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COLUMNS
04 | Comment
For the first time, the Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards gala was hosted at Toronto’s fabled Palais Royale.
06 | Climate Perspectives
Global biomass energy consumption exceeded the combination of all energy generated by wind and solar in 2024.
56 | Legal
Geotechnical engineers play a highstakes role in projects facing legal scrutiny when soils do not behave as expected.
FEATURES
9
COVER STORY
2025 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards Overview, jury and chair’s comments.
SPECIAL AWARDS
12 | Schreyer Award
Water Hazard Detection for Railway Flood Monitoring
16 | Engineering A Better Future Award (tie) Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project
18 | Engineering A Better Future Award (tie)
Attawapiskat First Nation Emergency
Water Supply
20 | Environmental Award (tie)
Pétromont Varennes Site Rehabilitation
22 | Environmental Award (tie)
Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat
24 | Philanthropy Award
Initiate2 Infectious Disease Treatment Module
September/October 2025
Volume 66 | ISSUE 5 ccemag.com
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
26 | Paul Myers Tower
28 | t m se txw Aquatic and Community Centre
30 | The Post Redevelopment
32 | Weenusk First Nation Cultural Area
34 | The Stack Tower
36 | BCIT Tall Timber Student Housing
38 | Bow Valley Gap Wildlife Overpass
40 | Phibbs Transit Exchange
42 | Bloor Street West Reconstruction
44 | Nicomen River Bridge Replacement
48 | Keeyask Generating Station
50 | Mill Creek Flood Protection
52 | Site C Clean Energy Project
54 | Closing the Infrastructure Gap for First Nations
ON THE COVER The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project sets an unprecedented example of First Nations building and owning major infrastructure. See profile on p. 16.
PHOTO COURTESY HATCH.
Comment
by Peter Saunders
Our Big Night
Assuming everything went according to plan, by the time you read this column, I will have—for the first time ever—emceed the Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards gala.
The big event, representing the culmination of the most prestigious annual celebration of consulting engineering in Canada, shifted this year from Ottawa to Toronto’s fabled Palais Royale. Now, whether I was nervous or confident in my delivery, from this earlier vantage point at press time, I will simply suggest I was excited!
“The gala was a chance to celebrate not only all of the winners, but also consulting engineering in general.”
Hosting the event in Toronto made it easier for some of the members of our jury to attend. They had all previously gathered at our Toronto office in early June for the final, in-person stage of their deliberations, whereby—through both quantitative and qualitative processes—they selected the winners of this year’s 20 Awards of Excellence and six Special Awards (including two ties). Their discussions and debates were animated, passionate, lively, effective, efficient and congenial.
Of the winning projects located within Canada, British Columbia dominated this year’s lineup with nine, followed by Ontario with four and Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec with one each.
This is a field where Canadian firms punch above their global weight, however, as evidenced by some of the winning projects that were designed and implemented by Canadian firms for clients in other countries, i.e. the U.S. and Italy.
(Interestingly, however, this year's jury did not see fit to bestow the Diplomat Award to honour a project outside Canada
for showcasing a transfer of Canadian engineering expertise. Rather, both of the international projects that earned Awards of Excellence went on to win different Special Awards entirely.)
The awards gala was a chance to celebrate not only all of the winners, but also consulting engineering in general. And by being in the ‘driver’s seat’ for the night, we were able to acknowledge again the winners of our recent 2025 Lifetime Achievement Awards and Top 10 Under 40 Awards programs.
From this foundational year of organizing the gala by ourselves, we may well continue to tweak the format to better serve the community. I welcome your suggestions; my email address is below.
Meanwhile, in the following pages, you will find detailed profiles of the 20 winning projects. Flip to page 9 to get started.
If you are interested in finding out more about all of this year’s eligible entries, including many that did not win awards, please keep an eye out for our updated Showcase of Entries, which can be found online at ccemag.com, under the Awards tab.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners! And thank you to everyone, especially our sponsors, for continuing to voice your support the Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards program as the most prestigious mark of recognition for consulting engineering firms across the country. It’s very meaningful and does not go unnoticed.
Who will win next year? Well, that is in part up to you! This is the time to start considering which projects you’ll nominate in 2026. Watch for further details in the months to come
Peter Saunders • psaunders@ccemag.com
SCAN CODE TO VISIT CCE’S WEBSITE: Find the latest engineer-related news, stories, blogs and analysis from across Canada
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WOMEN IN ENGINEERING JOIN US ONLINE JUNE 23, 2026
The Advance Women in Engineering virtual summit will be held on June 23, 2026, which is International Women in Engineering Day. This is a key opportunity to promote greater gender diversity in one of Canada’s most celebrated areas of expertise, as consulting engineering firms seek to recruit and retain more women for roles at all levels of seniority.
Our goal is to spotlight the accomplishments of successful female professional engineers, encourage more women to join the industry/community and raise awareness of organizations that are already taking a leading role in this effort.
Join the conversation with Advance: Women in Engineering!
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For more than 200, 000 years, until the early 1800s, our species existed mainly due to biomass. One of our ancestors’ primary sources of energy was wood for heating and cooking.
Biomass can also be considered a form of solar energy, given that plants take in carbon dioxide (CO2) via photosynthesis, use the carbon to grow their cellular structures and return oxygen to the atmosphere. One of our ancestors’ primary sources of energy was wood for heating and cooking.
As our global population increased to about 1 billion by the year 1800, however, biomass consumption was becoming unsustainable. Our total primary energy consumption (TPEC) had increased to approximately 15,000 kilocalories per capita per day.
Along to the rescue came the scientists, engineers and financiers whose work led to our society being predominantly driven by fossil fuels. Today, our population has topped 8 billion and our global TPEC has reached about 50,000 kilocalories per capita per day, with 80% coming
Measuring the market
From the early 1800s until quite recently, little attention was paid globally to biomass energy resources. Even today, some reporting agencies address only a small portion of commercially traded biomass, while a few understand the magnitude and importance of non-commercial biomass, which is used extensively in parts of Asia and Africa.
So, it may not be well-known that global biomass energy consumption in 2024—including commercial and
from fossil fuels.
Stan Ridley, C.Eng., MICE, BSc (Eng), MSc (Eng), DIC, is president of West 2012 Energy Management, based in Vancouver. He is also a member of United Nations (UN) groups of experts on gas and coal mine methane and just transition.
Current biomass facilities include this agricultural waste and wood-fired power plant.
PHOTO BY STAN RIDLEY.
non-commercial—exceeded the combination of all energy generated by wind and solar.
Solid biomass dominates the commercial market, accounting for about 75%, followed by liquid at about 20% and gaseous at about 5%. There are many systems at a smaller scale, with varying developmental expectations. These include thermochemical conversion, including combustion, pyrolysis and gasification; physicochemical conversion, including torrefaction, hydrothermal conversion, hydrothermal liquefaction, hydrothermal gasification, supercritical fluid extraction and hydrothermal carbonization; and biochemical conversion, including anaerobic digestion and fermentation.
Measurements of our present annual global consumption of commercially traded solid, liquid and gaseous biomass vary considerably, but the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates about 20 EJ per year. That is only about 3% of the world’s TPEC of approximately 650 EJ in 2024.
Yet, more than 2 billion people in poorer countries rely on traditional, non-commercially traded biomass. In many developing countries, castiron stoves are fired up each day using wood, agricultural waste and/ or dried dung. Such uses are associated with very low efficiencies—typically around 15%, compared to 20% to 80% for commercial conversion— and emit significant amounts of particulates as smoke, leading to respiratory illnesses, strokes, heart disease, cancer and premature deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates this causes more than 3 million deaths per year. These non-commercial uses of
biomass could well have accounted for 40 EJ in 2024—double the commercial consumption.
Global promise
Today, biomass is increasingly considered a green energy resource. If what we use is replaced over time by regrowth, then with good stewardship, the biomass life cycle can approach emissions neutrality.
With responsible replanting, tree saplings will continue to absorb CO2, build their cellular structures and return oxygen to the atmosphere. So, it can be argued that the carbon emitted when trees are burnt or otherwise consumed is effectively recaptured over time, through further tree growth.
When existing biomass resources are marshalled to supply modern power plants, however, it should be noted this tends to result in socioeconomic challenges, where local populations have long relied on the same sources. The resulting competition for available biomass can become a significant equity issue.
Many countries are undertaking excellent efforts to significantly reduce the inefficient use of non-commercial, traditional biomass and particulate emissions. By increasing the efficiency of energy conversion, they can reduce total consumption and the resulting emissions.
The direct firing of solid biomass to produce electricity tends to be at the lower end of the efficiency scale, while combustion systems that produce only heat are at the higher end.
Logistics and location
Biomass around the world varies considerably in terms of location, availability and energy potential.
Worldwide biomass energy consumption in 2024 exceeded all wind
and solar energy combined.
Typical wood chips, for example, with 20% moisture content offer about 14,190 kJ/kg in net heat, while those with 40% moisture content only offer about 10,467 kJ/kb, less than half the net heat of typical coal.
Location and transportation distance are considerable constraints, since the associated energy conversion systems require an enormous tonnage of ‘as-received’ biomass to produce 1 MWh of energy. Relatively small 35-MW power plants tend to be suitable, but even they require a considerable radius of land to provide a sustainable flow of fuel.
In short, biomass is often not easy to access. Remote locations tend to conspire against sustainability.
The total levelized costs of electricity (LCOE) for biomass systems also vary, from about US$80 to US$160 per MWh. This is somewhat more expensive than conventional combined-cycle gas-fired power plants, wind farms and solar arrays.
In Canada, where boreal forests stretch 5,000 km from the Pacific to the Atlantic and cover more than half of all land area, trees offer considerable biomass resources, including the potential for considerably greater supply. Much of this potential lies in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and New Brunswick, which all have significant forestry industries.
While many of these resources yield lumber and fibre, biomass can come from their offcuts, bark, sawdust and agricultural waste. Canada’s governments continue to seek such opportunities with the private sector, so long as such use is sustainable through extensive replanting.
Over the next few decades, biomass could well double its contribution to global TPEC and result in reductions in emissions. It is not a panacea, however, and as with many other energy resources, significant research and development (R&D) are needed to improve efficiency and make scalability viable relative to the unit costs of production.
Solid biomass dominates the commercial market, accounting for about 75%, followed by liquid at about 20% and gaseous at about 5%.
2025 CANADIAN CONSULTING ENGINEERING AWARDS / PRIX CANADIENS DU GÉNIE-CONSEIL
This year marks the 57th annual Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards produced by Canadian Consulting Engineer.
The awards are the longest-running and most prestigious national mark of recognition for consulting engineers in Canada. The following pages present this year’s 20 Award of Excellence winners, selected from 60 submissions from across the country.
From these top 20 selections, the competition’s esteemed jury singled out six projects for Special Awards.
The Schreyer Award, the top prize presented to the project that best demonstrates technical excellence and innovation, went to Tetra Tech for its Water Hazard Detection for Railway Flood Monitoring project, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help detect climate-driven hazards along more than 20,000 km of railway lines.
There was a tie this year for the Engineering a Better Future Award, which honours the project that best showcases how engineering enhances the social, economic or cultural quality of life of Can-
adians. Hatch won for the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project, which as the largest Indigenous-led electricity project in Canadian history has set an unprecedented example for First Nations ownership of major infrastructure. And WSP won for the Attawapiskat First Nation Emergency Water Supply, which not only prevented a 1,500-person evacuation, but finally ended a 17-year drinking water advisory.
There was also a tie this year for the Environmental Award, a.k.a. the Sustainability Award, which recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship. Englobe won for the Pétromont Varennes Site Rehabilitation, a decade-spanning project that treated 701,665 m3 of contaminated soil and rehabilitated 85,000-m2 of land with prioritization of on-site treatment. And Knight Piésold won for helping build the Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat, which has revitalized more than 4,000 acres in and along California’s largest lake.
Finally, the Philanthropy Award, presented to the project that best demonstrates donation of a firm’s time and/or services for
the benefit of a community or group, went to HH Angus for volunteering engineering and design services toward the development of the Initiate2 Infectious Disease Treatment Module for the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Food Programme (WFP).
(Notably, the Diplomat Award—presented to the project constructed or executed outside Canada that best showcases Canadian engineering expertise—was not awarded this year.)
The 57th annual Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards were presented in-person at a special celebration in Toronto on Oct. 16. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
Portfolios of all this year’s and previous years’ entries will be showcased at http://www.canadianconsultingengineer. com/awards/showcase-entries/
Also, for more details about the awards’ history and purpose, visit http://www. canadianconsultingengineer.com/awards/ about/
Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards Jury
This year’s jury convened at Canadian Consulting Engineer’s Toronto offices in June to discuss and vote on the candidates in the final round of award selections. The jury normally comprises 12 members, but past-chair Louise Millette had to bow out during early deliberations for family matters. The following are the 11 industry experts who formed this year’s jury:
CHAIR’S COMMENTS
I have had the immense pleasure of participating in the selection of the Canadian Consulting Engineers Awards’ winners for nine straight years now, but this year was my first as jury chair. As a consulting engineer for the first 15 years of my professional career and afterwards as an owner representative, I always enjoyed reading about a ward-winning projects in Canadian Consulting Engineer. I found articles describing the best projects of each year particularly inspirational. In fact, I have kept printed editions of the 1987, 1992, 1993, and 1996 editions, as well as more recent copies dating back to 2017, the first year I had the pleasure of participating as a juror myself.
The challenge of selecting the best projects of each year has not become easier with time, even though the process has evolved. When I started my professional career in 1984, we did not even have access to faxes, let alone emails, Portable Document Format files (PDFs) or the Internet.
While the technology has changed, the selection of winners has continued to require a significant amount of traditional reading, note-taking and deliberation. I must take this opportunity to recognize and thank all of this year’s jury members, who devoted their
time, brought a wealth of varied expertise to the table and, most importantly, made the process both successful and enjoyable.
Over the past nine years, I have noticed how submissions have followed—or, rather, led the way for—emerging and developing technologies and social issues, such as three-dimensional (3-D) design, building modelling information (BIM), infrastructure renewal, heritage protection and revitalization, partnerships with First Nations, sustainability, resiliency, climate change adaptation, net-zero energy, carbon neutrality and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Envision and Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) certification processes, to name but a few.
This year’s nominations included and addressed all of these examples and saw the emergence of projects exploiting the positive benefits of artificial intelligence (AI)—a potential game-changer that is fascinating, but also creates some apprehension.
I would like to thank all the firms that submitted projects and express my special congratulations to all of this year’s winners. Your projects are truly an inspiration for engineers, irrespective of where one lies in one’s career path.
—Guy Mailhot, Jury Chair
CHAIR
Guy Mailhot, Eng., M.Eng., FCSCE, FEIC.
Guy Mailhot worked for 15 years for consulting engineering firms in Vancouver and Montreal before joining The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges in 1999 as principal director of engineering. Under a federal government exchange program, he was on full-time loan to Infrastructure Canada from 2012 to 2024 acting as chief engineer for the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor Project. In March 2025, he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Arjan Arenja, P.Eng., MBA, ICD.D
Arjan Arenja, president of Spectrum Business Development and chair of the board for the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), has extensive experience in engineering, construction, electrical generation and safety and corporate governance. He earned a degree in civil engineering f rom the University of Waterloo and an executive MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. In 2023, he earned ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Jim Burpee, P.Eng, ICD.D, F.CAE
Jim Burpee, chair of the board of directors for Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL), has more than 40 years’ experience in the electricity and climate change field. He spent much of his career with Ontario Hydro and its successor, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), managing a nuclear site and more than 17,000 MW of non-nuclear generation. He also spent three years as president and CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA), now known as Electricity Canada.
Patrick
C.W. Cheung, P.Eng.
Patrick Cheung is a retired professional engineer with a background in municipal design and project management. He has sat on Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group technical committees, led the introduction of Toronto’s Wet Weather Flow Management Guideline, contributed to other city guidelines for ‘green’ infrastructure, surface parking lots and mid-rise buildings and led a pilot soil- cell installation to reduce pollutants in stormwater while contributing to tree growth.
