Ryan (ODG) - Associated Engineering

Associated presents at BCWWA 2023

Posted on May 10, 2023August 22, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated is pleased to be among the expert roster of presenters in the education program at the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) Annual Conference held next week in Penticton, BC. Staff in our BC Water and Environmental practices have been selected as speakers, workshop facilitators, and moderators in the following sessions during the two-day event on May 15th and 16th.

Monday, May 15th

Truth and Reconciliation in the Water Sector
Presenter and Workshop Facilitator: Freda Leong
1:45pm-3:15pm | Salon D

Energy Neutral WWTF Ponderings
Presenter: Dean Shiskowski
3:30pm-4:00pm | Salon C

The idea of an “energy neutral” (or even positive) wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) has been around for quite some time. By definition, an energy neutral facility is essentially one where the energy needed for its operation is met in equal measure by the energy recovered within its analyst-defined, physical boundary. The Strass in Zillertal Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in Austria is probably the bestknown example, and it achieved this outcome almost 20 years ago. Thus, it is doable and achievable using today’s technologies. The trick, though, are the many site- and situation-specific nuances that apply to a given facility and thinking through the possibilities. This presentation provides Canadian context perspective, drawing on the findings of various analyzes, to assist facility owners in their consideration of the topic.

Small Wastewater Facility Design That Doesn’t Stink
Presenter: Robyn Casement
4:00pm-4:30pm | Salon B

Small wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) (less than 500 m3/d) are designed, constructed, and managed to achieve the same environmental performance objectives as conventional WWTPs, yet a small treatment plant is not and must not be regarded simply as a scaled down version of a larger installation. Unique attributes of small WWTPs serving small groups of houses and individual establishments such as hotels and resorts include variable organic and fluctuating hydraulic loadings, and often reduced levels of operational attention and staffing, while being required to meet the same regulatory requirements as conventional WWTPs, including the management of sludge and biosolids. These items must be considered during the design of updates to develop successful solutions that will future proof the facilities. This presentation will address the unique considerations for registration, planning, design, and implementation of small WWTPs, and includes case studies. There are currently over 300 small wastewater systems operating in British Columbia.

Tuesday, May 16th

Grey Water Reuse Impact Assessment
Presenter: Cameron Macdonell
9:00am-9:30am | Salon B

Grey water is collected from household water sources such as baths, showers, bathroom basins, and laundry, but does not include wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks, or dishwashers. Grey water treatment systems collect, store, treat, and may disinfect grey water to standards specified by a local authority for reuse. Water scarcity will increase due to increased drought frequency and increasing population projections. Reuse of greywater will allow populations to better cope with turbulent water supply issues yet will impact municipal potable water and wastewater systems. A model was developed to assess changes to potable water demand, and wastewater treatment plant influent flows, concentrations, and mass loadings due to grey water reuse. Two scenarios were modeled to investigate different rates of uptake in newly constructed homes for a medium-sized municipality. Results were determined up to the year 2051 using population and housing development projections. The impacts of reduced flows on sewage collection systems were also assessed at a high level.

Young Professionals Symposium
Panelist: Sylvia Woolley
1:15pm-2:45pm | Salon D

Lessons Learned from City of Merritt’s Drinking Water System Flood Recovery Plan
Presenter: Marta Green
3:00pm-3:30pm | Salon A

In November 2021, an atmospheric river caused significant flooding in the City of Merritt which led to a number of infrastructure failures including the water distribution system. This presentation outlines how an established source protection plan was a key factor for the timely recovery of the City’s drinking water system. The collaborative approach taken by the City with environmental health officers, operations and consultants contributed to a successful recovery. Also discussed is the flood recovery plan and water quality monitoring that was completed to ensure the return of high quality of drinking water in the system.

15 years as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies

Posted on May 9, 2023August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

We are proud to announce that Associated Engineering has once again requalified in maintaining our Platinum Club status as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies! For the 15th consecutive year, we were selected to be a member of a prestigious cohort of Canadian companies recognized for consistently operating at the highest level for technical excellence, social responsibility, dedication to staff, and overall business performance.

This important recognition would not be possible without every member of our staff and their technical ability, commitment to quality, uncompromising client service, and volunteer efforts! To celebrate this joyous achievement, we will be holding celebrations in our offices across Canada in the coming weeks!

Associated Engineering at Canadian Network of Asset Managers 2023 National Conference

Posted on April 30, 2023August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering is proud to be a supporting sponsor of this year’s Canadian Network of Asset Managers 2023 National Conference taking place next week in Fredericton, NB! The three day program will focus on the theme of Crafting Resilient Communities. Once again, we are pleased to share that several of our staff will be leading and presenting in workshops and technical breakout sessions, and we invite attendees to hear from our asset management experts.

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Workshop A: Building a Maintenance Management Plan
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Marysville B
Presenter: Mike Binns

Maintenance Management Plans are an important component of effective asset management, as they contain a means of getting organized so that necessary maintenance activities are scheduled and performed at the right time and in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Maintenance Management Plans play an important role in extending asset life. To build a robust plan, it is important to have the following components in the plan: An established goal for maintenance; Priorities established for critical and non-critical infrastructure; Maintenance schedules and what is required; Training for staff; Proper reporting and tracking; and Understanding when replacement of assets become a reality. In this workshop, we will explore the concepts of a maintenance management strategy, prioritization of critical assets, developing a schedule and reporting system. We will step through a maintenance management evaluation tool and discuss opportunities for improving evaluation area scores. The workshop, will be interactive and will begin to develop a maintenance management strategy considering criticality, failure modes, and standard operating procedures. The workshop will be hands on so be prepared to bring a pen and paper and to work together in teams.

Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Workshop D: AM Software: Planning, Procurement, Implementation, & Lessons Learned
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Marysville B
Presenters: Owen James and Jaimie Sokalski

Asset Management Software, including computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) are software that centralize asset data and information management to support decision making and maintenance management. AM software enables more efficient planning, documentation, and tracking of asset and maintenance processes including service requests, inspections, and work orders. Associated Engineering has supported many municipalities in software selection, implementation, change management, and process review. In this hands-on workshop, we will take participants through the following stages of the AM software planning and implementation process: 1. System-Data Landscape: mapping out the relationships between existing software, data, and systems to understand the current data landscape at an organization 2. Functional Needs & Gap Assessment: identifying the wants and needs of key staff to determine what you are looking for, and where gaps or inefficiencies may exist within the current data landscape 3. Software Review & Procurement: highlighting considerations to make when selecting a software for your organization 4. Implementation & Change Management: identifying key lessons learned through AM software implementation, as well as considerations for staff training and capacity building 5. Business Process Development: introducing business process development to clearly lay out the flow of tasks through process maps, roles, and responsibilities for key software functionalities and processes Throughout the activities and discussion, lessons learned through our own experience will be shared and participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences. At the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a better understanding of AM software, the steps to take when considering an AM software in their municipality, and considerations for improvement of software use in their municipality.

Asset and Maintenance Assessments – National Asset Review – Parks Canada Agency
4:20 PM – 4:45 PM | Marysville A
Presenter: Owen James

Parks Canada Agency is one of the largest federal custodians of real property and infrastructure supporting 46 national parks, one national urban park, 4 marine conservation areas and 171 national historic sites including 9 historic canals. Periodically the Agency undertakes a portfolio level review of its assets known as the National Asset Review to support Federal Government budget submission. The review undertaken in 2022 included an assessment of condition, maintenance, code, accessibility, climate adaptation needs and greening opportunities for a sample of assets to understand the cost implications and needs of the Agency overall. This presentation describes the process followed and the analysis undertaken by the project team in collaboration with the Agency including the innovative approaches to understanding meaningful maintenance needs, the modelling of climate adaptation needs and greening opportunities.

Strategic approach delivers critical drainage improvements in Calgary’s Northwest Inner City

Posted on April 25, 2023August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

The Northwest Inner City area of Calgary has experienced recent, unprecedented flooding; the most devastating of which was the Bow River flood in 2013. This significant event refocused The City’s priorities in the Northwest Inner City area on drainage improvements, and in 2016, Associated Engineering updated The City’s Northwest Inner City Community Drainage Improvement Study.

Subsequently, in 2019, The City of Calgary initiated three community drainage improvement projects with three different consultants (MPE Engineering, GDH, and Associated Engineering) within the same geographic area. A year later, The City received funding through the Municipal Stimulus Program to design and construct the recommended drainage improvements, which would mitigate risks to the community, which were at the highest risk of flood recurrence.

The Municipal Stimulus Program funding stipulated that construction must be completed by the end of 2021. To take advantage of the funding, The City had to reduce the detailed design and procurement schedule from one year to approximately six months. To meet the tight schedule, The City directed the three consultant teams to work with Associated Engineering, which would serve as Lead Consultant and manage the delivery of three community drainage improvement projects.

As Lead Consultant, Associated Engineering was responsible for aligning the designs and preparing templates to produce a single, cohesive Request for Proposal (RFP) for procurement of a contractor. The RFP would ultimately become the contract document, including special conditions, construction drawings, and technical specifications to deliver the overall project, while also considering and incorporating project specific elements.

“Our challenge was to deliver this work safely, minimizing community impacts and achieving The City’s design standards, while managing three consultant design teams, each with their own unique personality, design processes, and work environment. Viewing the projects as an overall program, defining project requirements, and considering the overlapping impacts and risks helped guide us to achieve The City’s goals.” – Project Manager, Craig Pass

When the provincial funding support was announced, the individual projects were already in various stages of design and construction document preparation. Adding to the program’s complexity, when public safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic were announced, the design teams transitioned to working remotely and using virtual communication tools and collaboration platforms for project meetings and document control.

“In this virtual environment, project management, leadership, prompt decision-making, and clear communication helped to keep the project and development of the RFP on schedule.”

The City received bids from three contractors. Employing evaluation criteria developed by Associated Engineering, The City selected a contractor and awarded the construction contract for approximately four kilometres of storm system improvements valued at almost $30 million. The project was successfully delivered in a challenging urban environment, overcoming pandemic-related supply chain constraints, and a compressed schedule. Key to the success of the project was the collaborative design and construction environment fostered between Associated Engineering, the three onsultant design teams, The City of Calgary, and the contractor.

Our key personnel involved on the project included Craig Pass, Eliman Camara, Bruce Colwell, Danielle Nyarko, and Bev Hehr.

Traffic signal optimization helps alleviate congestion and improves pedestrian safety along Saskatoon’s 22nd Street

Posted on April 20, 2023November 21, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

The City of Saskatoon has a growing population and a traffic network that is under constant pressure to keep up with increased demand. 22nd Street is a major arterial roadway that is key to mobility in the city. A long railroad track separates the east and west sides of downtown and trains pass through three times per day, causing traffic delays of a half hour or more. In addition, with nearby residential developments along 22nd Street, at some locations, pedestrians avoid using the signaled crossings to get to the other side of road.

For a busy corridor such as 22nd Street, this practice had led to tragic accidents and fatalities. The City faced the challenge of solving the difficult issues of increasing traffic volume along 22nd Street, improving traffic management, and providing a safer environment for pedestrians. The City retained Associated Engineering to identify potential solutions.

Early in the project, the Associated team recognized the value of involving City staff in the design process to improve our understanding of the issues and collaborate in the development of solutions. The pedestrian crossing issue had cost many lives. The City’s mandate was to create a traffic system that provides a safer road user experience for pedestrians, cyclists, and other active transportation users, while offering better service to all vehicular road users. Associated Engineering worked with the City to develop a priority sequence that would be followed to come up with a strategy. The priorities would be i) Pedestrians, ii) Intersection Operations, and iii) Traffic Flow.

The project team collected data, created analysis files, and prepared tables and charts to define problem areas, such as collision patterns or non-compliance of signs and markings. Traffic Systems Discipline Lead, David Booker, advises, “We visited key sites at various times during the day to evaluate existing operational conditions. We then prepared an initial observations table to define deficiencies along the road.”

“Our traffic engineers employed various tools to complete an analysis of traffic operations, assessments of safety hazards, intelligent transportation system practices, and advanced traffic controller programming. Receiving support from the City to accept non-traditional timing practices was also very valuable.”

Most traffic engineering professionals are familiar with traffic tools such as Synchro, Vistro, and Vissum. However, TranSync is the newest analysis tool for signal coordination. A network Measures of Effectiveness (MOE) was developed through the Centre for Advanced Transportation Education and Research at the University of Nevada. Associated is the first engineering or consulting company in Canada to use this advanced program and Saskatoon has become the first municipal user of the software in Canada.

Traffic analysis tools alone cannot resolve issues. Creativity is required to come up with the right solution.

“Controlling traffic is like controlling a river. Once the road network is full, traffic will go wherever it wants. The key to successful signal timing is the control of traffic.”

Eliminating, or at least minimizing randomness, reduces unsafe conditions along a traffic network. From arrival rates and coordination patterns, to providing sufficient green time for each movement, and in the case of 22nd Street specifically, pedestrian timing and response, control is achieved through time-of-day plans which adjust the on-street timing of signals as volumes and composition of traffic change.

But changing signal timing by time-of-day was only the starting point. Traffic control tools were used to develop a robust solution. David tells us, “We developed Multiple Double Cycle patterns across the network. Local Zero Override allow really short-cycle lengths, and we used Pedestrian Recall by time of day so that during peak times pedestrians would not have to push the button as an automatic call was placed for them.” Vehicle platoons were kept compact, so each group could receive coordinated green signals as they approached each intersection.

The final result is an efficient traffic network that makes people a priority over vehicles and leads to a 20% reduction in both delay and vehicular stops across the network throughout the day.

Our key personnel on the project included Jon Medori, David Booker, Ellen McLaughlin, Sabrina Chan, Erica Mthembu, Judy Yu, and Laurel Richl.

Associated Engineering projects recognized at ACEC-BC Awards

Posted on April 18, 2023January 3, 2025 by Ryan (ODG)

Congratulations to our project team of Julien Henley (Project Manager), Natalya Kucherenko, Dale Harrison, Steve Root, Emma McGowan, and Bob Smith, whose Baxter Bridge Rehabilitation project took home an Award of Excellence for Projects Under $2.5 Million, at the recent ACEC-BC Awards ceremony in Vancouver!

Baxter Bridge is a timber Howe Truss bridge built in the 1950’s, and crosses the Shuswap River in the North Okanagan. Over the years, the bridge has undergone a patchwork of repairs, resulting in intermittent closures, and the bridge is meant to be replaced when funding becomes available. In May 2021, Associated carried out an enhanced bridge inspection, resulting in a 50% downrating to 25 tonnes GVW. These restrictions caused significant hardship on the local community, blocking emergency response vehicles (crucially, during the wildfire season) and imposing long detours.

Associated Engineering was tasked to design and oversee the construction of the emergency repair works to reinstate this lifeline, and we responded immediately, designing rehabilitation works within a record time of six weeks. Our innovative design to strengthen the existing portal frame with a steel U-frame eliminated the need for portal bracing. Major construction works were completed in 16 weeks, allowing the bridge to return to operation at full capacity, and miscellaneous minor works continued without need for traffic management.

Congratulations also to the project team on the Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project, which received an Award of Merit in the Transportation & Bridges category. We led the design of two out of the four interchanges on the project and provided environmental services project-wide to the McElhanney team on this project. Our team members on the project included Pat Stancombe, Josh Thiessen, Dave Hayward, Jennifer Prive, Rob Kupchanko, Matt Du Toit, Lisa Liu, and Evelyn Aguila.

Expansion of Moose Jaw Municipal Airport runway improves aircraft access and airport safety

Posted on April 13, 2023August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Located 13 kilometres northeast of the City of Moose Jaw in southern Saskatchewan, the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport serves the area’s agricultural and business sectors. The airport is the home base of Provincial Airways, which provides aerial application, flight training, aircraft rental, and maintenance services.

The Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority (the Airport Authority) was created in 2018 to manage the City of Moose Jaw-owned airport. In 2020, the Airport Authority secured $3 million in public funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to expand the existing runway from 900 metres to over 1200 metres. The Airport Authority’s main priority for the runway expansion was to improve airport safety and access for the Saskatchewan Air Ambulance. The existing runway was too short for the Air Ambulance (King Air 200) to use safely at full gross weight. The shorter runway length also put the airport at a competitive disadvantage compared with other nearby airports.

The expansion of the runway allows the airport to receive heavier and more modern aircraft, such as business class turbo props and light jets, and support training for the nearby 15 Wing Moose Jaw Canadian Forces Base, including Harvard II aircraft and the Snowbirds.”

“In addition to addressing safety concerns, these improvements extend the service life of existing pavement structures, and expand the airport to realize new business opportunities.” – Project Manager, Jacob Froh

Associated Engineering led all aspects of this project, including preliminary and detailed design, tendering, contract administration, construction inspection, post-construction services, and funding assistance. The project included cold milling and asphalt overlay of the existing runway; extending the runway by over 300 metres; extending the taxiways by over 800 metres; rehabilitating the existing taxiways and apron; relocating and extending the airfield lighting and upgrading the airfield power distribution; constructing a new hangar access road; and improving drainage throughout the airport. The improvements to the existing drainage system protect the runway, taxiways, and apron, and direct runoff away from existing hangars.

The project’s initial funding was insufficient to complete all of the recommended improvements, particularly within their preferred timeline for construction.

“To maximize the budget and value for money, we recommended an extension to the completion dates and that the work be separated into three contracts. We successfully assisted the Airport Authority in their application for an extension to the ICIP funding deadline.”

We developed several alternatives for the runway and taxiway rehabilitation work and runway extension, so adjustments could be made to the scope of work after tendering to maximize the available budget. We also identified an additional funding stream (Community Airport Partnership through the Saskatchewan government), prepared the application, and were successful in securing the maximum funding, which increased the Airport Authority’s project budget by $500,000.

“As a result of the additional funding, we were able to complete the majority of the recommended improvements, including the milling and overlay along the entire existing runway and full-depth reclamation along the existing taxiways and apron, in addition to the runway and taxiway extensions.”

The team completed design in July 2020. Construction began in fall 2020 with the pre-grading work completed under the earthworks contract. The surfacing work (second contract) took place in 2021. Electrical work followed in late fall/winter 2021 and was completed in spring 2022.

Our key personnel on the project included Jacob Froh, Dave Anderson, Doug Falkins, Sang-Hyun Chung, and Thomas Goddard.

Parcel 21 at Simon Fraser University provides energy efficient housing on campus

Posted on April 11, 2023January 23, 2024 by Ryan (ODG)

Located on Simon Fraser University’s campus in Burnaby, BC, Parcel 21 is a model for energy-efficient housing, incorporating Passive House principles, a rigorous energy-efficient design standard. Completed in early 2022, the residential complex consists of a four-storey wood-frame building situated on top of a concrete parkade, as well as a six-storey wood-frame building and a steel pavilion building. Owned by the SFU Community Trust, the facility includes 90 affordable rental apartment units dedicated to SFU students with families. There is also a central courtyard and community space, along with amenities such as study rooms and secure bike storage.

Parcel 21 project incorporates Passive House principles for energy conservation

Local Practice Architecture retained Associated Engineering to provide structural and electrical engineering services on this $23 million project. Structural Lead and Engineer-of-Record, Jermyn Wong, tells us, “To meet the rigorous BC Energy Step Code requirements, our team applied many Passive House principles in our design. These included a well-insulated building envelope, a continuous air barrier to minimize leakage, high-performance windows, engineering and detailing of connections to minimize thermal bridging, a heat-recovery ventilation system, canopies and other structures that are thermally separated from the building envelope, and sunshades that help prevent overheating in the summer.”

One of the key challenges that the project team addressed was wood shrinkage, an important consideration in the design of mid-rise, wood frame structures such as Parcel 21. Jermyn says, “We carefully considered the structural detailing to mitigate vertical shrinkage of the structure. We used engineered-wood floor I joists; prescribed a moisture content limit for all wood studs and wall plates; and detailed the interface between the floor framing and masonry elevator shafts to ensure the wood structure could shrink vertically near the shaft walls.”

