Toronto, Ontario — Wally Dingman (left) is taking over from Steve Fletcher (right) as the executive director of the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association.
As the third-generation owner and operator of Caughill Auto Wreckers in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Dingman brings 38 years of experience to the role. As an industry advocate, he has been a long-time champion of professional standards, environmental stewardship and industry collaboration. Dingman has also previously served as chair of both OARA and the Automotive Recyclers of Canada. In January, he was also named as the executive director of the ARC — a role he will continue to hold while serving at the helm of the OARA.
Dingman succeeds Steve Fletcher, who is leaving the post after more than three decades of service to the auto recycling industry.
“On behalf of its members, OARA extends heartfelt thanks to Steve Fletcher for more than 30 years of visionary leadership — and welcomes Wally Dingman as the new executive director,” the OARA board wrote in a statement provided to Canadian Recycler.
Fletcher’s involvement in the auto recycling sector began in 1992 with the Canadian Auto Recycler Group. By the late 1990s, he played a critical role in the formation of OARA, helping establish a unified provincial voice for automotive recyclers. In 1999, he officially became executive director of OARA — and shortly thereafter, of the ARC.
“Under Steve’s leadership, OARA and ARC evolved into two of the most respected and forward-thinking associations in North America,” Dingman said of his predecessor. “He helped guide the industry through major transformations — introducing the Canadian Automotive Recyclers Environmental Code, launching the Gold Seal Program to promote quality standards, advocating for responsible end-of-life vehicle policies and building trust with insurers, governments, OEMs and the public. Programs like Retire Your Ride and Car Heaven became national success stories under his stewardship.”
While he is stepping back from day-to-day operations at OARA, Fletcher will remain involved in key transition projects and national initiatives with ARC, continuing to lend it his strategic insight and deep institutional knowledge.
