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Author: Jimmy Kokaji

Seeking challenges and career growth motivates Civil Engineer, Cian McDermott

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Cian McDermott’s journey to become a civil engineer and now Manager of the Civil Infrastructure group in our Niagara-on-the-Lake office, began many years ago in his native Ireland. From an early age, Cian was always interested in construction and how things were put together. He recalls that his favourite toy as a child was the construction building set, Meccano.


As a high school student, Cian worked on construction sites and built houses every summer. Cian recalls, “One early morning on a wet and windy summer day, we had a full day ahead of us pouring concrete foundations. However, before we could begin, we waited 30 minutes for the civil engineer to arrive and sign off on the foundation subbase. Eventually, the engineer arrived, approved the foundation, and drove away. I then had to shovel concrete for the next 12 hours in the rain. This was the moment that I decided I wanted to become a civil engineer.”

Cian shares that his family has always been a positive influence on him. His parents taught him the value of working hard, and always balancing work with life. Cian tells us, “My dad managed our football teams when I was growing up. Through sports, he taught me about teamwork, looking out for your friends, and having fun.”

In 2010, Cian emigrated to Canada and began his career at Associated Engineering as a junior site engineer. Cian says, “I liked that Associated was a mid-sized firm competing with much larger companies. The range of projects that Associated was completing was of particular interest to me. The company has provided me with the framework and mentorship to succeed.”

“The culture at Associated is a great fit for my personality and skills.”

The first Associated project Cian worked on was the Avenue Road Watermain in Toronto, under the supervision of Mark Belanger (Division Manager, Infrastructure). Cian remembers how Mark always made himself available to answer questions and walk him through the thought process of his designs, which Cian has always appreciated. Cian advises, “The watermain was located in a completely different, busy urban environment from what I was used to working on in Ireland. The Avenue Road Watermain remains my most memorable project for its complexity and large-scale, and the opportunities it provided to me as a young professional.”


In the first ten years of his Associated career, Cian describes he has had the opportunity to work on many challenging and interesting projects.

“I’ve designed large diameter watermains through urban and rural settings, completed the design of large diameter sanitary infrastructure with microtunnel technologies, and worked as a contract administrator, resident engineer, and project manager.”


Cian tells us, “I am grateful to work for a company that provides young aspiring engineers with the opportunities to develop their skills, while working on complex projects and getting exposure to collaborating with contractors and clients.” Cian enjoys the diversity and range of projects that can be experienced as a civil engineer and how no two days are the same in consulting engineering.


Now, as a manager, Cian believes it is important that all members of the team feel that their opinions and ideas are being heard and considered. “There are many different personalities involved with every project, so it’s important to understand each team member’s strengths and passions and position everyone to generate the best results for the project and client. It’s important to foster a working environment that allows everyone on the team to flourish and feel they are making a significant contribution to the project.”


Cian tell us that mentoring staff is extremely important and young staff receive guidance and have a go-to person to help them daily. “In my opinion, from a learning perspective, the pandemic was the hardest on our newly-hired graduates, as they missed the office culture and that opportunity to learn from being around other engineers and staff.”


Cian advises young people entering consulting engineering to keep an open mind and be open to any learning opportunity that comes their way.

“Communication is key – the more the better. If you need help, reach out. Also, be a team player and listen, as there is always something to be learned from others. Lastly, be accountable for the work you are assigned and complete.”

Outside of work, Cian enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing sports, cooking, attending sporting events, and travelling the world.

Movember is No Mo

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

The month of Movember when we raise awareness about men’s health issues has come and gone! We’re very thankful to everyone who participated, donated, grew a Mo’, had a health conversation, went in for their annual health check, and in any other way supported this important cause. With the tremendous support given to our Movember Teams across the country, collectively we have raised over $45,000 (and counting). This includes a generous corporate donation of over $13,000. We’re very proud of our Movember network of 188 participants and the impact everyone’s efforts are and will have on our communities and men’s health in Canada!

Associated projects recognized at ACEC-SK Brian Eckel Awards

Posted on 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 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 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.

Rahim Ahmad wins 2024 ACEC-Canada Allen D. William Scholarship Award

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

At this year’s Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards Gala in Ottawa, the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Canada announced Rahim Ahmad as the latest winner of the Allen D. William Scholarship Award. The award is presented annually to a young professional who has demonstrated leadership qualities in their involvement with or contributions to the advancement of the consulting engineering industry in Canada.

“Being recognized as a future leader in our industry is both deeply humbling and incredibly exciting. It’s also truly gratifying that Associated Engineering staff have now secured this award for two consecutive years. In my opinion, this achievement is a testament to the exceptional work culture and environment we’ve cultivated at Associated Engineering.”

“This nurturing environment enables me to engage in exhilarating projects, actively participate in our professional associations, and contribute to my community, all without having to make compromises. As I reflect on this accomplishment, I am reminded of just how fortunate I am to collaborate with our exceptional clients, colleagues, and mentors.”

Rahim is the fifth past/current Associated Engineering staff member who has won this prestigious honour since it began being awarded in 2013. Congratulations, Rahim!

Associated at No-Dig North 2023

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Associated Engineering is very pleased to be a supporting sponsor of No-Dig North taking place next week in Edmonton! Supported by the British Columbia, The Great Lakes, St. Lawrence & Atlantic, and Northwest Chapters of the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT), this year’s event includes a full day of Good Practice Course sessions and a two-day technical program. Key members of our infrastructure practice from Alberta and Ontario will be presenting on all three days and we welcome attendees to hear from them in the following sessions. 

October 23rd

Pre-event Good Practices Course – Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Presenter: Jason Lueke

The HDD Good Practices Guidelines course provides an in-depth overview of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and covers six topics: (1) operation and application; (2) equipment and materials; (3) planning, including surface and geological investigations, utility surveys, bore planning, and regulations and permitting; (4) job site safety; (5) risk reduction, troubleshooting and mitigation; and (6) design.

October 24th

10:05 AM – 10:30 AM | Salon 9
Dunlop St Trunk Sanitary Sewer Relocation – MTBM Highway & Creek Crossing with Limited Cover
Presenter: Thomas Siuda

This paper will discuss the tunnel design by Associated Engineering (Ont.) for the Dunlop Street Trunk Sanitary Sewer Relocation project in the City of Barrie. The project features the design and construction of a 900mm inside diameter (1200mm outside diameter), 235m microtunnel drive crossing Highway 400 and Dyments Creek. Due to design constraints set by the existing sanitary system and required hydraulic performance, there was limited cover for the tunnel underneath both the major six-lane highway and the environmentally regulated creek. As such, the tunnel design was primarily constrained by the vertical alignment and minimal cover. The cover led to design challenges when considering size of tunnel boring machine, operating face pressures, potential for frac out and environmental conditions. The minimal cover under the creek was determined to lead to a frac out and required a design for temporary mitigative measures to place fill above the tunnel crossing and to divert the existing creek through a temporary culvert. The geotechnical conditions allowed for a feasible tunnel path under the highway and the sensitivity of the variable conditions within the design will be demonstrated. This paper will detail the design considerations and calculations used to determine the feasibility of tunneling with the available cover along the alignment and explore the risks.  

2:35 PM – 3:00 PM | Salon 9
99 Avenue Sanitary Trunk Bypass: Stage 1 – Microtunnel Installation
Presenter: Christopher Lamont

The 99 Avenue Sanitary Trunk Bypass is a two-stage project to ultimately rehabilitate an approximately 1.1 km of cast-in-place concrete arch shape sanitary trunk sewer in Edmonton, Alberta that has been in service for over 70 years. The existing trunk is a crucial link in Edmonton’s wastewater collection system receiving flows from Edmonton’s west end. Phase 1 of the project includes the construction of a ~1.6 km long, 1,800 mm inside diameter bypass sewer, to divert flows for the Phase 2 trunk rehabilitation, and ultimately increase conveyance capacity. The existing tunnel is approximately 30 m below ground, and as such microtunnelling was specified as the required installation methodology for the bypass. The microtunnelling scope was awarded to Shanghai Construction Group (Canada) Corporation. The construction methodology included three drives: ~975 m long, which included a sensitive crossing of the MacKinnon Ravine; ~390 m long; and ~250 m long. Construction started in August 2020 and is anticipated to be complete by mid-2023; the final microtunnel drive was completed in November 2022. Project challenges included difficult ground conditions (abrupt changes in soil strata such as glacial clay till with frequent cobbles and boulders, sand seams, and occasional slabs of clay shale bedrock), complex deep tunnelled connections, tunneling distance, proximity risk to the existing degraded tunnel, and management of the social impacts of the project due to the duration of construction.

2:35 PM – 3:00 PM | Salon 8
Newton Force Main Replacement from Concept to Construction
Presenter: Jason Lueke

The Newton Force Main crosses the Red River in the City of Winnipeg between Fraser’s Grove Park and Newton Avenue / Scotia Street, conveying combined sewage flows from the Linden and Hawthorne Combined Sewer Districts east of the River to the Main Street Interceptor trunk west of the river. The existing crossing includes dual 350 mm diameter pipes constructed in 1960 (steel) and 1978 (HDPE), which were inspected in 2014 and 2018, respectively. Excessive deformation and leaks were identified along the HDPE force main triggering the need for a replacement crossing. A conceptual study was conducted in 2021 to develop routing concepts considering horizontal directional drilling and microtunnelling installation methods and a drilled crossing between Fraser’s Grove Park and Kildonan park was evaluated to be the preferred replacement concept. Detailed design was completed in 2022 and the project was tendered and awarded to Accurate HD Ltd. The replacement crossing consisted of approximately 466 m of 500 mm HDPE DR7 product at a target crossing depth of approximately 32 m below the riverbed within medium strength limestone bedrock (Selkirk member of the Red River Formation). The crossing included a horizontal curve beneath the river and required entry and exit conductor casing through the alluvial overburden soils. A drill intersect method was utilized by Accurate HD Ltd. to install the conductor casings and complete the pilot bore; pullback was successfully completed in March 2023 with a maximum reported pull force of 52,000 lbs.

4:05 PM – 4:30 PM | Salon 9
Northwest Inner City Microtunnel for the Upper Plateau Sewer Separation Project
Presenter: Nadeer Lalji, Jason Lueke 

The Northwest Inner City (NWIC) Upper Plateau Sewer Separation Project is a multi-year project designed to alleviate flooding in the Sunnyside inner-city community in Calgary, Alberta. The project includes the implementation of a large diameter storm trunk syphon to intercept stormwater from the upslope communities, bypassing Sunnyside and discharging directly to the Bow River. Trenchless construction was deemed necessary to minimize disturbance to the community and traverse the change in topography from McHugh Bluff at the edge of the upper plateau to the lower elevation Sunnyside community and ultimately the Bow River. The project was designed as a single ~755 m long, 3,400 mm inside diameter, tunnel drive between a launch shaft near the apparent intersection of 10 Street and 8 Avenue NW and a reception shaft near the intersection of 7 Street and Memorial Drive NW, adjacent to the Bow River. The tunnel alignment consisted of two distinct sections: a deep section beneath McHugh Bluff through Paskapoo Formation bedrock that included a crossing of the Calgary CTrain metro line and a horizontal curve; and a relatively shallow section (less than three tunnel diameters of cover) along 7 Street within Sunnyside initially through bedrock, but ultimately transitioning into the alluvial channel deposits. Construction started in November 2021 and is anticipated to be complete by mid-2023; installation of the storm trunk syphon was completed by microtunnelling at the end of 2022.

2:35 PM – 3:00 PM | Salon 8
Newton Force Main Replacement from Concept to Construction
Presenter: Jason Lueke

The Newton Force Main crosses the Red River in the City of Winnipeg between Fraser’s Grove Park and Newton Avenue / Scotia Street, conveying combined sewage flows from the Linden and Hawthorne Combined Sewer Districts east of the River to the Main Street Interceptor trunk west of the river. The existing crossing includes dual 350 mm diameter pipes constructed in 1960 (steel) and 1978 (HDPE), which were inspected in 2014 and 2018, respectively. Excessive deformation and leaks were identified along the HDPE force main triggering the need for a replacement crossing. A conceptual study was conducted in 2021 to develop routing concepts considering horizontal directional drilling and microtunnelling installation methods and a drilled crossing between Fraser’s Grove Park and Kildonan park was evaluated to be the preferred replacement concept. Detailed design was completed in 2022 and the project was tendered and awarded to Accurate HD Ltd. The replacement crossing consisted of approximately 466 m of 500 mm HDPE DR7 product at a target crossing depth of approximately 32 m below the riverbed within medium strength limestone bedrock (Selkirk member of the Red River Formation). The crossing included a horizontal curve beneath the river and required entry and exit conductor casing through the alluvial overburden soils. A drill intersect method was utilized by Accurate HD Ltd. to install the conductor casings and complete the pilot bore; pullback was successfully completed in March 2023 with a maximum reported pull force of 52,000 lbs.

