Adrian Wightman Receives Canada's Highest Geotechnical Honour

BGC Principal Geotechnical Engineer Adrian Wightman has been awarded the 2026 R.F. Legget Medal

Presented annually by the Canadian Geotechnical Society (CGS), the R.F. Legget Medal recognizes individuals who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to geotechnical engineering in Canada. Named after pioneering engineer Robert F. Legget, the award represents one of the profession’s most significant forms of recognition.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award, and despite not being sure I deserve it, I accept with great pleasure,” said Adrian in his acceptance speech. “My thanks to the CGS and Canadian Foundation for Geotechnique.”

For those who know Adrian, the honour comes as no surprise.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Adrian for nearly 24 years,” said Steve Hedberg, BGC president and CEO. “What continues to amaze me is that, after more than 60 years in the profession, he remains as engaged and passionate about engineering as ever.”

Adrian studied under titan of soil mechanics Dr. Peter Rowe at the University of Manchester before beginning his career in 1967 in Canada. Throughout the following six decades, Adrian has helped advance geotechnical engineering through his work in earthquake engineering, dam safety, foundation engineering, tailings management, and seismic hazard assessment. His project experience spans Canada, the United States, and numerous international locations, where he has contributed to some of the industry’s most technically challenging infrastructure and resource projects.

Since joining BGC in 2002, Adrian has played a key role in supporting the firm’s technical excellence. His work has included senior technical review and guidance on major dams, tailings facilities, and complex geotechnical projects, helping project teams navigate challenging engineering problems with rigor and practicality.

Throughout his career, Adrian has also contributed to the broader engineering profession. He participated in Canadian reconnaissance teams following major earthquakes in Turkey, China, and Chile, helping document lessons learned from these significant events and sharing those insights with the engineering community. He has authored or co-authored technical publications across more than five decades and has supported organizations including the CGS, the Vancouver Geotechnical Society, and the Canadian National Committee on Earthquake Engineering that provided input into the National Building Code of Canada.

Yet when colleagues speak about Adrian’s impact, they rarely begin by discussing projects. Instead, they talk about mentorship.

“Adrian has helped shape some of our most technically challenging projects, but his greatest impact may be the generations of engineers he has challenged, mentored, and inspired along the way,” said Steve. “His influence can be seen not only in the work we do, but in the quality of engineers we have become under his guidance.”

Generations of engineers have learned from Adrian’s patient approach to technical problem solving. Colleagues describe an engineer with an extraordinary command of soil mechanics and engineering geology who encourages others to think critically, understand fundamental principles, and develop confidence in their own technical judgment. Supporting letters for his nomination describe his influence on “literally hundreds” of engineers throughout his career.

That focus on mentorship may be especially meaningful today as engineering increasingly incorporates advanced digital tools including machine learning and artificial intelligence, the profession continues to rely on qualities that cannot be automated: curiosity, sound judgment, critical thinking, and a commitment to understanding the “why” behind every decision. Adrian has spent a career helping engineers develop those skills.

“The projects are important, but Adrian’s greatest legacy may be the people he has influenced,” said BGC Chief Technical Officer, Simon Dickinson. “At BGC, many engineers continue to benefit from his guidance, technical insight, and willingness to share knowledge. His influence extends through the projects he has worked on, the profession he has helped advance, and the many engineers whose careers have been shaped by his mentorship.”

We are proud to celebrate Adrian’s well-deserved recognition and grateful for the lasting contribution he continues to make to BGC and the geotechnical profession.