Mike Zegaras

Mike is proficient in English, Bulgarian, Croatian, German, Hungarian, Polish, and Serbian. But if you really want to engage him in conversation, speak “tunnelling.” 

Hatch’s Senior Inspector is an acclaimed expert when it comes to tunnelling construction projects. In 2023, he was named the Tunneller of the Year by the Tunnelling Association of Canada, an award that reflects his leadership and the profound impact he has had in the industry.  

Mike, who has over 44 years of experience in the heavy construction industry, has worked on numerous major tunnelling projects in Canada. He was the lead tunnel inspector for the Toronto Transit Sheppard Subway Project; lead senior inspector for the 10.4km-long, 14.4m diameter Niagara tunnel in Ontario; lead senior inspector for the Southeast Collector Trunk Sewer Project in Ontario; and lead senior inspector for the Eglinton Crosstown Tunnel in Toronto. 

He is currently lead tunnel construction inspector and tunnel spiritual adviser for the Ashbridges Bay Treatment Tunnel for Hatch and the City of Toronto. 

Mike he is a respected colleague who is passionately committed to the pursuit of tunnelling excellence through positive change. 

Which translates to leader, in any language.

"Positive change at Hatch means developing employees’ skills and encouraging innovation, which in turn improves overall morale and provides better solutions for our clients".

What does positive change mean to you?

Positive change at Hatch means developing employees’ skills and encouraging innovation, which in turn improves overall morale and provides better solutions for our clients.  

How are you changing the world?

By working within a team, I’m helping develop applications for new technologies that benefit our clients and the world at-large.  

What do you think are the toughest challenges facing your clients?

There is increased pressure on our clients to keep projects within budget and on schedule. We provide solutions that help our clients deliver quality projects that meets their requirements.  

What are you most proud of?

I am proud to be a part of a diverse and knowledgeable team that helps clients address their toughest challenges by providing tangible solutions that make a difference. I am also proud of my role as a mentor. I find it rewarding to share my professional and technical knowledge with young engineers. I think I get as much, if not more, out of it as they do.    

What do you like most about working at Hatch? How do you think the Hatch culture is different from other companies?

Hatch promotes technical excellence and delivers successful projects to our clients. In addition, our Manifesto serves a guide that sets us up for success. Doing things the ‘Hatch way’ includes being unconditionally honest and acting like owners, which is something that sets us apart from other consulting firms.