Bill Donald

Founder & Former CEO

(Sold Keystone Environmental Ltd)

William R (Bill) Donald
After completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering in the early 70’s, Bill started a career in consulting engineering. Based in Winnipeg and then Vancouver, his professional practice spanned Ontario through BC and in the US Pacific Northwest. In 1988 he founded Keystone Environmental in Vancouver, the sole employee of the Canadian subsidiary of a large US industrial corporation. In 1993, with six employees, the firm was purchased by the three senior employees. Over the next 25 years, the firm expanded its practice, increasing staffing, technical and geographic practice areas. Initially focusing on remediation of contaminated property and decommissioning industrial complexes, the firm expanded services to industrial wastewater and stormwater management, designing, constructing and operating plants in BC, Alberta and Ontario for large industrial clients. The practice further expanded to marine, freshwater and terrestrial biology, with mitigation works primarily associated new development and existing industrial facilities.
Bill was President of Keystone Environmental from 1993and led the firm in its expansion over the decades. During this time, he became the senior shareholder with two thirds ownership. Key to the firm’s success was his focus on understanding each client’s business and how the firm services fit with achieving the client’s goals. This approach enabled the firm to achieve a “trusted advisor” relationship with clients in the development, rail, forest, sectors. While building the business, Bill also volunteered with the Engineers and Geoscientists BC, and in 2001 was made a Fellow of Engineers Canada for his contribution to the engineering profession.
Commencing in 2012, Bill initiated a five-year succession plan that was designed to transfer responsibility and authority for the firm’s operations, while also transferring the goodwill associated with many clients. The succession plan was completed by the end of 2016, with goodwill transfer successfully achieved and all clients retained. Bill continued with the firm as a director for two years and maintains an ongoing mentoring relationship the President.
The latter stages of the succession plan also facilitated Bill’s reduced day to day involvement in the business and a transition to retirement. Retired now for seven years, Bill has been actively involved in volunteering, having served on three committees at the Point Grey Golf and Country Club and as President of the strata where he resides, with an annual operating and capital budget of approximately $2.5 million. Bill also spends much of his time on his passion for golf and, with Leslie, his wife for over 50 years, travel.

Upcoming Sessions:


  • To be announced.

Previously Spoke At:


Stay up to date