4:05 PM – 4:30 PM | Salon 9
Northwest Inner City Microtunnel for the Upper Plateau Sewer Separation Project
Presenter: Nadeer Lalji, Jason Lueke 

The Northwest Inner City (NWIC) Upper Plateau Sewer Separation Project is a multi-year project designed to alleviate flooding in the Sunnyside inner-city community in Calgary, Alberta. The project includes the implementation of a large diameter storm trunk syphon to intercept stormwater from the upslope communities, bypassing Sunnyside and discharging directly to the Bow River. Trenchless construction was deemed necessary to minimize disturbance to the community and traverse the change in topography from McHugh Bluff at the edge of the upper plateau to the lower elevation Sunnyside community and ultimately the Bow River. The project was designed as a single ~755 m long, 3,400 mm inside diameter, tunnel drive between a launch shaft near the apparent intersection of 10 Street and 8 Avenue NW and a reception shaft near the intersection of 7 Street and Memorial Drive NW, adjacent to the Bow River. The tunnel alignment consisted of two distinct sections: a deep section beneath McHugh Bluff through Paskapoo Formation bedrock that included a crossing of the Calgary CTrain metro line and a horizontal curve; and a relatively shallow section (less than three tunnel diameters of cover) along 7 Street within Sunnyside initially through bedrock, but ultimately transitioning into the alluvial channel deposits. Construction started in November 2021 and is anticipated to be complete by mid-2023; installation of the storm trunk syphon was completed by microtunnelling at the end of 2022.

October 25th

4:05 PM – 4:30 PM | Salon 8
Opportunities and Challenges when Delivering Construction Administration for a Project Designed by Another Firm
Presenter: Liam Sykes

This paper discusses the importance of having good collaboration between the entire project team, as well as a strong technical team for Contract Administration and Inspection when the Consultant administering the construction did not participate in the design, using the Langstaff Gateway Sanitary Sewer project as an example. The project for York Region (Region) involved 2.1km of 900mm and 1200mm sanitary sewer, installed almost entirely by microtunneling. Associated Engineering (Associated) was awarded the Construction Administration portion of the project, which was designed by a different consultant team (Design Consultant). This paper explores several opportunities and challenges on the project that were unique to or amplified by not being responsible for the design, and how they were overcome. Both technical and non-technical challenges and opportunities are discussed, including review of design change proposals made by the Contractor, unforeseen construction issues such as utility conflicts requiring design changes, interpretation of the contract and reports to respond to claims, and coordination with other stakeholders and the Design Consultant. These examples demonstrate the importance of having a team with a strong tunneling background to quickly respond to construction issues and provides a framework for dealing with design changes and construction administration collaboratively on similar projects. The paper concludes with a discussion on lessons learned and some of the benefits and drawbacks of using this approach.

Extension of Buffalo Pound Non-Potable Water Supply System increases capacity to serve industrial customers around Regina

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

For many decades, Associated Engineering has proudly served the area of Buffalo Pound Lake in Southern Saskatchewan near Moose Jaw. Over the years, we have successfully provided engineering services for water treatment facilities, lake intakes, pumping facilities, instrumentation systems, vulnerability assessments, and large diameter potable and non-potable water pipelines.  

As Saskatchewan’s commercial Crown water utility, SaskWater has a mandate to provide water services to communities, industries, pipeline groups, and individual users across the province. The Crown corporation engaged Associated Engineering to develop the Buffalo Pound Non-Potable Water Supply System (BPNPWSS) – Regina Regional Project, an extension of the BPNPWSS-East (another Associated Engineering project), in southcentral Saskatchewan near the community of Belle Plaine, between Moose Jaw and Regina.  

Associated Engineering’s scope of work includes design basis, preliminary and detailed design, procurement, and construction. Our team consists of specialists in project management, and civil, structural, fluid dynamics, electrical, instrumentation, controls, and process-mechanical engineering. Associated’s current focus is the $70 million pipeline portion of the project.

The extension of one of SaskWater’s major industrial water systems will supply non-potable water to industrial customers in the Regina area. The Regina Regional System currently includes approximately 65 kilometres of 400 to 600 millimetre diameter non-potable water pipeline, two booster pump stations, metering stations, and related appurtenances. 

A major challenge for the pipeline portion of the work was cost control. The team selected a unique procurement process to help manage costs. Project Manager, Darin Schindel, explains, “Together with SaskWater, we completed the pipeline design to approximately 70% design completion, and then requested proposals from pre-qualified bidders. We engaged the successful bidder to assist in selecting the most cost-effective material to install within an optimal schedule.” Ductile iron was selected as the main pipeline material.

The team addressed additional project challenges, such as land control, the desire to use shared Crown Corporation corridors, and changes to delivery points for some key customers. 

Based on geotechnical investigations and environmental studies, auger bore drilling for trenchless installation was recommended as the final route passed through the ecologically sensitive Cottonwood, Wascana, and Boggy Creeks. Darin says, “Pro-active collaboration between the owner, consultant, and other project partners helped to navigate challenges.”

As part of the booster pump stations and metering stations, the team is investigating using solar panels and net metering for building services power supply. 

The project is planned to be complete in Fall 2024.

As a result of the uniqueness of the project, students from SaskPolytechnic’s Engineering Design and Drafting Technology Program were invited for a tour of the pipeline. Chris Robart (SaskWater), Darin Schindel (Associated Engineering), and Deller Reddekop (Hamm Construction) led the class visit. SaskPoly Instructors, Shawn Young and Earl Wingert, helped students connect what they were seeing on-site with what they learned in the classroom.

CanNorth, an environmental consulting company that is 100% owned by the business arm of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Saskatchewan, is providing environmental services for the project. Misty Clifton, a partnership between Misty Ventures from the Mistawasis First Nations in Saskatchewan and Clifton Associates, is undertaking the geotechnical compaction and railway monitoring testing. Scott Land & Lease, land acquisition specialists, are leading the landowner engagement and land acquisition for the project.

Our key personnel involved on the project include Darin Schindel, Keith Kingsbury, Kristin Sies, Bob Hawboldt, John Ullrich, and Josh Fichter.

Rehabilitation of Stoney Nation Big Horn Wastewater System improves quality of life and environment

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

The community of Big Horn 144A is located approximately 200 kilometres southwest of Edmonton in Southern Alberta. Big Horn 144A is part of Stoney Nation, which includes the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney First Nations. 

With a population of approximately 250 residents, the community relies on residential septic systems for managing their wastewater. In 2020, the community identified that failing septic systems, including overflowing septic tanks and broken wastewater pipes, had led to oversaturated soil in wastewater treatment mounds in residential yards.

Oversaturated wastewater treatment mounds can cause septic systems to flood into residents’ yards or back up into homes. Saturated treatment mounds can also cause partially treated wastewater to enter downstream drinking water sources, as well as emit hazardous gases. Therefore, replacing the failing septic systems was critical to mitigate potential risks to residents, pets, and wildlife. 

Stoney Nation retained Associated Engineering to complete a feasibility report which identified 42 residential septic tanks and septic fields (treatment mounds) at the end of their service life. Improperly decommissioned septic tanks/treatment fields from previous projects were also discovered during the study and will be safely decommissioned as part of the project.

The project team worked closely with the Nation to complete the feasibility study and explore wastewater management options through a collaborative and open dialogue. In addition to collaboration with the Nation, the process involved community engagement. 

As Big Horn is a remote community with no trained wastewater treatment operations staff, operations and maintenance of a new wastewater management system is an important consideration for the Nation.

Project Manager, Abu Waraich, explains, “It was important to understand and respect our client’s capacity, their needs, and requirements. We could not install large-scale wastewater treatment systems, such as lagoons or mechanical treatment, as they require trained operators and continuous system monitoring. In consultation with the Nation, we proposed septic systems which allow residents to manage their septic usage with just occasional operator visits.”

The project team identified the critical septic tanks that needed immediate total/partial replacement and are currently updating ten septic tanks in the project’s first phase. Phase two of the project will involve 25 more replacements of septic tanks, fields, or pumps. Abu shares, “In the next phase, the Nation will test a new technology in private wastewater management to improve treated water quality and lower project lifestyle costs.”

Approximately 80% of the labour employed by the contractor are local band members.

Associated Engineering’s team was involved in the system’s start-up and commissioning to ensure that the systems work properly and to provide training. Our support includes creating an operator training action plan for long-term, phased maintenance for the Nation to implement and monitor, considering the Nation’s limited operational and maintenance budget. 

Abu tells us, “For safety, we also worked with the contractor to install fencing around the treatment facilities. This lowers the risk of residents, especially children, coming into contact with wastewater-contaminated soil or animals walking over the treatment mounds and breaking the pipes and affecting the system’s treatment effectiveness.”

Key Associated personnel involved on this project include Abu Waraich, Eliman Camara, and Jorey Robin.

Timely rehabilitation of Baxter Bridge reinstates reliable transportation linking BC’s Okanagan region

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

The iconic Baxter Bridge connects communities across the Shuswap River, southeast of Enderby, BC in the Okanagan Shuswap District. Constructed in the 1950’s, the 91 metre long bridge includes two, 30 metre, Howe Truss spans and accommodates single-lane, alternating traffic. The bridge serves several small communities, providing access for emergency vehicles, school buses, and industry. In addition, in the summer, local and international tourists are drawn to this area for the recreational water activities.

Over the past 20 years, with aging and continual deterioration, the bridge has undergone a series of repairs, resulting in intermittent bridge closures that have impacted local residents. The 70+ year old structure is nearing the end of its service life and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has scheduled the bridge for replacement with a modern and reliable structure.

In 2021, the Ministry retained Associated Engineering to conduct a detailed condition assessment of the bridge that identified extensive deterioration of multiple bridge components. For public safety, these deficiencies necessitated downrating of the bridge capacity by 50%, to a maximum gross vehicle weight of 25 tonnes, due to the deteriorating pile condition requiring critical repairs.

While necessary, this downrating significantly impacted the local community, reducing direct community access by large fire trucks, other emergency response vehicles, and milk trucks. The crossing is the primary route used by trucks delivering fresh unpasteurized milk from four Shuswap dairy farms to the milk processing facility located in Kamloops, about 120 kilometres away. Without bridge access, the detour would result in an additional 2.5 hours of travel time, and have a detrimental impact on their businesses.

Associated Engineering was tasked to design a short-term repair for the bridge to reinstate the original, posted load limit, while the preparatory activities for a future bridge replacement were undertaken. Project Manager, Julien Henley, tells us, “Closing the bridge for even a few months to facilitate extensive repairs was not an option; we needed to keep the bridge open for primary emergency services, local businesses, and school buses. Moreover, the Shuswap area has experienced several wildfires, and closing the bridge to emergency responders could have devastating consequences to the safety of the local communities.”

The team mobilized quickly after the Ministry’s notification to proceed, completing the design of the rehabilitation works within six weeks; construction was completed 16 weeks later. Julien says, “We worked closely with the Ministry Representative to support mobilization of the maintenance contractor and worked with a contractor to source and fabricate material while completing the design. Our team also completed emergency permitting. During construction, our team’s agile response addressed design changes in the field.”

The bridge’s rehabilitation preserved its iconic Howe Truss style

Structural Engineer, Natalya Kucherenko, tells us, “Our design improves the bridge’s capacity and safety, and could be implemented using intermittent closures. We developed an innovative, portal-frame, strengthening solution and completed substructure repairs to the piles and pile caps using small unpropelled barges. This approach minimized the need to work from the bridge deck and significantly reduced traffic disruptions.”

Strengthening using the U-frame allowed us to eliminate the portal bracing. Natalya says, “This repair solution addressed truss stability and prevented further deterioration of the truss system. Due to the effectiveness of the design, the Ministry is now considering adopting this solution to rehabilitate similar, aging, Howe Truss bridges in the province.”

Julien says, “The safety and water rescue crew installed a bespoke portable floating dock to facilitate works access from under the bridge. The construction process went smoothly, strictly following all safety procedures and environmental protection measures, including full-time environmental monitoring.”

To reinstate pile capacity, the construction team installed segmented, grouted, steel jackets around the existing, decayed, timber piles. The crew manually installed the segmented jackets around the pier, ensuring absolute watertightness to the assembled jacket, to prevent concrete grout from leaking, and protect the sensitive salmon habitat while salmon were spawning in the Shuswap River.

Works were carried out in small packages to shorten road closure durations. Julien shared, “Planning of the works was extremely complicated, but with comprehensive constructability and traffic management plans, and, working collaboratively with the contractor, we were able to limit closures, allow intermittent vehicle traffic, and minimize back-up along Trinity Valley Road. We also coordinated road closures to avoid impacting school buses – kids were never late for school.” Scheduled opening times were communicated in advance through the province’s DriveBC app, posted locally, and shown on changeable message signs on-site.

After completion of the works, the dock was donated to the neighbouring property and now provides public access to the river. The dock has become a local attraction for tourists and the local community, creating another legacy for the community.

The carbon footprint of the project was lowered by sourcing steel and timber from local suppliers, using a local workforce for traffic control, and utilizing local storage provided by the community. The local community appreciated the efforts of the design and construction team, which put the community’s needs and requirements at the forefront of the design considerations. Local residents were so pleased with traffic measures during construction that they regularly brought doughnuts and coffee to the construction team!

Constructed since the 1840s, today, timber Howe Truss type bridges like the Baxter Bridge have gradually been replaced by modern structures. As a result of this transition, such bridges have become increasingly rare, and greatly coveted by filmmakers drawn to their antique and historical allure. Over time, the Baxter Bridge has had its fair share of moments in the cinematic spotlight, with appearances in Hollywood productions like “Blackway” (2015) and “Tomorrowland” (2015).

