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OCTOBER 2015
ENGINEERING Engineering: Science of Turning Concepts Into Realities The ongoing work of British Columbia’s engineering firms has directly impacted virtually all aspects of daily life BY DAVID HOLMES
W
hen mankind’s first proto-human ancestor discovered that chipping a flake off a stone created a sharp edge, or that a heavy stick could be used to dislodge a heavy boulder when deployed as a lever, the concept of engineering was born. Engineering is as much an art as it is a science, and is essentially the task of using some form of scientific method to create an outcome that produces a tangible result in the real world. That outcome could be that sharpened stone, or a huge span of steel bridging a river, or a towering edifice of glass and steel in the heart of a thriving metropolis. In the 21 st Century the concept of engineering is a broad professional field that touches on virtually all aspects of daily life. Traditionally the roles of an engineer were viewed as falling within four main categories: Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering – but today thanks in part to the revolution in electronic technology, there is a much greater likelihood of cross-pollination within the different core sectors, and literally hundreds of different subcategories for engineers and engineering students to pursue. “Consulting Engineering is an integral part of BC’s Knowledge Economy. The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia (ACECBC) represents BC’s consulting engineering companies that provide engineering and other technology-based intellectual services to the public and private sectors,” explained Keith Sashaw, President and CEO, ACEC-British Columbia. “Consulting engineering companies play an integral role in ensuring the safe, efficient and sustainable planning, development, construction and operations of buildings, highways, bridges, ports, pipelines, mines and key infrastructure projects.
The Golden Ears Bridge is a six-lane structure built to connect Langley on the southside with Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge on its northside
“Consulting engineering is at the centre of BC’s Knowledge Economy.” KEITH SASHAW PRESIDENT / CEO, ACEC-BC
Consulting engineers are at the forefront of emerging opportunities in all regions of the province,” he said. “They work together with local communities, applying technical innovation and creativity to ensure projects are developed in a manner that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. ACEC-BC takes a keen interest in monitoring and reporting on major projects that are key to creating jobs and prosperity for all British Columbians.” In British Columbia engineering firms, in a myriad of different sizes and specializing in ever wider subject areas, can be found all across the province. The following brief sampling represents just a few of t he hundreds of companies located across BC actively engaged in shaping the future of the province while making daily life easier and more convenient for
its citizens. Among the province’s major engineering players McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. is among the very largest, with no less than 19 separate offices across BC alone. From Campbell River to Whistler, and from Terrace to Osoyoos McElhanney’s engineers are involved in a full spectrum of services, working successfully within an equally broad range of industries and sectors. A partial list of the firm’s service areas include agriculture where is it is involved with everything from completing drainage studies to developing complex irrigation systems. O ther a reas of ex per tise showcased by McElhanney include such diverse undertakings as software development, completing environmental assessments, site assessments SEE ENGINEERING | PAGE 10