To preserve the continuity of the thermal envelope, the team specified out-board insulation to eliminate potential thermal bridging between the exterior stud walls and each level of the floor structure. The team specified insulation in the wall cavity of the first level of the residential interior walls, in combination with horizontal insulation on top of concrete slab above the parkade to minimize thermal bridging at that interface. In addition, detailing of the cantilever canopies and sunshade connections to the exterior walls was carefully undertaken to minimize thermal bridging.

Addressing the high seismicity in the Lower Mainland was another challenge. Jermyn tells us, “We used continuous tie-down rod systems at the ends of the shear walls to resist seismic overturning. These rods have take-up devices to compensate for the vertical shrinkage at each floor. The shear walls were laid out so they continue for the full height of the building, despite varying room layouts at each level. Also, special drag strut details were necessary due to the lack of a concrete floor topping.”

Parcel 21 also includes passive heating and cooling, using a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the Burnaby Mountain District Energy Utility to generate hot water on demand.

Project Manager, David Woo, says, “In 2019, SFU Parcel 21 was selected as one of 11 winners of the Net Zero Energy Ready (NZER) Challenge competition in BC, a provincial CleanBC incentive program for large building construction. The program provides financial support for developments targeting NZER.”

Parcel 21 also received the Residential (Large) Award at the 2023 SAB Magazine Canadian Green Building Awards.

Our key personnel on the project included David Woo, Jermyn Wong, Esaly Wu, Louis De Lange, and Eunice Fang.

Associated presents at Water Environment Association of Ontario Annual Conference

Posted on April 10, 2023August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering is pleased to announce the following individuals will be presenting in various streams of the technical program next week in Toronto at 52nd WEAO Technical Symposium. We invite all delegates to hear from our speakers on April 17 and 18th!

April 17, 2023

4:15 PM – 4:45 PM | Maple West
Modelling the Impacts of Grey Water Reuse Implementation on Wastewater Treatment Plants | Ryan Thoren

Grey water treatment systems collect, store and treat grey water to specified standards for reuse. Depending on the level of treatment, this enables the use of treated grey water for applications such as above-ground irrigation, laundry, and toilet flushing. In addition to reduced demands on drinking water distribution and wastewater collection systems, implementation of grey water reuse has the potential to impact WWTP operations. To assess the potential impacts on WWTPs, a model was developed to predict changes to WWTP influent flows, concentrations, and mass loadings as a result of grey water reuse implementation. Two scenarios were modeled to investigate different rates of grey water reuse uptake in newly constructed homes for a medium-sized municipality (population of 500,000 people). Results were determined up to the year 2051 using population and housing development projections. The impacts of reduced flows on sewage collection systems were also assessed at a high level.

4:15 PM – 4:45 PM | Willow East

Rooftop Solar Systems at Wastewater Collection and Treatment Facilities | Don Bai

Rooftop Solar Systems at Wastewater Collection and Treatment Facilities | Don Bai
Drivers and Key Considerations to designing and constructing rooftop solar systems at Wastewater treatment and collection system facilities. Followed up with a case study examination of a success deployment.

4:45 PM – 5:15 PM | Willow Centre
Feasibility of Advanced Digestion Options to Reduce Biosolids Volume | José Bicudo

This paper discusses the feasibility of biosolids management options based on variations and enhancement of anaerobic digestion, which might help address capacity concerns at a regional composting facility. Different options were analyzed for biosolids volume reduction, energy generation and use, life-cycle cost, including sensitivity to select input parameters. A structured decision-making process, using a simplified triple bottom line (TBL) approach, is also included to provide a comparative evaluation of the options and inform the City on a number of important corporate considerations.

April 18, 2023

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Maple West
Wiped Out? – Screens for Small Wastewater Treatment Plants | Amir Esmaeili

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) servicing small communities with rated average daily flows of less than 500 m3/d do not typically have screening units (fine screens). In the past, this was done as a cost-saving measure for these small communities and was deemed to not significantly impact the downstream treatment processes. Operational and maintenance problems associated with nuisance inorganic solids, such as flushable wipes, have become more prevalent in many sewage pumping stations and WWTPs. These problems include plugging of pumps and piping, material settling in quiescent areas of tanks and reduced quality of the biosolids. Implementing screen units in small WWTPs would mitigate the operational issues associated with flushable wipes clogging pumps and process piping. The objectives of this paper are to describe design criteria and considerations for implementing screen units in small WWTPs; present suitable screening technologies for small WWTPs; and discuss challenges with implementing screen units in existing facilities.

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm | Willow West
Investigating Plant-wide and Process-Specific Odour Emissions | Nico Carunungan

In response to odour complaints made by residents living near the Kitchener and Hespeler Wastewater Treatment Plants in 2021 and 2022 respectively, we studied regional weather data, reviewed plant operating conditions, and measured odour emissions at both facilities to determine any causal relationships between treatment activities and the complaints received. It was determined that neither plant was generating odours that could have caused the nearby residential complaints over the durations of the study periods. A key point of interest to note is that we investigated the Kitchener WWTP on a plant-wide scale, while we put specific emphasis on the aerobic digestion process at the Hespeler WWTP as it had been recently upgraded to treat thickened waste activated sludge. Through both studies, we demonstrate that baseline profiling of odour emissions is essential to determining any causal relationships between wastewater treatment processes and sources of odours at treatment facilities.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Willow West
Managing Odours from Biosolids Storage and Processing – A Case Study from the Galt WWTP | Michael Blain

Biosolids processing facilities, particularly those including dewatered cake storage and truck loading bays, can produce a complex mixture of odours beyond the typical compounds such as H2S that are often the focus of odour treatment at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). At the Galt WWTP, there are two parallel carbon adsorption systems for building and process air treatment for the Biosolids Facility. This paper describes multiple rounds of odour sampling over the course of 8 years, and the presence of compounds including organic sulpur, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds that contribute to the odour mixture and require treatment. The paper also reviews technology options to treat this mixture including activated carbon, biofilter, and chemical scrubber, as well as constructability and life cycle cost considerations for this retrofit application.

Jessica Gagné shares her passion for creative design and mentorship

Posted on April 7, 2023August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

For Jessica Gagné, her journey to becoming a Senior Bridge Engineer began early in life, influenced by her grandfather, a Mechanical Engineer. Growing up in the United Kingdom, Jessica witnessed the construction of notable civil infrastructure projects. As a child, she even asked her parents to visit the Channel Tunnel construction site visitor centre as a birthday treat!

Jessica tells us, “I didn’t decide to focus on structural engineering until I was in university. The opportunity to be creative in design really appealed to me, and still does.” One particular lecture at the Institution of Civil Engineers left a lasting impression on Jessica. “Robert Benaim (one of UK’s greatest modern bridge engineers) sketched up a beautiful scheme for the North Greenwich underground station on the Jubilee Line Extension. I realized that was the kind of work I wanted to do.” Later, Jessica began her career at the company Benaim founded, working in London and Bath.

While studying at Imperial College in London, Jessica participated in the ERASMUS exchange program sponsored by the European Union, and spent a year at École des Ponts in Paris. She shares, “Studying abroad was a wonderful experience and contributed to my decision to seek work opportunities in Canada.”

In 2007, Jessica joined Associated Engineering, responding to a Consulting Engineers of Alberta recruitment drive conducted in the UK. She sought to gain broader experience and develop her career by working in Canada.

“I was particularly attracted by the atmosphere and projects undertaken by the structural group when I visited Associated’s Edmonton office. I felt Associated would be a good fit. Originally, I intended to stay in Canada for only three years, but I have now been with Associated for more than fifteen years!”

Jessica feels very fortunate to have had amazing mentors at every stage of her career. She is very thankful to them, not only for their generosity in sharing technical knowledge, but also for their encouragement to persevere through setbacks. She explains, “Mentors help in charting the course to the ‘next step’. I advise young engineers to find a mentor who has the job that they would like to have in five to ten years.”

“I advise recent graduates to take the opportunity to travel that consulting engineering offers, to work with different people, and to spend extended periods on-site, if possible.” She feels that gaining broad experience with different ways of approaching a project in the early years of one’s career helps to build a deep toolbox of solutions for the different project challenges ahead.

Jessica adds, “I also advise graduates specializing in structural engineering to consider taking the IStructE exam. While it is not the only way to build up skills in conceptual design and solution generation, I found, through taking the exam, I built up a library of resources, as well as skills that I use regularly on projects.”

Since joining Associated, Jessica describes her most memorable experiences include visiting the Bitumount Fire Base and flying in a helicopter over the path of the Richardson Wildfire to inspect bridges that had been damaged by the fire; as well as inspecting the International Control Dam above Niagara Falls. She tells us her project highlights have been working on the Fifth Bridge, a pedestrian bridge in scenic Jasper National Park and the Edmonton Capital Line South Extension.

Jessica describes mutual respect and having open and honest communication as key elements of her approach to fostering strong relationships with colleagues and clients.

“One of the benefits I’ve found from working at Associated is the very low staff turnover, which enables long-term relationships with colleagues, working on long duration projects, and earning repeat clients.”

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys being in the outdoors, hiking in the mountains and camping with her family. She describes herself as a busy ‘violin parent’ taking her son to lessons, orchestra rehearsals, and concerts. Jessica also just concluded a three-year term as a Beaver Scout leader.

Jessica also volunteers as a guest lecturer at the University of Alberta, teaching steel girder bridge design as part of the fourth-year capstone course, and sharing her passion for creative design. She was recently appointed as an Adjunct Professor, and plans to expand the ‘bridge content’ available in the Masters program, fostering the next generation of bridge engineers.

Collaborating with Indigenous communities helps restore habitats and protect species at risk in the Northwest Territories

Posted on April 6, 2023August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Listed as Threatened on the Species at Risk public registry, boreal caribou are an important species, particularly for Indigenous Peoples. Boreal caribou are traditionally harvested for food, ceremony, and tools. In the Northwest Territories, the boreal caribou of the NT1 range (“tǫdzı” in the Tłı̨chǫ language) herd lives south of the treeline and is subject to a variety of human disturbances, such as roads and logging, and natural disturbance, such as wild fire.

The Tłı̨chǫ Highway connects the community of Whatı̀ to Highway 3, approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Behchokǫ̀. Previously, there was only a winter road connection between Whatì and Highway 3. Associated served as the Owner’s Engineer for building and operating the new 97 kilometre, all‐season gravel road that was entirely within the NT1 boreal caribou range.

The Government of Northwest Territories – Department of Infrastructure, in partnership with the Tłı̨chǫ Government, advanced permitting of the project through the Wek’èezhìı Land and Water Board and Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board. The governments determined that a plan was needed to offset, or compensate, for disturbance to boreal caribou habitat.

As habitat offsetting is a relatively new concept in the Northwest Territories, the Associated project team presented to Indigenous community members examples of offsetting, how it can be applied, and the types of compensation for disturbance that impact the boreal caribou habitat.

Workshops provided an opportunity to collaborate with Indigenous governments & knowledge keepers

Associated supported the development of the Tłı̨chǫ All Season Road Boreal Caribou Habitat Offset Plan, drawing upon traditional knowledge from Tłı̨chǫ residents, scientific experience, and case studies. Offsetting for boreal caribou focused primarily on restoring old linear features (roads and trails) that were within habitats known to be important to boreal caribou, but not important Indigenous routes.

Biologist, Keenan Rudichuk, explains, “We worked with community members, Elders, and hunters to identify suitable offsetting locations to limit encroaching or disturbing other existing Indigenous needs, such as hunting camp access.”

Indigenous engagement was critical to the project. Associated led communications in structured, facilitated meetings. Language translators helped ensure traditional knowledge was understood.

Keenan tells us, “Applying offsets for boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories is inherently experimental; therefore, it was important to establish measurable monitoring goals for both the treatments selected and the response and impacts on boreal caribou and predators.”

The work contributes to climate change mitigation and climate sustainability as the primary offsetting focus is to restore legacy linear and polygonal disturbances by improving or advancing revegetation and secondary offsets focused on restoring historic fire-disturbed areas. Revegetation contributes to carbon sequestration as tree and shrub communities develop over time.

In 2022, the Government of Northwest Territories started developing boreal caribou offset guidance. Components of the Offset Plan will aid other projects with similar constraints, for example, to identify suitable locations for offsetting and select offsetting options and techniques that are economically feasible.

Keenan Rudichuk, R.P.Bio. is a Senior Wildlife Biologist in Associated’s Vernon office and focuses his efforts on supporting clients in vegetation, wildlife, and habitat-related challenges. Keenan regularly works on projects in British Columbia, Alberta, Northwest Territories, and Yukon. If you require support on wildlife-related issues on your projects, please reach out to Keenan at rudichukk@ae.ca.

Design improves traffic flow and increases safety on Highway 779

Posted on April 5, 2023August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Highway 779 through the Town of Stony Plain, located in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, was a four-lane, undivided road without access control, which impacted traffic flow and posed safety concerns. Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (formerly known as Alberta Transportation) retained Associated Engineering as prime consultant to improve approximately three kilometres of Highway 779 through Stony Plain.

Associated Engineering’s scope of work included preliminary and detailed design, tendering, construction supervision, contract administration, and post-construction services to remove uncontrolled accesses and widen the existing roadway to a four-lane, divided cross section with a raised concrete median that accommodates dedicated left-turn lanes at intersections.

In addition, the design included upgrades to the alignment and lane configurations on intersecting roadways to improve capacity, six new traffic signals, changes to residential and commercial accesses, replacement of existing roadway LED lighting, new storm sewers and catch basins (designed to accommodate expected future increase in storm intensity), a storm pond, burial of the existing overhead power lines, paving of back lanes parallel to the highway, and new pedestrian facilities on both sides of the highway.

Utility conflicts were a major challenge on the project, and many utility conflicts could only be identified during construction. These included extremely shallow storm sewers, gas lines, telecommunication lines, a railway crossing widening, and fibre optic lines. In addition, multiple unidentified and abandoned utilities were discovered during construction that were not on the utility locates.

Associated Engineering worked with the contractor to identify the potential conflicts and coordinated with utility companies to mitigate the issues.

“To overcome the shallow utility lines, we redesigned the road structure to limit our excavation depth and made alignment changes to the storm sewer. The contractor, Wells Construction (a Division of Lafarge Canada), used different construction techniques and hand-located utilities in certain areas, which allowed the utility owners to reduce the required cover over or clearance to some utilities during construction.” – Project Manager, Warren McKay

Where minor utility relocations were required, the grading sub-contractor contracted directly with the utility company to relocate the facility, which helped keep construction on schedule. When required, Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors assisted to coordinate scheduling with the utility companies to meet project milestones. This partnering approach helped to reduce potential delays and costs associated with utility conflicts and relocations.

As a result of our successful collaboration, the team, including the project owner, lead consultant, and contractor, were recognized with an Alberta Transportation Partnering Award in the major project category for the Highway 779 project in 2022.

Shaping our Shared Future – Sang Chung

Posted on April 2, 2023September 10, 2024 by Ryan (ODG)

Sang Chung, M.Eng., P.Eng. is a dedicated Senior Transportation Engineer with a passion for achieving balance in all aspects of his life. With over 20 years of experience in highway and airport/aerodrome design, Sang has a wealth of expertise in delivering major transportation projects, as well as a strong commitment to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Sang holds a Master of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering from UBC. Since joining Associated Engineering in 2003, he has worked primarily on highways and airport projects in Western and Northern Canada. In the highways sector, Sang has been involved on many significant projects, including the Highway 91/91A Interchange Improvements and the Mountain Highway Interchange Improvements in BC’s Lower Mainland. In the airport sector, Sang has worked on major projects such as the Vancouver International Airport North and South Runway Rehabilitations, Whitehorse Airfield Upgrades, and Inuvik Airport Runway Extension.

Sang is deeply committed to community service and has served as a member of the Association of Korean-Canadian Scientists and Engineers (AKCSE) for over ten years. Currently, he holds the position of President for the Mainland BC chapter. Sang has organized various chapter events aimed at bringing together engineers and scientists in the local community. These events were designed to facilitate networking, knowledge-sharing, and personal and professional growth.

In his role representing the Association, Sang has engaged with the Korean Consulate General in Vancouver, sharing the Chapter members’ professional experience and achievements. This has helped to create future opportunities for the Chapter’s students and young professionals. Sang has also participated in the national Canada Korea Conference, where he represented the BC chapter.

In addition to Sang’s professional and personal achievements, he deeply values his family life. He has been happily married to his wife, Lisa, for over 25 years and they have two children, Caleb and Hannah. The family enjoys spending quality time together, participating in activities such as cycling, hiking, and camping. Sang is an avid cyclist and has participated in events such as the Grand Fondo in 2022 and Tour de Cure in 2023. He also enjoys running, golfing, and snowboarding.

Thank you, Sang, for your efforts to shape our shared future!

[ViewPoints] P3 Project Delivery: Is size the problem?

Posted on March 29, 2023January 14, 2025 by Ryan (ODG)

Within the alternative delivery space, the debate rages on regarding the merits of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). New findings continue to surface, like the Auditor General of Ontario’s report which found 86% of projects were under budget, saving taxpayers $12 billion dollars. Yet, the construction industry stands firm that better risk transfer needs to be considered.

What if the problem is not the model? What if it is the size of the project?

Dr. Bent Flyvbjerg studies mega projects at Oxford University. He has captured some interesting statistics, such as, on urban light rail transit (LRT) projects, overruns closeout around 40% over budget, not adjusting for inflation or the cost of settling construction claims. The most shocking statistic is that only 2 out of 1,000 mega projects (valued over $1 billion) achieved the budget, schedule, and social benefit targets, regardless of the delivery model. Dr. Flyvbjerg summarizes the reason for such bad performance is due to highly “underestimating” risk which he links to several human biases, such as confidence, power, cognitive, and strategic misrepresentation bias. In broad stokes, it is human’s struggle to conceptualize really big things.

To illustrate, let’s look at time. One million seconds works out to be 11.5 days, whereas one billion seconds is just shy of 32 years. With this order of magnitude established, it becomes safe to say, using the analogy of time, we understand and conceptualize what we will be doing in 11 days, but have no idea what we will be doing 32 years from now. Why would it be any different for a project with a billion dollar budget?

What is more interesting, the current trend is not to revert to a project scale that we can better conceptualize, but rather to make some tweaks to the standard delivery models, call them collaborative and continue to increase the size of the projects. The Progressive-Design-Build (PDB) model is a derivative of the Design-Build (DB) model incorporating collaboration. Engineers and contractors form teams which compete for projects. The collaboration component comes from the introduction of the development stage where the owner advances the procurement with only one of the teams, during which the design is fully developed as an integrated effort between the engineer, contractor, and owner.

By contrast, in the traditional DB model, the owner selects a shortlist of qualified teams that proceed into the RFP stage. In the RFP stage, typically three teams each produce 30-60% design drawings, isolated from the owner, and at the end of the process submit a fixed-fee based on the partially completed designs. The team with the lowest price wins.

As you can see, the DB model, puts emphasis on pay for performance, while the PDB model emphasizes establishing certainty. Creating certainty, removes risk, but the delivery team is still looking for opportunity, which is typically found at the other end of the spectrum from risk. Meaning, behaviours will need to change to support these collaborative models, which is likely something the entire industry desires to do.

At the end of the day, all forms of delivery models will continue to be used. Associations like the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCP3) will continue to promote using private funding on major infrastructure projects, because they provide long-term stable returns which institutional investors like pension plans want to invest in. So, the demand is there for mega projects with private debt opportunity. How they are delivered – collaboratively or not – is yet to be seen.

What is clear, collaboration is required on all projects, regardless of size or delivery model.

Associated is excited about the various alternative delivery projects on which we are currently partnering, including the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant serving Regina and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan (PDB), and the Highway 1 Reinstatement Project at Tank Hill near Lytton, BC (Alliance). These projects, and those on the horizon, provide opportunities to apply our expertise and share our learnings on the services we provide to our partners and clients.

About the author:

David Nagy, MBA, P.Eng. is Associated Engineering’s National Practice Lead, Alternative & Major Projects. He has 18 years of experience as a Senior Project Manager and Bridge Engineer specializing in the delivery of transportation and bridge projects. His experience includes various delivery models, such as design-bid-build, design build, P3, program management, and construction management.