The successful rehabilitation efforts have significantly prolonged the lifespan of this local landmark. This character bridge will continue to serve residents and tourists until a modern steel and concrete replacement is erected. The sentiments surrounding this historic bridge run strong; the Ministry is now inclined to preserve the original Baxter Bridge for future pedestrian and cyclist use, when the replacement bridge is constructed.

In 2023, the Baxter Bridge Rehabilitation project received an Award of Excellence in the Projects Under $2.5 Million category at the ACEC-BC Awards for Engineering Excellence.

Key personnel involved on the project include Julien Henley, Natalya Kucherenko, Dale Harrison, Emma McGowan, Steven Root, Alfred Kao, Dave Hayward, and Bob Smith.

New Wetaskiwin Wastewater Treatment Plant meets higher effluent requirements

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Located 70 kilometres south of Edmonton, the City of Wetaskiwin is home to approximately 13,000 people. The City operates a wastewater treatment lagoon originally constructed in 1979, which discharges treated effluent to the Battle River. In 2019, Alberta Environment and Parks, which regulates wastewater treatment facilities in Alberta, issued an approval renewal for the facility that imposed more stringent effluent limits by the end of 2023. As a result, the City retained Associated Engineering to provide design and construction engineering services to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant to meet these new effluent limits. 

During the preliminary phase of the project, Associated’s project team completed a Concept Report including a flow and load design basis, a review of mechanical treatment technology options, and short-listed upgrade options examined through a multi-criteria assessment and risk evaluation. Subsequently, the team conducted a feasibility review, analyzing two treatment technologies: Submerged Attached-Growth Reactor technology and Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor technology.

Based on this review, the team prepared a Design Basis Memorandum of the proposed treatment system upgrade that included headworks, lagoons, post-lagoon Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor with nitrification and denitrification, tertiary filtration, and disinfection. 

Project Manager, Daniel du Toit, tells us, “The estimated capital cost for the upgrades required to meet the new regulatory limits was significant and required external funding. Partial grant funding was received from the Alberta Government.” 

The City explored alternative delivery methods, including public-private partnerships. In 2020, based on an evaluated expression of interest process, the City selected Graham Capital as a business partner to construct, finance, operate, and maintain the new wastewater treatment plant. Peace Hills Utilities Inc., a municipal-controlled utility corporation, was created, allowing the City to reduce debt and finance the project with the lowest possible rate impact on citizens. Graham Infrastructure was contracted under Peace Hills Utilities Inc. to perform the construction. Peace Hills Utilities Inc. contracted Aquatera Utilities to provide operational and maintenance services for the water and wastewater treatment infrastructure.

Following the City’s acceptance of the Design Basis Memorandum, our team began detailed design in June 2022. A collaborative work environment between Graham Infrastructure and Associated resulted in cost savings and helped expedite construction. Deputy Project Manager, Abu Waraich, says, “We developed the detailed design in collaboration with Graham. They provided input on constructability, material and equipment lead times, and schedule. Based on this input, we advanced certain components of the design to complete construction by the original December 31, 2023 deadline.”

In addition, Value Engineering Sessions led to net savings of $3.5 million. The team also conducted Building Energy Modelling to reduce the cost of building construction. They completed a 3D Scan of all existing infrastructure to facilitate integration of new infrastructure with the existing works.  

Detailed design of the wastewater treatment upgrades was completed in September 2022. Construction is now scheduled for completion in mid-2024, due to equipment supply delays. 

The Associated team includes Daniel du Toit, Abu Waraich, Jose Bicudo, Rony Das, Zhi Gu, Kevin Darrah, James Sharpe, Keith Ogletree, Hu Kou, Dusanka Stevanovic, Caitlin Luo, Dorte Koster, and Brett Wynnyk.

Lillian Siu – Creating magic and a legacy for the future

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Senior Structural Engineer, Lillian Siu recalls that, as a child, she was always interested in buildings and structures. Lillian’s love of structures was inspired by family trips to Disneyland, Disney World, and Universal Studios. She shares, “I loved the magic of the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ and remembered wondering, ‘How did they build that?’ I remember declaring to my parents that in the future, I would work for Disney and be part of the magic.”

With hard work and perseverance, Lillian’s dreams came true. After completing Bachelor and Master degrees in Applied Science at UBC, Lillian went on to work for a steel fabrication company that designed and built optical telescopes and their enclosures. Designing large and complex steerable, optical/infrared telescopes enabled Lillian to build her expertise in precision structural/mechanical systems. She transferred these skills to the amusement ride industry, helping to create rides such as ET, Roger Rabbit, Test Track, and Soarin’ Over California, and fulfilling her childhood dream to create Disney magic! Lillian tells us, “I’m especially proud of our work on Soarin’ Over California, as I was the Structural Lead and Project Manager for this flight simulator ride.” 

Today, as Associated’s Division Manager, Buildings Engineering, in our Vancouver office, Lillian leads a structural, mechanical, and energy engineering team focused on buildings, low carbon energy, and district energy projects. Lillian advises she is seeing a shift from traditional structural and mechanical services to sustainable and resilient buildings.

“Climate change and legislation for zero carbon and emissions reduction requires new ways of doing things. This transition includes calculating for embodied carbon, modelling energy use, and implementing low-carbon services, such as district energy, biomass, and geoexchange services. Our team is constantly developing and adapting to the emerging energy sector and the changing requirements for buildings services.”

Over three decades working in engineering, Lillian tells us that she has had the pleasure of learning from and working with some extraordinary people, including professors, engineers, technicians, and support staff. Their generosity with their time and advice provided important feedback that helped her career development

Today Lillian is giving back, as a mentor. She is a member of YWCA’s Mentoring Program for high school students interested in STEM careers. She says, “We meet regularly to explore career options. I provide guidance and advice to my mentees on post-secondary options and help them to identify the required skills and courses.” Lillian adds, “This Mentoring Program has been a fabulous experience. I started mentoring at the YWCA when my daughter was a teenager so that I could develop my ‘teen-speak’ skills. Being a mentor helped me better communicate with my daughter.”

In addition, Lillian is a mentor to a number of engineers-in-training (EITs), within and outside of Associated Engineering. She says, “Mentoring EITs allows me to share some of my lessons learned and in return, they have guided me on how to be a better communicator and coach.”

For young professionals entering consulting engineering, Lillian advises that going through a university engineering program teaches you to have an open mind and to continuously learn.

“The consulting world is so vast, as are the opportunities. My career has evolved over time. I began my career specializing in structural steel and working on structural-mechanical systems. My latest project involved building a campus on top of an existing landfill, which required the design to account for differential settlement and the effects of landfill gas on the development.” 

In between, Lillian was involved with mission critical facilities, including hundreds of cell sites (Alberta SuperNet) and data centres for Telus, E-Comm 911, and the City of Vancouver. She also worked in the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors. She explains, “What you work on today may be substantially different from projects you will work on in the future. The journey may be a road less travelled rather than a straight path. It’s important to embrace opportunities, and see them as a way to expand your skills and knowledge.”

For Lillian, working on structures gives her the satisfaction that she has contributed to society. She tells us, “I feel a sense of accomplishment from being able to see and touch the buildings we design. Engineers have a direct and tangible impact on our communities and everyday life. It brings me joy to see people appreciate our efforts and the lasting legacy.”

Outside of work, Lillian describes herself as an avid foodie. She loves trying new cuisines, cooking, and baking. She also enjoys travelling. This past June, LiIlian also joined the ACEC-BC Board of Directors, on a one-year term as a Director.

York Region’s new water servicing helps meet growth needs in Northeast Vaughan

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

The Regional Municipality of York (York Region) in Southern Ontario supplies drinking water to the City of Vaughan through the York Water System. The northeast section of Vaughan is a designated “white belt” area within York Region, accommodating provincially-approved population growth.

The existing water and wastewater systems are unable to accommodate the projected population growth. As a result, the Region established water and wastewater servicing areas to help identify the additional infrastructure needed to service the area’s anticipated needs to the year 2051. 

The Northeast Vaughan water service area is located approximately from the King-Vaughan town boundary line to Teston Road and from Highway 27 to Dufferin Street. The preferred water servicing solution for this area consists of four main components: 

  • Teston Road Pumping Station: a 33.5 million litres per day pumping station with a connection to the existing 1800 millimetre York-Peel Feedermain on Teston Road to supply water to new elevated water tanks 
  • Jane Street Elevated Tank and Pumping Station: an 8.5 million litre elevated water storage tank and 3.8 million litre per day pumping station – a combined facility located on the same site 
  • King Vaughan Elevated Tank: an 8.5 million litre elevated water storage tank, and
  • Additional watermains to provide inter-connectivity between the pumping and storage facilities.

Associated Engineering is serving as the prime consultant, delivering studies, detailed design, and construction administration services. Project Manager, Andrew Moreton, tells us, “We’ve completed a Climate Change Adaptation study for the project. The report focuses on the environmental impacts of the various components of the project, their climate resiliency, and adaptation, resilience, and mitigation measures. Recommendations included methods to reduce construction emissions, voluntary emissions and energy reporting during construction and operation, and Envision Accreditation (decision is pending).”

Work completed to-date include permits and approvals, an addendum to the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, utility coordination, and detailed design. Pre-qualification and tendering is ongoing for sections of the overall project. Andrew tells us, “So far, we’ve encountered a few challenges, including modifications to construction to limit impact to commercial developments being built and connecting to the York-Peel Feedermain, which is the main water feed into York Region from the adjacent Region of Peel.” 

As part of the Environmental Assessment Addendum, we entered into a Knowledge Exchange with Curve Lake First Nation. Andrew explains, “The project has opened up the opportunity for the Curve Lake First Nation to collaborate with the York Region on a more strategic level.”

The project also involves extensive internal and external stakeholder coordination. Andrew shares, “There are a large number of internal stakeholders within the Region, as we are constructing both facilities and linear works.” In addition, developers want to move forward with their projects. The Region has signed an advance construction agreement which accelerated the construction of two of the contracts, which has changed project delivery.

Over 100 staff from across the company are involved on this project. Key staff include Andrew Moreton, Brandon Gorr, Cian McDermott, Axel Ouillet, Thomas Siuda, Marina Vera Zambrano, Dusan Fil, David Holyer, and Paul Shi. 

Freda Leong appointed as National Leader, Indigenous Communities

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Associated Engineering is very pleased to announce that Freda Leong, P.Eng. from our Vancouver office has accepted the position of National Leader, Indigenous Communities.

In her new role, Freda will collaborate with staff across the company, providing strategic input and advice on business development, proposals, and projects to expand our work and support project delivery for Indigenous Communities across Canada. She will also assist and advise staff on Indigenous engagement and collaboration on their public and private sector projects. In addition, Freda will champion implementation of the actions associated with our Indigenous Commitment Policy. In particular, she will support the company’s activities to raise awareness and educate staff on Indigenous history, culture, and values so we can advance reconciliation. Freda will also continue as Manager, Indigenous Infrastructure and Project Manager, supported by the Infrastructure and Water teams in BC.

A graduate of the University of Technology Sydney in Sydney, Australia, Freda started her career with Sydney Water in system management and asset solutions, before moving to Canada and joining Associated Engineering in 2004. As a member of our BC Infrastructure team, Freda she has played an instrumental role in growing our work for Indigenous Communities in BC and the North, and providing business development and project support to expand our services to Indigenous Communities across Canada.

Freda has more than 25 years of experience encompassing planning, studies, assessment, design, construction, and project management of water, sewer, water and wastewater treatment, roads, drainage, buildings, and subdivision projects. Recently, Freda’s team received ACEC-BC’s 2022 Award of Excellence for the Kluskus Village Domestic Water System Improvements.

Freda is passionate about working with Indigenous Communities and is a strong advocate for Indigenous People. She has volunteered her time in Indigenous Communities and at career fairs to promote education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) to Indigenous youth. Freda has also supported EGBC, ACEC-BC, and BCWWA to provide Indigenous awareness and education, and improve engagement and collaboration with Indigenous Communities. She is frequently called upon as a subject matter expert on projects and as a speaker at conferences on Indigenous collaboration and engagement. 

[ViewPoints] Supporting technology adoption and change management [Part II]

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Previously, Judy Yu, P.Eng., PMP, Discipline Lead, Data Management & ITS, discussed Associated Engineering’s expertise and role in advising and assisting clients with adopting new technologies. She presented our systematic approach which includes analysis, planning, and design. In part II, Judy discusses the next steps.

Implementation and Execution: Once the client awards the contract to the successful technology supplier/vendor, we collaborate with the vendor and our client to complete detailed design, including configuration, system interfaces, integrations, and data management. When the client approves the detailed design, we move into the implementation phase and technology testing conducted in the supplier/vendor’s facilities and including the client’s staff at different levels. Testing involves a stress test of the technology including hardware, software, and IT infrastructure. Our role includes ensuring technology meets design criteria as well as documenting testing. Then, we develop a plan for “go live” and roll back to current operations, if needed. We run a “burn-in” period that provides a 30-60 day period of continuous operations in a “live” environment. This step is often underestimated for the level of coordination required between different teams or departments and the allocation of appropriate resources to ensure smooth execution. We participate in resourcing discussions and assist with understanding what risks may materialize and why specific resources are needed for risk mitigation.

