His life was devoted to improving Canada’s elevating devices industry.
Born in Liverpool, England, Norm began his career as an apprentice elevator mechanic in the United Kingdom, worked for several years in West Africa, and then made Ontario his home. Over more than 50 years he worked in the installation and maintenance of elevators on three continents.
Norm served as Chief Inspector of the Elevating Devices Branch, Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations. As a member of the Provincial Chief Elevator Inspectors Association, he chaired the Elevating Devices Advisory Council of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), where he helped develop national and CSA codes for the industry. Among the achievements he was proudest of was helping to bring licensing to Ontario’s elevator mechanics.
After his years in public service, Norm devoted himself to technical and educational support for the elevating devices industry — as a consultant, as a trainer, and as the founder of this centre. He passed away on October 27, 2025, at the age of 88.
His knowledge, his experience and his commitment to safety and training continue in every course taught at the Norm Benn Training Centre.
Source for biographical details: Elevator World — In Memoriam: Norman “Norm” Leslie Benn (November 4, 2025).