Haisla Bridge delivers a cost-effective and constructible transportation structure in northwest BC

Posted on March 23, 2023December 22, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

The Haisla Bridge provides a critical link between Kitimat, BC and its industrial lands, including LNG Canada and Rio Tinto. Originally built in 1954, the bridge is operating near the end of its design life. The District of Kitimat wished to replace the bridge to provide a safe and reliable structure over the highly sensitive Kitimat River. The District awarded the design-build contract to the Ledcor-Haisla Limited Partnership. Brybil Projects, an affiliate of the Associated Engineering group of companies, is the lead design consultant for the partnership.

The project involves the design and construction of a 230 metre long bridge consisting of four spans – two spans over the Kitimat River and two, short, end spans over new multi-use pathways. In addition, construction will include 1,000 metres of realigned road approaches, drainage, erosion and scour protection, water and sanitary forcemain connections, roadway lighting, and private utilities. Specialist sub-consultants provided geotechnical and hydrotechnical services.

Nik Cuperlovic, Bridge Lead, tells us, “The bridge superstructure comprises steel girders with clean lines and a gentle profile. The visible portion of the bridge substructure includes round concrete piers and pier caps. In addition to strength requirements, we considered the visual appeal of the proposed piers – piers that inspire confidence, but are not overly massive. The new pier footprint is smaller than the existing one and the east and west piers are located outside the river channel, thus minimizing impact on the sensitive river ecosystem.”

Compared to the reference concept design, the roadway profile was lowered significantly at the abutments, resulting in a reduced project footprint that helps to mitigate potential settlement issues at the abutments and approach slabs. This also eliminated the need for a retaining wall at a property constraint on the north-east side of the bridge.

Multi-disciplinary coordination through weekly discipline-lead meetings proved immensely valuable in identifying and mitigating conflicts during the abbreviated and fast-paced design phase.

The key members of our team included Nancy En, Sam King, Nik Cuperlovic, Winnie Li, Mike Lumb, Shaun Bidulka, Josh Thiessen, Matt Lozie, Louis De Lange, and Della Anggabrata.

Associated Engineering honoured at CEA Showcase Awards Gala 2023

Posted on March 20, 2023April 18, 2024 by Ryan (ODG)

On Friday evening at the Consulting Engineers of Alberta Showcase Awards Gala in Calgary, Associated Engineering was presented with a trio of awards recognizing excellence in consulting engineering for projects in three different categories. This year, a total of 57 projects were nominated and evaluated by a panel of 15 judges.

The City-Wide Stormwater Mapping and Modelling project for the City of Calgary received an Award of Excellence in the Studies, Software, and Special Services category. The City of Calgary selected Associated Engineering for the development of GIS mapping and detailed stormwater models of city neighbourhoods that experience localized flooding during heavy rainfall events. Associated Engineering’s unique, automated programming and spatial routines produce detailed overland drainage maps on demand, assisting City engineers in making timely and informed decisions to reduce flood risks. Automation has allowed the City to gauge the impacts of future growth, while dramatically reducing the time required to respond to Calgarians’ concerns, protecting public safety, property and the environment in the most cost-effective manner.

In the Water Resources category, the Trestle No. 3 – Rehabilitation and Steel Pipe Replacement project for EPCOR Utilities was presented with an Award of Merit. After discovering several major issues at Trestle No. 3, EPCOR retained Associated Engineering to rehabilitate and replace the corroded steel pipe and fix erosion issues impacting the ground around the trestle. The project team worked together to implement a series of innovative designs and construction methodologies to overcome the challenges posed by lack of access and the steep ravine slopes. Risks during construction were managed by using alternative construction methodologies allowing workers to safely traverse the steep slopes and provide protection from falling debris. Now completed, the rehabilitated trestle is safe, functional and no longer an environmental liability for EPCOR.

We were honoured with another Award of Merit in the Environmental category for Determining the Value of Natural Assets in Calgary. The City of Calgary selected Associated Engineering to inventory its natural assets, consider their benefits, and measure their financial value. Associated’s unique approach engaged different City business units and applied environmental economics to build a shared understanding of the services provided by natural assets, ranging from increased property valuation to habitat protection, carbon storage, and urban heat reduction. Accessible through an interactive dashboard, this knowledge brings additional insight into urban planning decisions and forms an industry-leading foundation to manage natural assets as an integral part of the greater urban assets portfolio.

Congratulations to all of the award nominees and winners, and to our project team members, partners, and clients for their outstanding achievements!

Working to closing the infrastructure gap with the Assembly of First Nations

Posted on March 6, 2023November 21, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

We’re honoured to be a part of this week’s Assembly of First Nations 2nd National Asset Management Conference and Trade Show taking place in Gatineau, Quebec. Featuring a conference theme of “An Asset Management Approach to Closing the Infrastructure Gap”, several of our staff will be sharing their experience on infrastructure and asset management needs, as well as on a water treatment project in an Indigenous community.

Associated Engineering supports CEA Transportation Connects Alberta Conference 2023

Posted on February 21, 2023August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering is pleased to be part of next week’s Consulting Engineers of Alberta‘s Transportation Connects Conference in Edmonton, AB that is focused on how transportation infrastructure is connecting and growing Alberta’s economy. As a gold sponsor of this year’s conference and with several speakers presenting/moderating in the technical program, we’re excited to be with all of the stakeholders and leaders driving improvements in the province’s transportation industry.

Certificate of Recognition achieved in British Columbia

Posted on February 9, 2023August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering is proud to announce that our British Columbia operation has successfully met the requirements for the Certificate of Recognition (COR) from the British Columbia Safety Alliance (BCCSA), the authority for COR in the province, as recognized by the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CRCSA)!

This incredible achievement is the culmination of over a year’s worth of effort by our staff, and reinforces our corporate commitment to a safe work environment and culture.

COR is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes companies who develop and implement health and safety systems that meet an industry standard. The program rewards employers who take a strategic approach to workplace safety and are committed to reducing both the human and financial costs of workplace injuries.

Associated presents at AFN 6th Annual Water Symposium

Posted on February 2, 2023August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

We’re pleased to participate in the important dialogue taking place next week in Calgary on addressing water and wastewater topics affecting Indigenous communities across Canada. Several members of our staff will be presenting during the three-day symposium to share their expertise and experience in working together with First Nations to resolve clean water and sanitation issues. We invite attendees to join our speakers in the following sessions:

Wednesday, February 8

10:45 a.m
Workshop #6 – Closing the Infrastructure Gap with Sustainable Water & Wastewater Systems
Location: Exhibition Hall E (Plenary)
Presenter: Owen James

The AFN, in partnership with ISC, has co-developed a comprehensive cost report which is the first of its kind to quantify the capital and operating costs to “Close the Infrastructure Gap by 2030” for First Nations across Canada. Associated Engineering has provided supporting engineering services including development of long-term infrastructure needs, O&M requirements, and other investment needs such as climate adaptation and long-term improvements to water and wastewater servicing. The sustainability of water and wastewater system servicing is imperative in developing and maintaining public health for First Nations people. Solutions require careful planning in collaboration with First Nations to ensure communities have the capacity to address long-term operational and maintenance needs. Local capacity building is essential together with the ability to access expert support when required. This presentation will provide an overview of the pressures on water and wastewater systems and discuss considerations for improving the long-term sustainment of systems for First Nations across Canada.

1:30 p.m.
Workshop #14 – Unique Challenges of Remote, Northern Communities
Location: Mcleod C, South Side – Lower Level
Presenters: Freda Leong and Sarah Larlee

The Government of Nunavut operates numerous water treatment plants (WTP) throughout the territory. While each facility has individual challenges specific to their water quality, there are common concerns that are unique to the northern region of Canada, including freezing temperatures and isolated locations often only reachable by plane – and only on good weather days. However, perhaps the most important challenge is the design of practical facilities that can be operated and managed by Maintainers who are often required to perform many other tasks throughout the community. It is only when designs consider the time limitations that the Maintainers face that a sustainable solution is found. Through this presentation, the presenters will discuss a case study based on their work at a northern water treatment plant in Arviat, NU. The Arviat WTP is unable to remove organics through the existing process and finding a sustainable solution has been the focus of our work, including pilot testing and feasibility studies. They will discuss the importance of Operations and Maintenance considerations, and the need for it to be the driver for successful design.

Thursday, February 9

10:45 a.m.
Workshop #20 – Decentralized Water and Wastewater Systems –
Vital Considerations for the Wellbeing of a Community
Location: Mcleod D, South Side – Lower Level
Presenters: Abu Waraich and Hashanth Sasitharan

In recent years, a larger focus has been placed on removing boil water advisories. To eradicate boil water advisories completely from communities, all residents within the community must have access to safe and potable water. As over 70% of residents are on decentralized systems, consideration of the decentralized systems (i.e. cisterns and wells) is also required to ensure the water maintains its’ potable water quality all the way to the consumer (i.e. from source to tap). In addition, wastewater that is not properly disposed of by a compliant system can cause adverse health effects and environmental concerns. As a result, decentralized wastewater systems must also be considered as part of the overall water management objectives as they are also a crucial component on minimizing potential health and environmental concerns within the community.

Associated Engineering wishes everyone happy holidays and a prosperous new year

Posted on December 21, 2022August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Staff in our Calgary office

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!

Ashco Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2022, Vancouver

Martin Jobke, P.Eng.
President & CEO

Engineering-Operations collaboration is key to project success

Posted on December 14, 2022August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

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

Gitwinksihlkw Water Treatment Plant (WTP).

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

Associated Engineering helped find alternative sources of source water for the Klaukas community with upgrades to the water distribution and treatment system.

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.

Informed decision-making for addressing climate change

Posted on December 12, 2022August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Federal and provincial governments have established increasingly aggressive climate change mitigation targets, and Canadian municipalities are taking a greater role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate risks. Municipalities are faced with several questions:

How do they prioritize scarce tax dollars?
Do they focus on mitigating emissions?
Should they allocate more funds to climate-related disaster recovery?
Should they invest in resilience measures to be better prepared for future climate events?

Adding to the complexity of making climate-related decisions are the constraints that municipalities face in instituting measures. Building Code changes that would reduce GHG emissions and improve community resilience are a provincial jurisdiction in Canada. Financing adaptation actions requires more capital than most towns and cities have available.

The experience of many Canadian municipalities which are proactively planning to address climate change, highlights five strategies that civic administrations can employ in their decision making.

Collaborate regionally: Regional collaboration between neighbouring cities and counties makes sense, because climate change issues cross municipal, provincial, and federal boundaries. For example, watersheds typically cross municipal boundaries. Taking a regional perspective on instituting policy protects watersheds from environmental degradation that diminishes water quality.

Examples of regional partnerships include municipalities in southern Ontario that are cooperating to expand their capacities in climate change mitigation and adaptation through the Ontario Regional Adaptation Collaborative, with assistance from the Climate Risk Institute. In Alberta, the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre encourages regional climate adaptation initiatives through grant incentives. In particular, a regional approach benefits smaller communities which typically have smaller funding bases.

Work with knowledgeable climate change professionals: Having recent, relevant climate information informs decision-making. Climate analysts can advise on local climate conditions and climate projections. Climate change professionals can suggest options for mitigation and adaptation, considering the changing climate, capital and life-cycle costs, local government, community and stakeholder concerns, and budget.

Avoid an “either/or” dynamic: Mitigation and adaptation measures are often synergistic, supporting the ultimate goal of risk reduction. Improving building envelopes through insulation and better arrangement of windows and doors brings both mitigation and adaptation benefits. A well-insulated building that reduces energy use is likely a cooler place to retreat during a heat wave. “One Water” (holistic water management) approaches reduce the carbon footprint associated with some water treatment processes and identify resilient infrastructure in consideration of climate change impacts.

Shift the perspective from emergency management to safeguarding people and assets: Proactive planning and implementation of adaptation measures in anticipation of extreme weather events like atmospheric rivers and associated flooding can effectively diminish impacts, and facilitate and expedite recovery. Such measures can actually reduce long term costs. Shifting the focus from emergency management to a focus on risk reduction and community well-being reframes the conversation to people’s long-term welfare and fortifying natural and built assets.

Natural infrastructure plays an important role in addressing climate change hazards. Fostering healthy ecosystems supports better water quality and the availability of water. The City of Calgary has identified and quantified the value of natural assets as a foundation for promoting the use of natural asset management in its climate resilience strategy.

Build social infrastructure to support preparedness and resilience: In a post for UN Volunteers, Daniel P. Aldrich wrote about social networks that support communities during climate catastrophes. “Real resilience – the ability to recover from shocks, including natural disasters – is tied to our connections to others, and not to physical infrastructure or disaster kits.”

This is especially true for vulnerable populations who are at greater risk when disaster strikes. Enhancing social networks is a good first step in managing risk. Building social infrastructure brings another important benefit: giving residents a meaningful role in collective decision-making which ultimately facilitates difficult conversations.

The roadmap for addressing climate change is not linear or one-size-fits-all. Iteration, learning from missteps, and collaboration are key values for municipalities to embrace in their quest to safeguard residents and assets from climate change impacts.

About the Author: Andrée Iffrig, LEEP AP is a Climate Resilience & Sustainability Specialist and has 15 years of experience in sustainable building design, community resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable manufacturing. Her climate change risk management framework for the design sector guides engineering and architectural professionals in how to integrate climate data during integrated design.

3D Modelling of industrial infrastructure projects improves design understanding

Posted on December 6, 2022August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated has a large and extensive portfolio of industrial landfill projects to serve our clients’ waste management needs. Our experience includes new landfills, landfill expansions, and landfill capping, as well as design of associated infrastructure, such as roads, leachate ponds, and stormwater ponds. Our work on these projects ranges from multi-discipline engineering design and regulatory approvals to construction inspection. Jeff Chan, Civil Project Engineer advises, “We are often the primary consultant for clients, tasked with delivering engineering design, and providing environmental services and construction quality assurance.”

Traditionally, these projects have been delivered using two-dimensional drawings. Today, enhanced visualization tools, such as InfraWorks and drones, provide project teams and clients with a three-dimensional model which offers more clarity on the design. Jeff tells us, “The 3D model helps clients, operations staff, regulators, and other stakeholders to understand the intent of the design and key components. For road projects, InfraWorks is used to show the layout of upgrades and provide fly-by videos of the project.”

Our teams employ these enhanced visualization tools throughout the design and construction life-cycle. During construction, drone mapping is used to provide daily site updates to clients and our office-based personnel.

Many of our industrial landfill projects are in remote locations. Thus, typically, office-based personnel only see construction progress through photos taken by inspectors in daily reports, or during site visits. Typical photography has limitations, as it does not capture the entire site. Jeff tells us, “Drones can capture project construction from angles not possible by other means. Drone photos and videos assist us to explain and report the progress of construction to the project team and clients.”

Using a tool called DroneDeploy, we process the collected drone mapping data into a plan view of the site, as well as a 3D view. Stakeholders can then see the actual daily progress of construction, identify areas of potential interest or concern, view surface profiles, and complete approximate measurements of distances and areas.

Employing modern visualization tools, everyone involved on a project has a better understanding and is more engaged with the design and construction, which results in a better final product.

Suzanne Card’s lifelong love of nature evolved into a flourishing career in wetland ecology

Posted on December 5, 2022June 1, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

From a young age, Suzanne Card enjoyed being in nature with her family, whether she was camping, hunting, or exploring. She continues to emulate her father’s respect and love for nature, and credits him as the biggest influence in her life.

In elementary school, she attended a presentation by Ducks Unlimited and was intrigued by the idea of being able to work in nature. Suzanne reflects, “It is fun to think back on how something so simple can impact the trajectory of one’s life.” Later, she worked with Ducks Unlimited as a junior ecologist.

Suzanne also acknowledges early mentors (Rhonda McDougal, Tom Goddard, and Tony Brierley) who helped shape her career. She says, “They saw something in me that I wasn’t able to see in myself.” Their belief in her gave Suzanne the confidence to pursue a career in science.

As an ambitious young professional, Suzanne maintained an open mind and jumped at opportunities that came her way. In addition, she was never afraid of doing the “hard things”, both physically and mentally. While working for Ducks Unlimited, she ran a carbon sequestration study with many responsibilities and unknowns, but Suzanne was up to the task. In her first job after graduate school, Suzanne worked in the field for weeks at a time, in all types of weather, digging soil pits in challenging terrain. She advises young scientists, “It’s important to splurge on a good pair of boots and a good cruise vest; they will save you in the field.”

After deciding to pursue a career in wetland ecology, Suzanne knew that she wanted to work with the best. She shares, “I saw Kristen Andersen‘s [Associated’s Technical Specialist, Wetlands & Restoration] presentation at a wetland conference. I met her and Sandra Meidinger [Associated’s Division Manager, Environmental in Alberta North], and I knew that I wanted to work with them. They are passionate and focused on quality and client service.”

Suzanne tells us that her most memorable experiences have been on wetland replacement projects involving municipal clients and Alberta’s Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas. For Suzanne, putting wild places and wetlands back on the landscape is very motivating!

“Working in wetland ecology means constantly operating in a grey world, where answers are not necessarily black and white. We must always think about what the client’s needs are, what is the right thing to do, and what is required from a regulatory perspective.”

As Manager of the Applied Ecology group in Edmonton, Suzanne shares, “It has been very fulfilling for me to apply my technical and project management skills and lead this wonderful team.” As a leader, Suzanne follows a philosophy centered around care, reliability, sincerity, and competence. She credits this approach to helping her become a better leader. Suzanne also believes in mentoring, passing on knowledge, and helping those around her to reach their full potential.

“In consulting, I have discovered my true passion. I focus on wetland ecology, which combines vegetation, soils, and hydrology.”

Outside of work, Suzanne loves to read and travel. She combines her travels with her interest in sharks, through diving and snorkeling.

Suzanne has volunteered with the SPCA over the years, and as a teacher for a wetland delineation course through the University of Alberta Faculty of Extension, supporting her community and future generations of wetland ecologists.

Another fan(tache)tic Movember effort!

Posted on December 2, 2022August 2, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

As we flip the calendar to the final month of 2022, we’re proud to look back on another great example of our staff’s ability to support a great cause and the communities we live in.

Led by the tremendous generosity and enthusiasm of over 163 Movember participants and passionate volunteers, many of our offices planned and hosted a variety of events including mini-golf tournaments, virtual bingo, bake sales, raffles, Speakeasy Workshops, and World Cup Soccer events, to collectively raise over $46,000 (and counting)! On top of this, a corporate donation of $12,225 ($75 per participant) added to our grand total, helping Associated place first in Canadian Engineering Firm Challenge for the second year in a row!

Special honours go to our Edmonton-based team for the highest (pre-corporate donation) fundraising amount ($7,585) among all of our regional teams, despite having one of the smaller number of participants. This year, our top individual fundraiser, Andrew Stewart, achieved the title for the second year in a row, by raising over $3,600!

Thank you to everyone who donated to the Movember cause so generously!

Associated Engineering’s Member-in-Training program supports the next generation of professionals

Posted on November 30, 2022June 2, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Dieter Diedericks, MIT Program Manager (back row, left) with some of the Vancouver office MITs

In 2018, Engineers and Geoscientists BC established an Accredited Employer Member-in-Training (MIT) program to streamline the processing and evaluation of applicants seeking professional licensure. As an Accredited Member of the program, our BC operation works with Engineers and Geoscientists BC to offer an MIT supervisorship environment. The program ensures our Members-In-Training can satisfy Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s experience requirements when applying for their professional designation. The Accredited Employer MIT program is based on Engineers and
Geoscientists BC’s Competency Experience Reporting System.

“The MIT program has helped me achieve a diverse skill set by allowing me to focus on a set of competencies and ensuring I get the proper experience in a select few at a time, rather than diving head first and trying to achieve all competencies at once.”

Building on the success of the MIT program, in 2019, Associated expanded our in-house program to include our MITs in all our offices across Canada, even though the other provincial/territorial Associations currently do not offer this type of program. The expansion of the MIT program was one of the company’s stated goals in our 2018 Strategic Plan.

“The MIT program has given me proper guidance/mentoring throughout COVID, when it was difficult to achieve proper mentoring due to the lack of face-to-face meetings. It helped me book meetings so that I may stay on track in gaining the proper experience.”