Oya Mercan
Oya Mercan is a professor of civil and mineral engineering at the University of Toronto (U of T) and founding director of the university’s Climate Science and Engineering Centre. She earned her Ph.D. in civil engineering from Lehigh University and previously served as an assistant professor at the University of Alberta. Her current research interests include dynamic behaviour in complex structures, vibration mitigation, structural control, modular steel structures and wind loading in the context of climate change.
Scott Hamel, P.Eng.
Scott Hamel is senior manager of hydroelectric business development at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), where he has served for 17 years. He earned a degree in chemical engineering and management from McMaster University and has managed multidisciplinary teams to deliver major field campaigns and test programs across hydroelectric, thermal, and nuclear power generation assets. His expertise spans environmental regulatory compliance, and technical support services.
Liza Sheppard, P.Eng., PMP
Liza Sheppard is vice-president (VP) of project Implementation for York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (YRRTC), where she has led the planning, design and construction of a bus rapid transit (BRT) network for more than 15 years. She was previously a consultant in the private sector, specializing in transportation engineering, including traffic operations and roadway planning and design. She also currently volunteers with Professional Engineers Ontario’s (PEO’s) York Chapter.
Bryan Leach, B.Sc., M.Sc., M.C.E., P. Eng. (AB), C. Eng. (UK), M.I.C.E.
Bryan Leach, owner and operator of Imparando Consulting, is a retired former principal with Golder Associates (now part of WSP). He has more than 40 years of geotechnical and environmental science experience in the power, public works and consulting sectors. His projects have included heavy foundations, landfills, slope stability studies, contaminated site remediations and environmental impact assessments for mines, petrochemical plants and an industrial rail line.
Adriana Shu-Yin
Adriana Shu-Yin is the program manager for transit and passenger rail at the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group, leading the development of standards to enhance safety, innovation, efficiency and resilience across the sector. Prior to joining the organization, she spent nearly four years actively supporting transit electrification efforts through the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC). She holds a degree in environmental science from the University of Toronto (U of T).
Nanda Layos Lwin
Nanda Layos Lwin has been a professor in the School of Environmental and Civil Engineering Technology at Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto for more than 20 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Tor onto (U of T) and a master’s in engineering and public policy from McMaster University. In 2023, he was elected as an East Central Region councillor for the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). He went on to serve a year as one of PEO’s vice-presidents (VPs).
Sarah Wells, P.Eng., Ph.D.
Sarah Wells is executive director of the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), a national technical organization focused on road and highway infrastructure and urban transportation. In this capacity, she fosters collaboration between senior government officials, private-sector leaders and industry stakeholders to share information, build knowledge, promote best practices and encourage bold projects. She has also been a sessional lecturer for graduate courses in civil engineering at Carleton University.
Award and Award of Excellence
Water Hazard Detection for Railway Flood Monitoring
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) engaged Tetra Tech to develop a geospatial system powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to detect hazards relating to climate -driven flooding, using satellite and radar data. Purpose-built for infrastructure resilience and delivered through a customized deployment of Tetra Tech’s proprietary FusionMap platform, this system transforms raw geospatial imagery into nearly real-time risk alerts across 20,278 km of rail network, setting a new benchmark in predictive maintenance, operational safety and sustainable railway risk management at a continental scale.
From reactive to predictive
For the railway industry, which has traditionally relied on ground inspections and manual reporting, this project has introduced a fully digital, AI-enabled system that redefines how linear infrastructure is monitored, safeguarded and maintained at scale.
At the core of this project is the FusionMap platform, which Tetra Tech adapted specifically to ingest and analyze synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) and multispectral satellite imagery. The system processes more than 3,000 satellite images—at resolutions up to 16 cm—and 120,000 GB of geospatial data weekly to deliv-
er alerts about water-related hazards, such as flooding, washouts and beaver dam formations.
Unlike conventional systems, this platform employs advanced AI models trained on railway-specific terrain and hydrological behavior. Its classification engine distinguishes between benign water features and high-risk anomalies, triggering alerts within four hours of image capture. Continuous feedback loops from field teams enable real-time refinement of detection algorithms, so as to increase the system’s accuracy over time.
Thus, this project transforms a reactive inspection model into a predictive digital workflow. It automates risk detection, minimizes field crews’ exposure to hazardous conditions and enables rapid, targeted deployment of maintenance resources, ultimately enhancing public safety and protecting critical goods movement infrastructure.
A new model
What distinguishes this initiative is not only its scale, speed and accuracy, but also its originality in terms of modern, interdisciplinary, digital and urgently relevant engineering.
The platform is entirely software-based, operates across borders without physical installations and demonstrates the role cloud-native AI can play in reshaping the ongoing
protection of infrastructure. By fusing remote sensing science with AI and geospatial engineering, Tetra Tech has delivered a replicable model for data-driven infrastructure resilience—not only for rail, but potentially for pipelines, highways and utilities that are also vulnerable to climate-related risks.
“An incredibly innovative approach to risk mitigation.” – Jury
Multidimensional challenges
Implementing the water hazard monitoring program involved addressing a unique set of technical and operational complexities that are not typical in conventional engineering projects. The ‘site,’ for example, was not a single location, but rather an expansive railway network spanning 20,278 km, monitored entirely through digital infrastructure and remote sensing.
The system integrates multiple data sets by tapping into SAR, multispectral imagery, crop surface data, topographic models and light detection and ranging (LiDAR), each with varying spatial resolutions, update cycles and spectral characteristics.
Tetra Tech
Schreyer
These inputs feed into a custom-trained AI system that geolocates water anomalies, detects highrisk water bodies, calculates area and elevation changes and compares them against historical baselines.
One of the most complex engineering challenges was synchronizing this volume of heterogeneous data (which, as mentioned, tops 120,000 GB weekly) into a cloudbased AI workflow capable of delivering alerts within four hours. This required bespoke optimization of ingestion pipelines, data harmonization techniques and robust timelapse modelling
The system also provides predictive flood modelling, triggered by weather forecast alerts, to add a second layer of real-time risk anticipation. These asynchronous inputs are managed through cloud orchestration and surfaced via the FusionMap dashboard, ensuring CPKC’s operations teams receive intuitive, prioritized and actionable insights without delay.
Equally important was preventing
any disruptions to CPKC’s live rail operations during the system’s deployment.
The digital shield
Despite its multidimensional challenges, the platform now provides fully automated risk intelligence, functioning as a ‘digital shield’ for one of North America’s most vital transportation networks. In improving the railway’s resilience and reliability, the system delivers far-reaching social and economic benefits. By detecting water hazards that increase washout risk, for example, the system significantly reduces the risk of derailments, protecting train crews, freight cargo and nearby communities, including rural and Indigenous populations living adjacent to active rail corridors.
Indeed, from a public safety perspective, the platform enables proactive interventions to prevent hazardous incidents before they occur. This ensures safer transport of goods and passengers and supports uninterrupted access to critical sup-
plies, such as fuel, food and medical goods
From an economic perspective, meanwhile, the system replaces reactive maintenance with a predictive model to prevent costly emergency repairs and service delays. Early hazard detection helps avoid major disruptions and supports just-intime delivery models across Canada and the U.S. Targeted field deployment also minimizes fuel use, crew hours and carbon emissions, generating operational savings and environmental benefits.
The program strengthens supply chains’ reliability across the continent while reducing the economic impact of climate-driven disruptions. For communities, fewer ser vice interruptions mean more stable access to commerce and industry.
Finally, the project elevates Canada’s global reputation in digital infrastructure safety and engineering innovation. By showcasing a fully homegrown AI and geospatial analytics solution at a continental scale,
it positions the Canadian consulting engineering sector as a leader in climate adaptation and smart infrastructure management, potentially inspiring spinoff applications
Low-carbon engineering
Environmental sustainability is also foundational to the water hazard monitoring Program. By detecting flood-related hazards before they escalate, the system can help prevent catastrophic infrastructure failures that would lead to derailments, fuel spills, soil erosion and disruption of sensitive habitats, particularly in rural and ecologically significant areas.
The system replaces traditional field surveys and low-altitude aerial inspections with satellite imagery and AI-driven analytics, significantly reducing emissions relating to vehicles and aviation. Predictive maintenance enables rail operators to proactively address emerging risks, reducing the frequency and scope of emergency interventions and extending the service life of infrastructure components. Field crews are dispatched only when and where they are needed, conserving fuel and minimizing CPCK’s environmental footprint.
The platform also provides im-
portant ecological insights by monitoring water flow, vegetation health and soil saturation. These data points can support conservation planning, land use assessments and regulatory compliance, aligning with federal and provincial environmental mandates and offering a scalable model for long-term land and water stewardship.
By design, the system has no physical construction footprint. Its deployment required no disturbance to natural or built environments. It operates entirely via cloud infrastructure and remote sensing, exemplifying a modern, low-carbon approach to engineering.
Continued improvement
CPKC’s primary goals were to enhance rail safety, reduce operational disruptions caused by water-related hazards and implement a scalable system for proactive risk management. These objectives could not be
addressed through conventional inspections or sensor-based methods. Rather, a transformative, software-driven solution was needed.
Tetra Tech’s AI-enabled monitoring platform met and exceeded the client’s goals by delivering its nearly real-time alerts based on high-resolution SAR and multispectral imagery. The system’s ability to issue hazard alerts within four hours of satellite capture has significantly improved CPKC’s responsiveness to flooding, washouts and beaver dams.
Since its deployment in 2024, the system has generated thousands of alerts, including 50 that were urgent. These timely warnings are estimated to have prevented 16 potential washouts or service shutdowns, thus safeguarding personnel, cargo and communities.
From a financial and operational standpoint, the platform has shifted CPKC from a reactive to a predictive maintenance model, reducing emergency repair costs, minimizing unplanned service interruptions and enabling smarter allocation of resources. The expansion from an initial implementation to full coverage of the railway network was achieved ahead of schedule and within budget, validating the project’s scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Notably, the system’s AI models continue to improve through field validation and operator feedback, increasing their long-term value. This adaptability supports CPKC’s strategic goals around innovation and operational resilience. Indeed, the platform has positioned the railway operator at the forefront of smart and sustainable infrastructure management.
Other key players; n/a.
Water Hazard Detection for Railway Flood Monitoring
Maps display active, flood-related alerts along CPKC’s rail corridor.
Congratulations to all of the winners of this year’s Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards!
Engineering A Better Future Award and Award of Excellence
Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project
The Wataynikaneyap power project, which connects 17 First Nations communities to Ontario’s electrical grid, is 51% owned by 24 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario and 49% by utility Fortis and other private investors. It sets an unprecedented example of First Nations owning major infrastructure.
Serving as owner’s engineer, Hatch planned and oversaw construction of 1,700 km of transmission lines and 22 substations to provide reliable electricity, replace diesel generators and thus reduce pollution.
Large scope
As the largest Indigenous-led electricity project in Canadian history, the Wataynikaneyap power transmission system has dramatically changed how electricity is delivered to remote communities that previously relied on diesel.
In 2014, Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) estimated the cost of diesel generation in the province’s 25 remote First Nations was approximately $90 million per year. On top of the purchasing and transporting costs for the fuel, unreliability led to school closures, food spoilage and limited access to medical care. It also restricted community expansion and led to overcrowding.
This project was unique in undertaking construction for a completely new power transmission system in one go, over an area equivalent to the size of Germany. The team faced severe constraints due to the remoteness of the area and very limited road infrastructure. Nearly a year’s worth of work needed to be compressed into annual three-month periods when winter roads were available.
Concurrent to overcoming these logistic challenges and providing reliable power, Wataynikaneyap also aimed to maximize economic opportunities and benefits for Indigenous People wherever possible.
Hatch worked with Wataynikaneyap Power to develop a detailed contr acting strategy and risk management plan that could navigate these challenges and achieve project objectives in a cost-effective manner. Hatch also supported the creation of detailed Indigenous participation requirements, which es-
“One of the most significant infrastructure projects in Ontario of the past 10 years.” – Jury
tablished protocols to be followed during construction.
The contractor logged more than 90,000 helicopter hours transporting supplies and employees and stringing the transmission lines.
The team developed technical specifications not only to ensure the system met design requirements, but also to standardize—to the extent feasible—materials across the many intricate components of the project.
To manage the project’s large scope, Hatch developed and implemented change control procedures and hundreds of pages of pricing schedules to ensure any changes, such as route adjustments, would be cost-efficient and have minimal impact on the overall project timeline.
Construction started in January 2020, just two months before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. This raised health concerns
Hatch
as workers travelled to communities with limited medical resources.
Faced with the possibility of a shutdown, project leaders teamed up with public health officials, First Nations representatives and other partners to create a comprehensive COVID-19 management plan. Ensuring reliable power delivery to these communities was crucial.
Ultimately, the project was deemed an essential service and allowed to proceed. Hatch provided on-the-ground support for observing and monitoring contractor compliance with the management plan and protocols that had been accepted by the Wataynikaneyap leadership and the First Nation communities.
Designs of new equipment, including towers, conductors and substation equipment, required verification and other factory tests, the travel for which was also hampered during the COVID-19 pandemic. To minimize interruptions to the project’s progress, Hatch developed tools and processes to allow these tests to be witnessed and reviewed remotely.
Access limitations and seasonal constraints
Establishing a new power transmission system over a large, remote area posed many logistical challenges for construction, monitoring, inspection and co-ordination with communities. By way of example, 16 of the 22 substations and half of the 1,800-km transmission line were only accessible during winter
Before work began each year, communities and First Nations members built winter roads over land, frozen rivers and lakes. The project’s workforce increased from a few hundred employees to 1,400 each winter, working in challenging weather conditions.
Winter was also a critical factor in materials planning, as anything needed for the upcoming construction season had to be transported a year in advance. The contractor logged more than 90,000 helicopter hours for transporting supplies and employees and for stringing transmission lines.
Environmental challenges
The previous reliance on diesel entailed significant environmental challenges, including generators’ emissions, the risk of leaks or spills and the hazards of transportation over ice roads. The new transmission line is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 6.6 million tonnes over a 40-year time frame.
Hatch supported Wataynikaneyap Power in the development and monitoring of environmental requirements in the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract, which addressed the management of air quality, greenhouse gases (GHGs), noise, soil handling, timber salvage, invasive species, wildlife, rare plants, material storage/handling, spill prevention, archeological preservation, cleanup and reclamation.
Guiding principles
Guiding principles were provided by First Nation leadership and supported by the partners to ensure respect for Indigenous lands, rights and ways of life. With these principles integrated into the project’s requirements, the team monitored contractor reporting to ensure everyone on the project respected the protocols.
Following extensive, meaningful engagement and collaboration with First Nations communities, Opiikapawiin Services was established through a service agreement to provide engagement and skills development, community readiness services and employment opportunities. This effort tied in with 55 training programs and nearly 3,000 engagements with land users, community members and elders.
One such program was Canada’s first all-women line crew ground support training course, which provided child-care and supportive services to help First Nations women pursue careers in the energy industry. Canada’s Infrastructure Health and Safety Authority provided graduates with 25 transferrable certificates.
Also, as the new transmission line brought clean, reliable power to Indigenous communities that were previously unable to expand, the project has led to the construction of homes, at least six schools, new health-care facilities, fitness centres and offices.
After 25 years, First Nations will own 100% of the transmission system, laying the foundation for these communities to participate ever more meaningfully in the economic prosperity of their region and the country.
Heiller Artunduaga; Wade Best; Indranil R. Choudhury).
Other key players: Indigenous Services Canada (funding), Wood (civil, foundations and field support), Valard Construction (engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor).
Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project, Fort William First Nation, Ont.
(Adeel Afzal, PMP, MEng., P.Eng.; Frank Liu, P.Eng.; Derek Zhang, P.Eng.; Sajid Hussain, P.Eng; David Peckover, P.Eng.; Chris Sehl; James Dalton; Thomas Harty; Zakaria Hossain;
Owners: Wataynikaneyap Power, First Nations Limited Partnership (FNLP) and Fortis.
Attawapiskat First Nation Emergency Water Supply
In 2024, WSP Canada supported Ontario’s remote Attawapiskat First Nation in urgently addressing a severe water shortage emergency. With only weeks of raw water remaining, the community’s chief and council had engaged the firm’s Emergency Ready Team to assess the risk and deliver an immediate solution, both to restore access to potable water and to prevent the need for evacuation, which would have uprooted 1,500 residents and cost millions of dollars.
