November, 2023 - Associated Engineering

Associated projects recognized at ACEC-SK Brian Eckel Awards

Posted on November 15, 2023December 7, 2023 by Jimmy Kokaji

Last night in Saskatoon, the Association of Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Saskatchewan (ACEC-SK) hosted their 2023 Brian Eckel Awards. The Brian Eckel Awards was established in 2002 to recognize and promote innovative projects by ACEC-SK member firms that highlight industry-leading applications and solutions that meet project requirements, and demonstrate new technologies or methods.

Two of Associated Engineering’s projects were honoured this year.

In the Municipal Infrastructure & Water Resources category, the Kahkewistahaw Landing project received an Award of Merit.

For Kahkewistahaw First Nation, economic development on its Saskatoon urban reserve presented two challenges: proximity to the airport, governed by strict land development regulations from Transport Canada, and the absence of infrastructure to service the site. From initial brainstorming with Kahkewistahaw First Nation to construction, Associated engaged diverse stakeholders to facilitate the approvals needed to proceed. The lack of established stormwater infrastructure required Associated to design an interim stormwater system that can easily be converted to connect to the permanent stormwater system, once constructed. Today, Kahkewistahaw’’s development is a commercial success, providing opportunity for Indigenous Peoples and commercial ventures.

In the Transportation category, another Award of Merit was presented for the Highway 3 Twinning project.

Over the years, Highway 3 near Prince Albert saw numerous accidents and fatalities. Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Highways retained Associated Engineering to fast-track twinning of 7.5 kilometres of Highway 3 to enhance public safety. A model for future projects, Associated’s solution incorporated design standards not previously used in Saskatchewan, including protected left-turn intersections and an undivided median cross-section design. Using new technologies such as specialized cameras for traffic assessment helped to inform and support the recommended solutions. Upgrading of Highway 3 was completed, in less than two years – half the time of typical highway projects – preventing accidents and saving lives.

Congratulations to our project teams and everyone involved on these award-winning projects in Saskatchewan!

WEAO hosts Wastewater Treatment & Technologies Microbiology Workshop

Posted on November 9, 2023November 21, 2023 by Jimmy Kokaji

The Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO) is once again offering a Wastewater Treatment & Technologies Microbiology Workshop on November 15th and we’re proud to share that Dr. José Bicudo will be teaching the course, alongside Maria Mesquita and Dave Neely. Associated Engineering is also a Silver tier sponsor of the event.

Held at the Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant, this 7.0 PDH workshop will cover microbiology of activated sludge; activated sludge floc structure analysis; filamentous organisms in activated sludge; causes of activated sludge bulking/foaming and control; hands-on training to identify filaments, including staining techniques and morphology to identifies specific filamentous organisms. Register to attend on the WEAO website.

Grant Dixon appointed as National Leader of ATAP Infrastructure Management

Posted on November 8, 2023November 8, 2023 by Jimmy Kokaji

We are very pleased to announce that Grant Dixon from our Edmonton office has accepted the position of National Leader of ATAP Infrastructure Management, an Associated subsidiary company. ATAP provides classroom and onsite training, technical support, programming, commissioning, operations, troubleshooting, and advisory services for water, wastewater, and municipal infrastructure. Currently, ATAP primarily operates in Saskatchewan and Alberta, delivering services to utilities, various levels of government, First Nations, and select private sector clients, such as contractors. and private utility operators.

As National Leader, ATAP, Grant will collaborate with staff to market and develop ATAP services across the company, taking an active role in business development and providing input and advice on proposals and projects delivery, focussing on water and wastewater services. Grant will also manage ATAP operations in our existing centres in Saskatchewan and Alberta. In addition, he will continue in his role as Regional Water Manager in Alberta North.

Grant combines his certification in Local Government Administration and Operations with more than 35 years of experience in the public and private sector, specializing in water systems operations and management, and project management. As an Operations Management Specialist, Project Manager, and Manager with Associated Engineering, Grant has delivered water systems training, operations and engineering support, and advisory services, and managed the delivery of water systems and treatment plants. As Manager of our Regional Water team and ATAP in Alberta North, Grant has expanded our services to public and private sector and First Nations clients across Northern Alberta, and has delivered water system training for AWWOA and Northern Lakes College.

Grant is an active volunteer in the water industry. He is a trusted advisor to the Water North Coalition (Alberta) and the Western Canada Water Alberta Provincial Council. In 2025, he will serve as the President of the Western Canada Water Association.