Our MIT program assists in outlining the various Associations’ requirements for engineers and geoscientists-in-training, as well as graduate scientists to gain their professional designations. Our program establishes an internal team support network and framework to assist our MITs in gaining the requisite experience to achieve all of the required key competencies.

Our MITs receive enhanced guidance in gaining necessary competencies for registration from scheduled meetings with their supervisors who understand the requirements that our MITs need to fulfill. We also have volunteer mentors who recently gained their designations and understand the competency-based program and are now helping guide our MITs.

“A crucial part of the MIT Program involves identifying the member-in-training’s competency levels in a wide range of areas. This has helped me to pinpoint the tasks that would be the most beneficial for me to undertake, with the goal being to build my competency levels overall.”

Currently over 100 MITs are enrolled in our MIT program, ranging in experience levels from recent graduates to those who are preparing to submit their licensure applications. Associated’s national MIT program is unique to the company, supporting our MITs in their path to professional licensure.

Associated Engineering honoured by Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Saskatchewan

Posted on November 16, 2022August 22, 2024 by Ryan (ODG)

Last night in Saskatoon, the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Saskatchewan hosted their 2022 Awards of Distinction event celebrating the achievements of consulting engineering and geoscience industry members. We are pleased to share that Associated Engineering was once again recognized with Brian Eckel Awards for innovative projects completed in Saskatchewan and was also presented with the PINNACLE Award for top project in 2022. In addition, one of our staff members was presented with this year’s Young Professionals Award. Congratulations to our project teams and our clients on these prestigious recognitions for technical excellence, teamwork, and dedication to serving our communities!

PINNACLE Award & Award of Excellence
Melville Potable Water Supply System Water Treatment Plant and Wellfields

Since its founding in 1908, the City of Melville endured challenges providing reliable, quality drinking water for residents. The City’s surface water supply was proving challenging to treat and prone to droughts, requiring the City to add a supplemental groundwater supply. In 1989, the City implemented Canada’s first electrodialysis reversal (EDR) process to treat its highly mineralized groundwater supply. In 2016, with this equipment near the end of its service life, SaskWater – the plant’s owner/operator – contracted Associated Engineering to design and oversee construction of a new water treatment plant using only groundwater.

The new plant employs RO (reverse osmosis), which is comparatively, a more effective and widely adopted demineralization technology than EDR. The Associated design team tailored pre-treatment and post-treatment processes around the RO system to extend RO service life, thus decreasing overall operating costs, enhancing water quality, and safety for residents and preserving downstream infrastructure.

Associated Engineering’s design allowed construction and commissioning to proceed without unplanned water supply service disruptions while fully integrating existing non-plant infrastructure where possible. Initially located adjacent to the old facility, the new plant design facilitated raw water and treated water piping interconnections, including a challenging connection into the existing gunite reservoir. The new process incorporates wastewater retention and release, reducing environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions from the former deep well injection system. Delivered on time and under budget, the water treatment plant provides Melville residents with affordable, high quality, sustainable, and reliable drinking water that supports growth, economic development, and quality of life.

Award of Excellence
Village of Lebret Flood Hazard Mapping

The Village of Lebret, 70 km northeast of Regina, has the good fortune, and the challenge, of being located along the shores of Mission Lake. Its location required Lebret to abide by a Flood Hazard Map, developed by the provincial Water
Security Agency (WSA). The map outlines land which Lebret could or could not develop (flood fringe vs the floodway).

Although appropriate methods were used at the time for flood hazard mapping, the Village felt the map needed updating to better delineate the flood fringe, which would protect public safety and property, and could allow for greater land development. In 2021, the Village contracted Associated Engineering to develop a revised flood hazard plan using advanced methodologies. The prime project challenge was the limited timeline. The plan required a detailed bathymetric survey of the lake depths to be completed using a boat in November 2021, following award of the contract, and before lake freeze-up. All work, which was 50 percent funded by the WSA, had to be completed by March 31.

To complete the work, Associated Engineering used bathymetric readings, a LiDAR survey, wind and wave analysis, and the 1:100 and 1:500-year flood levels from the WSA. Working in collaboration with WSA, we adapted advanced coastal modelling techniques and leveraged expertise in wave analysis to develop detailed, reliable flood hazard mapping for Lebret. Completed on time and on budget, the flood hazard map provides Lebret with assurance of the areas that the community can securely develop, while protecting public safety.

Young Professional Award
Rahim Ahmad, P.Eng.

The ACEC-SK Young Professional Award is presented annually to recognize an emerging industry leader, acknowledging the value, achievements, and contributions of a young professional employed by a member firm. Learn more about Rahim, a project engineer in our Saskatoon office, in our recent staff spotlight interview.

Edmonton’s Blatchford development features Canada’s largest ambient-temperature district energy system

Posted on November 8, 2022June 19, 2024 by Ryan (ODG)

On November 30, 2013, the final flight departed from the City Centre Airport in Edmonton, marking the closure of the municipal airfield. The closure of the airfield set the stage for the City of Edmonton to redevelop the area, which is located near its city centre. Covering 217 hectares, the Blatchford redevelopment offered the City of Edmonton a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a visionary downtown neighbourhood.

The City embraced the opportunity and envisaged an innovative and environmentally-friendly community. At the heart of this sustainable neighbourhood would be its world-leading, district energy system. Based on renewable energy sources, the district energy system offered environmental and carbon-reduction benefits.

The City engaged Associated Engineering to assess the feasibility and develop a preliminary design of an ambient-temperature district energy sharing system, considering the technical, financial, and social implications of the system.

This district energy system is an integral component of the Blatchford redevelopment, providing heating, cooling, and domestic hot water for the entire community. Preliminary engineering included the configuration, sizing, and materials for the delivery system, geoexchange fields, and building-side mechanical systems. A feasibility analysis followed the preliminary engineering to both inform the design and assess the technical and economic feasibility of the system.

As the largest application of an ambient- temperature distribution system in Canada, the project features many innovations. Ruben Arellano, Project Manager for the design, explains, “This system allows for efficient use of heat pumps, integration of other low-temperature sources, such as sewer heat exchange, and energy sharing between buildings rejecting heat and those requiring it. The system is also designed to be a modular build-out and adapted to development stages.”

The geoexchange field is installed beneath a stormwater retention pond, and includes one of the first uses of graphite-enhanced grout in boreholes – the largest geoexchange field employing this application in Canada.

Blatchford District Energy System reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 75% compared to typical systems

The project also included financial analysis, utility development advisory services, design, construction, and environmental services to assist with characterization and management of drilling cuttings.

The entire planning and design was driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions. Ruben explains, “Combining the benefits of building energy efficiency, energy sharing within the system, and highly efficient heat pumps results in greenhouse gas reductions at 75% below business-as-usual levels.”

Our key personnel on the project are Ruben Arellano, Owen Mierke, Aaron McCartie, Nicole Scherer, Sean McInroy, Scott Friel, Kevin Darrach, and Kevin Danyluk.

The project was commissioned in April 2020.

A record night at the ACEC-Canada/Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards

Posted on November 3, 2022June 19, 2024 by Ryan (ODG)

Tonight in Ottawa, Associated Engineering was presented with a total of three Awards of Excellence, the most we have ever won in a single year at the ACEC-Canada/Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards! The annual awards gala showcased 20 projects for their remarkable engineering, imagination, and are the most prestigious mark of recognition for consulting engineering firms in Canada.

We received Awards of Excellence for the Wanuskewin Heritage Park Renewal-Bison Management & Care Facilities in Saskatoon, the Crowchild Trail Bow River Bridge Interchange Rehabilitation & Widening project in Calgary, and the Blatchford Neighbourhood District Energy System – Phase 1 project in Edmonton. Congratulations to our project teams! These awards are a testament to the project teams’ innovation and technical excellence.

We’re also excited to share that Tia Hill received the Allen D. Williams Scholarship Award that is bestowed to a young professional who has demonstrated leadership qualities in their involvement with or contributions to the advancement of the consulting engineering industry. Congratulations Tia!

And before the night was done, we were called back onto the stage to receive the Tree for Life Special Achievement Award (for outstanding environmental stewardship) for the Blatchford project, wrapping up a historical night for Associated Engineering with a total of five awards!

Revised Flood Hazard Map allows Village of Lebret to manage future land development and protect public safety

Posted on October 31, 2022June 2, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

The Village of Lebret is located 70 kilometres northeast of Regina, along Mission Lake in the picturesque Qu’Appelle Valley. Popular with tourists and cottage owners, Lebret is also home to residents and commercial developments. Heavy spring runoffs present an annual flooding threat to communities in the valley. High water levels and accompanying wave effects (wave setup and run-up) can present a significant flood risk. The most recent flood occurred in 2011 – a 1:100-year flood event.

Lebret had a flood hazard map in place, developed by the provincial Water Security Agency (WSA) in 2013 to mitigate risk to citizens and property. The map defines and regulates land which cannot be developed (the floodway) and which can be developed, provided that certain measures are taken (the flood fringe). The result was only a relatively small flood fringe area within the Village’s jurisdiction could ever be developed.

Although appropriate methods were used at the time for flood hazard mapping, the Village felt the map needed updating to better delineate the flood fringe, which would protect public safety and property, and could allow for greater land development. In 2021, Lebret engaged Associated Engineering to develop a revised flood hazard plan using today’s advanced analysis and methodologies.

Using coastal modelling techniques and wave analysis expertise supported developing a reliable flood hazard map

The prime project challenge was the tight timeline. The plan required a detailed bathymetric survey of the lake depths to be completed using a boat in November 2021, before lake freeze-up. All work, which was half funded by the WSA, had to be completed by March 31. The team had to proactively plan, quickly act, acquire information, and identify possible solutions for analysis without delay. The project required a collaborative relationship between the Village of Lebret and the WSA (a key regulatory stakeholder and funding agent). The timeline required that the regulatory approval process be streamlined, so the Associated Engineering team obtained buy-in on the process and results at every project meeting.

To complete the work, we used bathymetric readings, a LiDAR survey, wind and wave analysis, and the 1:100 and 1:500-year flood levels from the WSA. Working in collaboration with WSA, we adapted advanced coastal modelling techniques and leveraged our expertise in wave analysis to develop detailed, reliable flood hazard mapping.

Project Manager, Daryl Brown, shares, “To our knowledge, adoption of coastal technology and models for flood mapping – combining wind and wave action – has not previously been undertaken in the Prairies. This process was key to completing the work on time, with the desired level of accuracy and reliability. This innovative model where wave action is a consideration for public safety and property development can also be applied to other Prairie communities.”

Completed on time and on budget, the new flood hazard map provides Lebret with assurance of the areas that the community can securely develop, while protecting public safety.

Bridge replacement and environmental slope restoration of Edmonton’s Duggan Bridge breathes new life into crossing

Posted on October 19, 2022June 2, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Constructed in 1957, Edmonton’s Duggan Bridge on Saskatchewan Drive overlooks the River Valley and serves as a commuter route to the city’s downtown core. In 2017, Associated Engineering completed an assessment of the aging bridge, and recommended replacing the structure within five years, following temporary structural repairs.

The City of Edmonton decided to replace the bridge with a low-maintenance, cost-effective structure and also wanted to improve the site’s drainage; the bridge had a history of flooding and overtopping risk during major storm events. The City also wished to improve the structure’s level of service by increasing the width of the path for pedestrians and cyclists, and capitalize on the bridge’s scenic location, providing users with unobstructed views of the River Valley and downtown core.

The City of Edmonton selected Associated Engineering as the Prime Consultant for the project, which consisted of a bridge assessment, structural repairs in 2018, design of the replacement structure, and construction and tendering services, including full-time inspection through the construction phase.

During design, the team determined that a haunched single span, steel girder bridge on cast-in-place concrete piles and a cast-in-place concrete abutment was the ideal replacement structure. Project Manager, Tara Alexander, tells us, “During construction, the existing bridge was demolished, to allow construction of two secant pile retaining walls and a single span haunched steel girder bridge.” Construction included drainage system upgrades, roadway improvements, overhead lighting, and environmental slope restoration works within the river valley.

Tara adds, “The City of Edmonton wanted demolition and construction of the new bridge to be completed in less than a year to reduce impact on the high traffic location. We achieved efficiencies during construction through partnering and effective communication by all parties, including the City of Edmonton, Associated Engineering, and PCL (Prime Contractor). This reduced the volume of re-submissions and reduced response time for construction communications.”

Nearby residential properties, including high-rise condominiums, restricted the space available to construct the new bridge. Secant pile retaining walls were designed and constructed to accommodate the site constraints.

Environmental restoration techniques were used on the headslopes and areas disturbed during construction. This restored the affected areas to the pre-existing natural conditions of the adjacent River Valley system, which is an environmentally sensitive area. The restoration techniques included bio-engineered headslopes composed of poplar staking, to improve slope stability, and naturalization of the headslopes (rough and loose soil treatment, plug and whip plantings). This design practice was implemented in place of traditional hardscaping and use of additional concrete installation.

A pedestrian lookout platform was included in the design, providing a safe area for users to enjoy unobstructed views of the River Valley and downtown core.

Our key staff on the project included Tara Alexander, Jessica Gagné, Rowan Shields, Mike Tokar, Elijah Barth, Mike Yourechuk, Kristen Andersen, Warren McKay, John Maree, Melvin Lacebal, and Alan Miller.

The project was awarded the 2022 American Concrete Institute Alberta Chapter Award of Excellence in Concrete in the Bridges Category.

New water treatment plant provides safe and reliable drinking water for Chippewas of Nawash First Nation

Posted on October 17, 2022November 21, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation is located in Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker) in southern Ontario on Georgian Bay. The on-reserve population is approximately 830 and is projected to grow to approximately 1,400 by 2040.

The community has been on a boil water advisory since 2017. The existing water treatment plant (WTP), originally commissioned in 1990, has had numerous challenges. As well, the water distribution system experiences extensive leakage – approximately 60% to 70% of the drinking water is lost from the system. Currently, only three of the 68 hydrants can provide the recommended flow for fire fighting.

The Chippewas of Nawash engaged Associated Engineering in 2020 to compete the detailed design and provide construction administration and warranty support for water system upgrades that include a new WTP with a below ground reservoir, a 300 metre intake into Georgian Bay, a new access road and site services (e.g., hydro, phone, internet), and upgrades and expansion of the water distribution system. The distribution system comprises 14.5 kilometres of new watermain and approximately 275 new/replaced water services. The water system improvements will eliminate the boil water advisory, address the extensive system losses, and meet present and future capacity demands. We assisted the First Nation in securing the required capital funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), a total of $61 million.

To date, this is ISC’s largest capital funding commitment for water system upgrades in Ontario

Shortly after design started in January 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, eliminating in-person meetings and limiting site access, as the First Nation closed to visitors. Project Manager, Anna Comerton, tells us, “Our intent to have regular in-person design meetings, updates to Chief and Council, and Community Open Houses had to be reconsidered. To overcome this challenge, we took advantage of 3D collaboration software. We used Revizto, a cloud-based integrated collaboration platform, to conduct virtual 3D walkthroughs for the client during design review meetings. These virtual tours allowed our team to visualize the water treatment plant, providing a better understanding of the design.”

The WTP’s conventional treatment process train was confirmed through a structured Triple Bottom Line and risk evaluation process of several design concepts to identify the preferred alternative in collaboration with the client team and stakeholders. Climate change impacts were considered in the WTP design.

The selected treatment process is robust and able to manage variable water quality, which is expected to be more challenging due to heavier precipitation events, wind conditions, and higher temperatures

Additionally, the design of the heating, ventilation and cooling systems considered more extreme annual temperature fluctuations and looked for opportunities for energy efficiency”

The new WTP intake into Georgian Bay is being installed via horizontal directional drilling (HDD) with the intake pipe exiting from the lake bed approximately 300 metres from shore. HDD eliminates the need for an open cut excavation to the shoreline and into the Bay, and the associated site and environmental disruption.

Equipment was pre-selected and shop drawings pre-purchased for the packaged WTP treatment system and the two pre-fabricated booster pumping stations. This allowed for the vendor specific details to be available during the detailed design stage and reduced the impact of equipment lead time, particularly in consideration of pandemic-related supply chain issues.

Associated Engineering developed separate tender packages for the new WTP and the distribution system upgrades, which were both awarded in Fall 2021. The construction works under both contracts are expected to be substantially completed in approximately August 2023 and the community’s boil water advisory lifted.

Nawash Elder and Councillor Anthony (Miptoon) Chegahno has supported the natural sciences work of our sub-consultants, LGL, in the role of community liaison. He participated in the wildlife monitoring during design and shares traditional knowledge with the team. Two community members are also supporting our team in the role of environmental monitors during construction of the WTP.

Key personnel involved on the project include Anna Comerton, Vincent Laplante, Jeanne Zhou, Paul Shi, Alina Wu, Chad Strecker, Azad Khamforoush, Chris Lamont, and Carlos Baez.

Calgary’s new Shaganappi Pump Station designed for energy efficiency and resilience

Posted on October 13, 2022June 2, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

The Shaganappi Pump Station is the largest and most critical of the City of Calgary’s 42 drinking water pump stations. The facility provides safe and reliable drinking water to over 200,000 citizens in Calgary’s North Hill and Glendale Pressure Zones in the city’s northwest as well as critical institutions such as the Foothills Hospital and the University of Calgary.

The original Shaganappi Pump Station was constructed in 1977, serving Calgary for many decades. In later years, the pump station began to experience mechanical and structural issues. An investigation determined that replacing the pump station would be more cost effective and efficient than repairing or rebuilding the facility in its original location.

In 2015, the City of Calgary retained Associated Engineering to assist in site selection, and provide design and construction services for a new pump station. The selected site for the new pump station was a City-owned greenspace adjacent to the Bow River. The site was chosen primarily for its proximity to the original pump station and existing large diameter water feedermains, which would facilitate connecting the new pump station to the existing piping.

Since the new pump station serves established neighbourhoods, the station was designed at its maximum buildout capacity; flows were not anticipated to change due to increased growth and demand. Having extensive operating data from the original station was advantageous, particularly typical pump flows and hydraulics. With this information, the team designed the pumps to achieve their highest efficiency for the most frequent operating conditions, rather than at peak operating conditions, which maximized energy efficiency over the life cycle of the station. The new facility includes three 447 Kilowatt pumps rated at 100 million litres per day and three 447 Kilowatt pumps rated at 30 million litres per day pumping into the North Hill and Glendale Pressure Zones, respectively.

Type=N, Mode=P, DE=None City of Calgary – Shaganappi Pump Station – Exterior Drone footage – November 18, 2021

Pumping equipment is housed in a single-storey building, designed as a “post-disaster” structure using resilient materials, such as concrete columns and steel trusses. Given the proximity to the Bow River, the team considered climate change, and revised flood zone mapping available from updated flood modelling. The building was designed to resist flotation.

The new pump station was also designed for ease of use by maintenance and operation staff. An emergency generator was included in the design to facilitate the operation of pumps should the utility electrical supply be interrupted. The site is close to a public park, bicycle path, condominium, and businesses; limiting the impact of noise from the facility on nearby residences and park areas was important. Noise reduction measures included concrete block wall construction, heavy duty noise-cancelling overhead doors, duct silencers on the cooling air intake and exhaust louvers, and a super extreme grade exhaust silencer.

Project Manager, Andy Barr, advises, “Connecting the new facility to the existing feedermain network was one of the most technically complex aspects of the project. This work needed to be completed in a tight three-month time frame, during the City’s low water demand period, but avoiding the main freeze up period from January to February.” The facility’s 1350 millimetre diameter suction, 1200 millimetre diameter north discharge and 900 millimetre diameter south discharge steel piping from the new station were connected to the existing concrete piping from the old pump station.

To retain the contractor, the City used a Request for Proposal process, rather than conventional tender, to better understand the contractor’s proposed work plan and approach, considering the site constraints, traffic, and public areas. Graham Infrastructure was awarded the construction contract and partnered with Whissell Contracting to complete the underground scope of work.