Through rapid, adaptive engineering, the team explored unconventional water sources, identified one that would be feasible and installed a treatment system within three months, as an interim solution. This response not only met the community’s emergency needs, but also ended a 17-year drinking water advisory.
Setting a precedent
The project’s primary innovation was its integration of reverse osmosis (RO) technology to treat brackish water from an abandoned well, originally deemed unusable due to its high salinity. Rather than wait for new infrastructure, the RO system was retrofitted into an obsolete process room, so it could leverage existing mechanical, electrical and hydraulic connections. This approach minimized construction and maximized project speed.
The system was configured to blend RO-treated well water with existing surface water upstream of the conventional treatment system. This blending improved the treated water’s quality while optimizing chemical use and energy demand. Unique to this approach was the strategic location of the injection point to ensure complete mixing before storage and reduce chemical loadings downstream.
Parallel to the installation, WSP conducted process optimizations on the existing treatment plant, enhancing its operational efficiency from 75% to more than 85% through chemical dosing refinements, mechanical cleaning and backwash improvements. This demonstrated how traditional infrastructure can be revitalized through small but impactful interventions.
By combining the existing infrastructure with mobile treatment systems, WSP bridged short-term emergency needs with long-term planning. The outcome provides a replicable model for other drought-affected, isolated communities.
A pragmatic approach
The complexity of the emergency response stemmed from the project’s extreme remoteness, compressed timeline and high stakes. Located along the coast of James Bay, Attawapiskat is accessible only by air except during a brief winter road season. Transportation of materials, equipment and personnel would be subject to harsh weather, limited cargo space and high logistical costs. The community’s raw water source, Intake Lake, was rapidly depleting. A preliminary assessment
The community’s raw water source, Intake Lake, was rapidly depleting.
indicated the water supply could be exhausted in less than eight weeks. Traditional options for raw water development were not feasible given the time constraints, while other sources posed risks due to salinity intrusion from Hudson Bay.
WSP’s engineers identified a compatible RO system that could be delivered quickly, lightly modified to integrate into the existing plant and connected upstream of the conventional treatment process. This required precise hydraulic and chemical integration to ensure proper blending and downstream treatment compatibility.
New piping, electrical, instrumentation and control systems had to be installed before the containerized RO unit arrived. On-site co-ordination involved WSP engineers, equipment suppliers, operators, contractors and regulatory representatives.
The effectiveness of the system lay in its pragmatic design and operational fit. It mitigated the immediate risk, functioned within the existing operational context and set the stage for longer-term planning.
Transformative impacts
The project had transformative impacts on the Attawapiskat First Nation. By averting a community-wide evacuation, the emergency response preserved cohesion and continuity. This was especially important in a region already grappling with hous-
ing shortages and mental health crises.
Community participation was integral. The lead water operator, a respected local figure with decades of experience, was consulted throughout the project. His insight ensured the system design was operationally intuitive and respectful of local knowledge.
By using an off-the-shelf RO system, repurposing existing infrastructure and avoiding the need for new buildings or extensive civil works, the team minimized capital costs. And the community was able to purchase the RO unit after a rental term, ensuring the continued utility of the emergency installation.
A minimal footprint
Environmental stewardship was central to this project, especially given the delicate nature of the Hudson Bay Lowlands ecosystem. The emergency response not only prevented ecological degradation that could have resulted from makeshift water extraction, but also introduced long-term improvements.
The new RO system enabled the use of a previously abandoned well, reducing dependency on Intake Lake, which was severely affected by drought. By distributing the community’s water draw between two sources, the project reduced stress on the primary lake.
WSP’s optimization of the existing
treatment process also resulted in a 50% reduction in chemical use, minimizing waste and the potential for disinfection byproducts in the treated water.
Before the project, the treatment system discharged 25% of all incoming raw water as waste. Process adjustments improved efficiency to more than 85%, conserving limited freshwater.
Construction-related impacts were carefully managed. The repurposing of the process room for equipment integration avoided new land disturbance. The modular RO unit was containerized, minimizing the project’s footprint and enabling future relocation or reuse.
“This project revitalized infrastructure with impactful interventions and restored trust and dignity.” – Jury
The system’s low energy demand and blending strategy also reduced operational emissions compared to larger-scale desalination systems.
Moving forward
The project’s swift execution ensured continued access to potable water and offered reassurance to residents who had endured years of uncertainty. WSP worked with public health officials and government agencies to develop a water quality monitoring program.
Following several months of sampling and validation, the 17-year advisory was officially lifted on Aug. 1, 2024. The chief and council have since retained WSP for long-term system planning and integration, highlighting their satisfaction and belief in sustainable success.
Attawapiskat First Nation Emergency Water Supply, Attawapiskat, Ont.
Award-winning firm (prime consultant and project manager): WSP, Owen Sound, Ont., and Winnipeg (Charles Goss, Ph.D., PMP, P.Chem.; Rod Peters, P.Eng.; Ian Moran, EIT, PMP; Justin Rak-Banville, M.Sc., MBA, P.Chem., P.Eng., EP; David Dillon, P.Geo.; Joel Robinson, P.Geo.; Paul Menkveld, P.Eng.).
Owner: Attawapiskat First Nation.
Other key players: Indigenous Services Canada (project funding), Northern Geo Environmental (hydrogeology), Northern Waterworks (contractor/operator), The Water Guys North (mechanical contractor), Greene’s Electric Plumbing & Heating (electrician); Capital Controls (system integration), Delco Water (RO membranes system supplier).
Pétromont Varennes Site Rehabilitation
From 2014 to 2024, Englobe treated 701,665 m 3 of contaminated soil and rehabilitated an 85,000-m2 site for Pétromont, which had ceased its petrochemical plant operations in Varennes, Que., in 2008. The engineering firm’s approach included on-site treatment (which significantly reduced the inconveniences associated with transportation of materials, such as noise and traffic), the use of indigenous micro-organisms (IMOs) and the internal development of water, air and soil treatment technologies.
Self-healing
Following the dismantling of Pétromont's Varennes plant, significant environmental issues were identified, including the presence of excessive, hazardous and complex contaminants in the soil. The decontamination project that followed was one of the largest of its kind in Quebec’s history.
Englobe worked to improve soil conditions by reducing the pollution that had been caused by the transport of materials and backfill. The firm used biopiles for the purpose of biological oxidiation treatment, so nature could heal itself.
The project team carefully cultivated a micro-environment favourable to the growth of micro-organisms indigenous to the treated soil. With finely balanced parameters of humidity levels, pH values and adapted nutrients, fungi and bacteria were able to feed on the con-
taminants and break their molecular chain.
The biopiles were covered with impermeable and stimulating matrices. Aeration, filtration and treatment systems operated in synergy while recovering water and air from the processes. These systems optimized the use of available resources while limiting losses, giving a second life to the ‘waste’ produced.
The use of residual materials was preferred over chemical fertilizers that are harmful to the environment. Englobe used manure as a source of nutrients, wood residues as an absorbent and lime kiln dust to dewater the soil and stabilize the treatment platforms.
During the dismantling of the plant’s underground structures, the team also crushed and reused uncontaminated concrete to build temporary access roads and to solidify the foundations of the treatment platforms
On-site remediation reduced the project’s environmental footprint significantly.
Hidden challenges
The site’s ecosystem was varied and complex. Underground infrastructure discovered during excavations included an oily sewer network across one-third of the property. Access paths had to be created with crushed concrete, recovered during dismantling. Clay soils had caused a significant accumulation of heavily contaminated water.
A trailer-mounted mobile infiltration and runoff water management system was developed to separate water and oil and to remove volatile Englobe
organic compounds (VOCs) and hydrocarbons. Operating 24-7, it treated more than 1 million L of water annually.
One of the areas was particularly dangerous due to the presence of vinyl chloride and ethylene dichloride (EDC) and the volatility of fumes produced during excavations. To decontaminate this area, the team built a mobile platform under ventilated shelters.
Equipped with alarm systems, mounted on rails and gradually moved according to the progress of the soil treatment, it was sized for the operation of dump trucks and hydraulic excavators, with ventilation systems enabling the recovery and filtration of exhaust gases. Extremely strict occupational health and safety (OHS) protocols had to be followed to protect personnel.
Tangible benefits
The project generated lasting and
tangible benefits. The progressive rehabilitation of the site led to significant urban and socioeconomic revitalization through the sale of the various treated land plots for industrial and commercial purposes.
On-site treatment of more than 99% of the contaminated soil reduced the project’s environmental footprint significantly. By treating nearly 1.2 million tonnes of soil on a site equivalent to 88 football fields, nearly 32,900 semi-trailer trips for the disposal of contaminated soil and the import of fill soil were avoided, reducing strain on landfills. Only 4,000 tonnes were transported off-site to authorized locations, representing less than 1% of the total treated soil.
The recovery of concrete during excavations met the project’s needs for infrastructure construction and a treatment platform, without external procurement. The same was tr ue for the water, air and soil
“A holistic approach to remediation and regeneration.” – Jury
treatment technologies, which required no external water supply.
As the soils of two streams were being decontaminated, rehabilitation was carried out in the summer to respect fish spawning periods. Englobe rebuilt and restored these waterways based on recommendations of its project partners.
The systems designed by Englobe for the treatment of air, water and soil reduced the creation of waste while recovering it and optimizing use of existing resources.
Pétromont Varennes Site Rehabilitation, Varennes, Que.
Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat
Knight Piésold
California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) selected a partnership between Knight Piésold in Vancouver and Kiewit Infrastructure West in Porway, Calif., as the preferred engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) bidder to design the Salton Sea species conservation habitat project. This initiative has revitalized more than 4,000 acres of aquatic and terrestrial habitats along the shores of the state’s largest lake, which sits approximately 250 ft below sea level.
The landlocked saltwater lake has been shrinking for decades, due to reduced inflows and increased evaporation exposing large areas of lakebed. With no source of additional inflow to help maintain the previous
surface area and salinity, the development of manmade, shallow habitat ponds was found to be the best solution for restoring aquatic and terrestrial habitats that had been lost.
The resulting habitat supports biodiversity for local fish, migratory birds and native vegetation and significantly enhances air quality, helping to improve health in surrounding communities.
Healthier for animals and people
The team developed a new wetland habitat to mitigate environmental and health-related concerns, creating a more sustainable aquatic ecosystem to counter the Salton Sea’s hypersaline water conditions, which have become inhospitable to most species. The lake is currently more
“Showcases a commonsense engineering approach to the restoration of a severely degraded ecosystem in a challenging location.” – Jury
than two times saltier than the Pacific Ocean and its salinity is only projected to increase further as it continues to recede.
The restoration is helping rebuild the food chain by addressing disruptions that have severely impacted bird species.
Meanwhile, the suppression of dust and reduction of airborne particulates—containing chemicals and pollutants—that are blown by wind from exposed, fine-grained lakebed sediments will prevent health risks for residents of Imperial Valley, who have historically suffered from asthma rates several times higher than the regional average.
The particles are also prevented from settling on nearby agricultural lands and threatening soil quality.
Setting the flow
A key requirement of the new habitat was to provide water with lower salinity. The design team’s concept used gravity flow—in lieu of more expensive and energy-intensive pumping systems—to divert fresh water from the New River into mixing basins with the saltier water pumped from the Salton Sea. The gravity flow system incorporates a labyrinth weir, flow control gates and settling ponds.
Other features include variable-speed pumps for delivering hypersaline flows, easily removable and replaceable diffuser pipes and the capability to isolate each habitat pond for independent operation. These allow for adaptive management.
Climate change considerations were also incorporated into the project, particularly the potential for high-intensity rainfall events. The design allows for flood flows to pass without impacting water levels.
The concepts that were tested and proven throughout design and construction have resulted in a ‘toolbox’ of cost-effective methods that will be carried forward for future restoration work.
Geotechnical challenges
The project’s key challenges included construction on exposed lakebed sediments in a high seismic area with liquifiable foundation materials.
Sub-aqueous berm construction and accounting for a highly saline environment were also difficult.
The project team developed more than 27 km of earthen berms on exposed soft lakebed sediments, requiring specialized designs and construction methods to ensure stability. With a limited amount of subsurface data available, they implemented a conservative berm design that would remain stable under the worst anticipated conditions and used thicker earthfill lifts to create a ‘bridge' over soft foundation areas. Seepage mitigation, including a barrier, was implemented to address any concerns about seepage and internal erosion.
An offshore pump station, located one mile from shore to ensure its functionality as the sea recedes, necessitated the construction of a new causeway through the Salton Sea. The project team pushed local earthfill out from the shore, minimizing the need for material transportation. This approach resulted in uncompacted fill depths exceeding 10 ft in some areas. A geotechnical site investigation after completion confirmed the causeway would provide long-term, stable access to the pump station.
Lower seismic loads were adopted for earthfill berms, while critical infrastructure was designed to r emain operational after seismic events. This strategy ensured
cost-effectiveness without compromising safety.
Performing as prescribed
The team’s final design met or exceeded all of the DWR’s expectations and prescribed performance criteria. They successfully created a habitat covering a combined area twice the size of downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park. Endangered species are now flourishing, migratory birds have returned in greater numbers, fish populations are recovering and native vegetation is once again thriving.
The restoration of aquatic and terrestrial habitats provides economic opportunities through ecotourism and recreational activities as diverse birdlife returns to the area. One aspect of the project was the construction of a visitors’ centre, which provides information about the purpose of the project, restoration objectives and long-term plans to continue to restore the shorelines, all to increase public awareness and engagement.
The successful development of cost-effective methods for large-scale environmental restoration also has broader economic implications. The same methods can be applied to future projects to reduce costs and increasing the feasibility of similar restoration efforts elsewhere.
The project was completed within the allotted budget and schedule, a significant achievement given the complex nature of the work and the challenging site conditions. Next, ongoing expansion projects are set to add an additional 7,800 acres of habitat.
Award-winning firm (prime consultant): Knight Piésold, Vancouver (Keith Ainsley, P.Eng.; Sam Mottram, P.Eng.).
Owner: California Department of Water Resources.
Other key players: Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. (client), State of California, U.S. Federal Government and the Inflation Reduction Act (funding), Tourney Consulting Group (concrete testing), Northwest Hydraulic Consultants (hydraulic modelling), Geosyntec (geotechnical studies), LSA Associates (habitat restoration and features design), Geoserve (structural design).
Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat, Westmorland, Calif.
Fresh and saline water are mixed. Photo courtesy Knight Piésold.
Initiate2 Infectious Disease Treatment Module
The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Food Programme (WFP) Initiate2 Infectious Disease Treatment Module (ITDM) is a prototype for standardized solutions to health emergencies. The project’s objective was to allow stakeholders to rapidly deploy, set up and run field treatment centres when an infectious outbreak first emerges.
HH Angus volunteered its engineering and design services as a Téchne member through the International Federation of Healthcare Engineers (IFHE).
Testing the prototype
The IDTM was the first project in a five-year initiative to develop standardized solutions to support readiness and response capabilities for global health emergencies.
HH Angus' staff worked for approximately one year to design, tender and prototype the inflatable and redeployable IDTM, which was then delivered and tested in Brindisi, Italy. The team subsequently refined the design by addressing opportunities for improvement that had been identified during the testing.
The prototype was designed (a) to treat patients with infectious diseases and (b) to protect the healthcare workers treating them. The IDTM’s inflatable structure was compartmentalized and organized
with red areas for patients and green areas for staff and support space. The structure was further designed to be flexible, such that each patient room can be divided into two individual rooms, to accommodate more patients if necessary.
“A commendable system that will improve outcomes globally.” – Jury
Ventilation supported the separation between zones with directional airflow. Testing involved indirect measurements of air changes per hour and effective flow rates by leveraging the tracer gas technique.
Each room features a large transparent screen at the side and head of the patient’s bed to enhance visibility. These screens house manipulation gloves, which are wearable from the green area, and sealed technical holes to allow for the passage of medical equipment and cabling sys-
tems while ensuring the safety of staff. Biomedical devices in the green area allow staff to respond quickly to alarms and interact with equipment without having to put on full personal protective equipment (PPE).
Refining the design
The ITDM prototype continues to be refined in response to medical and technical feedback. Once the final format is determined and goes into production, there will be clear benefits to communities in low-resource countries.
