the second child to pursue a post-secondary education, which I received a diploma at Kelsey Institute (SAIST) in Saskatoon in mechanical engineering.

My goal was always to go into the oil field, but once I graduated, the oil industry had tanked. I had a diploma but didn’t know where to find work. It took me about a year working odd jobs in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, to find a true career.

While living In Grande Prairie, I found work at a small consulting firm. After a year, I indicated to the owner that I wanted to work for a larger company and he referred me to Keen Engineering.

My wife and I moved to Victoria BC and I started as an entry level designer, working my way up to be a principal over the course of 15 years. In 2005, Keen was acquired by Stantec and I decided to start my own company. For two years I grew the office in Victoria from myself to 10 people. I reached out to my close friends who I worked with at Keen and convinced them to join me. From that, with my new partnership we went from 10 people to 150 people with four offices.

The creation of this fund and the scholarship program is incredibly important to me. My wife is Metis and I see the racism she experiences in her life. I have experienced the stark differences in the ways we have each been treated while parenting our daughter.

Growing up in Saskatchewan, I played hockey with 5 kids that were at the residential school. I didn’t realize at the time what that meant. I only knew they did not live in my community. I think of those kids and it makes me want to do better.

We want to open a pathway with this award, and for Indigenous students and professionals that participate in this endeavour. My participation to date has already been very informative and rewarding.