Doug Stephenson, M.Eng., P.Eng., Conservation Structural Engineer

As founder of NewLife Structure Conservation, Doug’s goal is to bring his knowledge and experience to the firm in support of quality conservation and structural engineering for maintaining the performance and use of existing structures.  Recognized by former colleagues and clients alike for his leadership, teamwork and client service, he takes great pride in finding solutions to preserve, restore or rehabilitate structures, extending their longevity in practical and sustainable ways.  

As Senior Structural Engineer with Heritage Conservation Services (2001-2019), and Parks Canada (2020-2021), in Ottawa/Gatineau, Doug both supported and led conservation project teams in condition assessments; condition monitoring; design, site and quality assurance reviews over a wide range of projects including: 

• Ottawa’s Parliamentary Precinct’s maintenance, repair and capital projects.
• Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites repair and capital projects across Canada.
• Veterans Affairs monument assessments in Canada and Europe.
• Lighthouse condition assessments across Canada.
• Toronto’s Union Station rehabilitation.

A particular highlight was the role of lead conservation engineer for the multidisciplinary project team for the rehabilitation of Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, from the initial condition investigations in 2010 through to the full conservation of its more than 30 structures comprising concrete, masonry, steel and wood, by the end of 2019.   

Most recently, Doug guided the engineering team for Park's Canada's Bar U Ranch National Historic Site’s Workhorse Barn Rehabilitation Project Team through 2020-21's final design and construction phases, where the structure was lifted, conserved and put back on a new foundation (see photo insert).   

In 2018, Doug also accepted an assignment from Global Parks Organization of Volunteers in Conservation to investigate universal accessibility options at Brimstone Hill World Heritage Site, a stone masonry fortress on the island of Saint Kitts.

It was earlier in his career while with Ottawa’s Suter-Keller Engineering/Keller Engineering Associates Team (1988-2001), that Doug developed his interest and appreciation for structural investigation work, applying various investigation, monitoring and testing techniques to identify causes of structural or building envelope distress for building owners.  Doug most enjoyed turning the knowledge gained from investigative work  into practical solutions and detail improvements as project engineer through design and construction phases, enabling successful results for the client and structure.    

As the the lead masonry engineer for the Canadian Museum of Nature Exterior Masonry Conservation Project (1992-1997), one of the largest such projects of the time, Doug specified and reviewed the work to be done at each and every stone.  Photos here from March 2022  illustrate how well the masonry work is lasting some 25 years later.

A graduate of Carleton University, (B.Eng., M.Eng.) a few years back, Doug’s other interests include skiing on snow and water (stretching out both seasons as long as possible), music, and enjoying quality time with family and friends.