Emergency medical teams will be able to set up and operate mobile infectious disease treatment centres in crisis zones and begin providing care to affected patients. By reducing the time needed to
HH Angus
open an infectious disease treatment centre, the IDTM will enhance the first containment phase and help prevent outbreaks from spreading.
Further feedback
The project’s multifacted challenge was to develop a treatment module that would be easily transportable, deployable with no need for specialized tools, adaptable to different climates, acceptable to locals, safe for staff and as suitable as possible for responding to the outbreak of a previously unknown infectious disease.
Initiate2 is a multi-stakeholder program to deliver health care around the world. While feedback was invaluable in evaluating the prototype, the anticipated use of the IDTM will vary between partner organizations, each with different needs. Hence the need to emphasize flexibility and adaptability.
One area of further refinement will involve specific lab tests for the
transparent screens after details are formalized for the gloves, attachments, holes, etc. These tests will further assess the risks of cross-contamination between the red and green zones.
Another goal is to build visibility, trust and acceptance of the IDTM. Its large windows and ‘family porch’ area will allow community members to see their loved ones being treated (though, necessarily, from a safe distance) by providing visibility into the treatment module.
Through the use of thermal imaging technology, testing also demonstrated the presence of a shadow net on the IDTM roof would be essential to the comfort of both staff and patients. Its surface shape and extension would later be explored to further reduce solar radiation.
As an extendable, self-contained and self-sufficient treatment module for addressing infectious diseases irrespective of their mode of transmis-
sion, the IDTM is adaptable to different climates, uses, dimensions and clinical needs. That said, aside from functioning as a stand-alone facility, it can also serve as an ‘add-on’ to an existing health-care facility.
ENGINEERING BRILLIANCE
Owner: World Health Organization (WHO)/World Food Programme (WFP).
Other key players: n/a.
The inflatable module is designed for rapid setup, requiring no special tools.
Award-winning firm (mechanical engineer): HH Angus, Toronto (Meagan Webb, P.Eng.; Behnam Jowkar, P.Eng., PMP, LEED AP BD+C; Tim Zhu, P.Eng., WELL AP; Jessica Generoso, P.Eng.; Kim Spencer, P.Eng., LEED AP).
Paul Myers Tower
Introba
Introba provided mechanical, electrical and sustainability consulting services for the Paul Myers Tower at North Vancouver’s Lions Gate Hospital. Commissioned by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) to replace aging infrastructure and increase surgical and patient capacity, the project aimed to enhance acute care services to meet the needs of residents across the North Shore and coastal region communities.
The project team worked within a constrained site while maintaining uninterrupted health-care services. Constructed adjacent to an active hospital campus, the new six-storey tower houses 108 single-occupancy patient rooms, eight operating suites and a Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD).
Unique strategies
This project showcased multiple engineering methodologies. One innovative example was the integration of redundant electrical and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems—including 10 air handling units (AHUs) and dual distribution centres—to ensure continuous operations. Using advanced airflow zoning, monitoring and control strategies to mitigate infection transmission and maintain sterile conditions in surgical and reprocessing areas, the tower’s design was guided by Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group’s standard Z317.2, Special requirements for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in health care facilities
The mechanical design also incorporated unique client requests to
improve clinical workflows. These included allowances for up to two full breakout zones on inpatient floors, along with universal stretcher bays designed to meet stringent Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) requirements and help staff locate patients throughout the perioperative floor.
The location within a fully operational campus restricted site access and construction staging. Adaptive engineering was required to move past these logistical hurdles and integrate the new tower seamlessly with the existing infrastructure. Introba’s team reallocated mechanical and electrical infrastructure within narrow interstitial spaces on the third level that were originally designated for other services. This required precise co-ordination of ceiling heights, equipment clearance and service routing to maintain clinical functionality and still meet the original design intent.
“A very good collaborative planning process, with substantial social impact.” – Jury
The MDRD design followed a vertical workflow strategy and was built around a dedicated clean/ soiled elevator system, pass-through sterilizers and isolated airflow regimes, all provided with N+1 redundancy. This strategy allowed the team to allocate limited interstitial space efficiently while preserving ceiling height and functionality.
The need for co-ordination
The project’s collaborative, systems-integrated approach under a design-build model required continuous co-ordination with clinical, infection control and construction teams, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, including its supply-chain disruptions. Despite unanticipated complexities, the project was delivered on time and on budget.
Design and delivery were enhanced through building information modelling (BIM), asset tracking
and collaborative planning. Parallel design and construction workflows enhanced clash detection in BIM, reducing rework and improving cross-disciplinary co-ordination. A live digital drawing review system provided real-time access for all stakeholders to improve decision-making and constructability.
Managing impacts
The tower was designed for the Canada Green Building Council’s (CaGBC’s) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification and British Columbia’s energy-efficiency and emissions-reduction goals. It incorporates high-efficiency mechanical and electrical systems, including variable air volume (VAV) systems, energy recovery ventilators and lighting controls. The building envelope was carefully designed to minimize thermal loss, save energy and improve occupant comfort.
Advanced energy modelling was used in early design stages to evaluate performance scenarios and guide decisions toward the most sustainable outcomes.
The team prioritized low-impact, durable materials and systems. Strategies related to the review and tender of low-carbon materials resulted in an overall reduction of 10% of embodied carbon.
Environmental impacts during construction were also managed through waste diversion protocols, noise and dust control measures and co-ordinated site access to avoid disruptions to the surrounding area. Special attention was given to pr eserving indoor air quality (IAQ) during tie-ins and renovations to adjacent areas.
Long-term improvements
Since opening earlier this year, the tower has enhanced patient outcomes, shortened hospital stays,
improved safety and reduced strain on the health-care system. The optimized surgical and recovery spaces enable the hospital to handle a higher volume of procedures, reducing wait times and improving access.
Award-winning firm (mechanical and electrical engineers): Introba, Vancouver (Bruno Vahedi, P.Eng., PMP, M.Sc., LEED AP; Gordon McDonald, P.Eng, C.Eng., CPHC, LEED AP BD+C; Alex Wong, AScT; Russel Coffin, AScT; Shyane Knox, P.L.Eng.; Muhannad Abi Haidar, EIT; Kevin Welsh, BA, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C O+M & HOMES).
Owner: Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).
Other key players: Federal and provincial governments (funding), PCL (design builder), HDR (architect), Modern Niagara (mechanical contractor), Houle (electrical and technology contractor), Schneider Electric (electrical switchgear, distribution, metering and uninterruptibel power supply [UPS]), Johnson Controls (fire alarm system), Cummins (generators), Cooper Lighting and Mark Architectural (general lighting), Fifth Light (lighting control), AMICO (headwalls and exam lighting), Airwise (air handling units [AHUs]), Spirax Sarco (steam equipment), Carrier (chillers), E.H. Price Solutions (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning [HVAC] components).
Linear drainage
Paul Myers Tower, North Vancouver, B.C.
t m se tx w Aquatic and Community Centre
AME Group led mechanical, energy and fire suppression design and commissioning to help create the first aquatic facility certified t o the Canada Green Building Council’s (CaGBC’s) Zero-Carbon Building (ZCB) standards.
New Westminster’s $114-million, all-electric t m se txwAquatic and Community Centre, completed in April 2024, has improved upon the efficiency of aging infrastructure with heat recovery systems (including air-source and water-to-water heat pumps, working in unison), photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and Canada’s first gravity-fed pool filtration to cut emissions, enhance water and air quality and redefine sustainability for recreational facilities—while also achieving Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC).
Materials and systems were selected to align with CaGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold targets and British Columbia’s Energy Step Code, emphasizing conservation, durability and responsible sourcing. Sustainable construction practices were employed to minimize dust,
noise, waste and carbon emissions throughout the build phase.
The resulting building includes a 10-lane, 50-m competitive pool with spectator seating, leisure pool, sauna, steam rooms, hot pools, fitness centre, gymnasium, daycare and change facilities.
A unique mix of measures
In replacing two older facilities, the 115,000-sf t m se txw sets a new precedent through its fully electric, heat-pump-based heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. It recovers and redistributes energy from dehumidification and cooling processes, reusing it for pool heating, domestic hot water and space conditioning. The rooftop PV array offsets the facility’s remaining power demand by generating renewable energy on-site, further reducing its operational carbon footprint.
The project also marked the first Canadian installation of UltraAqua’s gravity-fed inBlue drum filtration system, which enables ultra-fine filtration down to one micron.
Compared to conventional pressure-fed systems, this technology has been shown to improve both indoor air quality (IAQ) and water
quality while reducing pump-based energy consumption. The system backwashes frequently, continuously removing biosolids, minimizing demand for chlorine and reducing harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs).
“Exemplary of innovation in energy systems, along with a focus on inclusion and wellness.” – Jury
To further address the challenge of DBPs, AME also integrated a rareto-Canada trihalomethane (THM) stripper into the facility to help extract volatile compounds, again from both air and water.
The building’s mechanical systems were refined for energy efficiency at many steps throughout the process. Enthalpy-only heat wheels were introduced to the natatorium for heat recovery, so as to minimize reheat loads while maintaining high outdoor air volumes. The wheels support the delivery of fresh air directly at the pool deck.
Dew point sensors were installed at critical building envelope surfaces, allowing relative humidity to increase safely increased without the risk of condensation. With heat
pumps also driving dehumidification, the facility could provide precise humidity control, improving occupants’ comfort without excessive consumption of energy.
All of the building’s air-handling units (AHUs) incorporated exhaust air heat reclaim coils to capture waste heat and cycle it back into the building, via a shared water-source heat pump loop.
Never before had all of these various been integrated with each other like this in a Canadian aquatic facility. In this sense, the project has not only delivered net-zero performance, but also challenged the construction industry to reimagine how such buildings can be made more efficient and fully electric, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels.
A hybrid strategy
That said, even with these systems, it was not easy for an all-electric aquatic centre to meet CaGBC’s ZCB standards.
One of the key challenges related to pool operations. When pools periodically must be drained and refilled, the process demands a massive volume of hot water in a short time, especially when it takes place during winter. This has traditionally been achieved by relying on gas-fired boilers, which offer high and instantaneous output, but
are incompatible with zero-carbon goals. Replicating the process using air-source heat pumps would have required dramatically oversizing them, requiring much energy, space and money.
AME solved this issue with a hybrid electric strategy, combining air-source heat pumps with high-efficiency electric boilers. An intelligent control system continuously analyzes outdoor conditions and the centre’s operational demands to determine the most energy- and cost-efficient mix of equipment for the task at hand. This approach optimizes day-to-day performance, meeting peak demands during major operational events without sacrificing zero-carbon performance.
The challenge of balancing predictable energy use with high-intensity, intermittent loads was certainly not unique to this project, but the solution w as, demonstrating (a) how mechanical systems can be both flexible and sustainable and (b) how pairing smart controls with the right equipment can eliminate trade-offs between performance and decarbonization.
The facility’s efficient systems— along with a high-performance building envelope, which minimizes thermal bridging, maximizes air tightness and significantly reduces heating and cooling loads—
will reduce its operating costs and utility demand over time, lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO).
A civic investment
The project team behind t m se txw Aquatic and Community Centre set out to replace New Westminster’s aging civic facilities with a modern, inclusive hub that would encourage active living, social connection and community pride. From the outset, equity and inclusion were core drivers of the building’s design.
To achieve RHFAC, the facility would need to offer barrier-free access to users of all abilities and ages. Programming was shaped through direct engagement with advocates to actively reduce any barriers relating to physical ability, gender, income and culture. The building is also expected to attract regional events and tourism.
The facility also incorporates resilient site design, with stormwater management and biodiversit y strategies to support long-term ecosystem health and climate adaptation. Through its integrated approach, t m se txw delivers measurable, long-term sustainability benefits for the community and as part of the broader shift toward low-impact, high-performance civic infrastructure.
The 115,000-sf facility was completed in April 2024.
Indeed, t m se tx w helps position New Westminster as a leader in the development of sustainable community infrastructure and may influence future policy.
t m se txw Aquatic and Community Centre, New Westminster, B.C.
Award-winning firm (mechanical engineers, aquatic design, building performance services, fire suppression design, aquatic commissioning): AME Group, Victoria (Taio Waldhaus, P.Eng.; Cassidy Taylor, P.Eng., CPHD, LEED AP, Lean Yellow Belt.; Nic Bessling, P.Eng., LEED AP BD+C; Rob Walter, P.L.Eng., AScT, LEED AP; Marc Trudeau, P.Eng., Architect AIBC, BEMP, CPHD, LEED AP BD+C; Brett Banadyga, P.Eng., LEED AP BD+C; Emi Nakamura; Cam Baerg, AScT., LEED AP; Paul dela Masa, EIT).
Joining one of Canada’s largest-ever heritage revitalization projects, Introba provided mechanical, sustainability and fire protection consulting for the transformation of downtown Vancouver’s historic Canada Post building into a mixed-use business hub, featuring two high-rise office towers, four levels of retailers and restaurants and two levels of underground parking.
The 1.5-million-sf complex has retained the mid-century building’s original heritage façade, preventing an estimated 25,000 tonnes of carbon emissions that would have resulted from demolition and reconstruction. The team further incorpor ated sustainability with heat recovery chillers and a high-performance building envelope, achieving the Canada Green Building C ouncil’s (CaGBC’s) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for its core and shell.
A model for energy efficiency
From the outset, Introba took a sustainable approach to engineering. One of the project’s standout innovations was integration with local green energy supplier Creative Energy’s central utility plant. This connection will enable The Post to benefit from low-carbon energy upgrades as they come online, further minimizing emissions over the building’s life cycle.
The introduction of magnetic
“Combines historical restoration with advanced building design.” – Jury
bearing chillers with heat recovery, passive solar shading and demand-controlled heat recovery ventilation resulted in a 26% modelled energy cost reduction over the baselines of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1, Energy Standard for Sites and
Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.
The Post deployed smart building management systems, Internet of Things (IoT) enabled sensors and real-time analytics. The ventilation system continuously monitors and adjusts airflow based on occupancy. These features, along with high-efficiency indoor air quality (IAQ) systems using Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 13 filters and finishes low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensure a healthier environment.
A complicated undertaking
Occupying an entire city block in the Crosstown neighbourhood, the transformation of a 1950s-era Canada Post facility involved a wide array of overlapping technical, structural and logistical challenges. Preserving the building’s façade while reinforcing its internal structure to support the two new office towers—each more than 20 storeys high—demanded inventive engineering and precise execution. Modern mechanical systems had to be ‘threaded’ through the legacy building without compromising its integrity, requiring careful co-ordination and sequencing.
Adding value
Through phased openings, The Post has contributed significant social and economic value to Vancouver’s core. It has reactivated a previously underused city block by adding more than 1.1 million sf of office space and more than 185,000 sf of retail, amenities and public gathering spaces.
Award-winning firm (mechanical, fire protection and sustainability consultants): Introba, Vancouver (Jubin
FASHRAE, LEED AP BD+C; Majid Seyedan, P.Eng., CPHD; Kevin Welsh, BA, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C O+M & HOMES; Scott Rattray, P.L.Eng., NICET III).
Owner: QuadReal.
Other key players: MCM Architects, RJC Engineers (structural consulting), AES Engineering (electrical consulting), Johnson Controls (water-cooled chillers), Olympic International (energy recovery units), Armstrong Fluid Technology (pumps), Danfoss (heat exchangers), Victaulic (pipe fittings and expansion compensators).
The Post Redevelopment, Vancouver
Jalili, P.Eng.,
Victaulic congratulates Introba on their Awards of Excellence and is pleased to have provided mechanical pipe joining solutions and services to The Post Redevelopment and The Stack Tower.
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Weenusk First Nation Cultural Area
Dillon Consulting
The Weenusk First Nation’s Cultural Area project involved the rehabilitation and renewal of a central gathering space for powwow celebrations in the remote community of Peawanuck, Ont., accessible only by chartered aircraft (year-round) or ice road (seasonally and unpredictably, depending on the subarctic climate). Serving as the project’s prime consultant, Dillon led a multidisciplinary team in the design of a prefabricated timber structure, responding to the site’s logistical, cultural and construction-related constraints.
The cultural grounds would feature a covered gathering structure, a sacred fire pit and memorial art to both support powwow celebrations and reinforce Indigenous culture, creating social, economic and spiritual value for the community, supporting social cohesion and intergenerational connection.
