Milligan, Victor

Person

Milligan, Victor

• Milligan, V. (Victor)

1929 November 11 to 2009 March 4

Victor Milligan, P. Eng. (1929 November 11 to 2009 March 4) was a professional engineer and co-founder with Dr. Hugh Q. Golder of Golder Associates a leading geotechnical consultancy based in Mississauga, which grew to a major international earth sciences firm with over 7,000 employees in 30 countries before it was purchased by WSP Global, Inc. in 2020. Milligan attended Queen's University, Belfast where he took his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering and MSc in the relatively new field of soil mechanics. He was also a top middle distance runner finishing fourth in the "Mile of the Century" race in 1954 behind Bannister and Landy who both broke the four minute mile. Milligan also captained the Northern Ireland team in the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver.

Milligan was recognized internationally for his contributions to the practice of, and research and education in, geotechnical engineering. He was active in developing his academic discipline, serving as the first editor of the Canadian Geotechnical Journal from 1963-1968. His pioneering work on ground improvement, dams, tunnels and fundamental soil behaviour improved the quality of life for millions of people, particularly those in developing countries, through projects that provided a reliable source of hydroelectric power; much needed relief from flooding; and secure containment of waste materials, such as mine tailings and sludge, from industrial mining projects. He also contributed to the development of Canada’s infrastructure by providing innovative geotechnical solutions for such major projects as hydroelectric and thermal generating stations, the TransCanada Highway, transportation tunnels and the realignment of the Welland Canal. Through the international expansion of Golder and his involvement in overseas projects, Milligan brought Canadian engineering expertise into the limelight of the world stage.