Evaluation and Feedback: Throughout the testing process, it is crucial to monitor feedback from client staff, and inform the client about concerns, such as technical, functional, or vendor service issues. In addition, testing outcomes for each function should be tracked for deficiencies. Deficiencies critical to the application’s function (from our client’s perspective) must be resolved and retested until specifications are fully met; minor deficiencies can be resolved prior to final acceptance. This continuous evaluation phase helps to ensure that the systematic approach remains on track and delivers the desired outcomes. 

Continuous Improvement: A critical element of a systematic approach is a commitment to continuous improvement. This may be through a framework that incorporates ongoing lessons learned to refine business processes, optimize efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve future outcomes. This iterative approach allows for ongoing learning and adaptation, ensuring that, over time, even as the technology functionality becomes more sophisticated and embedded into the client’s organization, it still enables sound decisions based on where the technology is and where it needs to improve to align with the client’s future expectations. Consequently, this approach may involve the creation of multi-year improvement roadmaps to gradually introduce new functionality or automation at a reasonable pace. In some of our projects, we have fostered this forward-looking perspective, earning the trust of our clients by understanding the direction of the industry and effectively addressing the pressures and expectations associated with public service delivery through technology.

Supportive Approach: Alongside a systematic approach, we provide support to help our clients with change management. Our supportive approach includes three key components: communication, training, and stakeholder engagement. Communication involves support to manage expectations and open the channels of feedback from those who will own and manage the technology. The communication strategy should identify regular updates on progress, share key success factors, and document how concerns or issues will be addressed. Effective communication helps to build trust and confidence among stakeholders and ensures that everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals.

Training is essential to ensure that client staff have the skills and knowledge to use new technology effectively. Technical training must cover the features and functionality of the technology, and how it changes business processes, staff roles, and responsibilities.

Effective stakeholder engagement is vital to ensure a comprehensive and holistic perspective on technology selection and adoption. It is crucial to engage stakeholders at the right levels, frequencies, and using suitable methods to gather relevant input and ensure their ongoing support. Regular communication and collaboration with stakeholders helps foster a sense of ownership and buy-in, promoting a smoother transition. By using appropriate methods, such as surveys, interviews, workshops, or focus groups, Associated Engineering encourages stakeholders to provide valuable input that aligns with their needs and expectations. 

Integral to our supportive approach is understanding the organization’s culture and how it can impact the success or failure of organizational change efforts, in particular any resistance to change. We collaborate with our clients to identify shifts in shared beliefs, values, norms, behaviours, and attitudes that shape the way people within an organization think and act.  

Through a systematic and supportive approach, Associated Engineering is positioned to be a trusted partner for public service clients seeking to embrace technology to improve operations. By delivering exceptional advice, expertise, and support, we enable clients to navigate the complexities of technology adoption and achieve successful outcomes.

Shaping our Shared Future – David Kuryk

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

As Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Associated Engineering, David Kuryk is no stranger to balancing the books and analyzing the company’s finances. In his off-hours, David contributes to building a healthy balance sheet for a local community organization, the St. Albert Food Bank and Community Village, in his volunteer role as Treasurer. For the past six years, David has also given his time to the organization as a member of its Board of Directors and as Vice President.

The St. Albert Food Bank and Community Village plays a vital role in the community, providing essential support to those in need. The organization is much more than a food bank, offering a range of free services to the local area, including assisting disadvantaged residents in achieving or regaining a sense of independence, personal safety, improved quality of life, and empowerment.

As a graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in accounting, David articled with KMPG and then earned his Charted Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. 

For the past five years, David has leveraged his professional experience as a mentor in the CPA Alberta Career Development Mentorship Program. David is proud to give back to the next generation of accounting professionals as they embark on their careers. He finds great joy in assisting with their career development, nurturing their professional and personal growth, and sharing his knowledge and experience. As a mentor, David not only shares his successes, but also his failures, along with the valuable lessons he has gained from them.

When David is not helping create a better future for those in need in his community and those pursuing their professional goals in accounting, David cherishes time spent with his wife and two daughters, in particular, travelling together.

Associated Engineering at 2023 TAC Conference

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

We’re excited to announce our team of subject matter experts in our transportation and water resources practices that are participating as presenters/panelists in the technical program, as well as serving as moderators at next week’s Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) Conference in the nation’s capital!

Monday, September 25

8:30 – 10:00 | AM.7 Leadership and Culture in Asset Management
Level 2, Room 206
Moderator: Niall O’Carroll

13:45 – 15:15 | GD.1 All Highways Big and Small: Interchanges, Major Facilities, and Two-Lane Highways
Level 2, Room 214
North Shore Dollarton Highway Interchange: Adaptive Ramp Signals and Interchange Design Innovation
Presenters: Shaun Bidulka and Priscilla Tsang
This presentation will focus on the recently completed improvements to the Highway 1 – Dollarton Highway / Main Street interchange, one of the Vancouver North Shore’s busiest interchanges. It will discuss the iterative design and modeling process required to optimize the operational performance of the oversaturated road network using an adaptive ramp signal.

13:45 – 15:15 | GD.5 Geometric Design Implications for Speed Reductions
Level 2, Room 210
Co-moderator: Laurel Richl

13:45 – 15:15 | TP.13 Supporting Collaborative Transportation Planning and Programming for Canada’s Future
Level 2, Room 204
Moderator: Monique Beaudry

Tuesday, September 26

8:30 – 10:00 | ST.3 Transportation Structures
Level 2, Room 214
Moderator: Michael Paulsen

10:30 – 12:00 | ST.1 Building Resilient Bridges in the Face of a Changing Climate
Level 2, Room 204
Panelist: John van der Eerden
This panel discussion will focus on climate change impacts on the design of vehicular and pedestrian bridges and other transportation structures. It will inform audience members about challenges faced by the transportation structures industry due to climate change, and strategies for facing these challenges. Discussion will address changes in code requirements, issues during construction, and impacts on users. Panelists will offer the perspectives of owners, consultants, contractors and academics.

13:45 – 15:15 | ST.4 Transportation Structures
Level 2, Room 214
Moderator: Michael Paulsen

15:45 – 17:15 | GD.8 Urban Design Challenges—Accessibility, Vision Zero and Complete Streets
Level 2, Room 204
Moderator: Shaun Bidulka

Wednesday, September 27

8:30 – 10:00 | GD.9 Urban Design Challenges—Accessibility, Vision Zero and Complete Streets
Level 2, Room 205
Moderator: John Maree

8:30 – 10:00 | TP.15 Integration of Land Use and Transportation Planning
Level 2, Room 203
Moderator: Monique Beaudry

10:30 – 12:00 | GD.10 Urban Design Challenges—Accessibility, Vision Zero and Complete Streets
Level 2, Room 205
Moderator: John Maree

13:00 – 14:30 | EN.2 Implementing Projects for Regulatory Success
Level 2, Room 209
Presenter: Scott Etzel
Nose Creek Re-alignment – Working with Multi-disciplines and Regulators to Improve Transportation Impacts/Interfacing with Natural Assets
Nose Creek had to be re-aligned as part of the 40th Avenue Interchange. With experts from various disciplines and companies feeding into the final design and multiple, a lesson learned was establishing the revegetation and ecological priorities early in the design. Once into construction, the project team provided further innovation.

Monique Beaudry appointed as National Discipline Lead, Transportation Planning

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji
Kent Eklund (Senior Vice President, Transportation), Monique Beaudry, Shane Cook (BC Division Manager, Transportation)

Associated Engineering is very pleased to announce that Monique Beaudry, P.Eng., RPP, MCIP has accepted the position of National Discipline Lead, Transportation Planning. Monique will collaborate with staff and support clients across the company, providing expertise in transportation planning and traffic engineering. Based in our Vancouver office, she will contribute and offer strategic input on transportation and infrastructure projects, proposals, business development opportunities, and staff development. Monique will continue her role as a Senior Transportation Planning Engineer, Quality Reviewer, and Project Manager on current projects in BC and across Canada.

A graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, Monique started her career with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways & Transportation (now the Ministry of Highways), then moving to the City of Regina, before joining Associated in 2006 in our Regina office, where she played an instrumental role in establishing our transportation planning practice. Moving to Vancouver in 2018, Monique has helped to expand our BC transportation planning and traffic engineering team, and has provided business development and technical support across the company.

Monique’s 35 years of experience includes transportation planning, transportation policy development, strategic planning, traffic safety, urban planning, project management, and public and stakeholder engagement and consultation. Her resume includes award-winning projects such as the $1.88 billion Regina Bypass and the Yorkton Cycling Network Plan.

Monique has been actively involved in the Transportation Association of Canada Transportation Planning and other related committees, ITE Canada, Planning Institute of British Columbia, and International Association of Public Participation. In addition, she is currently a Warden for Camp 5 for the Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer (Iron Ring Ceremony). Monique’s experience and involvement in industry and technical committees are an asset as we expand our transportation planning and traffic engineering capabilities across the company.

Introducing new directors on Associated Engineering Group and Ashco Boards

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We are pleased to announce two new directors on the Boards of Associated Engineering Group Ltd. and our parent company, Ashco Shareholders Inc.

Elia Edwards, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Division Manager, Water in Ontario, joins the Associated Engineering Group Board. Elia has 28 years of experience, the last 26 years of which have been with Associated. Specializing in water and wastewater treatment, process analysis, optimization, design, construction, and capital infrastructure planning, Elia provides project management, design leadership, and strategic advisory services to clients. He supports clients’ sustainability and low-carbon initiatives, digital transformation, and performance assessment and optimization. Elia has served on Associated’s Ontario Board and the Board of the Ontario Water and Waste Association. Elia holds Bachelors’ and Masters’ degrees in civil engineering from Ryerson Polytechnic University and the University of Waterloo, respectively.

Sarah Shortreed, P.Eng, FCAE, ICD.D has joined the Ashco Board as an Independent Director. She brings a strong focus on strategy, technology, cyber, and project management to the Ashco Board. Sarah has held IT leadership roles at ATCO, Bruce Power, and BlackBerry; provided management consulting for IBM; and worked as a pipeline engineer at Union Gas (now Enbridge). Her board experience includes multiple not-for-profits, including social services agencies, theatres, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). She currently serves as Vice-Chair at Western University. Sarah has a mechanical engineering degree from Western University and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.

We would like to thank Garry Drachenberg for his service to the Associated Engineering Group Board, as he steps down from his director role after eight years of dedicated service on the Board.

Jason Lueke Wins ASCE Award of Excellence

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Congratulations to Jason Lueke, Associated Engineering’s National Discipline Leader, Trenchless Technologies, on winning the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Pipeline Division Award of Excellence! Jason shares, “It was an honour to receive the American Society of Civil Engineers Pipeline Division Award of Excellence at the Pipelines 2023 Conference in San Antonio! Thank you to UESI and ASCE! It has been rewarding working with so many great colleagues advancing the Pipelines Division. See you all in Calgary next summer for Pipelines 2024!”

Edmonton’s Blatchford District Energy project wins prestigious international award

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

We’re elated to share the news that our Blatchford Neighbourhood District Energy System – Phase 1 project has been named as one of the 30 Award of Merit recipients at the FIDIC Project Awards 2023!

FIDIC is an International Federation of Consulting Organizations, of which the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Canada (ACEC) is a member. Blatchford has received awards regionally through the Consulting Engineers of Alberta, nationally through ACEC Canada, and now internationally through FIDIC. The award will be presented on September 12, 2023 during FIDIC’s Global Infrastructure Conference in Singapore. Among the 30 Awards of Merit, 16 of them will also receive an Award of Excellence – whether our project is one of these 16 will be revealed at the gala on September 12th.

Congratulations to the many project team members from across the company, and in particular team leads, Owen Mierke and Ruben Arellano. Well done, all!!

A new online home for ATAP

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We’re pleased to announce that ATAP Infrastructure Management has a brand new home on the internet! Although the URL remains the same at www.atap.ca, the site has been substantially reworked, offering updated information on course and field service offerings, in a modern, responsive design. The site is faster than before, and offers a much better experience to mobile visitors. Also, the site has now made the jump to e-commerce, allowing for online course registration and payment in a secure HTTP environment!

Award-winning Highway 28 Roundabout addresses safety concerns and reduces traffic delays

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The Highway 28 intersection northeast of Edmonton, AB, near the Village of Waskatenau, experienced issues with accidents, near misses, and traffic delays. A four way intersection at  the junction of two major highways, the intersection had free flow traffic traveling east/west and stop control north/south. Alberta Transportation engaged Associated Engineering as the prime consultant to design intersection improvements to improve safety and traffic flow.

During preliminary engineering, Associated’s project team proposed using a roundabout to solve the safety concerns, rather than upgrading the traditional intersection. A roundabout feasibility analysis clearly showed the roundabout as the preferred option. Alberta Transportation supported this recommendation. 

Project Manager, Warren McKay, advises, “The roundabout solution reduces the overall average delay time at the intersection. Our roundabout design used traffic calming splitter islands to slow approaching vehicles to safe speeds prior to entering the roundabout.” 

Following preliminary engineering, Associated completed detailed design, the tender package, construction supervision, contract administration, and post-construction services for the new roundabout. The team designed a dual-lane roundabout, and tendered a single-lane roundabout for construction. The dual-lane design allowed for future expansion of the roundabout to the inside of the existing travel lane. 