At the heart of the project was a new powwow arbour. This circular,
prefabricated, exposed timber structure, designed through collaboration between architects and engineers, proved both structurally efficient and deeply meaningful, aligning with Indigenous teachings about interconnectedness and the cyclical nature of life.
Planning for prefabrication
Prefabrication was key in addressing tight timelines and the limited availability of specialized tradespeople in a small, isolated Cree community in Northern Ontario. The design team planned a series of pre-engineered components that could be fabricated off-site, then delivered and assembled by a contractor with experience in northern constr uction. This strategy minimized the need for complex detailing or specialized equipment and significantly reduced on-site construction time and material waste.
With close co-ordination between structural engineers, architects, civil engineers and the timber fabricator from the start, the project’s
“Excellent cultural and logistical innovation, with strong environmental and cultural value.” – Jury
structural and esthetic goals were always aligned. Cultural symbolism was embedded into a design that emphasized simplicity, beauty and constructability, offering an open, inviting space for community celebrations while also standing up to northern weather conditions.
The resulting central structure is thus both expressive and practical. The simplicity of its form and construction not only addressed the site’s limitations, but also offered a replicable model for climate-resilient infrastructure in other remote Indigenous communities.
Uncommon typology
While powwow structures share a common typology across First Nation communities, this project d emonstrated how such facilities can be delivered efficiently without compromising on their quality or meaning. The Weenusk First Nation’s objective was to revitalize the cultural area and powwow grounds with a durable, functional and welcoming facility, within a limited
schedule and limited budget.
The project team’s approach was to fabricate durable materials in advance and ship them across the ice road during a brief winter window. The work had to be completed before the road’s seasonal closure to ensure the space would be ready for use the following summer.
The team’s collaborative efforts ensured the project was delivered within budget and on time.
Locally, the project had an immediate economic impact by providing employment opportunities during constr uction. By involving workers in the assembly of the prefabricated structure, the tema provided long-term economic benefits by fostering a workforce capable of similar projects in the future.
Environmental factors
Another benefit of the team’s approach was environmental impact. The prefabrication of the timber
structure enabled precise use of materials, minimizing waste. The entire approach minimized emissions relating to material transportation and on-site construction.
Conventional construction, in comparison, generates waste that would not have been easy to remove from the remote community.
Further, the design was integrated into the surrounding landscape, s uch that the project would help restore and enhance the local ecosystem. By way of example, the second phase of the upgrade will incorporate a reduction of stormwater runoff.
With the addition of native plantings and vegetation into the cultural grounds, the site will be transformed from an undifferentiated, gravel-covered field into a thriving ecological space. Reinstating native plantings will help to absorb and filter rainwater, reducing runoff and improving the area’s overall water
system.
Thus, the project not only honoured the land, but also helped restore its natural balance, ensuring the area can continue to thrive for generations to come. The use of sustainable materials and efficient logistical planning demonstrated how a remote community can benefit from modern engineering techniques.
First Nation Cultural Area, Peawanuck, Ont.
Award-winning firm (prime consultant, civil engineering, structural engineering, architecture, electrical engineering, landscape architecture, environmental planning): Dillon Consulting, Toronto (Bander Abou Taka, P.Eng.; Nathan C. Gonsalves, P.Eng.; Lauren Johnson; Leighann Braine, OALA; Brian W. Davis, P.Eng.; Nazli Delaviz, OAA; Nader Khaldi, P.Eng.; David Law, C.Tech; Walter W. Derhak; Kate S. Preston).
Owner: Weenusk First Nation.
Other key players: Government of Canada’s Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program (CSICP) (funding), Tulloch Engineering (geotechnical engineering), Penn-Co Construction Canada (general contractor), Cornerstone Timberframes and Driftstone Consulting (pre-engineered structure fabrication).
Weenusk
The Stack Tower
Introba provided mechanical, electrical, lighting, fire protection, sustainability, energy modelling and technology consulting for The Stack, a 36-storey, 670,000-sf highrise tower in downtown Vancouver.
The Stack is Canada’s first largescale commercial office tower to achieve the Canada Green Building Council’s (CaGBC’s) Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) certification and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification. Through its air-source heat pumps, high-efficiency systems and smart controls, it has reduced operational carbon by 87% compared to the baseline in American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1-2010, Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
In these ways, it has helped to prove how zero-carbon performance is achievable at a commercial scale.
Energy-saving innovations
One of the most innovative strategies in The Stack's approach to decarbonization was the complete electrification of heating and cooling. Introba designed mechanical systems to meet 100% of heating demand with electricity sourced from British Columbia’s 97% carbon-free hydropower grid. The approach virtually eliminated fossil fuels, reserving gas boilers for emergency backup only.
It was challenging to design a 36-storey building to operate fully on electric systems while meeting its tenants’ comfort, energy and indoor air quality (IAQ) expectations.
“State-ofthe-art mechanical engineering.” – Jury
The team engineered a central plant system using air-source heat pumps and thermal storage, which required in-depth climate modelling, detailed load simulations and the integration of buffer tanks to manage peak demand and reduce system
The Stack Tower, Vancouver
cycling.
Innovations in the building envelope’s design included triple-glazed, thermally broken window systems. These had to be balanced with the architectural intent to offer expansive views and natural daylight, which required advanced thermal modelling and envelope detailing. The windows were balanced through extensive energy modelling to optimize daylight access while minimizing heat loss and gain.
These strategies yielded a thermal energy demand intensity (TEDI) of just 22 kWh/m²/year, representing a 26% improvement over the benchmarks of CaGBC’s ZCB Standard.
The Stack also incorporates solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 13 filtration and smart building technologies, including demand-controlled ventilation systems and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for real-time optimization of performance in daily operations. The solar panels further reduce the tower’s reliance on grid electricity by generating 25,000 kWh/year.
The team used locally sourced low-carbon concrete mixes and building materials, avoiding an estimated 3.5 million kg of construction-related emissions, and achieved a 94% diversion rate for construction waste that would otherwise have gone to landfill.
The tower’s water-saving measures include stormwater capture and low-flow fixtures. These achieve annual savings of more than 7 million L of potable water.
Award-winning firm (mechanical, electrical, lighting design, fire protection, technology, commissioning and sustainability consultants): Introba, Vancouver (Jubin Jalili, P.Eng., FASHRAE, LEED AP BD+C; Majid Seyedan, P.Eng., CPHD; Ivan Lee, P.Eng.; Ellie Niakan, BA I. Architecture, LC, CLD; Dan Gagne, RCDD; Jon Lutz; Kevin Leung, P.Eng., BEMP, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C; Kevin Welsh, BA, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C O+M & HOMES; Scott Rattray, P.L.Eng., NICET III; Matt Tarnowski, BSc, P.Eng., LEED AP, CPHD, COp).
Owner: Oxford Properties.
Other key players: James KM Cheng Architects (design architect), Adamson Associates Architects (executive architect), RJC Engineers (structural consultant), Olympic International (air-source heat pumps and energy recovery units), Viessmann Canada (boilers), Armstrong Fluid Technology (pumps and heat exchangers), Victaulic (pipe fittings and expansion compensators).
Heat. Fluid. Data. All in perfect flow.
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BCIT Tall Timber Student Housing
The British Columbia Institute of Technology’s (BCIT’s) new Tall Timber Student Housing facility in Burnaby, B.C., comprises 470 single-occupancy units within a 12-storey structure. As the structural engineer, Fast + Epp designed the hybrid timber structure using engineered wood products, prefabrication and encapsulation strategies.
This project represents the first in the next generation of point-supported cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures and marks a significant advancement in tall, hybrid, mass-timber constr uction, while supporting the local forestry industry and promoting sustainable building practices.
Point-supported CLT
In the hybrid structure, a single storey of concrete at grade supports 11 storeys of mass-timber floors. Wide-format, two-way spanning CLT floor plates are supported by steel columns without beams. The CLT in question used Pacific HemFir (HF), a lumber species that combines two of British Columbia’s most abundant trees: Western hemlock and Amabilis fir.
H istorically, the use of HF in similar applications was limited, due to hemlock’s tendency to hold moisture in ‘pockets,’ posing a risk
of uneven drying. The suppliers’ experience in drying HF helped reduce these concerns by ensuring the material was ready for use.
The project’s 3.5-m wide CLT panels were designed with five layers of 2x lumber for strength and stiff ness in two directions. The architectural layout aligns with the CLT panel layout, optimizing space and reducing the column grids’ impact on the interior design. Steel h ollow structural section (HSS) columns fit within party walls and are encapsulated for fire protection. Aligning the CLT panel joints with the party walls also ensures acoustic separation between suites.
The point-supported CLT system, a flat slab without beams, allows for unobstructed service distribution and reduces structural depth, enabling tighter floor-to-floor heights. Testing at both Fast + Epp’s Concept Lab and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) validated the point-supported design for its punching shear resistance and the use of HF CLT. In fact, this project represents the largest commercial use of HF CLT to date, as a substitution for spruce pine fir (SPF).
The steel lateral resisting system, designed in self-stabilizing configurations at egress cores, minimized the need for tempor ary shoring during construction. The braced frames were prefabricated in 5- and
“Truly innovative in design and material selection for top-tier performance. There was no code of practice— they had to prove themselves.” – Jury
6-storey lifts to maximize shop welding and allow the cores to top out before the CLT’s installation. The CLT floors make up 15% of the building’s mass, inclusive of architectural finishes, lowering the project’s overall embodied carbon. The
Fast + Epp
use of a high-performance cladding system, meanwhile, meets the highest level of the BC Energy Step Code program by enhancing the building’s energy efficiency and, thus, reducing operational costs over its lifespan.
A rapid construction cycle
Cost savings were largely achieved through prefabrication (for such components as the CLT panels, façades and steel cores) and a meticulously planned construction schedule, with early co-ordination of trades helping to reduce crane sharing and time. Following the completion of the concrete podium, the installation cycle allowed for rapid vertical construction and efficient mass-timber enclosure.
The CLT installation cycle began at the third level, with floor plates installed in the first week and steel HSS columns in the second week for the next floor’s support. By the second week of the fourth level’s CLT installation, the façade was already being enclosed two levels below. From the second week of the sixth level’s installation, drywall encapsulation occurred four floors below. This cycle continued for each floor.
A moisture mitigation program was implemented to prevent water damage throughout construction. This program included the daily removal of water, temporary drainage and vapour-permeable membranes to allow natural drying.
Construction began in 2022 and the concrete podium was completed by early 2024. Prefabricated components sped up the process. The quick installation of steel-braced frames reduced trade overlap.
By mid-2024, the mass-timber floors were being installed two levels below alongside the prefabricated cladding systems. This method enclosed the tower quickly, reducing its exposure to inclement weather.
The structure topped out late that
summer and was fully enclosed by the early fall, significantly faster than conventional building timelines, thanks to the efficiencies of mass-timber construction.
The testing had validated the design of a point-supported CLT system and punching shear resistance, which helped highlight its potential as a strong alternative to conventional concrete construction, not currently in the building code, as well as the use of readily available HF as an alternative CLT material, which reduced the risk of material delays. The outcomes of this project are already actively shaping how future mass-timber buildings will be designed and constructed, particularly with regard to multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs).
Doubling capacity
By adding 470 new single-occupancy units, including 264 studio and 206 one -bedroom apartments, the development has doubled the student housing capacity of BCIT’s Burnaby campus, in a region wellknown for housing shortages and affordability issues.
As part of British Columbia’s Homes for People plan, the project is intended to reduce pressure on local rental markets by expanding on-campus living, enhancing walkability and elevating the overall student experience and quality of life
The building also incorporates community spaces on its ground floor to celebrate and support Indigenous culture, providing a welcoming environment for students and community members to gather, connect and thrive.
Award-winning firm (structural engineer): Fast + Epp, Vancouver (Ian Boyle, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., P.E., S.E.; Jamie Pobre
E.I.T., M.A.Sc; Abiygayil van der Westhuizen).
Owner: BCIT.
Other key players: BC Ministry of Housing (Homes for People action plan funding), Perkins&Will (architect), Ledcor (contractor), GHL Consultants (code consultant), Seagate Mass Timber (installer), Introba (mechanical engineering), WSP (electrical engineering).
BCIT Tall Timber Student Housing, Burnaby, B.C.
Sullivan, P.Eng., SE., PMP; Christian Slotboom,
Early co-ordination of trades helping to reduce crane sharing.
Bow Valley Gap Wildlife Overpass
The Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) east of Banff National Park, through the Bow River Valley, is one of Alberta’s busiest roadways, with traffic volumes averaging 22,000 vehicles per day, peaking at 30,000 in the summer. It is also a barrier to wildlife movement and, unfortunately, has become a hotspot for wildlife-vehicle collisions.
To address this problem, Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors contracted Dialog to design the Bow Valley Gap Wildlife Overpass— the first of its kind in Alberta outside the national parks—to improve safety and ecological connectivity.
Regional challenges
This section of highway is an important access point to the Rockies and also connects Calgary to local communities. Large animals, such as deer, elk and bears, have frequently been involved in collisions, resulting in significant costs to drivers, insurers and society. Indeed, across Canada, animal-vehicle collisions (AVCs) cause an estimated $200 million in damages each year. Mitigation measures, such as fencing and crossing str uctures, can reduce frequency and, thus, costs.
The Bow Valley Gap Wildlife Overpass integrates design and construction elements that blend with the natural environment while addressing regional challenges:
• Overpass design: A key feature was the selection of an arch span that
can accommodate a third lane, futureproofing the overpass for an expansion of Highway 1.
• Steel p late corrugated arches: Chosen for ease of shipping, durability and cost-effectiveness, these arches were backfilled with locally sourced granular material to minimize environmental impact and streamline logistics.
• Esthetic integration: The design incorporated bevelled ends with concrete collars that allow the overpass to blend into the surrounding landscape. The structure mimics a natural tunnel through the mountains.
• Wildlife safety features: The overpass is equipped with a continuous wildlife fence and three earth berms planted with native trees and shrubs. The berms reduce noise and light pollution, improving animals’ safety and comfort. N ative vegetation, including grasses and trees, promotes longterm ecological sustainability and resilience to climate change.
Designing the concept
Two key challenges were identified during the concept design phase: (a) determining the highway lane arrangement’s impact on the overpass’ design and cost; and (b) addressing potential traffic disruptions during construction.
The existing configuration at the overpass location was a four-lane divided highway, i.e. with two lanes in each direction. To prepare for a future widening, several lane ar-
“A meaningful and esthetically pleasing step in increasing safety and environmental conservation.” – Jury
rangement options were considered. A larger structure capable of accommodating a widened highway would have added significant cost to the project. Conversely, a structure sized only for the current lanes would have been less expensive, but would not have allowed for future expansion.
After careful analysis, a six-lane divided highway concept was chosen as a reasonable compromise, allowing for future widening while keeping project costs manageable. The final design featured twin arches, each spanning three lanes and shoulders, providing flexibility for future growth.
To minimize disruptions to traffic during construction, meanwhile, the arch width was designed to allow for traffic rerouting onto one side of the highway. During the construction of the first arch, four lanes of traffic
were redirected via a temporary median crossing. Once the first arch was completed, traffic shifted through it, allowing construction of the second arch to proceed.
Inspired by success
The project was inspired by the success of wildlife overpasses in Banff National Park, wher e large-mammal collisions have dropped by 80%. While this is A lberta’s first wildlife overpass outside a national park, it joins a growing number of such structures across Canada.
Early monitoring showed hundreds of successful crossings even before construction w as complete. Species using the structure have included white-tailed and mule deer,
spans and gentle slopes help make it inviting for large mammals like ungulates and grizzly bears. Jump-out structures allow animals to safely exit if they accidentally reach the highway.
The construction phase prioritized minimizing environmental disruption. Wildlife sweeps were conducted regularly, temporary fence gaps were sealed during non-construction hours and native vegetation was preserved. Continuous monitoring revealed animals began
using the overpass a year before its completion.
Fitting the budget
The use of a structural plate arch, relying on soil-structure interaction, was a key factor in reducing costs. This approach proved substantially less expensive than building a traditional bridge, but still offered structural integrity and long-term durability. The project was built within the approved construction budget.
elk, lynx and black bears.