“This project is an excellent example of how proper planning, clearly defined technical requirements, a solid design, and detailed project execution coupled with collaboration and teamwork can result in successful project delivery. Strong collaboration between our team, the City, contractor, and stakeholders allowed this complex, critical infrastructure project to be delivered with minimal impact to nearby residents and businesses and without interrupting water supply to the citizens of Calgary.”

Bill Delainey leverages business acumen to build successful career in urban planning

Posted on October 11, 2022June 2, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Bill Delainey embarked on an interesting journey as an athlete and a small business owner before beginning his career as an urban planner. Entering university, Bill had athletic aspirations, playing football and running in track and field. Bill credits his parents as his biggest life influences. With his father’s guidance, Bill found his educational passion and graduated with a degree in rural and urban development from the University of Saskatchewan. Bill then operated a small business for 20 years before launching his career in planning with the Rural Municipality of Corman Park.

Bill shares, “I was hired at Corman Park at the same time as Glen Grismer; he was instrumental in my career development. At the time, I didn’t have much practical planning experience, but as a mentor, Glen respected my business experience. I was given many opportunities to work on major projects that allowed me to gain valuable planning experience.” This experience led to Bill’s promotion to Director of Planning at the Rural Municipality of Corman Park.

One of the highlights of Bill’s career is his contributions to introducing a new level of planning to Saskatchewan communities. Bill explains, “Through my research in preparing a District Plan for Saskatoon and Corman Park, I developed terms of reference for a secondary planning process. Over time, more Saskatchewan communities have adopted this process, despite the process not being specifically enabled by provincial legislation. It is exciting to work in various jurisdictions and see how widely my work has been adopted by planners and communities.”

Bill joined Associated Engineering in 2012.

“I had a very positive experience working on a project with Associated on behalf of Corman Park. The team’s approach and commitment to client service aligns with my own philosophy.”

Bill says, “My first memorable project with Associated was preparing the Discovery Outline Plan for Lethbridge’s southeast sector.” Since then, our planning practice has grown in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and expanded to Ontario and BC.

Bill advises, “I have been fortunate to have been given the freedom to manage and build the planning practice, which is both exciting and challenging.” Recently, to complete a project to inventory the lands available to the City of Regina, Bill had to conduct a level of market analysis – work that is very unique for Bill. The final report was well received and Bill found the experience to be tremendously rewarding.

As Manager of the Urban Planning team in our Saskatoon office, Bill has mentored several young planners seeking their professional planning designation and found the process and relationships to be very rewarding. He says, “It’s not until you are put into a position to provide advice to a more junior team member that you realize that you have acquired valuable knowledge that can enhance the careers of others.”

Bill believes that to be a successful consultant, you need to be observant, capable of assessing and analyzing situations and client needs, and able to maintain focus on project objectives.

“An effective planner needs to be able to understand a situation and draw from their experiences to provide a tailored solution, as well as being focussed on client service.”

A long-term volunteer, Bill has served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Professional Planners Institute, including a term as President. He also served two terms on the Canadian Institute of Planners Board of Directors.

Outside of work, Bill is an avid Toronto Blue Jays and Indianapolis Colts fan, and enjoys going to watch live games. He also enjoys being physically active; typically, you can find him riding his e-bike to work each day, and working out or running during his lunch breaks. In the summer, he enjoys wakeboarding, wake surfing, and swimming at his family’s cabin. In the winter, he enjoys snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

Resilience Pathways Report: Co-creating new knowledge for understanding risk and resilience

Posted on October 7, 2022June 2, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

“There is an urgency to take action to better manage disaster and climate risks. Recent disasters, such as Hurricane Fiona making landfall in Atlantic Canada and the 2021 heat dome, wildfires, and damaging floods in BC, have had devastating impacts and are serious warning signals of the negative impacts of climate change. These events further underscore the reality that there will be more events in the future that exceed historical events with greater magnitude, increased frequency, new locations, different timing, and new complexity. The experience of COVID-19 pandemic impacts and responses has taught us firsthand how disasters are complex events with intertwined and cascading impacts across systems in our society. We must manage risks from natural, biological, and technological hazards, and the impacts of climate change, in a comprehensive and collaborative manner across all sectors and at all levels to build a resilient future. Success in this endeavor requires the whole of society to first understand the risks, including the drivers and interdependencies, and know their role in collaboratively managing these risks.” – Summary for Policy Makers, Resilience Pathways Report

Associated Engineering is co-sponsoring a virtual launch event for the Resilience Pathways Report with Natural Resources Canada, on October 28th and 31st. We invite practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and decision makers in various fields to attend, who can and are taking action for reducing disaster risk and adapting to climate change impacts in public and private sectors. Registration is free, click here for more details.

The Resilience Pathways Report convened and connected more than 70 experts from a wide range of institutions and disciplines sharing a wealth of knowledge and strategic insights about disaster and climate risk management. The report highlights successes, challenges, and gaps and provides recommendations for the path forward in enhancing disaster and climate risk management approaches.

The report consists of a Strategic Summary for Policymakers and 18 short and easy to read articles under four chapters:

Chapter 1: Understanding and Managing Climate and Disaster Risk: Hazard Threat
Chapter 2: Climate and Disaster Risk Management: Practice
Chapter 3: Climate and Disaster Risk Management: Enabling Action
Chapter 4: Climate and Disaster Risk Management: Research

Although most of the articles are focused on BC, they share knowledge on risk management issues that are not only unique to BC, and the identified challenges and recommendations can have relevance across Canada and in other countries.

Resilience Pathways was funded by the Canadian Safety and Security Program and led by Natural Resources Canada. Sahar Safaie of Sage on Earth Consulting designed the initiative and supported the authors throughout the process, including technical review of the articles. We are pleased to share that Sahar is now collaborating with the Strategic Advisory Services team at Associated Engineering, and supporting clients in assessing and managing disaster and climate risk through designing effective policies and innovative engineering, social, and environmental solutions.

For further information on the Resilience Pathways Report and the launch event, please contact Sahar at safaies@ae.ca.

Shaping our Shared Future – Emilee Kaupp

Posted on October 5, 2022July 11, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Emilee Kaupp, C.E.T., an Engineering Technologist based in our Lethbridge office, specializes in the design and construction of municipal infrastructure and land development projects.

Her day-to-day work includes project management support, design, drafting, survey, construction management, construction inspection, and contract administration services. She is also the Lethbridge office’s representative for Associated’s Young Professionals Group. In this role, Emilee helps promote technical knowledge and business development skills to colleagues with less than ten years of experience.

A hard worker with a passion to give back to her profession and her community, as well as a natural proficiency to lead, Emilee actively volunteers on committees with several organizations in Lethbridge. Emilee is currently the First Vice President for The Association of Science & Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET), and helps to raise awareness about the important role and value that technologists bring to our communities.

“I bring a young female perspective to the ASET Council and assist with diversity and inclusion initiatives, as it relates to gender and the younger generation.”

Emilee is also active on the Lethbridge CANstruction Board, which hosts an annual event called CANstruction. The event showcases the design and construction talent of engineers and technologists, with the added benefit of collecting and donating food items to local food banks, supporting families in need living in southern Alberta.

In addition, Emilee is a member of the Lethbridge College School of Engineering Technologists Joint Advisory Committee, where she conducts program review, curriculum updates, and business discussions as an alumni and member of the industry.

Through her work and her volunteer efforts, Emilee Kaupp is shaping our shared future!

Associated welcomes Chrystal Tabobandung for a virtual presentation on Indigenous Awareness

Posted on September 27, 2022August 2, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

On September 30th, we are facilitating a meaningful learning opportunity for all staff and encouraging everyone to wear an orange shirt to raise awareness of and recognize the tragic legacy of the residential school system. We are encouraging all staff to take time on this day to reflect upon what individually we can do to support the Truth and Reconciliation process. To support our staff, we have planned a presentation featuring Chrystal Tabobandung, the founder of RAISE, an organization that provides Indigenous cultural awareness & competency training.

Associated is closed on September 30th for the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Posted on September 26, 2022April 9, 2024 by Ryan (ODG)

As a proud employee-owned Canadian company, we want to make a difference in all the communities where we work and live. On September 30th, the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, in support of our organization’s Truth and Reconciliation journey, we are providing all staff with a paid day off. All of Associated’s offices across Canada will be closed on September 30th.

Associated at WCW 2022 Annual Conference & Exhibition

Posted on September 13, 2022August 2, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering is excited to partner as a supporting sponsor and participate in the technical program and tradeshow at the 73rd Annual Western Canada Water Conference and Exhibition taking place in Calgary, AB from September 13th to 16th! With a dozen presenters speaking in all four streams (wastewater, water, strormwater, niche topics), in addition to contributing to other presentations, our water practice is well represented once again. We invite attendees to also visit our ATAP Infrastructure Management team in booth #48 on the exhibition floor, they will be there on September 13th and 14th.

Technical Program:

Wednesday, September 14th

1:30pm | Red Deer Room
Upgrading the City of Calgary Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant Stage 1 Filters ‐ Uncovering 50 Years of Change
Co-presenter: Anne Bridgman

1:30pm | Calgary Room
If you’re not doing Continuous Asset Management, you’re not doing Asset Management
Presenter: Melanie Richmond

Thursday, September 15th

9:00am | Regina Room
GIS Integrated SWMM Modelling – A Case Study in Lethbridge
Presenter: Andrew Rushworth

10:00am | Calgary Room
Achieving Envision Certification for the City of Red Deer Residuals Management Facility
Presenter: Jeff Huber

1:30pm | Lethbridge Room
Let it go, let it go ‐ can’t hold back lagoon storage any more!
Presenter: Dörte Köster

1:30pm | Red Deer Room
Optimization as a Key Component of Capital Planning – City of Calgary Experience
Presenter: Sutha Suthaker

2:00pm | Calgary Room
The City of Calgary’s Accelerated Procurement Approach to Maximize Funding from Alberta’s Municipal Stimulus Program
Presenter: Craig Pass

2:30pm | Calgary Room
Customer‐Centric Service Delivery
Presenter: Shane Thompson

4:00pm | Lethbridge Room
Post‐Lagoon Attached Growth Processes in Cold Climates
Presenter: Rony Das

Friday, September 16th

10:00am | Red Deer Room
Realizing Water Reclamation: Global Adoption Leaders and Trends in Western Canada
Co-presenters: Soubhagya Pattanayak, Roya Pishgar

11:30am | Regina Room
Water Utilities and Citizen Science Approaches to Taste and Odour Events – Recent Learnings
Presenter: Klas Ohman

Long-term proactive approach sustains Saskatchewan transportation assets

Posted on July 27, 2022June 2, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways constructs and maintains over 26,000 kilometres of highways, 800 bridges, 15,000 culverts, 18 airports in northern Saskatchewan, 12 ferries on the Saskatchewan River system, and a barge on Wollaston Lake. Effectively managing and operating these assets is critically important to Saskatchewan’s economy.

Within the transportation network, maintaining and upgrading existing drainage infrastructure is a significant undertaking. Project Manager and Senior Designer, Patrick Murphy, explains, “The large number of drainage structures, varied topography, and expansive geographic area makes drainage asset management a challenging task.”

Since 2014, Associated Engineering has collaborated with the Ministry on a multi-site assignment to complete hydraulic designs and construction administration of culvert replacements, including bridge to culvert hydraulic designs and culvert to culvert hydraulic designs. Our role includes completing site assessments, survey, detailed design, and tender for each site. The Ministry selects and prioritizes sites based on the risk to public safely.

For the Associated team, the major design challenges include project timing, emergency situations, permit applications, insitu soil conditions, assessing existing damage, traffic accommodation consideration, and water levels for each of these sites. We have implemented a variety of innovative solutions to overcome these difficulties.

For example, the team uses a tri-hull, self-propelled boat and RTK GPS (real-time kinematic global positioning system) sonar survey equipment to enhance survey accuracy. In addition, for water testing, the team uses a pH/EC (electrical conductivity)/TDS (total dissolved solids) water tester to assess potential replacement materials for resistivity and pH levels to aid in selecting materials that will extend the service life of replacement alternatives at each site. We create GIS (geographic information system) applications for mapping, project management, photo management, and records management.

“Having an established team to complete designs and tender-ready construction documents assists the Ministry in their asset management and provides a quality, well designed solution at each site. We tender projects at times for the most cost-effective replacements. This approach aids in reducing risk and challenges, both from a public safety and economic impact perspective.”

Additionally, our solutions consider climate change impacts, such as weather and runoff changes. We engage environmental specialists to help assess fish passage considerations. These specialists help identify fish passage requirements and highlight considerations for design flowrates when upstream habitat will not support fish habitat.

Many First Nations communities are located in the vicinity of these replacement sites, including on roadways that provide sole access to communities and where drainage is a critical consideration. Our team has actively engaged and communicated with First Nations on all sites. Provincial and National Parks are also within the project areas. Consultation with First Nations and keeping stakeholders informed streamlines the transition from detailed design to construction.

Rehabilitation of Bailie Booster Pumping Station and Reservoir safeguards reliability of water supply in Halton Region

Posted on July 21, 2022November 21, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Halton Region is a growing municipality in southwestern Ontario, with a population of approximately 600,000. The Region provides high quality drinking water to residents and businesses, and maintains an active program to continuously improve its drinking water system.

The Region’s Bailie Booster Pumping Station and Reservoir supply water to the Burlington area. As part of its asset management program, the Region retained Associated to upgrade and rehabilitate the pump station and reservoir. The pumping station upgrades include replacing the plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, booster pumps and piping/valving, chlorine storage and dosing system, motor control centre, standby power and electrical systems, instrumentation and supervisory control and data acquisition system, along with required structural rehabilitation.

The two-celled, underground, concrete reservoir has a storage capacity of 17.5 million litres. The top of the reservoir is grassed, creating a park like setting. Structural rehabilitation of the reservoir involves removing the existing grass surface and waterproofing system and installing a new hot applied rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane system on the reservoir roof slabs. After membrane replacement, landscaping over the roof is reinstated. The main goal of the waterproofing replacement is to update the reservoir to meet new potable water storage guidelines and minimize the risk of contaminant infiltration.

The site drainage design and sizing of the reservoir subdrain system considered climate change and anticipated increased frequency of and heavier precipitation events. More extreme seasonal temperatures and increase in relative humidity were considered in the design of the pump station heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. All process piping will also be insulated to address expected increase in humidity.

Project Manager, Anna Comerton, tells us, “The upgrades to the pumping station must be staged to allow continued operation of the station, as it is an integral part of the Burlington water supply system and cannot be taken out of service for an extended period.” Interruption or reduction of service must be performed during low demand season to accommodate overall distribution system needs. Careful planning and communication with all stakeholders (e.g. Region Operations and contractor) are required, so that individual equipment is replaced and commissioned in a phased manner and minimizes any impact on operations. For example, we replaced one booster pump and associated piping/valving system at a time.

Similarly, replacing the main reservoir fill/draw header has been done in sections so that the period required for station shutdown is minimized (e.g. less than 24 hours) and occurs during low demand season when an alternate station can handle the demand.

Residences surround the project site on three sides in this quiet neighbourhood. Construction was planned to restrict working hours, mitigate noise and dust, identify location of soil stockpiling, provide privacy screening, limit the number and location of construction vehicles, and prohibit idling trucks on residential streets. The Region also has a project ambassador assisting with communicating updates to the community and addressing questions.

Halton Region engaged Associated Engineering in 2018 to complete preliminary and detailed design and tender the rehabilitation works. Construction began in Spring 2021. The upgrades to the pumping station are in progress and are expected to be completed by early 2023. Cell 1 waterproofing was completed in the Fall 2021, and Cell 2 waterproofing is now in progress. Outside works are anticipated to be completed by Fall 2022.

Key personnel involved on this project include Anna Comerton, Joanne Verstegen, Carlos Baez, Roman Gluzman, Roy Gong, Azad Khamforoush, David Holyer, and Behnood Salehi.

Gold Sponsor of the 11th International Conference on Short and Medium Span Bridges

Posted on July 20, 2022November 15, 2024 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering is proud to support this year’s International Conference on Short and Medium Span Bridges, hosted in Toronto, ON from July 19th to 22nd. In addition to being a Gold Sponsor of the 11th edition of this prestigious global gathering of bridge designers, specifiers, contractors, owners, and researchers, we are honoured to have many members of our bridges and transportation structures practices selected to participate in the technical program, as authors and presenters. We are also pleased to highlight the keynote speaker on July 21st, is our Past Vice President of Transportation Structures, Don Kennedy. We hope everyone enjoys the networking and learning about the latest developments with many peers in the bridge community!

Associated staff participating in the technical program:

Tuesday, July 19
15:20 – 17:00
Short Course #6
Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) – Design and Construction Material Attributes for Bridges in Canada
Speaker: Katrin Habel

Wednesday, July 20
10:40 – 11:00
Advancing Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code Hydrotechnical Provisions
Co-author: John van der Eerden

11:00 – 11:20
Prince Edward Viaduct Inspection, Assessment, and Renewal
Co-authors: Dan MacDonald-Lockhart, Sarvejit Nagi, Don Kennedy
Presenter: Dan MacDonald-Lockhart

11:40 – 12:00
Calibration of New Design Wind and Ice Loads for Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code Based on Ultimate Return Period and Considering Climate Change Effects
Co-author: Don Kennedy

13:30 – 13:50
Field Study of Stable Unbonded-Fiber Reinforced Elastomeric Bearings
Co-author: Dan MacDonald-Lockhart

16:00 – 16:20
St. Andrews Lock and Dam Bridge Deck Replacement and Strengthening
Co-authors: Justine Meyers, Craig Schaper
Co-presenter: Justine Meyers

16:40 – 17:00
Constructability Consideration for Bridge Design and Optimization
Co-authors: Helen Du, David Harvey
Presenter: Helen Du

Thursday, July 21

8:30 – 9:50
Climate Change Adaption for Transportation Structures – Its Impact on the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code and Evolving Practice
Keynote Speaker: Don Kennedy

11:20 – 11:40
New Life for Aging Infrastructure
Co-authors: Katrin Habel, David Harvey
Presenter: Katrin Habel

11:20 – 11:40
The Duggan Bridge Replacement
Author: Rowan Shields
Presenter: Rowan Shields

11:20 – 11:40
Seismic Shear Design of Reinforced Concrete Columns in The CHBDC
Co-author: Don Kennedy

11:40 – 12:00
Fires, Floods, & Ice Jams – A Decade of Bridge Asset Management & Disaster Recovery in Fort McMurray, AB
Author: Sara Wadlow
Presenter: Sara Wadlow

11:40 – 12:00
Widening of the Anthony Henday Drive North Saskatchewan River Bridge
Co-authors: Lathan Arasaratnam, Michael Paulsen
Presenter: Drew Teal

14:30 – 14:50
Bulkley River Bridge —Engineering path for prolonging the service life of a 55-year old timber bridge
Co-authors: Julien Henley, Dale Harrison
Presenter: Julien Henley

16:00 – 16:20
The Design Challenges of the new Haisla Bridge Replacement
Co-authors: Winnie Li, Jason Dowling, Nik Cuperlovic
Presenter: Winnie Li

16:20 – 16:40
Widening of Westbound Stoney Trail Crossing Over the Bow River
Co-authors: Drew Teal, Lathan Arasaratnam, Michael Paulsen
Presenter: Drew Teal

Friday, July 22

14:10 – 14:30
Crowchild Trail Bridge over Bow River – Widening and Rehabilitation
Co-authors: David Nagy, David Harvey
Presenter: David Nagy

15:40 – 16:00
Bridge Inspections Using Established RPAS Workflow
Author: Chris Schmelzle
Presenter: Chris Schmelzle

16:00 – 16:20
City of Moose Jaw Thunderbird Viaduct Rehabilitation
Co-authors: Stephen Chiasson, Alex Lyon
Presenter: Stephen Chiasson

16:20 – 16:40
Seismic Assessment of Roger Pierlet Bridge
Co-authors: Kiarash Kaveh, Jason Dowling
Presenter: Kiarash Kaveh

Affordable seniors’ complexes help meet residential and accessibility needs in Southern Alberta

Posted on July 13, 2022June 2, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

The Lethbridge Housing Authority provides safe, secure, and affordable housing for people in need in the Lethbridge region. In 2017, the Authority, with funding by Lansol Ltd., sought to develop affordable, accessible living for senior applicants, as a P3 (Public-Private Partnership) with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The project is part of a $444 million investment through the Canada Alberta Housing Benefit that funds rent support for nearly 35,500 Alberta households.

