In May 2026, WJ Canada joined tunnelling and underground construction professionals from across the globe at the World Tunnel Congress (WTC 2026), held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal from 15–21 May.
Hosted by the Tunnelling Association of Canada (TAC) and the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES), WTC 2026 brought together over 200 exhibitors alongside engineers, contractors, consultants, and decision-makers from 79 nations, making it one of the most significant gatherings the underground construction industry has to offer. This year’s congress theme, Connecting Communities through Underground Infrastructure, resonated strongly with our own mission to deliver safe, sustainable and economical water management solutions for the projects that keep communities moving.
Showcasing tunnelling expertise where it matters most
For WJ Canada, WTC 2026 was an opportunity to engage in the conversations shaping the future of the industry. Groundwater control, bypass pumping and dewatering are critical considerations in large-scale tunnelling and underground construction projects, and events like this allow us to connect directly with the contractors, consultants, and project teams who need specialist water management support from the earliest stages of planning.
Our team participated in technical sessions, networking events, and knowledge-sharing discussions that covered the full breadth of the industry, from expanding transit infrastructure and hydroelectric schemes to water and wastewater networks. Canada’s tunnelling sector is experiencing significant growth, with major projects underway across the country, and Montréal itself is at the heart of much of this activity, driven by investment in light rail, subway rehabilitation, and updated water infrastructure.
A city built on underground expertise
There was a fitting symmetry in WTC 2026 calling Montréal home. The city has a rich tunnelling heritage stretching back to the construction of the Mont Royal Tunnel in 1912, and today its famous underground pedestrian network — le Montréal souterrain — spans 33 km beneath the city streets. As Canada’s tunnelling industry continues to grow, Montréal stands as a powerful symbol of what underground infrastructure can achieve for communities.
The Palais des congrès de Montréal provided an exceptional backdrop for the week: a carbon-neutral convention centre renowned globally for its innovative spirit, and a venue that reflects the same commitment to sustainability that underpins everything we do at WJ Group.
Looking ahead from the World Tunnel Congress
WTC 2026 reinforced what we already know: the underground construction sector is evolving rapidly, and the demand for precise, reliable, and sustainable water management solutions is only growing. WJ Canada looks forward to building on the connections made in Montréal and continuing to bring our global expertise and local understanding to the complex projects that define Canada’s infrastructure future.
About WJ Canada
WJ Canada provides engineered groundwater control and water management solutions for construction projects across the country. Combining global expertise with deep local understanding, we deliver dewatering, water treatment, and environmental compliance systems tailored to each project’s unique conditions. From urban high-rises to major infrastructure developments, we bring clarity, control, and confidence to every site.
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