Wildlife use is expected to grow further, enhancing connectivity between animal populations. While data on local collision reduction is still being compiled, Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors estimates an 80% reduction in AVCs could save $100,000 per year in direct and indirect costs. Over its projected 75-year-plus lifespan, the overpass is expected to save millions.
Reducing disruption
Designed with integration in mind, the overpass uses natural materials and native vegetation to blend in with the surrounding landscape. Wildlife exclusion fencing funnels animals tow ard the structure. Wide
Congratulations to Dialog on winning a Canadian Consulting Engineering Award for the Bow Valley Gap Wildlife Overpass, near Canmore, Alberta. We were proud to support the full project lifecycle with our resilient and sustainable Ultra-Cor Structural Steel Plate solution.
Owner: Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors.
Other key players: Egis Canada (civil roadway design and construction support), Thurber Engineering (geotechnical and materials engineering), Miistakis Institute (wildlife experts), PME (general contractor), Atlantic Industries (arch corrugated steel plate supplier).
Phibbs Transit Exchange
North Vancouver’s Phibbs Transit Exchange is a key mobility hub, supporting 18 bus routes and 15,700 daily passengers. As the area around it has grown, the exchange’s capacity became inadequate. The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT) and TransLink engaged McElhanney to redesign the facility, increase its capacity and enhance its safety.
The exchange is located at a Highway 1 interchange on the north side of the Second Narrows Bridge, one of only two crossings of the Burrard Inlet and typically heavily congested. Overcoming the challenges of a highly constrained location, construction was completed while the exchange remained fully operational.
Staging construction
The redesign changed the exchange's layout from the north-south orientation of a single, central platform, around which all of the buses circulated, to an east-west orientation of multiple platforms, with safe pedestrian crossings between them.
It would be difficult to ensure uninterrupted bus route operations throughout an 18-month reconstruction period, particularly as (a) the exchange is located within an interchange at a bridgehead and (b) the eastbound Highway 1 offramp to Main Street—which provides access to and from the exchange—had to remain open at all times. McElhanney developed a five-stage construction plan in collaboration with
MoTT, TransLink, the Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) and the District of North Vancouver (DNV).
The plan addressed how to reroute the 18 bus routes to perimeter roads while minimizing the additional costs of further travel. Another issue was where to place temporary bus bays to support safe passenger transfers, e.g during dark winter nights. The resulting plans and details were incorporated into the design and included in the tender documents, ensuring contractors would understand all of the requirements.
First, the Highway 1 offramp on Orwell Street was realigned to make space for the bus exchange’s expansion. Then, bus stops were relocated on Main and Orwell Streets, with temporary stops set up on the adjacent Oxford Street. This enabled work to begin on the exchange while bus operations remained close enough for ease of transfers.
As the stages of construction were completed, buses were relocated back into the newly completed sections of the exchange. For some routes, the bus bays changed multiple times over the 18 months.
A passenger communication plan was implemented in tandem with each stage, advising of any bus bay changes in advance via written notices and maps. On-site TransLink staff also helped guide users
Competing needs
The project’s location entailed jurisdictional complexity between multiple agencies in areas like asset deliv-
ery and operations and maintenance (O&M).
While the exchange is located within an interchange of MoTT’s jurisdiction, for example, CMBC is its operator, with its own specific design criteria. TransLink, meanwhile, had requirements that affected amenities, wayfinding and other ser vices. DNV also had design guidelines that were applicable.
“This project transformed a nondescript environment into an esthetic amenity.” – Jury
In addition, BC Hydro’s high-voltage overhead power lines runningalongside the exchange had to be retained in their existing location. Finally, a high-pressure Fortis gas main runs through the west side of the exchange, where a separation was needed.
These competing needs meant the project had to meet different design standards, depending on where specific types of infrastructure were located. The presence of major utilities required constant co-ordination with their operators. The new alignment of Orwell Street, for instance, was designed around an existing high-voltage power pole in the centre of the road, avoiding the need, cost and delay to relocate it.
To add to these complexities, the Highway 1 interchange was also being redesigned to improve flow. This project, also led by MoTT, required continuous co-ordination with McElhanney, to ensure both projects progressed smoothly.
Esthetics and amenities
McElhanney
The Phibbs Transit Exchange was transformed from a nondescript, uninviting, concrete-dominant environment to an esthetically inviting amenity for the community. Key improvements included pedestrian walkways, safe crossings, increased lighting (provided by PBX Engineering), improved wayfinding and native landscaping with rain gardens (provided by PFS Studio).
Additional amenities include bike racks and lock-up pods to encourage cycling to the exchange, making use of improved connections to the local network. Sun and rain protection shelters were provided for waiting passengers, along with information boards to improve wayfinding.
A new retail store within the exchange, designed by Public Architecture, provides a waiting area and meeting place for passengers. A crew room was built for bus drivers laying over at the exchange. And public washrooms addressed a key, previously unmet need for passengers with long commutes and transfers.
The renewal of the Lower Lynn Town Centre adjacent to the exchange as a transit-oriented community is replacing single-family residences with higher-density housing, equating to approximately 3,000 new units, in addition to approximately 160,000 sf of new retail and office space. With this developmentm, there is ever greater demand for the redesigned exchange’s increased capacity.
Environmental measures
A redesign of the drainage system was necessary, as the previous on-site stormwater detention pond was eliminated to accommodate the expanded exchange. The new system was designed to mitigate flood risks by combining bioretention with increased conveyance, aligned by Thurber Engineering to local geotechnical conditions. This design accounted for increased rainfall due to climate change, increasingly urbanized upstream catchments and rising sea levels. Oil and grit interceptors were included in the design to capture any fuel and oil spills from buses, preventing pollutants from entering the adjacent Seymour River.
Provincial permitting was obtained under the Water Sustainability Act and a federal letter of advice under the Fisheries Act for work around the Seymour River and the installation of a new culvert. Work in environmentally sensitive areas was monitored full-time by a qualified professional, with compliance audits conducted. Fish passage was managed by implementing avoidance measures, such
as isolating the work area under valid salvage permits.
An increased tree canopy and extensive passenger shelters provide greater shade. Combined with landscaping, this addition reduces the heat impact of the exchange, compared to the previous exchange’s predominance of concrete.
Exceeding expectations
The project exceeded the needs of its clients by retaining the initial concept’s design intent and incorporating various parties’ requirements throughout the process. There were no passenger complaints during the five stages of construction and the project was completed on time and within budget.
Vancouver
Award-winning firm (prime consultant): McElhanney, Vancouver (Rob Bedard, AScT; Bernard Abelson, P.Eng.; Jason Rosevear, P.Eng.; Joe Vorlicek, P.Eng.; Pia Abercromby, P.Eng.; Adeola Oyefiade; Travis Booth, P.Eng.; Grant Stewart, AScT; Doug Johnston, P.Eng.; Bailey Yee, EIT; Patty Burt, R.P.Bio; Bob Bigelow, P.Eng.; Brett Oystensen, P.Eng.).
Owner: BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit (design and construction) and TransLink (concept and preliminary design).
Other key players: Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) (funding), PBX Engineering (electrical engineering), PFS Studio (landscape architecture), Thurber Engineering (geotechnical engineering), Public Architecture + Design (architecture), C.Y. Loh Associates (structural engineering), Rocky Point Engineering (mechanical engineering).
Congratulations to the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit, project partners, and all of this year’s award recipients!
Discover how we move great projects forward at www.mcelhanney.com Engineering I Geomatics I Geospatial I Planning Environmental I Landscape Architecture
Phibbs Transit Exchange, North
Bloor Street West Reconstruction
Between 2020 and 2024, WSP supported Toronto’s municipal government in the redesign and reconstruction of Bloor Street West from Avenue Road to Spadina Avenue to enhance accessibility and safety. This involved technical design, planning and public engagement.
Key features included a protected intersection, a raised cycle track, streetscape improvements and green infrastructure.
The need for changes
Bloor is a major east-west corridor through Toronto that faces competing demands for transit access, mobility, the public realm and active transportation connections. Along its 800-m stretch between Avenue Road and Spadina Avenue, the street is home to such key destinations as the University of Toronto (U of T) campus, student residences and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
Bloor carries significant volumes of pedestrians, cyclists and motorized vehicles. Bike lanes were implemented in 2016, which increased cycling volumes by enhancing safety. Despite the improvements, however, the section between Shaw Street and Avenue Road continued to see an average of 22 cyclist collisions annually. A cyclist fatality at St. George Street and Bloor Street West (roughly midway between Avenue and Spadina), which may have been prevented with a protected corner, further drove the city to
address the issue of safety.
Plans for watermain upgrades and subsequent road reconstruction along the corridor presented an opportunity to address these safety concerns by building continuous, permanent cycling infrastructure.
A multifaceted approach
The process took three years of technical design, planning and public engagement. Construction took place between 2023 and 2024 and included:
• Full reconstruction of the road base and asphalt road surface.
• Sidew alk replacement and accessibility upgrades.
• Installation of raised cycle tracks.
• Construction of a protected intersection at Bloor and St. George.
• Transit stop upgrades.
• Streetscape improvements and
“An impressive project, completed well ahead of schedule, that has improved safety and accessibility.” – Jury
green infrastructure.
The project introduced elements to enhance accessibility, safety and sustainability, including:
• Rethinking traditional road design and reimagining the curb.
• Incorporating truck aprons into three of four intersection corners to make turns easier, with a separately signalled turn phase for buses.
• Near-side bike signals to improve visibility for cyclists as they approach an intersection.
• Permeable bus platforms to address conflicts in terms of drainage and underground utilities.
• Space near the ROM that functions as both a sidewalk and a drop-off point.
• A drone fly-by video for educational purposes.
The project was very complex to undertake within a densely populated and narrow right-of-way (ROW). It required extensive co-ordination between city staff, utility companies, government agencies and technical specialists, among others.
Key challenges during design and construction included:
• Construction environment: Developing the protected intersection in a constrained, highly travelled area demanded careful planning and sequencing of construction activities and disciplines.
• Subway shutdowns: Bloor sits above one of Toronto’s subway lines. During construction, subway closures—including both planned and suddenly announced disruptions—posed significant challenges, as a large number of shuttle buses were needed in the area, further congesting the corridor.
• Accelerated schedule: City staff asked for the initial schedule be accelerated to minimize disruptions, which necessitated a new, more complex four-stage construction plan.
Enhancing safety
The project enhanced safety for all road users. The primary upgrades were raised cycle tracks, which provide greater separation from vehicles, and the protected i ntersection at Bloor and St. George, where a unique design greatly reduces the likelihood and severity of collisions where there is a high frequency of turning movements by all forms of travel.
The upgrades added a bevelled curb between the cycle track and the sidewalk, enabling access across the track for people using mobility devices. The sidewalks were upgraded to meet current accessibility standards. And bus stop upgrades provided sidewalk-level access.
A successful implementation
The client’s goal was to create a continuous, permanent cycling facility. WSP achieved this goal to the client’s satisfaction by creating physical barriers to separate vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians while improving visibility.
The team had anticipated the project would take two full construction seasons, but the city asked for road safety measures to be implemented more quickly, so longterm disruptions would be minimized. To meet these requests, WSP created a new staging plan. By dividing the project into four stages and using directional traffic closures, the team was able to complete most of the construction in 15 months.
Award-winning firm (prime consultant): WSP, Toronto (Brendan Quinn, PMP; James Schofield, P.Eng., RSP2I; Alison Lumby, OALA, CSLA; Andy Dharsan; J. David McLaughlin, MCIP, RPP; Domenica D’Amico, P. Eng.; Jordan Freedman, P.Eng.; Amrah Singhawansa, P.Eng.; Kulwant Kang, P.Eng., MIES).
Thurber provides our clients with the geotechnical, construction materials, and environmental knowledge to design and build safe and sustainable projects. We are proud to support projects that make a difference, including Dialog’s Bow Valley Gap Wildlife Overpass and McElhanney Ltd.’s Phibbs Transit Exchange. Congratulations to all the CCE awards winners!
www.thurber.ca
Bow Valley Gap Wildlife Overpass
Phibbs Transit Exchange
Bloor Street West Reconstruction, Toronto
Owner: City of Toronto.
Other key players: Toole Design (protected intersection design and review advisor and digital simulation), Stantec (intersection
Nicomen River Bridge Replacement
Kiewit
The replacement of Highway 1’s Nicomen River Bridge, delivered through an Alliance model, restored critical infrastructure following the severe November 2021 B.C. floods. The project provided a new, resilient, low-maintenance bridge, enhanced freight mobility by resolving railway clearance issues, supported Indigenous employment and engagement and promoted sustainability.
Alliance achievements
Traditional procurement models sometimes lead to inefficiencies and misaligned priorities. The Alliance model integrated the client, engineers and contractor into a single team, which enabled real-time decision-making, shared risk management and achieved cost efficiencies.
The project’s aim was to replace a flood-damaged bridge along a critical corridor, but the Alliance model also helped identify opportunities beyond
“A complex, critical project that demonstrated the strengths of an alliance delivery model and sharing risks.” – Jury
the original scope, such as lowering the roadway beneath a Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railway underpass to increase its substandard vertical clearance to 5 m. While this improvement was not included in the original plan, the team recognized it would enhance freight mobility immediately and prevent costly modifications in the future.
The change eliminated a long-standing regional bottleneck, reducing detours for freight carriers and improving transportation efficiency along the corridor.
The tools for the job
Kiewit designed a two-span, 69-m curved steel plate girder bridge to withstand seismic activity, flood debris and extreme scour. Weathering steel, semi-integral abutments and stainless-steel shear keys eliminated expansion joints to reduce the bridge’s maintenance needs and extend its expected service life.
Weathering steel was specified for
the superstructure and cased drilled shaft pier columns to eliminate the need for recoating the steelwork. Semi-integral abutments and a continuous concrete deck were designed to eliminate deck joints, which have limited service life and, once damaged, require replacement and could allow water passage that would accelerate deterioration of adjacent concrete and steelwork.
Stainless steel rub-plates were placed on the shear keys at the abutments to last longer than black steel or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) materials.
Design features to reduce scour risk and associated maintenance costs include piled foundations and the elimination of in-water piers relative to the existing bridge, as well as locating the pier outside the Q200 flood perimeter by using asymmetric spans of 42 and 27 m.
Innovative construction techniques also streamlined execution. At the end of the project, for example,
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CPCI members congratulate Kiewit Engineering Group Canada ULC on its award-winning project; BC, Highway 1, Nicomen River Bridge Replacement.
CPCI also congratulates our CPCI member Rapid-Span Structures as the supplier of precast concrete products for this oustanding project.
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self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) were used to move the temporary detour bridge off-site for dismantling, reducing the need for extended traffic closures and for work adjacent to heavy traffic, thus enhancing worker safety and increasing efficiency. The SMPTs significantly reduced crane operations.
To optimize geotechnical performance, soil assessments and adaptive foundation strategies were implemented during construction, allowing engineers to reduce pile lengths by 12 m without compromising the bridge’s structural integrity.
By minimizing in-water work and implementing restorative measures, the team protected fish habitats and local ecosystems. Such measures included spawning gravel placement, ensuring suitable habitats for fish reproduction and riparian restoration, which stabilized the riverbanks and improved water quality.
Bioengineered erosion control techniques, such as the use of locally sourced and Indigenous-supplied willow trees, reinforced the embankments, improved the habitat, reduced sediment runoff and enhanced ecological r esilience. The team monitored water quality throughout construction, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Project complications
The project’s remote location, complex geometry and high-risk construction activities set it apart from conventional bridge replacements.
One of the most complex aspects was steel erection, due to the bridge’s tight-radius alignment, steep slope and skewed supports. These factors called for precise fabrication and installation, as even minor misalignments could result in costly rework and project delays.
The team deployed additional resources and tools, including thirdpar ty consultant inspections, three-dimensional (3-D) total-station girder fabrication surveys and finite element construction staging analyses, to help ensure accurate
component fit-up.
The installation and subsequent removal of the temporary modular detour bridge also posed significant challenges. Multiple stakeholders— including the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT), the engineer of record and the erection subcontractors—co-ordinated efforts so the team could execute the high-risk procedure during a single-night highway closure, minimizing disruption to traffic.
Unforeseen geotechnical conditions demanded adjustments. Initial soil testing suggested weak foundations, but on-site assessments during constr uction revealed stronger-than-expected conditions, allowing the team to reduce pile lengths by 12 m and modify the design to incorporate rock sockets, leading to material savings, enhanced stability and a three-week schedule acceleration.