Lansol Ltd. engaged Associated Engineering to complete outline planning, rezoning, conceptual land-use layouts, preliminary and detailed design of off-site services, permit drawings, civil and electrical design for on-site services, landscape design for the open-space areas, and accessible sidewalk design. We also coordinated with third parties involved in the project, provided construction inspection for civil works, and coordinated geotechnical and testing works and various permits.

The original legal and zoning plan envisioned a high-rise apartment complex and eight duplex condo units along the boundary. The condo units were constructed prior to Lansol acquiring the land. Rezoning for a new land use required public engagement with the existing condo association to change the land use. Approval was required by all of the condo residents, prior to rezoning and subdividing the land.

The project’s proposed schedule was to complete the Outline Plan amendment, rezoning, subdivision, development permit, off-site services, on-site design, civil construction and building construction within a year. Typically, this process could take upwards of three years. Through our collective and collaborative efforts with the City of Lethbridge Administration, we received timely feedback to fast track the schedule for permits and tender ready drawings packages.

The multi-family site was focused on affordable seniors’ complexes, and, as a result, half of the buildings constructed are accessible. Project Manager, Billy Crawford, explains, “Half of the parking was required to be barrier-free to accommodate the accessible housing, which made it a challenge to meet the parking criteria on the limited amount of paved surface. Our project team evaluated innovative land-use options, including strategic building placement and alternative stormwater management solutions to maximize efficient use of the land.”

“Conventional stormwater management facilities, including ponds, was not viable due to limited space. Our team came up with an innovative approach to create underground stormwater storage by upsizing the minor system pipes.”

The electrical design was unique for a multi-family development, as it was hosted by one electrical meter in order to minimize administrative costs and offer cost savings in the future, as the units are being marketed as rentals. The team developed a servicing strategy whereby the units were powered from a switchboard on-site, instead of the typical multiple electrical transformers. We serviced all the buildings with deep and shallow utilities, including streetlights, and power plugs to the parking stalls.

Communication was important in developing and sharing the concepts of the proposed buildings, and key site features. Billy shares, “During construction, our resident inspector, Emilee Kaupp, would regularly check in with residents to answer their questions or concerns related to schedule, construction activities, and temporary utility service shut offs.

Associated Engineering also worked collaboratively with the home builder, Avonlea Homes Ltd., to deliver a successful project on an unprecedented schedule. To date, the project has received positive feedback from the surrounding neighborhood.

Our key personnel on this project included Billy Crawford, Emilee Kaupp, Kristi Stickel-Burke, Adam McDonald, and Mario Nunez.

Shaping our Shared Future – Stan Torgunrud

Posted on July 11, 2022June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

In 2013, Stan Torgunrud, a Civil Engineer in our Regina office, responded to a call for volunteers for an engineering assignment in Rwanda for the non-profit organization Water For People. The assignment was part of the Rulindo Challenge, an initiative by the Rwandan government, local leaders and Water For People to bring full water coverage to the Rulindo district. Collaborating with the local project team was an exciting and memorable experience for Stan. Although the assignment had limited scope, it gave Stan a glimpse of a successful district-wide model for bringing safe water and sanitation to communities.

At the time, Stan didn’t expect this call to action to lead to years of involvement with the organization back in Canada. After returning to Regina, Stan continued volunteering for Water For People Canada, organizing fundraisers including curling bonspiels, bowling nights, and silent auctions. Since 2014, Stan has served on the Board of Directors of Water For People Canada including a term as Treasurer from 2015 through 2021. During this period, Water For People Canada has supported water and sanitation projects in Bolivia and Peru. Today, Water For People Canada is shifting its focus to the water crisis that impacts many of Canada’s Indigenous communities.

Water and sanitation are also central to Stan’s professional focus. As a Project Manager in our Regina office’s Water Division, Stan works with First Nations, municipalities, and private clients to develop water and wastewater treatment solutions that best benefit the community and the organization.

Outside work, Stan enjoys keeping active playing tennis, running, cycling, and skiing, with his wife and two children. He looks forward to plenty of camping and travelling when the kids are a wee bit older!

Calgary Zoo’s flood mitigation pumping system is a key component of the City of Calgary’s Flood Resilience Plan

Posted on July 8, 2022June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

In June 2013, the City of Calgary experienced the worst flooding in its history, resulting in billions of dollars of damage, including over $50 million of damage to the Calgary Zoo, located on St. George’s Island in the Bow River. ISL Engineering and Land Services engaged Associated Engineering as a key partner to develop the Zoo’s flood mitigation system, a sheet pile cofferdam wall, watertight barrier, and pumping system. Our Environmental Division, Associated Environmental Consultants, provided essential hydrogeological services for the project.

To provide a clear understanding of the highly complex island hydrogeology, we developed a state-of-the-art, 3D numerical model that allowed us to analyze the combined effects of the river flood hydrograph, the number of wells, their locations, and pumping rates throughout the design. The model was infinitely more important in construction, since it then allowed us to measure the effectiveness of the cut-off wall, and the pump performance, which would confirm the level of flood protection provided by the system. A flexible, risk-informed design helped mitigate the ‘known unknowns’ and optimize the final system’s performance.

Simplicity and reliability of system integration and automation into Zoo operations were priorities. We provided Zoo operators with a familiar interactive interface to remotely monitor performance of the system and groundwater levels across the island in real time from their central control room.

Preservation of the Calgary Zoo, the City’s first developed park space, sensitive riparian habitat, mature trees, and native vegetation were key factors in selecting the least invasive and most effect flood mitigation solution. Restoration of essential riparian edges between the riverbank and sheet pile wall returned the site to its natural pre-development condition.

Upstream mitigation that includes the Springbank off-stream reservoir on the Elbow River, modified operation of existing reservoirs on the Bow River, as well as a future reservoir, will provide greater protection against less frequent events.

Neal Barretto, Environmental Scientist, tells us, “The numerical model used for the planning stage of the dewatering systems is unique. Research indicated that few groundwater/surface water interaction modelling was completed at such a small scale for an island within a river.” Additionally, the sheet pile walls were introduced into the model using vertical no flow boundaries and hydraulic permeability of the base bedrock layer adjusted to allow for percentage leakage resulting due to connections between the sheet pile plate sections.

Given the uncertainties of climate change, the Zoo’s flood protection is designed to be easily adaptable by either raising perimeter wall heights or modifying pumping rates. Neal says, “By investing money up front in adding more monitoring pieces to the whole system, the Zoo will save money in the future as we will be able to fine tune the pumping system. This will reduce the operating cost of the pump and prolong the lifecycle of the pumping system.”

Ongoing monitoring provides assurance of dewatering system’s performance

Since the project completion in 2018, Associated Environmental has worked with the City of Calgary and the Calgary Zoo to provide support for the Zoo’s dewatering system, and upgrade the passive monitoring system to improve its ease of use and cost-effectiveness. We also oversee the monitoring of systems and the pumping system operations and performance. In 2022, we will complete a detailed well inspection as part of the five-year inspection program.

In June, using the monitoring system, we were able to see the strength of the pumping system during a heavy rainfall event. The event caused minor flooding in parts of Calgary, but not at the zoo, where monitoring results showed that the water levels were stable. It was the first time the dewatering system was ‘stressed’, as Calgary and the surrounding area experienced high rainfall.

Our key personnel on this project include Neal Barretto, Robin Clee, Cory Lukacs, Corinne Arkell, Joe White, and Scott Witzke.

Making connections has been key to Sarvejit Nagi’s career in consulting engineering

Posted on July 5, 2022March 4, 2025 by Ryan (ODG)

In high school, Sarvejit Nagi, Manager of our Bridges & Structures team in Toronto, was a high performing student in mathematics and physics. He also enjoyed building structures with Lego. These combined interests led Sarvejit to pursue a degree in civil/structural engineering. While at the University of Toronto, Sarvejit was mentored by a professor who specialized in reinforced concrete and steel design, which fostered his interest in structures. He also credits his sister, who runs a pharmaceutical consulting business, with providing mentorship.

As an engineering graduate, Sarvejit took on roles in materials inspection and as a construction assistant superintendent. Eventually, positions arose in structural inspection and bridge design. Sarvejit recalls, “I worked hard to improve my bridge design skills and was offered a permanent position as a transportation design engineer, which was a rare opportunity at the time.”

He tells us, “The first structural drawing I sealed was a tall cantilever retaining wall; this was a personal milestone.” Since, then Sarvejit has gained experience with more complex designs; each has given him a sense of satisfaction, particularly in-slab and beam-type bridges and three grade-separated rail bridges.

After eight years with Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation Engineering Services, Sarvejit pursued positions in consulting engineering, motivated by the faster-paced environment.

About eight years ago, Sarvejit became aware of Associated Engineering.

“I reviewed some of Associated’s engineering documents and appreciated the technical content. I was attracted to Associated by the quality of the work.”

Since joining the company in 2016, he says the management team, opportunity for personal development, growth, planning, and collaboration has kept him excited about working at Associated.

Some of Sarvejit’s project highlights include the Don River Boulevard Bridge Replacement; multiple (ten) bridge repairs in Toronto; and Steeles Avenue Rehabilitation; and Prince Edward Viaduct and Rosedale Valley Viaduct Rehabilitation. In particular, the luminous veil was an enormous undertaking, with a well-planned bridge inspection that led to evaluations, design, and construction administration. Working on the Owner’s Engineer team for the $1.88 billion Regina Bypass project was another highlight.

“Our staff are our most valuable resource. We need to guide them in their career paths, provide mentorship, and share our experiences.”

As a Senior Structural Engineer and manager, Sarvejit says, “I enjoy seeing our staff grow and develop, including technical staff and Engineers-in-Training to Professionals. If you instill trust in staff, provide them with interesting and challenging projects and guidance, they can and will deliver.” Sarvejit believes in keeping communication open with staff, collaborating with other disciplines, providing support, and identifying key design considerations in their solutions.

“My approach to working with clients and project delivery is to seek client input on the design, and understand their concerns and risks, so that the design meets their requirements.”

Outside of work, Sarvejit is an avid sports fan, and a longtime Toronto Maple Leafs supporter. He enjoys tennis, golf, and badminton, and loves the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. He is also a member of a motorcycle club that supports local charities in Ontario.

Associated Engineering part of the team to deliver Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Renewal Project In Saskatchewan

Posted on July 4, 2022June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

We are proud to announce that Associated Engineering is part of the team awarded the contract to deliver the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Renewal Project, working in collaboration with Graham, Aecon, and Stantec! The Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Renewal Project is the first water infrastructure project in Canada to be delivered using the Progressive Design Build model, which brings together construction, engineering, and operations to work collaboratively to deliver the project. Associated Engineering has worked with the team to complete the facility design and issued construction drawings with early construction activities beginning in June 2022 for this $273 million renewal. Associated Engineering is responsible for the civil, structural, electrical, and building mechanical design. Discipline leads Scott Miller, Risto Protic, Louis De Lange, and Peter Hooge (Associated’s Project Manager) have been engaged since the project kicked off in June 2020. The project will be constructed and commissioned in coordination with the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Corporation and is expected to be completed in 2025.

The existing Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant was originally designed and constructed in the 1950’s to provide drinking water to the Cities of Regina and Moose Jaw. The facility has been expanded several times to accommodate increased water demand and population, but has not seen significant refurbishment since Associated Engineering designed the last expansion in 1988/89. The Buffalo Pound Renewal Project will modernize the facility with newer technologies, improve residuals management practices and increase the total capacity to 220 ML/d, while minimizing disruptions to the current operation during construction. The renewal design replaces the existing conventional clarification and filtration processes with high rate Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF), ozone for taste and odour reduction, and biological activated carbon filtration. Major components of the design also include the rehabilitation of existing structures, new and upgraded residual dewatering ponds for sludge handling, and a new administration building and workshop.

“I’m extremely proud of our design team and the collaborative approach taken to reach this exciting milestone,” says Doug Olson, Associated Engineering’s Senior Vice President, Water, and Quality Manager for the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Renewal. “I started my career with Associated Engineering as an inspector during the 1988 expansion of the Buffalo Pound WTP and it is always rewarding to be involved with repeat clients and plant expansions throughout my career.” Associated Engineering is excited to be part of this major renewal delivering improved operability, increased capacity and long-term reliability.

Succession in technical leadership – bridging the next generation

Posted on June 15, 2022September 1, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Don Kennedy M.A.Sc., P.Eng., has officially retired on June 3rd to spend more time with his family, at their cottage in Ontario, on the golf course, and on the ski slopes. Don retires after a distinguished career that has spanned 38 years, the last 25 years with Associated Engineering. With John Fussell, David Harvey, Alfred Kao, and Bala Balakrishnan, Don was instrumental in Associated’s growth and development as one of Canada’s preeminent bridge engineering firms. A specialist in bridge design and earthquake engineering, Don worked on the design and construction of major bridge and seismic rehabilitation projects across Canada and in New Zealand. He participated in developing and updating bridge design standards, including the introduction of performance-based seismic design and, recently, the Climate Change adaptation provisions for CSA S6:25 Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code—standards that will result in more resilient designs.

We are pleased to announce that Mike Paulsen, M.Sc., P.Eng. from our Edmonton office has accepted the role of Vice President, Transportation Structures, and has taken over from Don as of June 6th. A graduate of the University of Alberta, Mike’s career has taken him to Denmark and New Zealand, before settling back home in Edmonton. Mike joined Associated in 2005 for three years, and then returned to the company in 2010 as a Structural/Bridge Engineer. Over the years, he has taken on roles of increasing responsibility, most recently, Division Manager, Transportation in Alberta North. His 20 years of experience includes the analysis, design, management, and assessment of a wide variety of transportation structures, including pedestrian, roadway, heavy rail, and LRT bridges.

Mike’s resume includes award-winning projects such as the NU Girder Bridge Design and Detailing Manual, Saline Creek Drive Pedestrian Bridge, and the Dunvegan Bridge Deck Replacement. He also led the design of the erection scheme for an elegant 280 metre-long, three-span stress ribbon bridge — only the second application of a stress ribbon structure in Canada. Mike has presented his projects at local, national, and international conferences. He is the Chair of the Transportation Association of Canada Structures Committee and Vice-Chair of Section 8 Concrete Structures of CSA S6: Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code. Mike’s local and international experience and involvement on technical committees will be an asset to his new role, as we continue to expand our bridge engineering capabilities.

Please join us in thanking Don for his leadership and contributions to the company and the industry, and congratulating Mike on his new role!

New regional water system provides safe, long-term drinking water for Whitefish Lake First Nation #128

Posted on May 9, 2022June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

In 2014, Whitefish Lake First Nation #128 approached Associated Engineering for advice on their drinking water system. The treatment plant for this northern Alberta community could not treat the incoming water to the required quality.

It was determined that connecting to a nearby regional waterline would provide the most reliable and cost-effective water supply for the community. In collaboration with the Whitefish Lake First Nation, Highway 28/63 Regional Water Services Commission, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), and the Province of Alberta, we completed a feasibility study and developed a phased design and construction approach for a new water supply.

The project team undertook a three-year program with six contracts to design and construct the water system expansion. The system comprises 64 kilometres of 250 millimetre and 300 millimetre diameter water pipeline from Smoky Lake, Alberta to the community’s boundaries, which was fully funded by the province. Two new booster stations along the system ensure flows can be maintained to meet the demands of the community and existing service points. A joint funding split between the province and ISC supported all costs for a new off-reserve water storage reservoir, and ISC funded the on-reserve water distribution system.

Two contractors worked to build a hill-top, gravity-fed water reservoir, as well as a new pipeline into the Whitefish Lake community. Ryan Krausher, Manager, Technical Services, tells us, “We encouraged the use of local labour for the project. At the peak of construction in the summer of 2020, local labour made up almost 50% of the waterline installation crew.”

In early October 2021, the existing Goodfish Lake Water Treatment Plant suffered a catastrophic failure and could no longer produce water. A public communication and water system changeover strategy was quickly and efficiently organized to complete the transition to the new regional water supply. On October 16, 2021, the Whitefish Lake community turned on their taps to safe drinking water from the new regional water system.

The project marked a successful collaboration between the Whitefish Lake First Nation #128 Leadership, Associated Engineering, and Thompson Infrastructure.

“We are currently working with Whitefish Lake First Nation Leadership and Indigenous Services Canada to extend the water distribution system.”

Our key personnel on this project included Ryan Krausher, Christa Bergeron, Candace Bryks, Nicholai Kristel, Michael Brodzikowski, Kevin Darrach, Chris Bredo, Caitlin Luo, and Hu Kou.

Associated Engineering supports CNAM 2022 Conference

Posted on April 29, 2022August 2, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering is pleased to be a supporting sponsor of the Canadian Network of Asset Managers‘ first hybrid Annual Conference next week in London, Ontario. Several members of our Strategic Advisory Services practice will be attending and participating in the technical program on Tuesday, May 3rd, that follows the theme of this year’s event, “CONNECTIONS: Building an Asset Management Community”. We invite interested attendees to join the following sessions in-person/online, beginning at 10:55am local time.

10:55am – 11:25am | Grand Ballroom East & Centre
Connecting the Dots on Natural Asset Valuation in the City of Calgary
Co-presenter: Twyla Kowalczyk

3:00pm – 3:30pm | Grand Ballroom East & Centre
National First Nations Asset Needs Study
Co-presenter: Owen James

3:40pm – 4:40pm | Suite 300
Workshop: Climate Adaptation Planning as Part of Asset Planning
Co-facilitators: Twyla Kowalczyk, Jaimie Sokalski

To learn more about our integrated team of specialists with many years of experience and expertise in facilitating transparent and sound decision-making and providing strategic advice that our clients depend on for realistic, implementable solutions, visit here.

Health and Safety are COR to our business

Posted on April 28, 2022August 18, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

People often say that we are products of our environment, upbringing and experiences; they shape who we are and how we view life. I have had the misfortune of being affected personally and professionally by tragic events that have influenced my perspective on health and safety. These include the death of my father in an industrial accident when I was 18, the death of a concrete worker at a pumping station project in the UK on which I was the Project Manager, and the death of a pipe layer at a large transmission watermain project in Canada. These experiences have made me sensitive to how quickly accidents can happen and how tragic the consequences can be. They have also reinforced the importance of safety planning and documentation on every project.

The Poem, I Chose to Look the Other Way by Don Merrell, is a poignant reminder on the importance of speaking up for safety.

I could have saved a life that day

But I chose to look the other way.

It wasn’t that I didn’t care

I had the time, and I was there.

But I didn’t want to seem a fool

or argue over a safety rule.

I knew he’d done the job before

If I spoke up, he might get sore.

The chances didn’t seem that bad

I’d done the same, He knew I had.

So, I shook my head and walked on by

He knew the risks as well as I.

He took the chance, I closed an eye

and with that act, I let him die.

I could have saved a life that day

But I chose to look the other way.

Now every time I see his wife

I’ll know, I should have saved his life.

That guilt is something I must bear

but it isn’t something you need share.

If you see a risk that others take

that puts their health or life at stake.

The question asked, or thing you say

could help them live another day.

If you see a risk and walk away

then hope you never have to say

I could have saved a life that day

But I chose, to look the other way.

In the UK, health and safety in construction have been a major topic of discussion since the late 1990s. In 1994, the Construction Design and Management regulations came into force, and introduced new positions such as the Planning Supervisor. The Planning Supervisor is responsible for coordinating health and safety during the design, construction, commissioning, and demolition of projects. I was trained to undertake this role, and, later in my career, I managed a group of Planning Supervisors advising and fulfilling this role for clients.

In my roles overseeing health and safety I have learned that, in the aftermath of any accident, the burden of proof is opposite to what we believe to be a principle in the legal context. In an accident, you are perceived to be guilty until you prove your innocence. The response from Safety Inspectors is, if it is not documented it is hard to believe it is true. This is an important factor to consider.

