Tatham Engineering had many reasons to celebrate at its client appreciation open house this week.
Not only was it the first opportunity to showcase the new Orillia offices, which opened just prior to the pandemic and then closed to the public again, abruptly; it was also a celebration of 25 years of consulting in Orillia, in addition to the retirement celebration for Tim Collingwood, who had managed the office in Orillia since its opening in 1998.
Tatham also used the open house as an opportunity to welcome new Orillia office manager Nick Smith and Collingwood’s replacement, Tyson Wright, who will take over the role of manager of the land development group in Orillia.
Smith was enthusiastic about both the past and the future of Tatham in the Orillia area and beyond.
“Tatham has five offices in Ontario — in Orillia, Barrie, Collingwood, Bracebridge and Ottawa. It was founded in 1988 and has recently been recognized as a Top Small and Medium Employer in 2023, employing nearly 200 staff in its five offices,” he said.
“We have been involved in so many developments in our communities. In Orillia, we have been involved in Cumberland Beach, Warminster, Braestone and, of course, the Orillia Recreation Centre, and so many more. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
He noted all Tatham employees live in the communities where the company operates.
“We have good rapport with our municipalities, with the staff there, and with other developers in the area,” he said.
“We care about what happens in our communities, and we want to make things better and build good relationships. Tatham is really a community-focused company.”
Charlie Tatham, founder of the company, agreed.
“It’s good to see the community focus continuing,” he said. “I’ve been retired for over 10 years now, but I am still proud of the company and what it stands for. I still enjoy coming out and seeing everyone and seeing what’s happening.”
Collingwood had mixed emotions about the upcoming changes in his life.
“I’m excited, nervous, apprehensive, happy, sad — all of the above,” he said.
“I’m hoping for more time to enjoy the cottage, spend time with family, read some books, all of that, but I am a little nervous about how I am going to fill the day.”
He said the company is “like a big family,” where people still know each other, work together and help each other out.
“It’s been a pleasure to be part of the company and the community,” he said. “I know it will continue, and it’s in very good hands.”