The roundabout was also designed to accommodate the supersized loads that move from the Edmonton area to the Alberta oil sands. Warren tells us, “The accommodation of the supersized industrial loads expected through the roundabout presented challenges. Ultimately, we decided to use medians with a semi-mountable curb to allow the supersized loads to cross over to the other side of the road and go through the roundabout against the flow of traffic. This solution works since the supersized loads must be permitted and can be made aware of the intended path by the permitting office. The supersized load vehicles also travel with enough flag people to shut down all traffic at the roundabout for a few minutes to allow the load to proceed through.”

Project challenges included the need to construct the road through wetlands, a higher than average rainfall during construction, borrow source location and quality, roundabout truck apron constructability issues, and drainage course culvert redesigns.

“Strong collaboration between the project team and the client helped to resolve challenges as they arose and identify solutions, allowing the project to advance without any significant delays.”

As Alberta Transportation experienced delays in obtaining funding to proceed with the construction, Associated Engineering recommended that the intersection be changed to a four-way stop control as an interim stage from 2013-2020.

Work began on the roundabout with the construction of detour roads. After the detour roads were completed, removal of the old highway intersection commenced to allow the roundabout to be built. While three-quarters of the roundabout could easily be built while traffic occupied the detour roads, the final leg of the roundabout required an additional temporary traffic accommodation. 

Transportation Engineer and Construction Inspector, Tyler Nisbet, says, “The new roundabout successfully slowed traffic through the intersection and improves safety while maintaining flow.”

Subconsultants on the project included Hoggan Engineering and Testing, and McElhanney. E Construction was the Prime Contractor on the project. 

At the 2022 Transportation Connects Conference presented by the Consulting Engineers of Alberta, the project team (Alberta Transportation, E Construction, and Associated) received an Alberta Transportation Partnering Award, for embodying the principles of partnering – respecting all team members, communicating proactively, sharing lessons learned, and celebrating success. 

Supporting technology adoption and change management

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

As engineering consultants, we rarely discuss our role in advising and assisting clients with adopting new technologies and managing change. Clients trust us to deliver infrastructure projects, and now often seek our assistance in planning, selecting, implementing, and testing technology solutions. 

Our role in technology, information management, and change management can range from technical to operations improvements, depending on the client’s organizational readiness and capacity. 

The extent of our responsibilities varies based on the sector and clients. We support change management efforts by identifying future roles and responsibilities for managing the new technology and data, or by developing user training programs. 

On infrastructure engineering projects, we mitigate the risk of failure through design measures such as redundancy and safety factors. We carefully choose materials and equipment that are tested and proven, and we follow a systematic approach from concept to design, leveraging industry standards and our experience to meet short- and long-term client needs. 

We enhance the value we provide by incorporating adaptability into our designs. This ensures that the assets we create can accommodate changes in the operating environment. There is the same expected level of care and consideration for technology selection, adoption and advancement.

By effectively mitigating risks and designing with the future in mind, we deliver solutions that address our clients’ needs in a complex and rapidly evolving landscape.

What does it mean to take a systematic and supportive approach to these projects? 

A systematic approach refers to a structured and methodical way of approaching a task, problem, or process. It involves following a predefined set of steps or a logical sequence to ensure consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness in achieving the desired outcome.

Clearly defining this approach helps to “demystify” and guide the client through the entire decision-making process. In a systematic approach, each step builds upon the previous one and contributes to the overall objective. The process typically involves the following key activities: Analysis and Planning; Design and Development; Implementation and Execution; Evaluation and Feedback; and Continuous Improvement.

Analysis and Planning: This stage involves gathering information, analyzing the situation or problem, and defining the goals and objectives. We collaborate with the client and stakeholders to understand the context, identify constraints, and develop a comprehensive plan to guide the subsequent steps. On technology projects, this can take the form of a Needs Assessment, Concept of Operations, analysis of business process and workflows, technology landscape and systems architecture, and determination of the key drivers of success, and potentially, new roles and responsibilities.

Design and Development: In this phase, documents such as the Needs Assessment are translated into a design or solution with clearly defined specifications, technical and/or performance based. This phase may involve creating pilot projects, a test bed to conduct experiments or developing models to help visualize impacts (e.g. responsive or adaptive signal control along a transportation corridor with failing levels of service). This phase aims to ensure that the solution is well-designed, feasible, affordable, and aligned with the desired outcome. Through several iterations, the procurement strategy becomes clearer based on all the information available. Associated Engineering may support or be directly responsible for the Request for Proposal (RFP) package, including system specifications, contract terms and conditions, and definition of key milestones and deliverables for the technology supplier. Often, we develop scoring criteria on behalf of our clients to balance price, technology functionality, and performance history that aligns with project objectives and offers the best value.

While it is important to establish a baseline and acknowledge that it does not change quickly, clients can and do grow and evolve during the project as they become more aware of challenges and opportunities. This information may shift the outcomes of the Design and Development activities which we must align with a client’s short-, medium-, and long-term needs before proceeding into procurement. 

In our upcoming Fall 2023 issue of AE Today, Judy will discuss Implementation and Execution; Evaluation and Feedback; and Continuous Improvement of technology.

About the Author

Judy Yu, P.Eng., PMP is Discipline Lead, Data Management & ITS in Associated Engineering’s Calgary office. She has 23 years of experience managing major Intelligent Transportation Systems programs and projects, focusing on innovation, operational improvement, ongoing sustainability, and information management. Judy is a senior member of Associated’s Strategic Advisory Services team and a member of the ITS Canada Board of Directors.

Post-flood, source-water risk review and water system recovery plan protects water quality in the City of Merritt

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

In November 2021, an atmospheric river combined with a large, early snow pack, and warm temperatures led to wide-spread flooding of the roads, bridges, and water and wastewater systems in Merritt, BC. The city’s 7000 residents were evacuated for weeks, with some families still unable to return to their homes over a year later.

Associated has worked with the City of Merritt since 2012, when we assisted with preparing an integrated stormwater plan. In 2016, we completed a source-water risk assessment and protection plan. During development of the source protection plan, a Technical Advisory Committee was established, including planners, administrators, and operators, and regional health authority representatives. 

Project Manager and Senior Hydrogeologist, Marta Green, tells us, “The Committee reviewed the drinking water hazard inventory, discussed the risk ranking (likelihood of occurrence x magnitude of consequence) of each hazard, developed actions to reduce the likelihood of hazards, and developed emergency response plans for hazards over which the City has less control.” 

Some key technical aspects of the Source Protection Plan that aided in the post-flood work included redundancy in the well field (the City has five wells, with four within the inundation zone, and only one well with electrical damage); redundancy in water treatment (three different ultraviolet (UV) and chlorine water disinfection stations); and source protection controls at the well head (data logger conduit openings at the well-head were plugged).

Five days after the 2021 flood, first responders allowed access to the technical support team to start recovery, and Associated’s team mobilized to site. The project team had already instituted some flood protection measures. 

“We reviewed the scouring at the river edge and at the well sites, as well as well-heads for evidence of breaches of flood water. We also reviewed the air photos of the upper watershed for signs of new hazards and contaminants of concern.”


The team re-assessed the transport mechanisms to assign the “likelihood of occurrence”, including “direct entry”, “preferred pathways”, and groundwater recharge. They found that no flood water entered the secure well-heads, and no major preferred pathways were identified. The team determined that the well water was safe to drink, once treated to meet drinking water treatment objectives for Groundwater at Risk of Containing Pathogens (GARP) wells.

The project team also met with Interior Health’s Drinking Water Officer and City operators, to review the new draft risk rankings and the action plan. The actions taken included re-contouring the scoured areas around the well-heads, and a robust sampling program to confirm the updated conceptual model of groundwater flow. 

For the water system recovery plan, the team set up “trigger” field parameters, so the operators could quickly test if a well contained “flood water” or “well water”. We also created a GIS database to show “pass” (green) and “fail” (red), to focus on target areas.

The Source Protection Plan was updated to consider emergencies and potential disasters; extra effort was made to ensure the well logs and details were easy to find. 

Process Mechanical Engineer and Water System Recovery Lead, Matt Lozie, says, “As a result of our planning and preparation, as well as our strong relationships with the City, we worked as a team under an extremely stressful environment. The City was able to reduce the Do Not Consume Order and then remove the Boil Water Advisory within three weeks.” 

Associated is also supporting the City’s flood mitigation planning, and wastewater receiving environment sampling and reporting. The flood planning and dyke building is currently in early planning stages. The City is working on a plan to make sure the well infrastructure can withstand a flood event, including having all electrical panels above the flood level, air release valves for well flushing above the flood level, sealed well-heads, and remote treatment operation. 

Our key personnel on the project include Marta Green, Christine Indrigo, Aaron Yarumchuk, Matt Lozie, and Grant Dixon.

Rehabilitation of Battleford Truss Bridges restores heritage structures and improves access

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

For almost a century, two steel truss bridges have served as a main transportation route to the Town of Battleford, located 138 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, SK. The historic structures cross the North Saskatchewan River, providing access for vehicles and pedestrians from the Town to Finlayson Island.

In 2003, the Town took ownership of the bridges from the Province of Saskatchewan, and since then Associated Engineering has worked with the Town to monitor the aging structures. In 2018, the Town engaged Associated Engineering to undertake a more thorough condition review of the structures. This led to the development of a Ten-Year Management Plan that provided the framework for financial planning of operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation activities as well as condition priorities. The plan incorporates all repairs (minor and major), maintenance, and studies/investigations recommended.

With the plan, the Town obtained Federal funding for rehabilitation of the north truss bridge. Project Manager, Justine Meyers, tells us, “A new, longer jump span was designed and the eroded bridge abutment slope was reshaped and armoured. We provided a rehabilitation design addressing the tight timeline restrictions of the funding. Grant funding requirements stated that the project needed to be substantially completed by December 31, 2022. Considering post-pandemic supply chain issues, an extension was granted to allow for substantial completion in Spring 2023.”

“We developed an innovative construction approach to address the restricted access to the jump span, allowing the continued use of this community link.”

The design required capacity upgrades to the south bridge to allow for construction access; with the load restriction on the south bridge, material weight and equipment sizes were carefully selected. Increased lead times for items such as steel girders and precast concrete had to be accommodated within the schedule.

Meeting the budget and design schedule was an important achievement, considering post-pandemic supply chain and cost-escalation issues. The successful tender for the construction works was within $6,000 of the grant funding received for the project. Thus, the Town was not required to contribute any additional funds to the project at award. 

Now, larger vehicles can access Finlayson Island for provision of emergency services, maintenance of the grounds, or work on the structure itself. The project also incorporates many of the improvements recommended in the Ten-Year Management Plan to increase the useful life of the structures.

The project success can be attributed to the project management team’s proactive scheduling and communication with suppliers and contractors


The design took environmental considerations into account, as the solution only required reshaping and armouring of the banks. Construction was completed with minimal impact to habitat, aquatic life and wildlife, and therefore required much simpler environmental measures. Environmental permitting was achieved in time for construction, even with the condensed design timeline.


The rehabilitation of the Battleford Truss Bridges allows for the long-term, safe continued use of the north bridge as a pedestrian/cyclist corridor between Battleford, Finlayson Island, and North Battleford. The design is also resilient to climate change, allowing larger river flows to pass below the structure without compromising its use. The cost-effective, environmentally sustainable rehabilitation restores the bridges for Battleford for decades to come.

For Andrew Wiens, determination and a collaborative mindset are keys to success

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

With a lifelong interest in physical fitness, Andrew Wiens, Discipline Lead, Water Resources in our Calgary office, remembers his high school sports coach’s mantra of ‘mental toughness’. Today, he applies this approach everyday at work and at home by not giving up easily on any tasks, stretching his capabilities, and developing new skills.

While attending the University of British Columbia for his civil engineering degree, Andrew worked for the City of Vancouver as a co-op student on the drainage design for Vancouver’s first sustainable street. The experience led to his decision to focus on water resources as a career path. Andrew says, “Developing the stormwater management design on the project and learning about the analytical tools was a very interesting challenge.”

Later, he worked with Radloff & Associates in Prince George, BC as a co-op student. Andrew credits the owner, Bob Radloff, with providing him with great advice, including to get experience working in the field on construction projects early in his career.

As a Water Resources Engineer, Andrew tells us, “I’ve enjoyed the wide variety of work and the opportunity to collaborate with many subject matter experts. Their guidance has helped me to grow my skills, improve my industry knowledge, and build my problem-solving abilities.”

In the early part of his career, Andrew notes the Urgent Mitigative Flood Works project and the City of Calgary Northwest Inner-City storm drainage project, as being especially memorable. The former was an emergency project to improve existing flood protection infrastructure in advance of the 2007 flood season. Andrew recalls the work was delivered as a fast-track, design-build project and successfully raised 15 kilometres of flood protection berms in just two months. 

Andrew says, “The Calgary drainage project was technically challenging, as we were asked to build a large, highly detailed model of the urban drainage system – something that hadn’t been completed on a large scale before.” Andrew shares that he wanted to find a systematic way of developing these models to make development more cost-efficient. Andrew’s efforts resulted in Associated later receiving an invitation to present our work in Copenhagen at an International Water Resources Conference. 

