The F.H. Sexton Gold Medal is Engineers Nova Scotia’s highest honour, awarded to a professional engineer who has demonstrated exceptional achievement and distinguished service in their field. Recipients are recognized for outstanding careers and for advancing the economic and social well-being of Nova Scotia through engineering excellence.  

​

Victor Belliveau, P.Eng., has spent more than 50 years quietly shaping the mechanical systems that support Nova Scotia’s public infrastructure. His work has touched nearly every corner of the province—from hospitals and schools to university campuses and community facilities. Though his name may not be on the buildings, his designs have helped them breathe, heat, and function with efficiency and care.  

​

Victor’s engineering journey began in 1972 when he joined A.H. Roy and Associates in Antigonish. Over the decades, he rose to Vice-President and eventually co-owner, guiding the firm through growth and transition while remaining deeply involved in technical design. His specialty in HVAC and fire protection systems made him a go-to expert in building design and renovation, particularly in healthcare—a sector where his influence is most visible.  

​

He led mechanical design on major hospital projects, including Cape Breton Regional, Valley Regional, and St. Martha’s, and continued to support these facilities through decades of upgrades and redevelopment. His knowledge of legacy systems and ability to deliver cost-effective, flexible solutions made him an indispensable partner to Nova Scotia Health. His work extended to nearly every hospital in the province, from large regional centres to smaller community facilities.  

​

Victor’s contributions to educational infrastructure are equally significant. He supported campus expansions at Nova Scotia Community College and St. Francis Xavier University, becoming a trusted resource for facilities teams navigating complex mechanical challenges. His responsiveness and problem-solving skills earned him a permanent spot on NSCC’s speed dial.  

​

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Victor’s career. Since 2008, he has supported over 30 students through Dalhousie University’s Work Integrated Learning program, six of whom joined the firm full-time. His guidance is hands-on and grounded in ethics, preparing young engineers for the realities of the profession.  

​

Victor’s service to the profession includes decades of involvement with ASHRAE, where he served as Halifax Chapter President and helped organize the annual golf tournament for over 25 years. He contributed to fundraising efforts for ASHRAE’s International Research and Scholarship Funds and is now a Lifetime Member, recognized for more than three decades of active participation.  

​

Outside of engineering, Victor has been a dedicated community volunteer. He has served with the Antigonish Lions Club since 1980, holding executive roles and supporting fundraising efforts locally and at the district level. Victor coached his son’s junior curling team, which brought them to Ontario to represent Nova Scotia in the junior curling field. He curled himself and helped build the curling rink in St. Andrew’s, Nova Scotia, during his weekends, and was involved in preparing the ice for the season and every week of the season. He represented Nova Scotia in the senior men’s curling and the 55+ play. He has played golf year-round in Nova Scotia with his friend Phil Cox, making sure to golf every month of the year, which can be difficult in Nova Scotia and has remained a steady presence in his community.  

​

Victor has always been a family man, married for 52 years with 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Victor has taught his children that hard work, dedication and understanding are a big part of life. His children have many fond memories of travelling the province with him and stopping at job sites, waiting in the car with their mom while Victor inspected many hospitals, NSCC Campus’s and so many other projects it would be hard to name.  Victor enjoys taking his children and grandchildren on family trips and spending time with them.  As his grandchildren are turning into young adults, they look up to their grandfather for wisdom and guidance. He is always there to support them and, of course, tease them when needed.  

​

For his outstanding career in mechanical engineering, his leadership in healthcare and educational infrastructure, and his enduring commitment and contributions to professional service, Victor Belliveau, P.Eng., receives the 2025 F.H. Sexton Gold Medal in recognition of his singular service and lasting contributions to the engineering profession in Nova Scotia.