The Michel Award was established by the Committee in 2001 to recognize and remember the contributions made to the field of river ice engineering by Dr. Bernard Michel. This medal honours eminent river ice engineers and scientists who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to the advancement of river ice science and engineering in Canada.

Dr. Michel was a Professor of Civil Engineering at Université Laval and was recognized world-wide for his contributions in river ice engineering. He conducted formative research on river ice properties, frazil ice, and ice jams. He was the first to receive the award in 2001. Sadly, Dr. Michel passed away in January, 2015.