Our perspective should also be influenced by our obligations. As professionals we have an obligation to the public, and as supervisors and workers we have obligations under the Health and Safety Acts in our province.

The question that should be asked is, “Have we done everything reasonable to prevent an accident from occurring?” This means applying the same time, effort, money, and resources to health and safety as we do to planning, designing, and managing our services.

Health and safety is about risk management which, as engineers, we assess as part of our work on a daily basis. We should look at it through the same lens, and it should be part of our normal way of work and life.

Implementing COR (Certificate of Recognition) as a company and formalising our processes (Internal Responsibility System), so that they are auditable by a third party, are forms of quality assurance. We should all look to raise awareness, put in appropriate controls where applicable, be disciplined, and review our plans and learn lessons. It is too easy to become complacent, but accidents can happen and they do happen; and it has, for me, had devastating consequences. We all need to:

CARE – Be

Considerate,

Accountable,

Responsible, and

Expect.

AND NOT LOOK THE OTHER WAY.

About the Author:

Matthew Eades has 25 years of consulting, engineering, and project management experience encompassing municipal infrastructure, water and wastewater plants, institutional facilities, buildings and transit. He has participated on projects in Canada and the UK. As Vice President & General Manager of our Ontario operation, Matt is currently leading our COR certification in Ontario.

Timely response and support for worst flooding in BC’s history helps accelerate community restoration and protect vital infrastructure from further damage

Posted on April 13, 2022April 16, 2025 by Ryan (ODG)

November 2021 saw a series of atmospheric rivers (heavy rainfall events) in southwestern BC, which resulted in extreme flooding of many communities. Associated Engineering received numerous requests for flood management assistance from various provincial agencies and municipalities. Our specialists in water resources, transportation, environmental management, water quality, hydrogeology, community resilience, and emergency response and recovery responded to our clients’ urgent calls for support.

Our staff responded swiftly, travelling to locations along Highways 1, 3, 5, and 7, as well as secondary roadways and other sites throughout the Fraser Valley and the BC Interior. They assessed major bridge and culvert washouts, channel avulsions, and general flooding and erosion issues. Our team also played a key coordination role with Emergency Management BC in their Emergency Operations Centre. These efforts have continued with recovery activities in early 2022, as permanent repairs are required for flood-damaged infrastructure.

Senior Water Resources Engineer, Geoffrey Cahill, led our emergency flood response efforts for the City of Merritt following the Coldwater River flood of November 15. This was a large event and is now the flood of record for the area. Flood extents in Merritt were vast, causing dike breaches, dike and bank overtopping, two avulsions, a bridge failure, and extensive overland flooding. The city’s wastewater treatment plant was compromised and the FortisBC gas main supplying the city was scoured and suspended in the new avulsion channel. This led to an evacuation order for the City of Merritt’s 7000 residents.

“We provided an emergency channel assessment and design recommendation for a river diversion to put the Coldwater River flow back in the pre-event channel.”

Our team then completed rapid dike inspections, with the threat of further atmospheric river events, and provided recommendations for emergency dike repairs, temporary works (HESCO Barriers and Tiger Dams), vehicle and trailer removals from the river, and a second river diversion. In addition, we provided hydrotechnical engineering guidance to the City’s Emergency Operations Centre, field reviews of all dike and bank repairs, and construction oversight at 12 sites, working in collaboration with ten contractors and the Canadian Armed Forces.

On the weekend of November 28, Associated Engineering received a request from Emergency Management BC and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to assist in closing a gap in the flood protection infrastructure along Highway 1 at the Sumas River crossing in Abbotsford, BC.

Jamie Fitzgerald, Manager, Water Resources, tells us, “Our staff immediately attended the site and identified the required flood protection measures.” We provided flood management and structural engineering advice and collaborated with the military, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Abbotsford Fire Department, and local contractors. A Tiger Dam representative was also on-site and provided assembly instructions to the team. As a result of their efforts, the Tiger Dam was successfully assembled by 5 am on November 29.

The Associated Engineering team continues to support the City of Merritt and the BC Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure with their flood recovery efforts

Associated Engineering staff involved in the emergency response and recovery efforts on the engineering services include Jamie Fitzgerald, Trevor Friedmann, Nate Antonides, Michael MacLatchy, Kyle Eckart, Eric Finney, Geoffrey Cahill, Carly Davis, John van der Eerden, Chris Duncan, Andrew Wiens, Matt Bowen, Shaun Bidulka, Amr Mohamed, Pat Stancombe, Matt du Toit, Shane Cook, Katrin Habel, Mike Lumb, Ethan Wilkinson, David Harvey, Nik Cuperlovic, Marta Green, Matt Lozie, and several others active in the field monitoring ongoing construction activities.

Celebrating engineering excellence at the Consulting Engineers Alberta Showcase Awards

Posted on April 11, 2022June 19, 2024 by Ryan (ODG)

This past Friday in Edmonton, the Consulting Engineers Alberta hosted the 25th edition of their Showcase Awards Gala. Associated Engineering was recognized in several project categories for technical engineering excellence. In addition, one of our staff received a presitigious individual honour. Congratulations to all of the nominees and award winners in helping to raise awareness of the consulting engineering industry in Alberta!
Award of Excellence: Studies, Software and Special Services | Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Vulnerability Assessment

Recognizing the impact of climate and extreme weather on the supply of safe drinking water, Alberta Innovates and Alberta Environment and Parks partnered to study the climate change risks of extreme streamflow events at 48 municipal drinking water facilities across Alberta. Associated Engineering provided a high-level assessment of the water infrastructure, considering historic vulnerability and increased risks of future extreme streamflow events due to climate change. This study helps municipalities understand the risks of the changing climate to their drinking water infrastructure, identify facility and knowledge gaps, and make informed decisions and plans to ensure safe drinking water for Albertans.

Edmonton/Strathcona County Footbridge Location

Award of Excellence: Transportation Infrastructure – Transportation Structures | Crowchild Trail Bridge Over Bow River

Award of Merit: Transportation Infrastructure – Roads, interchanges, airports, mass transit |Crowchild Trail Short-Term Improvements

Award of Merit: Project Management | Crowchild Trail Short-Term Improvements

Associated Engineering’s innovative design for rehabilitating and widening Calgary’s Crowchild Trail Bow River Bridge Interchange improves functionality and safety, and extends the service life of the 50-year-old, severely deteriorated structure. Associated’s team conceived a cost effective, sustainable solution involving reusing the existing structure, thus avoiding extensive demolition, limiting waste, and protecting the river. The team’s complex traffic staging plan mitigated interruption to commuters, pedestrians, CP Rail, and businesses during construction. Associated’s design for bridge widening and realigning access ramps eliminates congestion on this interchange, reducing emissions, and improving the quality of life for more than 100,000 commuters every day.

Award of Excellence: Small Firm – Big Impact | Groat Road Storm Trunk Rehabilitation Phase 2 (Associated Engineering, sub consultant)

EPCOR’s Groat Road Storm Trunk Rehabilitation (Phase 2) project is one of the largest sliplining projects in Western Canada. 3.9 kilometres of 2-metre trunk was rehabilitated under live flow conditions with minimal disruption to two of Edmonton’s busiest arterial roads. The project pushed the limits of sliplining technology and faced the wettest summer in forty years, collapsed sections, huge voids, and COVID-19. The team’s creative and collaborative approach, depth of technical experience, advanced techniques, and agile responses ultimately resulted in successful completion—under budget.

Award of Merit: Sustainable Design | Blatchford District Energy System – Phase 1

With the closure of its municipal airfield, the City of Edmonton developed this downtown area as an innovative, environmentally-friendly community. Associated Engineering collaborated with the City to design the Blatchford Neighbourhood’s District Energy Sharing System. The project features a geoexchange field, utilizing earth’s energy for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water, and Canada’s largest application of an ambient-temperature, energy distribution system. The buildings employ heat pumps to share unused energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Blatchford residents can take pride in living in Alberta’s most forward thinking, sustainable community, providing a model for community-based climate change mitigation across Canada.

Harold L. Morrison Rising Young Professional Award: Tia Hill, P.Eng.

Tia Hill, P.Eng., a Project Engineer with the Strategic Advisory Services group in our Calgary office, was presented with this individual award recognizing her achievements as a young professional through combining her interest in improving the well being of communities and her business acumen, technical skills, initiative, and leadership. Her involvement with industry associations including ACEC-BC, CEA, and ACEC-Canada, as well as her commitment to mentoring and supporting aspiring female engineers reflect her remarkable dedication and generosity.

Connected approach helps City of Calgary improve natural asset management

Posted on April 1, 2022July 19, 2024 by Ryan (ODG)

In recent years, The City of Calgary has been focusing on processes to improve the management of their natural assets. The City has been developing a more holistic view of their natural assets and the services that use and impact their natural assets. Their goal is to build a more resilient city, and, in particular, to create an environment that is more resistant to the effects of climate change.

“Nature provides numerous social, economic, and environmental benefits. However, usually, these benefits are undervalued in municipal financial planning and reporting.” – Twyla Kowalczyk, Climate Resilience Specialist

Determining the value of natural assets is an emerging field for municipalities. With expertise in asset management, municipal processes, and environmental management, Associated is well-positioned to support and assist organizations in developing and integrating natural asset management plans into their planning and processes.

The City of Calgary engaged Associated Engineering and Green Analytics to conduct a final valuation that demonstrates the value of the services provided by natural assets. The objective of the project is to support The City in communicating the value of their natural assets that will be used to inform decision-making on land-use planning, asset management, and operations.

Green Analytics conducted the financial valuation component of the project. Associated’s team developed a unique data set to identify storage capacity in natural depression areas, which was compared to the cost of providing storage through engineered stormwater infrastructure. We initially developed this data set to support Calgary’s stormwater team in quantifying the impacts of localized flooding, primarily focused on low points along the roadway network.

National Practice Lead, Asset Management, Owen James, tells us, “This work highlights the value that Associated brings in coordinating initiatives across disciplines and departments within The City and identifying creative ways that data can be used to achieve multiple outcomes.”

Calgary’s plan for managing their natural assets will improve the City’s resilience to the changing climate

Nature supports climate mitigation initiatives by storing carbon, as well as managing climate risks. Increased rainfall intensity, extreme temperatures and heat days, increasing runoff, and shifting eco-regions are all moderated through a healthy, resilient natural environment.

The project provides a strong foundation for more robust management of Calgary’s natural assets and demonstrates that natural infrastructure is providing quantifiable financial value. Further analysis will make an even stronger case for advancing work on natural asset management and conservation efforts.

Our key personnel on this project included Twyla Kowalczyk, Owen James, Andrew Rushworth, and Andrew Wiens.

Highway 1 – Lower Lynn Interchange Improvements address traffic congestion and safety issues

Posted on March 30, 2022June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

The Trans-Canada Highway / Highway 1 is the main route and a critical transportation link for people, services, and goods movement in British Columbia. In the Lower Mainland, the Highway 1 corridor connects Metro Vancouver to the North Shore, the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, and Highway 99 leading north to the communities of Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton.

The interchanges immediately north of the Ironworkers Memorial bridge on the North Shore were designed and constructed more than 50 years ago. These interchanges are collectively referred to as the Lower Lynn Interchanges and include Mountain Highway, Keith Road/Mount Seymour Parkway, and the Main Street/Dollarton Highway Interchanges. With age and the growth of surrounding communities, the interchanges required improvements or replacement.

The BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure divided the interchange improvements into four phases. Associated Engineering was responsible for detailed design and construction services for the Mountain Highway Interchange (Phase 1) and the Dollarton Highway/Main Street Interchange (Phase 3). We were also involved in the functional design of the Lower Lynn Connectivity Improvements Project (Phase 2 & 4).

Priscilla Tsang, Senior Transportation Engineer and Deputy Design Manager/Project Manager, tells us, “The projects included improvements to address traffic safety, queuing, and delays.”

“The new interchanges will help improve traffic flow and travel times along Highway 1 and the Lower Lynn Interchanges, and upgrade transit and active transportation connectivity and safety.”

Mountain Highway Interchange: Associated provided detailed design and construction services for the new Mountain Highway interchange to improve multi-modal connectivity, capacity, and safety. The project includes a partial diamond interchange; a five-lane underpass; median and shoulder widening; realignment and widening of Mountain Highway; reconfiguration of the Brooksbank Avenue/Keith Road intersection; pedestrian and cycling facilities; and active transportation connectivity improvements, including a new pedestrian tunnel. Our team provided roadway, structural, drainage, and utility designs, as well as traffic engineering.

Dollarton Highway/Main Street Interchange: Associated completed preliminary, functional, and detailed design for upgrading the Dollarton Highway/Main Street Interchange to improve traffic flow and safety. Key components include a new eastbound on-ramp overpass at Main Street, two-retaining walls, on-ramp widening, a Highway 1 eastbound emergency pullout, and sidewalk/multi-use pathway improvements on Main Street. A unique feature of the design is a lane sharing and transit priority traffic signal to control the traffic from Phibbs Exchange and the Dollarton Highway and Main Street on-ramps to Ironworkers Memorial Bridge.

Situated adjacent to other project phases, constructability and schedule optimization were very important to optimize construction sequencing and reduce costs of all four phases. Efficiencies in budget and schedule were identified during value engineering and resulted in cost savings to the Mountain Highway interchange. The design also accommodated the future six-laning on Highway 1 and the replacement of the existing Lynn Creek Bridge in the future.

The geometric design was particularly challenging due to the highly constrained site, steep grades (about 8% on Highway 1 and 9% to 13% for Mountain Highway and the interchange on/off ramps), and close proximity to private properties. A tight diamond configuration minimized the footprint of the interchange.

The Mountain Highway Interchange required extensive retaining walls. Two major soil nail retaining walls were constructed, requiring close collaboration with the geotechnical engineers.

“The walls were finished with a shotcrete ‘rock-type’ facing, which makes them aesthetically pleasing and well integrated into the surroundings.” – Priscilla Tsang

Located within the project area, Keith Creek will be directly impacted by future climate change. Increases in peak rainfall intensities will result in larger peak flow rates, which will require larger infrastructure to safely convey these design flows through the project site. The design has a 20% allowance to account for increases in future rainfall intensities due to climate change.

The design included significant upgrades to pedestrian and cycling facilities along Mountain Highway, including a protected intersection at the Mountain Highway/Keith Road intersection, with separate pedestrian and cyclist crossings, as well as corner build outs to improve safety for cyclists.

Successfully delivering the project required extensive design coordination with the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Water District, Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District, FortisBC, Telus, Shaw, BC Hydro, environmental agencies, the local community, advocacy groups, Vancouver Coastal Health, HUB Cycling, North Shore Mountain Biking Association, Advisory Committee on disability issues, and design teams from the other project phases.

Our key personnel on the project included Ron Gratz, Priscilla Tsang, Shaun Bidulka, Ana Varhaug, David Harvey, Helen Du, Katrin Habel, Josh Thiessen, Jenna Lee, Helen Zhang, Sang Chung, Alfred Kao, Winnie Li, Jason Dowling, Helen Yin, and Siu Fung Ma.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure engaged AE to provide detailed design for the upgrading of the Hiighway 1 / Mountain Highway interchange in North Vancouver to improve connectivity to / from the adjacent municipal road network and improve capacity and safety on Highway 1.

[ViewPoints] Focus for Associated’s Strategic Advisory Services: Resilience Fortified. Value Reimagined.

Posted on March 28, 2022January 14, 2025 by Ryan (ODG)

The world continues to evolve at a rapid pace. As uncertainty and extreme climate events increase, risks to our communities have never been more significant. Strategic thinking, agility, and resourcefulness are essential to manage these risks, improve resiliency, and better prepare for the future.

re·sil·ience | rə-zil-yən(t)s
n. the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; the process of adapting in the face of adversity

for·ti·fied | f˙or-tə-fīd
adj. provided with additional protection

Resilience Fortified
Resilience considers not only short-term needs, but also long-term sustainment of those needs.

To be resilient, we must consider all risks and uncertainties to help improve decision-making, build foresight, and plan for the unexpected.

Organizations are subject to increasing pressures to fortify resilience. Leaders and managers are now challenged to look for new, strategic approaches to their vision and strategy – essential in providing alignment and line-of-sight to goals and objectives. Key considerations include governance; integrated asset planning considering the entire asset life cycle; value and level of service for all stakeholders; and community resilience and sustainability, including preparedness, adaptation, response, and recovery. Risk-based decision-making, balancing investment with “all-hazards” risks, is a critical tool to manage uncertainty. We consider social, economic, environmental, and infrastructure risks, including aging assets and their vulnerabilities.

Developing and successfully implementing new, strategic approaches to improve resilience also requires coordinating the activities of an organization across departments and disciplines. Our approach evaluates both bottom-up and top-down considerations, macro and micro approaches, as well as effective change management, to fortify organizations, their assets and services, and our communities for the present and the future.

Value Reimagined
“Value lies in the eyes of the beholder.” With this in mind, it is critical to establish, understand, and acknowledge how value is defined by an organization and its leadership, as well as by stakeholders, such as investors and employees, and customers and the community.

Reimagining value provides an opportunity to fortify resilience. Our approach considers an organization’s governance, including transparency, accountability, and efficiency. We help leaders improve decision-making, balancing risk and return on investment. We work with clients to establish agreed levels of service considering equity and affordability. We can assist to optimize assets, extending service life and prioritizing rehabilitation and replacement. We work in consultation with our clients’ operations, maintenance, and management team to plan and determine the right approach, considering sustainability, resilience, and energy to reduce environmental footprint, fortify community resilience, and reimagine value.

We apply tailored approaches that consider the unique needs of each client to help fortify resilience and reimagine value for their organizations, assets, and communities. Our Strategic Advisory Services experts take a collaborative, holistic approach with clients and stakeholders to provide strategic advice, support, and guidance through transparent, multi-criteria decision analysis, and identify resilient and sustainable solutions that maximize value. Our experienced team brings expertise in strategy and governance, asset management, climate adaptation and mitigation, community resilience; including disaster preparedness and recovery, energy, sustainability, data intelligence, and integrated management systems, complemented by local and global experience in infrastructure, water, transportation, buildings, energy, and the environment.

We collaborate with you to solve today’s problems, consider tomorrow’s challenges, and fortify resilience to shape a better future.

About the author

Shane Thompson, MBA, P.Eng., CEM is our Manager, Strategic Advisory Services in Alberta. He has over 20 years experience providing strategic advice and leading infrastructure projects to improve resilience and value for both private and government clients in North America and Australia.

Shaping our Shared Future – April Ziegler

Posted on March 24, 2022June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

April Ziegler is an environmental scientist, professional biologist, and experienced project manager working on projects focused on environmental regulatory compliance and environmental assessment. She is also a volunteer extraordinaire, giving back to her community!

Outside of her daily work responsibilities, April is the co-coordinator of the Partners for Life – Blood Donation Group (Edmonton office). She has also been heavily involved in the annual efforts to raise money for the United Way – Alberta Capital Region for over six years.

April served as Campaign Chair for the United Way Committee for four years and was nominated as Employee Campaign Chair of the Year in 2020. She continues to be involved in the committee, organizing monthly volunteer groups to help organize food hampers at Edmonton’s Food Bank.

Outside of the office, April opened her home, fostering rescue dogs through Second Chance Animal Rescue Society. She was also a member of the Leduc Environmental Advisory Board, advising the City of Leduc on environmental matters over a three-year term and representing the City at numerous events.

In 2021, April moved to Vancouver Island in BC. She is continuing her volunteering activities with the “Better at Home” program, a program funded by United Way to support seniors in independent living.

Wherever she goes, April is leaving a positive mark on the community, and is shaping our shared future!

Wide-ranging experience, drive, and opportunity forged Heather Robertson’s successful career

Posted on March 22, 2022June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

As a high school student in small town BC, Senior Project Manager, Heather Robertson, remembers being interested in physics. But it was the creativity and hands-on approach offered by drafting and building stage sets that inspired her career. Heather recalls, “I loved drawing houses; I also wanted to go to the national art school in Montreal for stagecraft.” Due to circumstances, Heather elected to enroll in the BCIT Building Technology program after learning that she could develop her drafting skills in this program.