Community benefits
The bridge sits immediately adjacent to a First Nation community in an archaeologically sensitive area.
This infrastructure upgrade delivered significant social and economic
benefits by strengthening regional connectivity, expanding employment opportunities and improving mobility for communities, businesses and freight operators alike.
The project exceeded employment and subcontracting targets for direct equity groups, with 44% of its workforce comprising underrepresented groups. Indigenous-owned businesses, in particular, played key roles in traffic control, environmental monitoring and material supply.
Community engagement included career fairs, educational programs and cultural ceremonies, fostering long-term relationships and economic inclusion. Indigenous monitors participated in daily site inspections, ensuring cultural heritage considerations and environmental best practices were respected.
The low-maintenance bridge was designed to reduce long-term public expenditures by minimizing future repair and maintenance costs.
Aligned priorities
The project met and exceeded the MoTT’s objectives by delivering resilient, cost-effective and sustainable infrastructure ahead of schedule and well under budget. The approach to both design and construction focused on enhancing durability, minimizing long-term maintenance and improving regional transportation efficiency, which aligned with the client’s own strategic priorities.
In these ways, the project has set a new standard for transportation infrastructure in British Columbia, meeting the client’s objectives and enhancing the province’s highway network.
Award-winning firm (prime consultant, lead designer): Kiewit, Burnaby, B.C. (Domenic Serrand; Paulo (Jorge) Antunes, P.Eng.; Matthew Lea, P.Eng.; Michael
Owner: B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit.
Other key players: Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program (funding), Marcon Metalfab (permanent bearings), Rapid-Span Structures (permanent steel girders), Rapid-Span Precast (permanent deck panels), Varsteel/Dominion Pipe and Piling (pile supply), Coast Range Concrete (concrete supply), Nucor Rebar Fabrication (rebar supply and installation), KWH Constructors (steel girder installation), Amrize/Lafarge Canada (asphalt milling and paving), Cooks Ferry Alliance Team/Quattro Constructors (earthworks).
Nicomen River Bridge Replacement, near Spences Bridge, B.C.
Rakowski, P.Eng.; Alex Breese, P.Eng.; Sylvain Lehouillier, P.Eng.; Jonathan Ho, P.Eng.; Michael Brosch, P.Eng.).
Steel erection was one of the project’s most complex aspects.
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Keeyask Generating Station
Keeyask Generating Station, developed through the Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership (KHLP) between Manitoba Hydro and four First Nations, was completed in 2024 and now delivers 695 MW of energy. Hatch was involved with the project for more than 25 years, providing planning, environmental studies and the final design.
Using parametric and three-dimensional (3-D) modelling, innovations like column extenders, electrical safety measures and zebra mussel mitigations, the firm delivered a mix of consulting engineering services, construction support and commissioning assistance on the project, leading to the station’s successful operation ahead of schedule.
On Jan. 20, 2025, Manitoba set a new daily record for electricity demand, reaching a peak of 5,112 MW when temperatures in Winnipeg dropped to -33 C. Keeyask proved instrumental in helping Manitoba Hydro meet this demand.
A model for success
Hatch designed the station with support from experts across Canada, including consulting engineers with SNC-Lavalin (now AtkinsRéalis) and KGS Group. The project team applied advanced engineering techniques and technologies while incorporating multiple disciplines, including electrical, geotechnical, hydrotechnical, mechanical, structural and management support groups.
Manitoba Hydro and Hatch developed a parametric model—a first for a generating station—to aid the turbine generator vendor in optimizing designs to balance unit sizes with excavation for the site conditions.
The evaluation helped obtain the best layout on a quantifiable, measurable and justifiable basis.
Multidisciplinary teams collaborated to solve problems unique to cold-weather regions. The hydrotechnical team developed the final seven-bay spillway alignment, employing 3-D numerical hydraulic models and two physical hydraulic models to optimize the design and analyze hydraulic characteristics.
During detailed design, instrumentation data from Manitoba Hydro sites confirmed the Keeyask spillway might be susceptible to increased uplift pressures during win-
“A great case of equitable development with Indigenous input.” – Jury
ter. Using two-dimensional (2-D) thermal model analysis, the team evaluated the risk of the concrete/ bedrock contact freezing during winter, which led to modifications to the spillway structure’s design parameters based on uplift criteria.
Extensive use of 3-D tools helped create interlinked models of earth structures, concrete/steel structures, major equipment and systems. Regular model reviews tracked the project’s design progress.
The general civil contractor accessed the project’s 3-D model regularly, facilitating the development of value-added engineering components, project visualization and construction planning. Prior to the preparation of the construction drawings, safety was addressed for the construction and operation stages with the involvement of the
contractor and operators, through model walk-throughs and a hazard and operability (HAZOP) analysis.
Detailed to an equivalent building information modelling (BIM) level of development (LOD) 400, the 3-D model facilitated clash detection to identif y conflicts with reinforcement, piping and conduits. This in turn helped reduce field modifications, requests for information (RFIs) and non-conformance reports (NCRs), while aiding the development of construction schedules and costs. Manitoba Hydro took the model further with four-dimensional (4-D) simulations and construction progress measurement.
Focusing on safety and reliability, Hatch designed electrical systems for protection and control, station bonding and grounding and emergency backup power. The firm also worked with Bentley Systems to enhance its expertise with 3-D rebar in complex geometry profiles, as for the powerhouse draft tube. Models were detailed with construction joints, facilitating rebar automation and moving on to fabrication.
Design difficulties
Keeyask is located approximately 725 km northeast of Winnipeg. The difficulty of sourcing labour and replacement parts over long distances was factored into the design, as were extreme weather conditions.
The column extender design was implemented as a strategic change during construction of the powerhouse, where an accelerated schedule allowed concrete placement to be sheltered from the harsh elements. The early installation of powerhouse overhead cranes further streamlined construction, with minimal disruptions to the
concrete works and embedded electrical and mechanical systems. In the end, the column extender design enabled winter concreting to save an estimated eight months and $400 million.
The unexpected failure of an ice boom led to a rapid rise in water level, threatening to overtop the 1-km long cofferdam designed to protect the powerhouse excavation area. An emergency top-up design was rapidly constructed. This swift intervention successfully held back water, preventing a one-year delay and more than $100 million in losses.
The team took on concrete repair due to a major pipe failure, a central dam realignment, decision flowcharts for dikes, alternative dike designs, electrical isolation of traffic barriers, winter startups for early commissioning, zebra mussel mitigation and various system reliability improvement tasks.
Large-scale but local
Ongoing efforts to provide socio-economic benefits were a priority throughout construction for KHLP, the partnership between Manitoba Hydro and the Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, York Factory First Nation and Fox Lake Cree Nation. Constructed within the ancestral homeland of all four partner First Nations, the project is Manitoba’s fourth largest generating station, with
a planned 4,400 GWh of energy to be produced annually.
These team members collaborated to develop bsedimentation, erosion and water quality assessments and monitoring programs. Community representatives were trained in data monitoring objectives, procedures and measures relating to health and safety.
The project created more than 29,000 jobs during construction. Approximately 70% of the workforce was from Manitoba, 40% was Indigenous and 19% was from partnered communities.
Assessing environmental impacts
Hatch supported KHLP in conducting assessments to avoid, mitigate and compensate for environmental effects, using both technical studies and Indigenous knowledge.
Based on more than 10 years’ research into environmental
impacts, the lowest reservoir level option was chosen. This decision resulted in a 75% reduction in flooding by scaling down from a 1,150-MW plant (which would flood around 180 km²) to a 695-MW configuration (flooding only about 45 km²), reducing generating capacity by 40% and exemplifying a balanced approach to both stewardship and feasibility.
Special attention was paid to sensitive habitats and species. Mitigation measures—including replacement of spawning habitat and a large-scale stocking program—were implemented to maintain and increase fish populations.
Setting a benchmark
The project team surpassed a revised projected schedule with a five-month advancement and a corresponding reduction in the cost forecast. While the final unit has been contributing energy for Manitobans since Mar. 9, 2022, the design was completed in 2024, incorporating post-commissioning changes and as-builts.
Keeyask also became the first North American hydroelectric project to be evaluated under the International Hydropower Association’s (IHA’s) Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol (HSAP), setting a benchmark for best practices.
Keeyask Generating Station, Stephens Lake, Man.
Award-winning firm (owner’s engineer services, final design and construction support): Hatch, Mississauga, Ont. (lan Ainslie, P.Eng.; Raj Mannem, P.Eng.; Mike Penner, P.Eng.; Rauf Ahmed, P.Eng.; Phil Pantel, P.Eng.; Dave Fuchs, P.Eng.; Don Bodnaruk, C.Tech; Stephanie Gilmour, C.Tech)
Owner: Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership.
Other key players: Manitoba Hydro (client), AtkinsRéalis (electrical and mechanical design subconsultant), KGS Group (geotechnical and structural design and construction support), Northern Training and Employment (funding), Canmec Industrial (spillway gates and monorail), COH (powerhouse crane), Voith Hydro (turbine generator), Powell Canada (transformers), Toromont Cat (diesel generation), ABB (motor control centre and excitation transformers), Bentley Systems (software).
The station was designed for the extreme weather conditions of its northern location.
Mill Creek Flood Protection
In the 2010s, the city of Kelowna, B.C., experienced floods of Mill Creek, caused by severe spring freshets. Climate change doubled what were previously considered 200-year flows, overwhelming the city’s flood control structures.
CIMA+ was retained to upgrade Kelowna’s infrastructure accordingly. The firm provided a feasibility study, detailed design and construction management of a dam and dike. The project improved a diversion structure’s hydraulics and enhanced debris management, reducing local flood risks and restoring fish passage that had blocked by an older structure.
Resiliency required
The project was initiated in response to increasingly frequent and severe floods. Mill Creek is a vital waterway that flows through downtown Kelowna core, posing significant flood risk to residential, commercial and public infrastructure. CIMA+ aimed to enhance flood protection, improve stormwater management and increase the creek’s resiliency.
The team led a comprehensive upgrade of an existing structure that diverts excess water toward Mission Creek, a widening of the head pond and the design and construction of a dam and dike. Hydraulic and hydrologic modelling guided design decisions, optimizing the system for once-in-200-years flood events.
Sustainable engineering, meanwhile, guided the design of fish-friendly infrastructure, such as
fish pools, floodplains, large-woody debris (LWD) and engineered creek riffles.
An innovative approach
“An excellent example of climate adaptation." – Jury
What set this project apart was its multidisciplinary approach. It incorporated such innovations as an inclined trash rack, a fully automated trash rake, an access ramp for debris removal and automated gates.
Additionally, a decision-matrix method was implemented to evaluate the optimal solution based on construction costs, ease of maintenance, safety measures, construction risks, capacity improvements, environmental impacts and debris management requirements. This forward-thinking approach led to the design of three lines of defence for debris management, ensuring functionality during flood events.
This project also stands out for the hydraulic innovation of integrating fish-friendly infrastructure with flood protection. Traditional flood control structures often prioritize water conveyance over ecological considerations, but this project balanced both. The design improved the hydraulics of the diversion structure to optimize flow distribution while also restoring upstream fish passage, which had previously been blocked.
Adapting to challenges
The most significant complexity came from separate permitting processes for the dam and dike, each with its own process and timeline. The project was divided into two phases. Phase 1 covered the design and construction of the dam, while Phase 2 focused on the dike. This approach allowed construc-
tion to begin on Phase 1 while Phase 2 permits were still being acquired, minimizing delays and ensuring the project could be completed on time and within budget.
Another challenge was the location. Mill Creek is surrounded by residential and commer cial properties and other public infrastructure. Working in such a densely developed, high-traffic area required careful planning to minimize disruptions.
Managing flood risks during Phase 1 of construction was a challenge during seasonal highwater events. Upstream gauges indicated flows could rise quickly, so the team proactively implemented measures like temporary diversion channels and reinforced barriers.
As predicted, water levels surged, leading to a flood. The completed section of the structure and the safety measures handled the flood without overtopping.
Another complexity during construction was managing vandalism. Multiple break-ins occurred, including one that damaged the project compound’s electrical box, causing unexpected delays and cost impacts. This issue led to enhanced security measures, including advanced monitoring systems, improved fencing and increased surveillance.
Community benefits
By reducing the risk of flooding in an urban area, the project protected more than 1,650 properties and essential infrastructure, such as roads, utilities and emergency access routes. Flood-related damage had previously led to costly repairs and service disruptions.
The project also improved safety for city staff, who previously faced hazards relating to
the outdated diversion structure. This structure could not handle increased flood flows and would become blocked by debris. City crews had to manually remove the debris, which was a hazardous task, especially during the floods. These blockages not only posed risks directly from the debris itself, but also led to overtopping, flooding the trail and properties downstream in downtown Kelowna.
The project improved Okanagan Rail Trail and expanded green spaces with accessible recreational areas for pedestrians and cyclists, who can now use the trail year-round in all weather conditions.
An opportunity to collaborate with local Indigenous communities began in 2018 during the planning phase and continued throughout design and construction. The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) and Westbank First Nation (WFN) played significant roles by offering cultural knowledge, environmental stewardship practices and heritage insights.
Prioritizing sustainability
The project was designed with sustainability and environmental improvement as core priorities. Recognizing the ecological importance of Mill Creek and the need for climate resilience, the team aimed to go beyond traditional flood infrastructure by integrating green design and restoration practices.
Among the project’s key environmental benefits were the restoration and naturalization of the creek channel, which involved regrading banks, planting native vegetation and improving the in-stream habitat to support fish and wildlife. Specific improvements included a fish pool, two floodplains, five LWD installations and two engineered creek riffles. These efforts
helped improve water quality, restore fish passage upstream, enhance ecological functions and increase biodiversity within an urban setting.
Naturalizing sections of Mill Creek and restoring riparian ecosystems contribute to the long-term health of the local environment. Through design optimizations, tree removal was minimized from 150 to 70, while an offsetting plan ensured three new trees were planted for each one removed. These measures support biodiversity by creating habitats for birds and other wildlife while enhancing the area’s esthetics.
Additionally, strict erosion and sediment control measures were taken to prevent runoff into the creek. Contaminated soils were safely removed and managed.
Racing to the finish line
CIMA+ worked closely with
Kelowna’s municipal government and the relevant regulatory agencies to navigate permitting requirements. While the project timeline was extended due to unforeseen permitting processes relating to dam and dike design and construction, the team proactively adapted by accelerating design revisions and promptly addressing the regulatory requirements. This approach minimized delays where possible, ensuring efficient progress despite prolonged approval timelines.
Cost control remained a priority. Despite the schedule extension, the final expenses aligned with the original budgetary expectations. The Mill Creek flood protection project was delivered for approximately $15 million as part of a larger $55-million initiative to enhance flood resilience along the creek.
Mill Creek Flood Protection, Kelowna, B.C.
Award-winning firm (prime consultant): CIMA+, Vancouver (Ali Taleb, P.Eng.; Ali Malekian, Ph.D., P.Eng.; Hossein Fayyazi, M.Sc., P.Eng.; Ali Norouzi Zarmehri, M.Sc.; Zhe Su; Jesica Ferguson, P.Eng.; Jaron Peck, EIT).
Owner: City of Kelowna.
Other key players: Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) (funding), Reilly Engineering Associates (geotechnical), Environmental Dynamics Inc. (EDI) (environmental and permitting), Boreal Water Resources (hydrotechnical), Centrix Control Solutions (electrical, instrumentation and control), Bench Site Design (landscape architecture), R&L Construction (contractor), Worthington | Waterway Barriers - Revelstoke Design Services (waterway barrier supplier), Atlas Polar Company (trash rack and rake), Summit Valves and Controls (gates), Marcon Metal and Command Industries (steel), Nucor Harris (rebar), Rite-Way Fencing (fence), Red Valve and Emco (valves), SmartCover Flow Systems (water-level sensors), KonKast Concrete Products (precast concrete)
Safety was an issue throughout construction, particularly when water levels surged.
Site C Clean Energy Project
Klohn Crippen Berger and AtkinsRéalis
BC Hydro’s Site C Clean Energy Project is a hydroelectric generating station that has been decades in the making. Located on the Peace River, it is expected to provide clean, reliable and cost-effective electricity for 100 years and beyond.
Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB) and AtkinsRéalis (formerly SNCLavalin) served as prime design consultants for the project.
Custom designs
As British Columbia transitions to a more electrified future, existing infrastructure faces increasing pressure. Site C, the third dam and hydroelectric generating station on Peace River, is designed to add 1,100 MW of capacity to BC Hydro’s grid and generate approximately 5,100 GWh of electricity annually, enough to power 450,000 homes or 1.7 million electric vehicles (EVs).
KCB and AtkinsRéalis formed a joint engineering team to design and construct the project, including:
• a 60-m high ear thfill dam with temporary cofferdams and two 700-m long, 12-m wide diversion tunnels.
• an 800-m long roller compacted concrete (RCC) buttress foundation.
• six 183-MW units housed in a generating station.
• spillway structures with a maximum total spill capacity of
16,700 m3
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“Lots of impressive components to a big, complicated project.” – Jury
Early in design, KCB and AtkinsRéalis devised an innovative foundation to address the river’s complex geotechnical conditions. They incorporated the RCC buttress parallel to the original river valley wall. This strategy replaced the surficial weathered and unstable shale bedrock with a more robust foundation to provide greater stability across the powerhouse and spillway structures and to form the right abutment for the earthfill dam.
The Site C spillway, the largest at any BC Hydro facility, includes design elements to address operational and environmental constraints. It needed to maximize discharge capacity within a constrained width, minimize total dissolved gas levels downstream to protect aquatic life and ensure effective energy dissipation to prevent downstream erosion. With physical hydraulic modelling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, the design achieved these objectives.
When filling the reservoir, a new element was required to safely pass minimal river flow downstream. One of the two diversion tunnels was retrofitted with in-line orifice constriction rings. These effectively dissipated large amounts of energy safely while allowing the reservoir to fill with normal river inflows. This arrangement was based on the precedent of a project in China. The design team is not aware of this type of application ever being used in Canada before.
A challenging site
KCB and AtkinsRéalis addressed the site’s geotechnical challenges. During construction, for example, instruments detected millimetre movements along a thin bedding plane beneath the shear key, raising concerns of instability or increased water pressure within the bedrock. The team enhanced the foundation’s stability by installing 96 vertical piles, which were drilled through the bedding plane into stronger rock below, and improved the watertightness of the approach
per second.
an 83-km long reservoir.
channel and the drainage systems below it, minimizing seepage into the foundation.
The project’s hydraulic complexity was overcome with the design of the spillway. Geotechnical conditions had dictated its alignment should be perpendicular to the direction of the incoming river flow. This alignment created a 90-degree bend for the flow entering the spillway. Based on physical hydraulic modelling and CFD simulations, the final design included asymmetrical guide walls, a deep stilling basin with a large downstream weir and discharge structures at low, middle and high elevations to achieve the required spill capacity while maintaining flexible operation and optimizing overall geometry.
Cold weather presented scheduling challenges, limiting the RCC and earthfill dam constr uction to six-month windows. Cast-in-place concrete placements during the winter r equired extensive heating and hoarding to maintain progress and keep to the overall project schedule.
A long-term investment
Site C represents a long-term investment in clean and sustainable energy. It also represents a significant economic engine, having created an estimated 13,000 person-years of
direct employment during its construction phase. The operational phase will provide 25 direct jobs and an average of 160 total jobs annually, alongside $2 million in grants-in-lieu and school taxes each year. Investments in maintenance and component upgrades over the project’s lifespan will sustain additional employment.
Recognizing the value of regional expertise and workforce development, the project has involved the investment of approximately $1.5 million in skills and trades training.
Green and dependable
Site C offers a dependable solution to B.C.’s energy challenges. It produces 35% as much electricity as the upstream W.A.C. Bennett Dam, with a reservoir only 5% as large.
It incorporates features to mitigate environmental impact. One example is the spillway, which was designed to minimize total dissolved gas in the downstream river channel. Upstream fish passage facilities were also incorporated in the project layout.
Site C has implemented aquatic and land-based wildlife programs to avoid, minimize or offset impacts on local ecosystems, incorporating feedback from First Nations groups, the public and more than 200
specific requirements from provincial and federal entities. Key strategies have included restoring and establishing wetlands, rehabilitating temporarily disturbed lands, protecting and enhancing habitats for migratory birds, facilitating the propagation and protection of rare plant species of conservation concern and constructing habitat structures.
A new baseline
The project cost and schedule for Site C were ‘re-baselined’ in
2021, primarily due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains and the workforce for the then-partially completed project. Also, the right bank foundation enhancement scope required a redesign, due to foundation movements detected during construction.
Following this effort, the project budget has been met and the milestones for filling the reservoir and generating first power were achieved on schedule.
Award-winning firms (prime design consultants): Klohn Crippen Berger, Vancouver (Jeremy Bruce, P.Eng.; Simon Douglas, P.Eng.; Ann Wen, P.Eng.; Garry Stevenson, P.Eng.); and AtkinsRéalis, Vancouver (Royden Heays, P.Eng.; Wendy Lannin, P.Eng.; Badr Benabdellah, M.A.Sc., P.Eng.; Muhammad Afif, P. Eng.; Vinod Batta, PhD., P.Eng.; Sébastien Mousseau, P.Eng.).
Geotechnical conditions dictated the spillway’s alignment should be perpendicular to the incoming river flow.
Closing the Infrastructure Gap for First Nations
Engineering
Most First Nations communities across C anada lack access to essential infrastructure, such as housing, clean water and health care. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) recently sought to identify the investment required to narrow the infrastructure gap by 2030.
Associated Engineering conducted a study to document the required infrastructure and its costs, addressing federal goals for climate adaptation, net-zero energy performance and digital connectivity. The study considered how sustainable, resilient
“An essential first step in the right direction, quantifying a problem with hard numbers.” – Jury
infrastructure will improve standards of living and support economic growth.
A landmark study
Many Indigenous communities have been under boil-water advisories for decades. Some are remote with no access to all-season roads. This deficit has compromised the well-being of Indigenous peoples, placed them at a socioeconomic disadvantage and constrained their communities from achieving economic prosperity.
AFN, supported by Indigenous Services Canada, engaged Associated Engineering to identify the actions and investments required to close
the gap by 2030. The study sought to determine costs of maintaining, renewing, upgrading or expanding existing infrastructure.
The team completed a holistic review of assets needed to support the ongoing safe and sustainable provision of services to 634 First Nation populations over the next 20 years. They evaluated infrastructure for transportation, drinking water, sanitation, housing, schools, community administration, recreation centres, health care and fire protection.
The study is the most comprehensive, systematic nationwide assessment of First Nations’ assets ever completed in Canada across such a broad range of classes and investment drivers. It has enabled the determination of the investment required to close the gap for on-reserve infrastructure and provide sustainable services for future generations. The investigation was based on engineering insights, expertise and experience and considered asset deterioration and renewal, growth, changing regulations, social equity and climate vulnerabilities.
The degree of difficulty for this project stemmed from the diverse range of assets considered, each with its unique challenges and requirements. The broad expertise and co-ordination required to gather, analyze and interpret data from disparate sources demanded a high level of teamwork and communication.
Associated Engineering drew on its own extensive library of information on First Nations projects, coupling and validating this data with other benchmarks to develop 75
costing models. In turn, these models enabled unit costs to be developed for different asset types.
The final report documented the needs, actions and, specifically, investment of $349.2 billion required to close the infrastructure gap by 2030. For AFN, this project is an action plan to advance economic reconciliation and support health, well-being and growth in First Nations communities.
The economic benefits of this project are significant. By closing the infrastructure gap for First Nations, the study projects Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) will increase by up to $524 billon, 150,000 jobs will be created and new economic development opportunities will emerge for First Nations.
Collecting insights
The team evaluated and analyzed some 40,000 asset records, including inventory and condition information. This was combined with insights gained through an in-depth review of previous studies, identifying service gaps and needs, population statistics, growth rates and forecasts.
Existing information about infrastructure was fragmented across many federal government departments. Statistics collected by First Nations have often been inconsistent, due to different sources providing varying population counts, growth projections and assessments. The economic differences between provinces and territories, as well as remoteness factors, needed to be considered.
The breadth of the study’s scope reflected the range of improvements required to close the infrastructure gap, which called for diverse expertise among project team members— not only in addressing different asset categories, but also in understanding planning, engineering, operations, maintenance and engagement. Specialized subconsultants were retained accordingly.
A ssociated Engineering’s team
collaborated with various stakeholders, including AFN policy advisors, Indigenous Services Canada, First Nations Engineering Services, BTY Group, Planetworks Consulting, Yallee Designs and more than 400 First Nations. Their diverse expertise helped achieve a realistic estimate of the infrastructure gap.
Operations and maintenance (O&M) are essential to sustaining the resilience and effectiveness of infrastructure. The study included allowances for appropriate O&M activities and capacity building, such as operator training, to effectively manage new facilities and t reatment plants. Requirements developed by the project team were drawn from the actual experiences of well-operated facilities in First Nation communities and similar municipalities across Canada.
Environmental considerations
Associated Engineering evaluated climate risks for every First Nation across Canada and developed maps to identify options and costs for cli-
Owner: Assembly of First Nations (AFN).
mate adaptation actions and emergency management plans.
As well, the team evaluated the benefits of a range of different strategies toward a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. These included low-cost energy efficiency improvements that could be delivered directly, refurbishment and maintenance activities and fuel switching to shift reliance away from diesel power generation for remote communities.
With a deeper dive into levels of service in drinking water supplies, accessibility and access, Associated Engineering explored Canada’s ice road network and how it is affected by the accelerating impacts of climate change. Drawing on the firm’s experience, the team developed a prioritized program for all-season road development.
Toward implementation
In emphasizing resilience, sustainability, equity and inclusion, the study went beyond conventional assessments, providing a substantiated plan for investments. It met AFN’s goals for identifying actions and investments to achieve economic reconciliation, aligned with federal commitments. AFN and Indigenous Services Canada expressed appreciation for the breadth of the study.
The report has been shared with First Nations chiefs and widely acknowledged as the first Canada-wide summary of decades of data. Based on this project, AFN and Indigenous Services Canada have co-developed an implementation plan to support a joint memorandum on new infrastructure and housing policy reform.
Other key players: Indigenous Services Canada (funding), First Nations Engineering Services, BTY Group, Planetworks Consulting and Yallee Designs.
Closing the Infrastructure Gap for First Nations, Cross-Canada.
Top: One of the reports key priorities is expanding all-season road access for remote communities.
Bottom: The study acknowledged the need to build capacity for operator training to manage new treatment plants.
By James Little and David Leck
Geotechnical Mishaps and Liability for Engineers
Acontractor begins excavation on a project in downtown Ottawa, only to trigger unexpected soil movement, threatening the foundation of a neighbouring apartment complex. Within days, the project has ceased all progress and insurance adjusters are involved. Early investigation points to issues with the baseline geotechnical report.
Situations like this highlight the high-stakes role geotechnical engineers play in projects and the legal scrutiny that can follow when soils do not behave as expected.
Geotechnical engineers are often engaged in the early stages of a construction project to analyze soil, rock, groundwater and other earth materials. Their services can inform and guide the project and address environmental concerns, but the
risk of geotechnical mishaps may persist, regardless of the methods employed in their analysis.
As climate change continues to drive more extreme rainfall and soil instability, scrutiny of geotechnical work is only intensifying further. Engineers today are dealing not only with traditional risks, but also a shift toward environmental uncertainty.
Understanding liability starts with the role geotechnical engineers play in projects—who engages them, how their work/reporting is used and which parties may rely on their findings—and to consider potential mitigation measures that could help avoid claims or reduce their impact.
“ The risk of geotechnical mishaps may persist, regardless of the methods used in their analysis.’
Sources of liability
Geotechnical engineers may be engaged on a project directly by the owner or through the contractor, architect or engineer responsible for the overall project design. No matter the scenario, significant project decisions will be based on conclusions arising out of their geotechnical analysis.
In addition, where geotechnical engineers are engaged to monitor or supervise construction activities, their findings may continue to be relied upon throughout the course of the project, particularly regarding early stages of excavation and/or shoring activities.
The conclusions drawn by geotechnical engineers can have an indirect impact on third parties not involved in the actual project. For example, an adjacent landowner may incur a significant loss in the event of an adverse event, such as flooding or a building collapse.
Other third parties, such as governmental entities or utility providers, may also suffer losses where soils ‘misbehave’ and affect concurrent projects or damage infrastructure.
Depending on the party involved, liability will generally be based on breach of contract and/or negligence. Where a given wrong prima facie suppor ts both an action in contract and tort, a party may sue in either or both, except where the contract indicates the parties intended to limit or negate the right to sue in tort. It is open to parties to limit or waive the duties that common law would impose on them for negligence.
Canadian courts regularly examine the scope of these duties, particularly in the context of construc-
tion disputes where economic losses ripple across multiple parties and projects.
Generally, the standard of care for geotechnical engineers is the same as for other professionals; subject to contractual requirements, they are to exercise the skill, care and diligence that may reasonably be expected of a person of ordinary competence, measured by the professional standard of the time.
So, unless engineers undertake to exercise a higher standard of care, theirs will be limited to (a) the competence in the profession for
which they practise and (b) the professional standards prevailing at the time the services were provided. And as long as geotechnical engineers have followed an accepted body of professional opinion, the fact that other bodies of opinion may state otherwise will not in itself render their findings negligent.
In practical terms, this means geotechnical engineers are judged not on whether the soil ultimately behaved as predicted, but on whether their methods reflected professional norms or standards. Canadian courts have reinforced
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these principles in practice. A good illustration comes from the B.C. Supreme Court’s decision in White Rock Lodge Properties Ltd. v. British Columbia Hydro & Power Authority in 1993.
A landslide occurred during excavation, causing a delay for a condominium project. The court ultimately held the landslide was caused by a horizontal weak zone throughout the site—and found there was no evidentiary basis for concluding a greater examination of local geological history would have provided information about the thin weak zone.
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The plaintiff’s claim in negligence was therefore dismissed. The court applied the same test in negligence to the plaintiff’s claim in contract, as there were no express terms describing the scope of services, aside from the engineers’ engagement letter.
While the White Rock Lodge case underscores the limits of liability where hidden soil conditions exist, the case of Reynolds v. McCluskie— also out of the B.C. Supreme Court, in 1998—demonstrates how careful use of assumptions and disclaimers can potentially protect engineers from claims of misrepresentation.
There, a geotechnical engineering firm was exposed to potential liability as a result of false information provided to them by the builder—i.e. that the slope behind a residential home consisted of shot rock, when it was in fact primarily sandy material.
The slope collapsed from a heavy rainstorm and the plaintiff suffered damages to his home. Yet, because the geotechnical engineers had “very clearly” stated the assumptions they made in their report were based on information provided by the builder, they were able to escape liability.
Taken together, these cases highlight the dual challenge facing geotechnical engineers. There may be hidden conditions beyond reasonable detection, but they need to draft reports that anticipate potential reliance by third parties, even years later.
Risk mitigation practices
With that challenge in mind, the following are several practical steps that can reduce exposure to claims:
• Ensure proper insurance is in place. Professional liability insurance is generally required, but owners may also obtain a project-specific polic.
• Limit liability. In contracts, clauses clearly capping liability to insurance coverage may help avoid exposure beyond policy limits.
• Document assumptions when providing geotechnical ser vices. Engin-
eers and consultants should state all assumptions and limitations in reports or work product. If further work or study is required, it should be expressly stated.
• Define scope clearly. Engagement letters should specify what services are included or excluded.
• Use disclaimers. Consider adding these for work performed during construction (whether via meeting minutes or correspondence), particularly to update other parties on new assumptions or limitations.
“ There may be hidden conditions beyond reasonable detection.’
• Allocate responsibility for sharing and interpreting data. Construction projects are increasingly integrating technologies like digital twins and real-time soil modelling. Engineers may need to consider how data-sharing obligations affect their risk exposure.
Ultimately, while no engineer can completely eliminate the risk of unpredictability in soils or related materials, a combination of clear contracts, transparent communication, forward-looking risk management and proactive legal advice can ensure that when the ground shifts, liability does not automatically follow.
Excavations can pose risks to nearby foundations.
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