Following the 2013 flood in Calgary, Associated was engaged to expand the model along the Bow River and identify drainage solutions to mitigate flood risks within several communities, including the Sunnyside neighborbood. 

When asked what attracted him to join Associated Engineering 17 years ago, Andrew tells us, “I was attracted to the breadth of work that Associated Engineering’s Water Resources team undertakes. I’ve worked on a variety of projects, from planning to field assignments. I’ve had the opportunity to carry a project from concept through design and construction, such as the Pitt River Intertidal project in Coquitlam, BC.”

Andrew tells us that his work philosophy is based on working collaboratively with colleagues, as a team. Andrew also finds that engaging the right subject matter experts early in projects helps them go smoother. 

Today, Andrew enjoys sharing his expertise and mentoring young staff. For young people thinking of consulting engineering as a career, he advises, “I found the university co-op programs to be very useful. I was able to get a wide variety of experience in both the municipal government and consulting sectors. This really simplified the process for me in selecting my career path in the consulting industry as a water resources engineer.”

Andrew volunteers with the Canadian Water Resources Association, and is also a member of Natural Resources Canada‘s Climate Change and Floodplain Mapping Technical Working Group.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys going to the gym, as well as cooking, especially BBQ’ing or smoking meats; his favourites are pulled pork, brisket, and chicken!

Comprehensive assessment and database helps Parks Canada to protect our national heritage

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Parks Canada, an agency of the Government of Canada, protects and showcases Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, including 47 national parks and 171 national historic sites. The Agency is responsible for approximately 18,000 assets, including buildings, facilities, grounds, roads, marine assets, and utility systems across Canada. The stewardship and sustainment of this large asset portfolio presents significant challenges due to limited budgets, the dispersed locations, and the remoteness of many assets.

In 2022, Parks Canada engaged Associated’s Strategic Advisory Services team with subconsultant, Dillon Consulting, to review a select asset portfolio from 12 of its national parks. The inspections and assessments captured information on over 350 assets to identify trends in investment needs, including repairs and renewals, operations and maintenance, accessibility and code-related needs, climate adaptation, and energy/greening opportunities. 

Project Manager, Owen James, shares, “We had a very short window of opportunity to carry out the inspection work – after the winter snows had receded and before the spring opening of the parks to the public. Our inspections could not disturb visitors’ activities.” 

“Following our inspections, we analyzed the information we gathered and garnered insights from Parks Canada on costing for both construction and operational activities. We then evaluated regional climate pressures and other factors to determine the climate hazards and risks faced by each asset and the associated investment needs for the Agency.”  

The inspection information and subsequent analysis has been captured in databases – a valuable tool that will allow Parks Canada’s local field units to more effectively plan and manage their assets. The databases also support data consolidation, providing users with access to extensive data, including photographs, lists of components, life expectancies, condition information, renewal forecasts, recommendations, preventive and expected reactive maintenance needs, climate risks and recommended actions, energy profiles and opportunities, and accessibility improvement recommendations. As well, the databases provide a data-driven and holistic evaluation of investment needs to support the Agency’s budget submission to the Federal government.  

Other than the site assessments, the team had limited data about the assets; thus, costing for assets in unique locations across Canada was a challenge. The project team engaged a wide range of subject matter experts from across Associated and Dillon, together with information from Agency staff, reports, and national cost databases, to develop replacement and repair costs for the assets, considering the local construction markets, labour rates, remote locations, and heritage factors. Investment Planning & Cost Estimating Lead, Graham Lang, says, “The collective information enabled us to forecast the sustainment needs for the assets more accurately.”

Understanding climate risk, energy, adaptation and greening and maintenance needs was also challenging. Twyla Kowalczyk, Climate Change Resilience Lead, advises, “We developed unique models based on the data collected and held in databases, and used the Retscreen Energy modelling, Climate Atlas of Canada, and our own in-house climate and maintenance models to determine the actions and costs required to maintain the assets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve resilience of the asset portfolio.” 

This asset management project helps Parks Canada to maintain a safe, accessible, and enjoyable national parks system for visitors today and in the future

The on-site assessments, analysis, and database provides Parks Canada with insights and information that is useful at a national and local level. Owen says, “The work has been very well received and the Agency has subsequently engaged Associated to improve data collection processes and templates, evaluate maintenance needs for all 18,000 assets across 35 field units and to provide recommendations for governance and procurement of maintenance works for the Agency.” 

Associated’s key personnel involved on the project were Owen James, Shane Thompson, Graham Lang, Twyla Kowalczyk, Jaimie Sokalski, Craig MacDonald, and Tanner Hudson.

Shaping our Shared Future – Ashley Hodgson

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Ashley Hodgson is a Structural Engineer in our Saskatoon office. She leads the structural team on many multi-disciplinary building projects across the province, including water, wastewater, agriculture, and landfill projects. 

Since 2019, Ashley has sat on the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) Investigation Committee. She was recently appointed Vice Chair of the committee for a two-year term. Ashley’s role on the committee includes reviewing complaints brought forward by other association members, as well as from the public. The committee comprises 13 engineers and geoscientists who specialize in different disciplines

Over the past few years, the number and severity of structural investigation cases that the committee reviews has increased significantly, resulting in the need for more structural specialists on the committee. Ashley provides the committee with structural context on cases and asks valuable questions during the interview process. Her involvement on the committee has shown Ashley the importance of self-regulation in our industry, as well as the tremendous value provided by Associated Engineering’s quality management process.

As well, Ashley was previously involved for ten years with the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) Saskatoon Chapter and served on the planning committee for the 2020 CSCE Conference held in Saskatoon.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family and hopes her contributions will help shape a better future for her daughter and our communities.

Associated at CCEE-PCEE 2023

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Associated Engineering is proud to be a supporting sponsor of the Canadian-Pacific Conference on Earthquake Engineering being held in Vancouver this week, bringing in experts from all over the world to share ideas on making our societies more resilient amid threats from earthquakes. 

In addition to serving on the conference’s organizing committee, Jason Dowling, Structural Engineer, will be presenting twice in the technical program on June 27th. Grant Fraser, Structural Engineer, will also take part in a breakout session on June 28th.

—–

Tuesday, June 27

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 1B- Risk and Loss Assessment
Junior Ballroom AB, Third Level
Seismic Resiliency of the Ministry’s Critical and Key Routes – A Highway 99 Pilot Study
Presenter: Jason Dowling

6:30 PM – 6:40 PM
Special Session – Discussing the Causes and Aftereffects of 6 February 2023 Turkey Earthquake
Grand Ballroom AB, Grand Ballroom Level, North Tower
Bridge Site Observations from the February 2023 Türkiye Earthquakes
Presenter: Jason Dowling


Wednesday, June 28

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Session 6E- Retrofit Project
Junior Ballroom D, Third Level
Seismic Isolation and Half-Joint Elimination of Cambie Bridge in Vancouver, BC 
Presenter: Grant Fraser

Associated supports CWRA 2023 National Conference

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

We are excited to be a supporting sponsor of the Canadian Water Resources Association’s Annual Conference, as it returns to the east coast and the City of Halifax from June 18th to 21st! Our bronze-level support will be in the form of our carbon neutral travel sponsorship. Associated Engineering’s Vice President, Water Resources, John van der Eerden, will speak about our support at this year’s event. 

Carbon Neutral Travel Sponsorship of ITS Canada 2023

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Associated Engineering is proud to take part in ITS Canada’s 2023 Annual Conference this week (June 14-16) in Windsor, ON, and be a supporting partner as the Carbon Neutral Travel Sponsor of the event! We wish all attendees a safe journey to-and-from “The City of Roses” and we hope everyone enjoys the program focused on mobility technologies.

Associated sponsors and presents at ITE Canada/CARSP 2023 Joint Conference

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

We’re pleased to be a supporting corporate sponsor for the 2023 Joint Conference hosted by ITE Canada/CARSP In Winnipeg, MB from June 4-7. Also, we invite attendees to hear from our co-presenters on June 6 at 11:40am, as they share their experience working with the City of Saskatoon on their shared use path audit project.

Associated Engineering wishes everyone happy holidays and a prosperous new year

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

As 2022 draws to a close, we reflect on the initiatives we introduced and the accomplishments we achieved during yet another busy, exciting, and successful year for our company.

This year, Associated Engineering established our Indigenous Commitment to improve our understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and values; build positive relationships with Indigenous Peoples; and take action to advance reconciliation. We have been holding regular webinars to raise our Indigenous awareness. On September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we engaged Chrystal Tabobandung, founder of RAISE, who provided a moving presentation on Indigenous history and culture, and how we can all be allies and partners in reconciliation.

In November, we were honoured with five awards at the annual Canadian Consulting Engineering / Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Canada (ACEC) Awards. We received Awards of Excellence for the Wanuskewin Heritage Park Renewal-Bison Management & Care Facilities in Saskatoon, Crowchild Trail Bow River Bridge Interchange Rehabilitation & Widening project in Calgary, and the Blatchford Neighbourhood District Energy System in Edmonton. The Blatchford project also received the Tree for Life award, recognizing the project’s outstanding environmental stewardship. Congratulations to our project teams! These awards are a testament to your innovation and technical excellence. Congratulations also to Tia Hill who received the A.D. Williams Scholarship! This award is bestowed to a young professional for their efforts to advance the consulting engineering industry.

As President & CEO, I have the privilege of traveling across the country and meeting our clients and partners, who have shared their perspectives and feedback with me. Your insights are important and help to inform and improve our projects and project delivery. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our clients for your trust in us as your consultant and advisor.

Wherever my travels take me, I am proud to see the passion and commitment that our staff have to our clients and projects. As a result of your dedication, we have had another strong year at Associated. Thank you for your service and creativity – it’s what differentiates us.

To all our clients, partners, friends, staff, and your families: we wish you a very joyous holiday season and a healthy and happy new year!

Martin Jobke, P.Eng.
President & CEO

[ViewPoints] Water reclamation for resilient, sustainable water management strategy

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Water reclamation – The Global Case

Water reclamation is gaining traction globally as its benefits are many: providing an additional water source (deferring the need for alternate freshwater supplies), lessening the impacts of droughts, acting as an environmentally friendly option for treatment and disposal of wastewater, and reducing the discharge of excess nutrients in treated effluent to surface waters.

Reclaimed water is used in both non-potable and potable applications. Non-potable usage has been well accepted globally by communities, practitioners, and regulators. For example, the semiconductor industry has water reclamation and direct non-potable reuse at the centre of their progressive water management strategy.

On the other hand, direct potable reuse is still a tricky issue, with considerable psychological barriers. The most famous example of direct potable use is from Windhoek, Namibia. Using multi-treatment steps, the Goreangab Reclamation Plant produces 21 million litres per day of drinking water. The plant has been operating since 1968.

Indirect potable reuse has emerged as a successful alternative. In Orange County, California, 492 million litres per day of reclaimed water is used for a Groundwater Replenishment System. This is sufficient to meet the water requirements for over 850,000 residents. In Singapore, high-grade reclaimed water (NEWater) is used for both indirect potable and direct non-potable purposes. The City State plans to meet 55% of its 2060 water demand (approximately 1600 million litres per day) from NEWater.

Situation in Canada

Although Canada has approximately 20% of the world’s fresh water, parts of the country are experiencing continued drought. Local governments have stopped issuing new water licenses in certain watersheds due to over allocation. Notwithstanding, industries such as the newly minted Hydrogen Hub in the Alberta Heartland and planned canola plants and potash mines in/near Regina will require huge amounts of water. Such demands will continue to exacerbate the water supply issue. More regions of the country will look for resilient water supplies. Water reclamation can potentially fit the bill in certain scenarios. Associated Engineering has been helping clients with water reclamation projects for decades, such as EPCOR’s Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant Water Reuse Project in Edmonton.

Local Context is Everything

We have learned a few things along the way. Some are in the details: nuances in turf grasses and underlying soils can markedly influence the technical approach, and even feasibility, in displacing traditional water sources with reclaimed water in turf irrigation situations, as can equipment metallurgy in industrial reuse applications such as cooling towers.

Others are more broad-based; the subject is complex and requires a holistic, multiple bottom line + risk evaluation approach to ensure a robust comparison of reclaimed water to a traditional water source. Knowledge of project-specific opportunities and constraints, and knowing which questions to ask, goes a long way to ensuring a successful project outcome.

About the authors

Soubhagya Pattanayak, Ph.D., PMP is Discipline Lead, Wastewater/Resource Recovery in Calgary. He spent 10 years living in Singapore and working on industrial water reclamation and reuse and other membrane-based wastewater treatment and desalination projects in the Asia Pacific Region.

Dean Shiskowski, Ph.D., P.Eng. is Associated’s Vice President, Water Resource Recovery. His broad water reclamation and reuse experience spans large planning studies conducted under Alberta’s Water Management Framework to technology demonstration projects for municipal and industrial clients.

[ViewPoints] Engineering-Operations collaboration is key to project success

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Project teams are accustomed to developing solutions and support systems for all phases of project delivery. From identifying a need for new facilities, teams work together to plan and create documents and procedures for design, construction, and commissioning. However, in the lifecycle of a facility, the project delivery phase is only a small piece of a facility’s life. Its operation is much longer, potentially 25 to 30 years, or longer. As such, at the outset, project teams need to consider the facility’s operation for ultimate project success. This involves identifying what support is needed past the commissioning process, when the engineers, contractors, and suppliers, have typically long left the project.

