With over four decades of experience in subdivision engineering, Steve Pichette has played a pivotal role in shaping residential and commercial developments across the City of Ottawa and beyond. As the Ottawa General Manager at DSEL, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge in municipal infrastructure design, master servicing studies, and project management, ensuring that developments move efficiently from concept to completion.

Prior to joining DSEL, Steve was Principal of Urban Land (2000-2007) and Manager of Land Development at Oliver, Mangione, McCalla & Associates Ltd. (1982-2000). A graduate of the University of Ottawa with an Engineer’s Degree in Civil Engineering, he has built a reputation for delivering innovative, cost-effective engineering solutions tailored to the needs of municipalities, developers, and builders.

Expertise & Leadership

Steve has successfully led major land development projects across Ottawa, providing strategic direction in servicing design, municipal approvals, environmental compliance, and construction supervision. His expertise spans large-scale residential subdivisions, commercial developments, and complex infrastructure projects, where he has consistently championed efficient, sustainable, and forward-thinking engineering practices.

Major Engineering Projects

Over the last two decades, Steve has been at the forefront of some of Ottawa’s most notable developments, including:

• Lansdowne Redevelopment Project (2009-2014) – Managed a civil engineering team completing the functional servicing study for the redevelopment of Ottawa’s 15-ha exhibition site, integrating new infrastructure with existing municipal systems. This high-profile project involved a partnership between the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group and the City of Ottawa, along with multiple architectural teams.
• Half Moon Bay (Phases 5 & 6) – Mattamy Homes (2009-2011) – Oversaw the design, approvals, and construction supervision for a 3.7-ha, 77-unit residential development, ensuring municipal integration and environmental compliance.
• Trade Show Center – Shenkman Corporation (2010-2012) – Directed the functional servicing study for a 13.7-ha commercial development at the Ottawa Airport, followed by municipal approvals and construction supervision.
• Summerside Phase 1 – Mattamy Homes (2010-2012) – Managed a team for the design, approvals, and contract administration of a 150-unit housing development in the Cumberland East Urban Community.
• Trails Edge Master Servicing Study (2011-2014) – Led the master servicing study for a 142.3-ha mixed-use development, overseeing designs for storm and sanitary sewers, water mains, stormwater management, and regulatory approvals.
• Summerside Phase 2 – Mattamy Homes (2011-2013) – Oversaw design, municipal approvals, and construction supervision for a 9.3-ha, 240-unit housing development in Cumberland East.
• Cardinal Creek Master Servicing Study – Tamarack Homes (2012-2013) – Led infrastructure planning for a 225-ha mixed-use development, coordinating multiple external consultants and government agencies.
• Cardinal Creek Phase 1 – Tamarack Homes (2012-2014) – Directed the design, municipal approvals, and construction oversight of the first phase of a 121-ha housing development.
• Monahan Landing Phase 1 – South Kanata Development Corp. (2012-2013) – Managed infrastructure design, grading plans, and approvals for a 432-unit housing development in Kanata.
• Monarch Pond 7 – Monarch Homes (2013-2014) – Led the design of a stormwater management facility in the Fernbank Community, securing approvals from regulatory agencies.
• Fairwinds West – Mattamy Homes (2013-2014) – Oversaw the design and approvals for a 14.6-ha, 300-unit housing development in Kanata.

Master Planning & Subdivision Expertise

Steve has also contributed to numerous large-scale master planning initiatives, including:

• Kanata West Master Servicing Study
• Eden Park Master Servicing Study
• Barrhaven South Master Servicing Study
• Trails Edge Master Servicing Study
• Cardinal Creek Master Servicing Study

His extensive residential subdivision portfolio includes projects such as:

• Fairwinds Residential Subdivision – Ottawa
• Half Moon Bay Residential Subdivision – Ottawa
• Queensdale Residential Subdivision – Ottawa
• Riverside South – Ottawa
• West Village Residential Subdivision – Ottawa
• Place des Gouverneurs – Ottawa

Professional Contributions & Thought Leadership

Steve has provided contributions to City Committees including the Development of Municipal Standards and Guidelines. He has provided expert testimony before the City of Ottawa Committees and the Ontario Municipal Board as a technical witness on subdivision engineering, servicing infrastructure, and municipal approvals. His ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks has made him a sought-after leader in land development planning.

With an unwavering commitment to engineering excellence, Steve continues to lead DSEL’s Ottawa operations, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and delivering results that exceed expectations.