The National Voice and Collaborative hub for Galvanizing Innovation

The Canadian Galvanizing Institute (CGI-IGC) is committed to serving as Canada’s national voice and collaborative hub for advancing galvanizing excellence. By working closely with galvanizers, fabricators, key suppliers, the design and engineering community, asset owners, all levels of government, academia, and public institutions, the Institute drives research, development, and innovation in corrosion protection, coating performance, and hybrid protection systems.

Industry Development & Technical Leadership

The Institute will provide strong leadership in industry development, equipping Canadian galvanizers, fabricators, and engineers with innovative technical guidance, best-practice case studies, and practical tools and resources. CGI-IGC will serve as the trusted link for all stakeholders to connect, share expertise, and collaborate.

Public-Sector Advocacy & Policy Leadership

The Institute will play a leading role in Canadian public-sector advocacy by advancing evidence-based procurement policies and infrastructure investment strategies. Backed by robust data and deep expertise on the benefits of galvanized steel, CGI-IGC will help shape policies that strengthen durability, reduce carbon impact, and enhance long-term value for Canada’s infrastructure.

Sustainability & Standards Leadership

CGI-IGC will provide leadership to Canadian galvanizers in advancing sustainability through the development and publication of Canadian Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). The Institute will also work to ensure alignment with Canadian-specific guides, codes, and standards for galvanized steel products, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and sustainable development.

Vision

A Canada where galvanized steel—supported by Canadian-made standards—is recognized as the benchmark for sustainable, resilient, and long-lasting infrastructure. A future that advances a low-carbon economy, strengthens local fabrication, and showcases Canadian excellence on the world stage.

We aim to empower individuals, companies, and organizations through knowledge, collaboration, and advocacy, engaging:
• Galvanizers, steel fabricators, and steel mills
• Architects, engineers, constructors, and suppliers
• Governments, industry associations, and academia
• Sustainability leaders and procurement professionals

President & CEO

Meet the visionary leading the Canadian Galvanizing Institute

Hellen Christodoulou Ph.D., Eng., B.C.L., LL.B., M.B.A.

Senate Sesquicentennial Medal Recipient -2017
Named Top 50 Women Leaders of Montreal -2024

Hellen Christodoulou brings 44 years of expertise in bridges and structures, in conceptualization, design, and rehabilitation. She had the distinguished industry reputation as a “trendsetter; she holds a Ph. D in Civil Engineering, a degree in Civil and Common Law and an MBA.

Hellen’s career journey is noteworthy. She worked for CP Rail (Chief Engineer- Bridges) leaving her mark on a plethora of high-profile bridge projects across Canada. She was the first Engineer to introduce Orthotropic deck design for rail bridges and has designed a long list of major bridges across Canada and Internationally. She is considered a leading expert in forensic analysis of bridge structures and as arbitrator for major bridge projects. She was the National Director of Steel Market and Industry for the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. She has a reputation as a bold influencer, strong advocate, and driver, promoting local procurement policies, prompt payment legislation, bridge quality assurance specifications, efforts that resulted in hundreds of steel projects throughout the years.

Hellen has now proudly taken this bold role as President & CEO of CGI, leaving the position as Executive Vice-President, Engineering, Sustainability at CORBEC INC. She is an active member of many technical, Code and key construction industry committees and associations, including the S6 Canadian Bridge Design Code committee for steel, the Transportation Association of Canada Structures and Construction Committees, chairperson of the CISC Canadian National Steel Bridge and an active member of several Federal and Provincial governments advisory boards. Author, presenter, invited keynote speaker at national and international conferences, and University lecturer, she is considered a leader for change, betterment, and protection of the construction industry. For almost a decade she has been teaching “Legal Issues in Construction” at Concordia University and continues to inspire and mentor Engineering students.

A recipient of many prizes and distinctions; including the Senate Sesquicentennial Medal, in “Recognition to her valuable professional service to the nation”, by Senator Rosa Galvez. In May 2024, she was named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Montreal.

Join Us in Strengthening Canada’s Infrastructure

Ready to advance galvanizing excellence, influence national standards, and support sustainable, resilient construction across Canada? Connect with us today and become part of the movement.

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