Project teams should be considering the end user from start to finish. This may include:
– Considering ongoing system operation during the design process
– Getting regular feedback from those who will be responsible for the system
– Spending time with the operations staff to understand atypical things they are doing to keep the system running
– Using tools, such as 3D modelling (where appropriate), to improve information sharing and encourage feedback
– Including the operations team in meetings and on-site throughout the construction process
– Including operations in as much of the commissioning process as possible
– Considering additional training and documentation to support the operational transition from one system to a new one

For many systems, the transitional period can be the most difficult, highlighting the need for support during the warranty period. During this time, post-construction support needs to:
– Involve Operators to learn and develop new skills, through training and tools
– Provide tools for safe operations and ongoing maintenance, such as standard operating procedures and maintenance plans
– Identify which activities may require specialized services to support maintenance planning and budgeting
– Consider succession and training of new staff and operators

When considering who can provide support during post-construction activities, projects must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Regardless of who develops and provides the support, it is important for the project team to ensure they are included. Many communities already have transition programs and procedures in place to assist in achieving project success.

However, many smaller communities may not have the capacity to develop these programs as their operations and administration teams are already stretched. Coupled with staffing shortages affecting system providers of all sizes, external support may become even more important. As such, existing external support, such as circuit riders and other local resources, should also be considered at project initiation and included in all phases of the project, where reasonable.

Success is more than just engineering excellence, it is the combination of a well-designed facility and a well-supported operations team. Considering the operations staff throughout the design of the facility and soliciting appropriate feedback will help the team to create a facility that is sustainable and successful, even after the ribbon cutting. While there is a cost for this additional support, the value brought through the process will more than pay for the money spent up-front.

About the author

Robyn Casement, P.Eng. is a Water Engineer with 13 years of experience in analysis, planning, design and construction of municipal and Indigenous projects. She has worked as a Project Engineer and Process Designer for water and wastewater projects, from conceptual modelling to detailed design and construction.

Your Project Environmental Needs: How to go from Planning to Construction

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

About this webinar

In this two-part webinar series, Associated Environmental Consultants staff journey through a fictitious linear project in northern Alberta. Our team of experts will walks through all the things that can go wrong and demonstrates how to set a project up for success.

Part 1: To Apply or not to Apply – That is the Question: A Perspective on Environmental and Regulatory Planning

Recorded: March 29, 2022

Speaker: April Ziegler, P. Biol., Regulatory Planner

You’ve heard it before, and we will say it again! Engage your environmental consulting team early in your project planning. But what does that even mean? Is there such thing as too early? (Hint: the answer is no). In this introductory webinar, we will walk you through a fictitious project example through the lens of environmental planner including a discussion around project schedule and how it relates to the potential regulatory permitting requirements. This project has it all! Wetland impacts, watercourse crossings, vegetation impacts, contaminated sites, and more! This webinar will set the stage for sessions two (Environmental Site Assessments) and three (Pre-construction wildlife surveys).

Part 2: Environmental Site Assessments – What Environmental Impacts Are In Your Project Area?

Recorded: April 5, 2022

Speaker: Brent Schmidt, P. Geo., Geoscientist

This webinar will go over the purpose of Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) and why you should know what lies beneath the surface of your project area. We will walk you through the basics of ESAs and how we assess the potential for contamination on your project. Through this process, we can set you and your project up for success from beginning to end. These steps mitigate the possibility of running into unknown contamination during a project which could cause project delays, contractor scope changes, and cost overruns. Through our case study, we will show you what we look for during the feasibility, planning, and design stages, and common problems that arise during construction related to soil contamination. Join us as we talk about the mystical world of contaminated sites.  

OACETT 360 partner commitment to employee development promotes successful projects

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Originally published in The Ontario Technologist, March/April 2023 Issue

Associated Engineering is passionate about building better communities. With over 20 Canadian offices, this employee-owned consulting company has been dedicated to working with clients in the public and private sectors, delivering diverse engineering, planning, landscape architecture, environmental and infrastructure projects for over 75 years.

Their integrated team, made up of 1,000 employees (including C.Tech.s and C.E.T.s), offers a full range of services and expertise, including planning, engineering, environmental science and management, landscape architecture, asset management, communications, and facilitation.

They bring the benefits of global and local experience to every project, ranging from studies and assessments to the design of major infrastructures. Sustainability is part of every project they undertake and how they operate their business. Associated Engineering has led their industry as a carbon-neutral company since 2009 and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2008.

“Becoming a shareholder and a manager are significant highlights of my career,” says 20-plus year employee Mark Belanger, P.Eng., C.E.T., infrastructure division manager, Niagara office. “Being able to mentor our younger staff and inspire them as they pursue their professional and
personal life goals is very rewarding. We have a great environment and team atmosphere here.”

Award-winning projects

Working collaboratively with clients and stakeholders, Associated Engineering develops solutions that address the complex issues decision-makers face, minimizes the social and environmental impacts, and addresses risks to help shape a better world. Their portfolio of projects includes many that industry associations have recognized for technical excellence, including Toronto’s Avenue Road watermain, Keswick Water Treatment Plant upgrades, Scott Street sewage pump station, and the Oakville Water Purification Plant. They have also worked on many projects with Indigenous communities, including Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Pikangikum First Nation, and Curve Lake First Nation.

“I have the opportunity to play a role in building and shaping the community in which I live working for Associated Engineering. Not only by contributing to high profile, local infrastructure projects but also by positively impacting those around me,” says Matt Vinski, C.E.T., manager of
infrastructure Kitchener office.

Associated Engineering has led their industry as a carbon-neutral company since 2009 and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2008

Focus on professional development and accreditation

The company is committed to the career development of its people and creating a strong culture through professional, technical and social initiatives. Associated Engineering offers formal and informal continuous professional development through training, mentoring and on-the-job learning.
In-house learning opportunities are available through their Capacity Building seminars that bring staff together from across Canada to share ideas, knowledge, and experiences.

They offer a member-in-training program that supports professional development for staff in pursuit of their professional credentials and also supports them in attaining membership in associations such as the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).

“My OACETT membership helps to enhance my credibility, network, and professional recognition,” mentions Catherine Du, C.E.T., CAD design technologist, Markham office. Mark Mascioli, C.E.T., municipal infrastructure manager, Niagara-on-the-Lake, complemented her sentiments,
saying: “My clients know that I have put in the work to further my career as a professional, and they understand the dedication it takes to achieve the C.E.T. designation.”

By nurturing their employees’ careers, Associated Engineering has further enhanced their team dynamic and built a robust company culture, which has benefitted the clients they serve and made their people confident in their roles and the contribution to their communities.

Shaping our Shared Future – Anna Comerton

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Anna Comerton, Manager of the Water Planning & Studies Group in our Markham office, participates in numerous internal and external committees including the Ontario Water Works Association Treatment Committee and the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association Drinking Water Quality Committee.

Outside of work, Anna cherishes the opportunity to disconnect, spend time outside, be active, and take advantage of any chance to travel and explore. Sharing these moments with her family brings her great joy and allows her to come back to work recharged and with a fresh perspective. Pre-pandemic, Anna, her husband, and two daughters spent a month with backpacks and a rail pass exploring Denmark, Sweden, and Norway with a requisite stop to the home of Lego in Billund, Denmark.

Experiencing the majestic landscapes, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly urban design, super efficient public transit systems, beautiful architecture, and undeniably happy locals was memorable and has them dreaming about their next big travel adventure. Next on the family’s bucket list is a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.

Closer to home, Anna enjoys downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter and exploring the city on bicycle once the snow melts away. Anna grew up playing soccer and that love of the game has been passed along to her children. Anna has hung up her cleats, and now volunteers as a coach for her children’s soccer teams. She is passionate about helping kids be active and develop a love of sport and a healthy lifestyle.

Her family also recently started volunteering at the Sheppard’s of Good Hope (SOGH) allotment garden. The garden contributes 7,000 pounds of fresh produce each year to the SOGH homeless shelter’s soup kitchen which runs entirely on donations. Anna’s volunteer efforts contribute to providing over 650 meals a day to those in precarious living situations.

Rehabilitating the Groat Road Stormwater Trunk is one of the largest sliplining projects completed in Western Canada

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Rehabilitating and replacing aging infrastructure is one of the largest and most complex issues facing municipalities today. With urban growth and densification, infrastructure managers, engineers, and contractors must find innovative ways to rehabilitate infrastructure while minimizing impact to businesses, the public, and the environment. The City of Edmonton faced these issues in rehabilitating the Groat Road Stormwater Trunk, which had begun to degrade after more than 60 years in service.

The Groat Road Trunk is a corrugated metal plate storm sewer originally built in 1953 by hand tunnelling. The trunk travels along 118th Avenue and Groat Road, discharging into the North Saskatchewan River. It consists of 4 kilometres of 1.7 metre and 2.3 metre diameter pipe, and manholes varying in depth from 7 metres to 17 metres. During an inspection, the City discovered areas of significant pipe wall loss along the pipe invert, as well as on the side walls. Voids, some as deep as 1 metre, were identified under the trunk, as well as on its sides.

The City of Edmonton Drainage Group tendered a $35 million project to rehabilitate the storm trunk as a design-build project. Associated Engineering supported Shanghai Construction Group during the request for proposal stage, developing the design of the rehabilitation works using trenchless construction methods.

As the City’s selected proponent team, Associated provided design and advisory services to Shanghai Construction, and collaborated with Shanghai Construction, their subcontractors, and consultants in weekly meetings for over three years. Our civil engineering scope included fibreglass pipe design, sliplining design, 3D modelling for the segmental design of the fibreglass installation, void/annular space grouting design, construction inspection, and quality assurance. We also completed structural engineering of deep manhole design and structural shaft reviews.

Project Manager, Jason Lueke, tells us, “The City has seen a number of sinkholes due to degraded infrastructure. With the location of the Groat Road Trunk, the voids and potential sinkholes were considered a major risk under this major roadway. These voids are more likely found around drill drops, which this storm trunk used beneath the deepest and busiest sections.”

Chris Lamont, Lead Civil/Sliplining Design and Construction, says, “A major challenge was the degraded condition of the pipe. Void grouting outside of the pipe was a problem, as the grout would shoot back into the storm trunk due the corroded holes in the pipe. To resolve this issue, we had to redesign the tendered grouting plan.”

To install the slipline pipe through small shafts, the team employed 3D modelling to assess feasible pipe lengths. We also considered the weight and ability of pipes to be transported within the tunnel itself for placing, blocking, and grouting. Shafts were excavated down to the storm trunk to install new structures to replace the drill drop manholes.

Chris tells us, “Working in a live storm sewer, we designed custom, perched manhole foundations, independent of the new fibreglass pipe, eliminating the need for a large bypassing pump systems.” This included over excavating onto undisturbed ground outside of the shaft structure to cast the new support for the manholes, which were up to 17 metres deep.

The project was successfully completed in December 2020. Key personnel on this project were Jason Lueke, Chris Lamont, Linda Chacko, Sam Saunders, Keyton Thompson, Caitlin Luo, and Dusanka Stevanovic.

[ViewPoints] Public transit vital in a post-COVID-19 world

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, and dramatically impacted every aspect of society. One of the pandemic’s casualties has been public transit, which has experienced an extreme ridership decline – as high as 90% in municipalities across North America. Will public transit, as we know it, survive?

Public transit, specifically Light Rail Transit (LRT), delivers an essential and unique role, providing an efficient and equitable mode of transportation. Light Rail Transit reduces travel times, facilitates effective land-use development (Transit-Oriented Development or TOD), and promotes regional prosperity. In addition, LRT fosters environmental sustainability, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to climate resilience.

Today, municipal, provincial and federal governments view LRT as an infrastructure investment that provides the catalyst that aligns with their plans for a COVID-19 recovery by creating one million jobs, fighting climate change, and rebuilding a more sustainable and resilient economy. All levels of government have prioritized measures that will contribute to expanding public transit systems.

In February 2021, the Federal government announced a $14.9 billion investment in public transit over the next eight years, including permanent funding of $3 billion per year starting in 2026. This commitment is over and above other federal incentives.

The Government of Canada’s Investing in Canada Plan and recent acceleration to the Gas Tax Fund distribution are specifically targeted at job creation, economic recovery, and growth. These Federal initiatives support building robust, dynamic, and inclusive communities through capital infrastructure investment.

In May, the Federal government announced $10.4 billion in funding for transit projects in Toronto: the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Rapid Transit replacement, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, and the Yonge-North subway extension. The Government of British Columbia has promised to provide funding for the $4.8 billion Surrey-Langley Skytrain project.

In 2021, the City of Edmonton began constructing their $2.6 billion Valley Line LRT West Project and finalizing the advancement of the Capital Line LRT South Extension Project for 2022. The City of Calgary will proceed with their $4.9 billion Greenline LRT project in 2022.

All levels of government commit that LRT will continue to be a significant component of future transportation networks

What could derail LRT? The escalating cost of building transit infrastructure.

The first subway in Toronto was the Yonge subway, which would cost $87.6 million/kilometre to build in today’s dollars. The Ontario Line is estimated to cost $10.9 billion, translating to $703.2 million/kilometre. This dramatic increase in cost can be attributed to local planning challenges, project design, and higher cost of materials.

Innovative planning and design of transit infrastructure can help reduce construction costs. The pilot project for Ottawa’s O-Train in 2001 used existing infrastructure to provide transit service. The eight kilometres long, five station O-Train was constructed for $21 million (2001 dollars).

Ongoing innovation to reduce costs is the challenge for all consulting firms, including Associated Engineering. Collaboration with project owners and partners is necessary to explore all avenues, such as creative financing, to reduce costs and for cost recovery.

About the author

Kent Eklund, P.Eng., MBA is our Vice President, Transportation. He provides company-wide leadership support and guidance to staff and clients on transit systems, transportation planning, traffic engineering, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and roadways and highways design projects.
Kent has 30 years of experience specializing in project management, planning, public consultation, stakeholder engagement, design, and construction of new, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects ranging over $1 billion in construction value.

Fischer-Hallman Road improvements support the Region of Waterloo’s transportation goals in a developing community

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo in southwestern Ontario is a thriving community with a population of more than 620,000. Comprising three cities, Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, and four townships, the region is a unique mix of urban and rural areas.

The Region’s Transportation Master Plan identified Fischer-Hallman Road for improvements from Bleams Road to Plains Road (City of Kitchener) as part of its long-term, multi-modal transportation goals. The corridor is a vital north-south arterial road and will support various transportation modes such as walking, cycling, and transit. The improvements will enhance vehicular travel and transport.

The Region of Waterloo retained Associated Engineering to complete the environmental assessment, preliminary and detailed design, tendering, contract administration, and construction inspection for the project, including the road, roundabouts, culverts, and trails. Project Manager, Peter Lejcar, tells us, “The project is vital to improve transportation in the area, as this is one of the largest and fastest growing communities in the Region. Several residential and commercial developments are proposed in the area, which we considered in the project’s phasing and implementation strategy.”

At the project outset, we conducted a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, engaging in consultations with Councillors from the Region of Waterloo and the City of Kitchener, as well as with stakeholders, the public, and Agencies. Our team completed field studies including an environmental impact assessment, Stage 1 archaeological assessment, built cultural heritage assessment, site surveys, intersection control studies, tree assessments, and geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations. Following this work, the project team developed and evaluated cross-section alternatives and selected a preferred cross-section design. The project also included design of three new roundabouts along its four kilometre length and a signalized intersection incorporating current active transportation elements to service adjacent developments. Connectivity with local trails was considered along the project limits, which may include pedestrian-level treatments to facilitate safe crossing.

Under existing conditions, Fischer-Hallman Road drained to various receiving areas, including low-lying, undeveloped lot parcels and the local Strasburg Creek. Due to planned developments, existing drainage outlets were effectively cut-off, and a low point in the road presented flooding challenges. Water Resources Engineer, Don McBrayne advises, “We assessed flood impacts using climate change metrics/parameters to determine the level of risk associated with the change in the drainage scheme. As a result, we revised the road elevation to mitigate road ponding risks.”

Stormwater management also included a regional storm culvert to address drainage needs identified in previous watershed studies. We designed the twin concrete box culvert considering climate change.We liaised with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to address the impact to Species-at-Risk within the Strasburg Creek and Huron Natural Area. We evaluated mitigation methods and compensation, and identified measures to achieve a net benefit to the environment. These measures included a terrestrial ledge and wildlife fencing into the twin culvert, as well as a wildlife crossing further south.

In 2016, a nearby archaeological investigation uncovered significant Indigenous artifacts, including evidence of a village. The village site extends into the Region’s road right-of-way, which led to a Stage 4 archaeological assessment for this project. The Stage 4 archaeological assessment is presently being undertaken concurrently with roadway construction. The project is in the second year of a two-year construction period. The project schedule is largely influenced by the rate of archaeological finds within the road allowance. The next phases of construction are planned for 2022 and 2023.

Our key personnel on this project include Peter Lejcar, Gul Khan, Nemanja Antunovic, Johnson Nguyen, Don McBrayne, Daniel Curtis, Connor Whitehouse, Pierre Burton, and Maggi Jones.

Rehabilitating Moose Jaw’s Thunderbird Viaduct will restore high priority heritage bridge

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

The City of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan undertakes a comprehensive bridge asset management program, which encompasses inspections, assessments, and repair and rehabilitation of its bridge inventory. The Thunderbird (4th Avenue) Viaduct, which connects the South Hill community to downtown Moose Jaw, serves as a vital link in the City.

The Thunderbird Viaduct was constructed in 1929, replacing a wooden structure built in 1910, The structure spans Thunder Creek, the CP Rail Yards, and a CN spur line. The 417-metre-long viaduct includes 42 spans comprising the original 1929 spans, and replacement spans completed in 1965 and 1989. The structure incorporates unique architectural features, including medallions that honour the First Nations and Metis people who originally used this location to cross the Thunder Creek valley basin and formed extensive trade routes.

In 2006, a Load Evaluation and Strengthening Pre-Design Report indicated that the structure did not have the required load carrying capacity for city buses or fire trucks. This weight restriction also limited plows from clearing snow on the structure. The bridge currently has a 10 ton load limit.

In 2017, the City prioritized the viaduct for repairs to major elements, and in 2020, selected Associated Engineering to complete the preliminary design for the rehabilitation, including project management, communication, and consultation with the Metis, stakeholders, and joint entities including the public. The preliminary design consisted of a detailed condition survey of the bridge, a bridge inspection, concrete deck testing, including chloride testing and cover surveys, followed by recommendation of an appropriate rehabilitation scheme. We used a drone survey to supplement the bridge inspection, as much of the structure was inaccessible without specialized equipment. High resolution images collected with a drone were reviewed by the bridge inspectors.

The team developed a rehabilitation scheme that allows for removing load restrictions on buses and fire trucks. The design also provides a shared-used path on the bridge to improve active transportation facilities. Project Manager, Stephen Chiasson, tells us, “Our bridge rehabilitation concept employs a full-depth concrete overlay and high-performance concrete to replace the existing asphalt. The increase in strength of the deck, along with the removal of the asphalt, increases the load capacity of the structure, allowing for load restrictions to be removed and increasing the service life of the bridge.”

We also undertook a climate change adaptation assessment for the bridge deck drainage. Bridge Engineer-of-Record, Justine Meyers, shares, “Rainfall intensities were developed using a 50-year design horizon to determine increases in rainfall intensity, which were then used to size and space the new deck drains on the bridge.”

The assignment also included a thorough consultation and engagement program with the Metis, stakeholders, and the community, identifying considerations that were important to them, and how these could be incorporated into the design. Issues included traffic accommodation during and after construction, load limits on the bridge, pedestrian facilities, and heritage elements. A heritage review was included to make sure the character defining elements of the structure were respected. Consultation with the Southern Plains Metis Local #160 included their input and feedback into heritage elements.

Transportation planning and stakeholder engagement lead, Ellen McLaughlin, shares, “We undertook a thorough and successful communications and consultation program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we used a combination of small, socially-distanced workshops, online surveys, social media, pre-recorded communications, and webinars.”

Based on the recommendations in the pre-design report, the City moved ahead with detailed design in 2021. Construction is planned for 2022/2023.

Key team members include Stephen Chiasson, Ellen McLaughlin, Justine Meyers, and Alex Lyon.

New Sunnyside Stormwater Lift Stations provide Calgarians with greater flood resiliency

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Extreme weather events are increasing, creating significant risk to our communities. The 2013 floods in Calgary had a substantial impact on the City, its residents and businesses, and their property. Many property owners in the community of Sunnyside, located north of the Bow River and downtown Calgary, experienced flooding and basement damage.

Following the disaster, the City implemented a number of flood resiliency projects. To provide greater flood protection to the Sunnyside community, the City retained Associated Engineering to upgrade its existing Sunnyside Stormwater Lift Station and add a second stormwater lift station further to the east. Led by Project Manager, Shane Thompson, Associated Engineering provided community engagement, triple-bottom-line options analysis, and design and construction services. The project increases the combined stormwater pumping capacity and improves the overall flood resilience of the community.

The existing lift station had a nominal capacity of 900 litres per second; however, under flood conditions, capacity was as low as 500 litres per second. The new lift stations are designed to a nominal capacity of 2,000 litres per second and 1,000 litres per second, respectively. The lift stations’ capacities can be maintained even under a high river water event, unless the water elevation exceeds the river bank.

During the 2013 floods, safe access was not possible to the existing lift station’s pumps, generator, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. In the new lift stations, the motor control centre and a 750 kilowatt standby generator are all critical equipment that have been located above the 1:100 year flood level to allow access to the equipment during flood conditions.

Shane tells us, “It was a challenge to upgrade the existing lift station on a small parcel of land next to an apartment complex, while keeping the existing lift station operational to help ensure the community was still protected during high rainfall events.”

In the limited area, the team had to accommodate the required outdoor air intake for the standby generator to operate optimally. We designed a third story for the lift station to house large, air intake louvres, which were fitted with acoustic insulation to dampen noise. Frequent community communications were important and minimized disruptions to the surrounding residents.

The new stormwater lift station was also carefully planned. We used a triple-bottom-line analysis to evaluate several proposed locations for the new lift station with respect to social, environmental, and economic risks and opportunities. The optimal location selected considered the natural and built environments and significant public use of the surrounding area. The design included a public exercise area, drinking fountain, and regrading of bike and pedestrian pathways to improve public amenities. A rooftop solar photovoltaic system was also installed to provide power to the building’s lighting and building mechanical systems.

Process Engineer, Greg Cooper, tells us, “We used an existing 1,050 millimetre diameter concrete forcemain to hold the new forcemain, an epoxy-coated, steel pipe. We milled and epoxy-lined the inside of the concrete pipe to slide the new pipe inside the existing pipe.” We also upgraded the stormwater Outfall B47 to dissipate the increased stormwater velocity and volume.

“Associated has been crucial in providing us the multi-disciplinary expertise required in constructing the Sunnyside Lift Stations.” – Susha Prakash, P.Eng., City of Calgary Project Engineer, Project Engineering – Underground

The upgraded Sunnyside Stormwater Lift Station was successfully commissioned in two stages, Stage 1 in 2019 and Stage 2 in 2020. The new lift station was commissioned in late-2020. Commissioning during the COVID-19 pandemic required additional planning and precautions to protect the safety of the commissioning team.

Key Associated team members included Shane Thompson, Greg Cooper, Gabriel Jean, Mohamed Aly, Joe White, Mark Ingalls, and Ryan Jalowica. The City of Calgary was represented by Susha Prakash, P.Eng. and Karen Matharu, P.Eng. with whom Shane and Greg worked in close collaboration to successfully deliver this important flood resilience infrastructure for the community.

Detailed investigation of Toronto’s Prince Edward Viaduct identifies safety improvements

Posted on by Jimmy Kokaji

Originally built in 1918, the City of Toronto’s Prince Edward Viaduct bridge is a transportation landmark. Spanning the Don River, the Metrolinx rail corridor, and the Bayview Extension, the Prince Edward Viaduct consists of a multi-span steel arch which supports an upper deck roadway and a lower deck for the Toronto Transit Commission’s Bloor-Danforth subway line.

In 2003, the City installed the Luminous Veil on both sides of the structure as a means to prevent trespassing and falls. The barrier is a tension, three-dimensional structure with cantilever beams. It is five metres tall and consists of nearly 9,000 steel rods, spaced to prevent egress from the bridge deck. LED lighting on the underside of the upper beam is digitally controlled and changes colour with wind speed, season, and temperature.

In July 2017, during routine lighting maintenance, the City discovered two broken bolts in two beam connections. Interim repairs were completed, and, following the discovery, the City engaged Associated Engineering to perform a detailed inspection of the barrier system and determine the root cause(s) of the bolt movements and broken bolts. The main objective was to identify required repairs and ensure the structural integrity of the Luminous Veil for the continued safety of the public.

The project team inspected the barrier using rope access. The inspection was difficult due to the height of structure and the various facilities and stakeholders operating under the bridge. Dan MacDonald-Lockhart, who has Level 1 rope access training, shares, “We used innovative techniques for the inspection which was carried out by rope access from access lifts.” Mistras Inc., which has staff with Level 3 rope access training, inspected all barrier components.

The project team explored the effects of dynamic movement of the bridge and the barrier while assessing the barrier. Working with Valcoustics Inc., a vibration specialist, we mounted sets of accelerometers onto the barrier and measured the dynamic behaviour of its components. We hope to correlate barrier accelerations to elevated stress levels in the failed bolts.

We have completed the assessment report which quantifies required repairs and locations. Project Manager, Serb Nagi, tells us, “We determined that movements from seasonal fluctuations in temperature contributed to the defects.” Associated Engineering and the City completed urgent repairs on the two beam connections. Our team is now working on design of repairs for span 4 to accommodate the thermal movements.

Due to the unique geometry of the Luminous Veil Barrier System, the construction repairs have been broken down to one ‘test’ span (Span 4 over the Don River) with the remaining seven spans to follow after successful completion of the test span. Live movement monitoring devices will allow us to observe the test span’s articulating behaviour during the design of the repairs to the remaining seven spans and make any design modifications needed based on the recorded test span’s movement data. Serb says, “We believe this two-phased approach to rehabilitation will foster contractor ingenuity, provide cost savings, and lead to a superior result.”

The project should be completed in fall 2021.