Heather recollects that, early in her career, her work days were spent at large drafting tables using analog tools. She credits two colleagues in a small Yellowknife office who provided mentorship and guidance, and encouraged her to take part in all areas of projects.

“I learned to write proposals, draft designs, prepare correspondence, and take part in the financial management of projects.”

Later, she learned computer-aided design drafting, which was state-of-the-art at the time. She shares, “I developed master standards for the office, developed the symbols (blocks) for architectural, electrical, mechanical, and civil disciplines, and gained design experience in these disciplines.”

Her career evolved from drafting and design to construction inspection and contract administrator to her current role as a project manager. She says, “I have enjoyed working on projects that improve our infrastructure and benefit the quality of life for communities, businesses, and residents.”

Heather’s first encounter with the Associated Engineering team was in 2007, when she was working with the City of Prince George as their project manager on the Cameron Street Bridge and North Nechako Roundabout.

“The Associated team impressed me with their professionalism and thoroughness on a very challenging project. I built a good relationship with the team. When I decided I wanted a change, I reached out to see if there may be an opportunity to join their team.”

As a Senior Project Manager in our Kelowna office, Heather’s philosophy is to recognize every member of a project team, as everyone brings unique skill sets and experiences. “I foster a collaborative approach on projects. I think it’s important to get everyone’s input, based on their experience and expertise. This approach contributes to better project outcomes.”

Heather believes mentoring is important at all ages and at all stages in one’s career.

“I have always been learning from others and believe this should start and continue throughout one’s career.”

Heather advises junior professionals to approach their career as a journey, continue to learn and be willing to share knowledge and advice in constructive ways. She acknowledges that there will be many times that opportunities will inspire you and there will be many tasks that just need to get done. She stresses, “Look for the positive in all that you do”.

Away from the office, Heather enjoys reading, hiking, skiing, kayaking, cycling, and sailing.

Associated Engineering enhances focus on data management

Posted on March 11, 2022July 19, 2024 by Ryan (ODG)

As part of Associated Engineering’s growing focus on data management, we are pleased to announce that Judy Yu has been appointed to the position of Discipline Lead, Data Management and ITS, with a focus on data management and transportation industries.

Over the course of her 22-year career, Judy has specialized in modernizing and streamlining business operations through the combined power of data science and technology advancements. In her new position, Judy will lead specialized teams through delivery of this service, while supporting effective technology implementation and data driven decision-making practices.

Judy actively participates in advancing the adoption of technology and the understanding of data at the national level through organizations such as Data Management International, Transportation Association of Canada, Intelligent Transportation Systems Canada, the Standards Council of Canada, and the Transportation Research Board. She is committed to helping others embrace technology for business and continuous improvement.

Judy will focus on providing clients with the technical and strategic expertise to integrate technology and navigate through successful change management, in the unique context of infrastructure ownership and public service provision.

We look forward to supporting her new team based in Calgary, as she expands our services in these disciplines. Congratulations Judy!

Associated Engineering at annual AWWOA Operators Seminar (March 14-18, 2022)

Posted on March 6, 2022August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering is pleased to participate next week in the Alberta Water & Wastewater Operators Association’s 47th Annual Operators Seminar taking place in Banff, AB. Members of our staff are presenting on a variety of important water and wastewater topics and projects in a pre-seminar workshop, as well as the technical session. We look forward to seeing everyone in person once again and welcome attendees to join our presenters’ sessions!

Alberta South Transportation reorganizes to accommodate growing portfolio

Posted on March 2, 2022August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

(left to right: Simon Cook, Derek Blayney, Jeff Belziuk, Jim Zagas, and Nadeer Lalji)

The Alberta South Transportation Division has experienced remarkable and rapid expansion over the past five years, and secured several high profile and significant infrastructure assignments. During this period of growth, the team has responded to our clients needs by increasing to over 40 staff members to keep pace with project demands. In our effort to better serve our valued clients and support our dedicated staff, we are pleased to announce the following managerial appointments.

Simon Cook, P.Eng., Manager, Transportation Structures
Simon joined Associated Engineering in 2008 and has over 19 years of experience designing transportation structures and delivering infrastructure projects. His experience includes detailed design of bridges and underground structures, evaluation and strengthening techniques for existing structures, and on-site construction management. Simon has prepared structural designs for several large scale projects, including the West Calgary Ring Road, Crowchild Trail Bridge Widening, and the Flanders Avenue Interchange. His natural mentoring abilities, experience, and collaborative approach will benefit the team of design engineers in the Transportation Structures group.

Derek Blayney, P.Eng. PMP, Manager, Roads & Aviation
Since joining Associated Engineering in 2019, Derek has supported the growth of our national Aviation practice with his strong leadership and ability to understand and respond to client challenges. An accomplished project and client manager with 13 years of experience, Derek has supported the procurement, design, and delivery of airport projects across Canada requiring new systems and upgrades to existing infrastructure. Derek’s previous experience includes working for the Calgary Airport Authority and previous consulting experience. He will lead our team of aviation and transportation design engineers and CADD technologists delivering current projects, while he works to expand the roads, highways, and aviation practices.

Jeff Belziuk, P.Eng., Manager, Transportation Project Delivery
Jeff joined Associated Engineering in early 2021 and has over 20 years of civil design, construction, and transportation engineering experience. He brings industry knowledge and a technical acumen that stems from his diverse background working for both public and private clients on conventional and alternative delivery projects. Jeff specializes in design, procurement, construction management, and scheduling functions on large scale transportation projects. In his new role, Jeff will oversee the group of professional engineers and technologists dedicated to project delivery, including the West Calgary Ring Road and Deerfoot Trail Improvement Project.

All three individuals will be instrumental in strengthening our service offering and expanding the Division’s portfolio. Collectively, they bring a diverse set of qualifications and experiences that will elevate our commitment to technical excellence, innovative solutions, and responsive client service in our industry. Simon, Derek, and Jeff will continue to report directly to Division Manager, Jim Zagas.

In addition to these managerial appointments, several other members of our team have been promoted to new technical and client service leadership roles.

Congratulates Simon, Derek, and Jeff on your new roles!

ART Sessions – Back by Popular Demand!

Posted on February 18, 2022August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

We’re excited to share the news that the Adaptation Resilience Training (ART) program, an Alberta-focused set of introductory sessions that explore how professionals working in the province can raise their understanding about climate change and how to manage risks in community planning, is back! This program was launched in September 2021 and due to popular demand and feedback received, the core sessions will be hosted once again in March 2022.

Associated Engineering has been working with Alberta Environment and Parks to develop this free online training program for professionals interested in learning more about how to incorporate adaptation in their practice and build resilience in community planning.

Owen James and Garry Drachenberg will be among the speakers leading the March 2022 sessions.

The Weather Isn’t What It Used to Be: Separating Fact from Fiction about Climate Change (register here)
Risks Around Us: Learning Which Climate Risks are Important to Manage and How (register here)
Making Dollars and Sense of Climate Change: Economic Aspects of Climate Change (register here)
But It’s So Cold Outside! How to Speak Effectively About Climate Change (register here)

Note: Registration is required to attend these sessions.

These sessions will enable participants to build their knowledge and a foundation of climate change literacy that informs, guides, and supports discussions and decision-making. Alberta-based examples will be used to illustrate the concepts and demonstrate what is happening locally.

This project is funded by Alberta Environment and Parks and Natural Resources Canada.

Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination to enter Associated’s Workplaces

Posted on February 4, 2022June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Dear Clients, Partners, and Friends:

I hope the start of 2022 finds you keeping safe and well.

With the recent surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the country, Associated Engineering continues to actively evaluate our Pandemic response protocols. The health and safety of our staff, clients, and partners are paramount. To minimize and mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our workplaces, effective January 31, 2022, Associated Engineering requires all staff and visitors entering our workplaces to be Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19. Workplaces include our offices; project sites; construction sites; vehicles used for carpooling for work purposes; external venues for company-organized meetings and events; and spaces mandated by Municipal, Provincial and Federal governments. Fully vaccinated means having received the full series of COVID-19 vaccines, as defined and approved by Provincial or Federal governments. We believe this policy helps safeguard the health and safety of our staff, clients, and visitors, and prevents the spread of COVID-19.

In making this decision, we considered the high rate of vaccination of our staff (more than 95%), the mandatory vaccination requirements of our clients and organizations with whom we work and support, and the Federal government’s requirement for proof of vaccination for all air, rail, and marine travel in Canada.

Subconsultants, partners, and suppliers must sign an attestation form confirming their compliance with our mandatory vaccination policy.

To enter our offices, visitors are not required to show proof of vaccination, but must confirm that they are Fully Vaccinated on our Health Assessment tool before entering our workplaces. Any individual who cannot confirm that they are Fully Vaccinated should contact their project manager or our office manager to make alternative meeting arrangements.

While in our workplaces, physical distancing and masking in common areas continue to be required.

These health and safety measures are temporary. This policy will remain in effect only while the COVID-19 public health and safety concerns are still active. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or our local General Manager.

I know we will come through this pandemic and be stronger for our efforts.

Best Regards,

Martin Jobke, P.Eng.
President & CEO

David Nagy appointed as National Practice Lead, Alternative & Major Projects

Posted on January 19, 2022June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Effective January 1, 2022, David Nagy, MBA, P.Eng. has been appointed Associated Engineering’s National Practice Lead for Alternative & Major Projects and will help lead and support our continued success in pursuing and delivering on major and alternative delivery projects with our public sector clients.

David originally joined Associated Engineering in 2015, as the Manager of the Bridge group in our Calgary location. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s of Business Administration. Over his 18-year career, David has completed many transportation projects, including bridges, roads, tunnels, and airports, and also provided engineering on water intakes and treatment plants.

David is an active volunteer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) and the Consulting Engineers of Alberta (CEA). In 2017-2018, he held the position of President of the CEA.

Congratulations David, on your new role!

[ViewPoints] Risk-based decision-making in asset management – how to prioritize investment programs

Posted on January 13, 2022January 14, 2025 by Ryan (ODG)

This is the first of a two-part post.

We cannot avoid the need to manage risks. With continuing growth, aging assets, the pressures of climate change, and limited resources, managing physical assets has become ever more challenging in both the public and private sectors. We intuitively know that these circumstances create risks – economic risks related to asset failure and inability to fund essential maintenance or service and environmental-related risks such as interruptions to water supply, loss of use of facilities, or pollution events and contamination of the environment.

Our brains have been wired to evaluate risks, understand trade-offs, and make decisions about course of action. We process this type of information every day, for example, when and how to cross a busy street or whether to send our kids to school during this COVID-19 pandemic. Clearly everyone takes a different view of risk, as you see a variety of behaviours with regard to these activities. We each have our own risk appetite or internal risk threshold. We make different decisions because we individually have a different backdrop of experience and knowledge. These can significantly influence the decisions and judgement calls we make.

As risk machines, we are not all equipped to deal with the complexities of today’s society. In our own lives, we often make decisions on the fly. However, when we are responsible for more extensive asset portfolios, like a process facility or an entire town or city, the level of complexity has increased way beyond what most of us can process in our heads.

We can say to ourselves, “it worked last time so I am sure it will work again” and allocate budgets based on what we did last year. Or we can process what is front of mind – “The homeowners just told me about the ponding water on their street, we should go fix that storm drain”.

The reality is, this intuitive risk management approach to decision-making not only creates public health and safety concerns, but may also cost society more money. We may not notice the risks slowly building up. For instance, in a pump station, there may be a number of human behaviours that mask the risks. Consider an operator who has lovingly cared for a facility, keeping it running smoothly, managing all the little nuances of operation, putting in overtime or being the hero when things go wrong. The operator may also be masking a risk that could cause significant impact when they go on vacation or retire. Or the operator could be masking avoidable costs, that have just become the norm.

Back to the storm drain, what if we spend money fixing it, not realizing there is another drain in far worse condition, that will have far greater impacts, and cost ten times more to fix if we don’t do something immediately.

To see through these complexities, we require more evidenced-based systematic approaches to manage risks to our assets. If we want to provide transparency to customers or the public, we need to provide evidence and information applied in a consistent and clear manner in our decision-making.

In our next edition, we will explore how organizations can manage the complexity, use information, and make informed risk-based decisions.

About the authors:

Owen James, M.Sc., ENV.SP, CWEM, MIAM is our National Practice Leader for Asset Management. He has over 25 years of experience developing and implementing Asset Management capability for organizations in Canada and the United Kingdom.

[ViewPoints] Understanding international standards and risk principles helps make informed decisions

Posted on January 13, 2022January 14, 2025 by Ryan (ODG)

This is the continuation of a two-part article. View part one here.

ISO 31000, the International Standard for Risk Management, provides a clear framework for managing risks, prompting us to think about the scope and context of the organization, what is important, and what we are trying to achieve. From that starting point, we can assess risks by identifying them, analyzing causes, extents, vulnerabilities, likelihoods, and consequences. With that information in hand, we can begin to evaluate whether risks need to be mitigated, how to mitigate them, and whether the mitigation strategies are a good use of public money. Of course, nothing changes without action and the implementation of risk treatments.

ISO 31000 also prompts us to consult with others throughout the process, communicate relevant information, monitor and review the effectiveness of our risk treatments, and record and report how well we are doing. This is, of course, all common sense, but how often do we systematically carry out all of these actions?

Some risk principles are hinted at in the international standard, but more explicitly documented in other frameworks: in ISI’s Envision framework, some key principles associated with risk management make a significant difference in the robustness of the approach. These include:

Risk = Likelihood x Consequence: Likelihood, probability, chance, uncertainty – whatever you call it, this is a key dimension representing the level of uncertainty in risk. Consequence, extent, and impacts all represent the size of potential impacts. These two concepts are fundamental to risk assessment.

A Common Currency of Risk: While still not widely applied, humans are so used to dealing in money that it makes sense to express risk in economic terms. We continually hear about the cost of the latest disaster or the cost of congestion to the economy. We are able to more readily evaluate risk expressed in economic terms to the very tangible costs of dealing with risks. It makes sense to express risk in dollar terms.

Integrated and Holistic: Risk is a complex thing. We recognize that the causes may be many and varied and the consequences could be far-reaching. More robust approaches to risk management take a broad and integrated view of risk, and consider the economic, social, and environmental (or triple bottom line) implications.

Application: The opportunity to use this systematic process exists in almost everything that we do, whether it is community planning and management, asset planning, project delivery, or operational and maintenance activities. Project managers know it makes sense to apply a systematic approach to understanding potential project risks. Investment program managers need to be able to effectively prioritize capital programs that best manage the trade off between costs, performance, and risk.

AE provided upgrades to the 100 year old Scott Street Pump Station, including study, design and contract administration services.

Operationally, we may choose to apply the principles of risk in HAZOP (Hazard and Operability) or FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis) studies to improve operational and maintenance activities and better manage risk. More importantly, if we can take our inherent ability to understand risk and apply it to our day-to-day jobs, we can create a culture of more effective risk management. This has the ability to transform the health and safety culture of organizations, radically improve supply chains, and generate significant investment efficiencies or performance improvements.

At Associated, we bring our expertise to help organizations begin to understand the jargon and navigate the common-sense application of risk management that may initially seem complex. With a better understanding of risk and the ability to articulate risk, we can have a more convincing conversation with stakeholders, more robustly defend our decisions to the public, and more readily access funding from agencies that ultimately want to know we are doing the right thing.

About the authors:

Owen James, M.Sc., ENV.SP, CWEM, MIAM is our National Practice Leader for Asset Management. He has over 25 years of experience developing and implementing asset management capabilities for organizations in Canada and the United Kingdom.

St. Paul Street Transformation recognized with a Niagara Biennial Design Award

Posted on January 10, 2022August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering, the City of St. Catharines, and McWilliam & Associates received an Outstanding Achievement Award from Niagara Region Planning and Development Services for contributing positively to the built environment and urban design.

The St. Paul Street Transformation project included five phases that transformed the road from a one-way street consisting of five lanes of traffic into a vibrant place with an improved pedestrian realm and spaces for patios. It demonstrates a complete approach to transforming the urban environment by also coordinating built form and investment. The phases included a performing arts centre, an arena, and Brock University’s School of Fine and Performing Arts; restoration of historic buildings, a pilot program for pop-up patios; and reconstruction of the street with wider sidewalks, patios, streetscaping, street furnishings. and pedestrian amenities.

“This streetscape gives more than it takes. It is a case study in placemaking – the design represents an incredible transformation to this section of the downtown. The project goes beyond streetscaping to embrace cultural and economic drivers that have revitalized the downtown.” – Jury

“Combined with recent investments and buildings, the St. Paul streetscape prioritizes the pedestrian and urban experience. Visitors and residents are rewarded with a lively atmosphere, wide, tree-lined sidewalks, and restaurant patios to enjoy the growing restaurant scene.” – Jury

Our involvement on the project was delivered out of our Niagara office, with key involvement by Mark Belanger (project manager) and Mark Mascioli.

Saskatoon Southeast Water Supply System Canal upgrades help meet modern standards and increase overall canal capacity

Posted on January 5, 2022August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

The Water Security Agency is responsible for managing water resources to ensure safe drinking water sources and reliable water supplies in the province of Saskatchewan. Over the past decade on the M1 Canal project, the Water Security Agency has been rehabilitating and upgrading the capacity of their water supply canals surrounding the Town of Outlook in west central Saskatchewan, southwest of Saskatoon.

This work was led by another consulting engineering firm, with different reaches being completed each winter. Associated Engineering has been heavily involved on other projects for the Water Security Agency. Valuing this relationship, the Water Security Agency asked Associated Engineering to provide assistance in developing an approach for engineering services for the $6 million Saskatoon Southeast Water Supply System Rehabilitation project. Associated Engineering responded, offering a modified design-build approach to fast-track the project to rehabilitate the water supply canal.

“The Water Security Agency respected our trusted relationship. Together, we worked through the challenges of a tight schedule and unique project delivery approach.” – Project Manager, Doug Thomson

The Water Security Agency’s prime objective was to upgrade and rehabilitate the existing canal which was originally constructed in 1969 and partially upgraded in 1995. They also wished to bring the canal up to current standards and increase the existing capacity from 6 to 8.2 cubic metres per second to allow more water supply to reach downstream users. The canal provides water to 20,000 acres of irrigated famland, six reservoirs, three potash mines, five towns and villages, and a provincial park. The canal is operational from May to October annually; therefore, all construction had to be completed outside of that time frame.

Our team began design of a 3.2 kilometre section of the canal in July 2020. We completed the 80% design Issued-for-Tender drawings the following month.

Project Engineer, Kristin Gray, says, “The original canal had two different surface treatments, unlined grass and a geotextile liner. In the rehabilitated design, in areas where seepage was a concern, a high-density polyethylene liner as well as gravel armour were used to extend the life span of the canal. In areas where seepage was not an issue, only armour was used.” The rock armour protects the canal from erosion, creating a sustainable design that will have a long life span.

This project informs the much larger Westside Irrigation project that Associated Engineering is delivering as an integral team member

To help fast-track the project, our team included representatives from the Water Security Agency in our weekly design progress meetings, which enabled them to provide timely review and input into the design. This collaborative approach helped to deliver a workable design and issue the tender within six weeks.

The tendering was unique as the contractor had to include an engineering firm in their bid to complete the design and provide resident and general engineering duties during construction; Associated Engineering was identified as a potential firm to complete the design. The selected contractor included Associated on its design-build team as we had completed 80% of the design. We were thus able to continue the design and construction phase through to substantial completion.

The main challenge faced in this project was the timeline. The usual timeline for the M1 construction season is for the contract to be awarded between July and August, allowing the contractor to secure land easements, borrow material and strip the site, so when the water is turned off at the end of September they can start construction.

On this project, the contract wasn’t awarded until late-October, with construction starting in early November. We worked closely with the contractor and the Water Security Agency to streamline the construction start process, so work could start immediately to move as much earth as possible before freeze up.

“Working with the contractor, our team determined design optimizations that could result in shorter lead times to get materials on-site, but also to improve upon the design/components that were used in the M1 canal rehabilitation.”

The contractor also provided important input on value added/engineering efficiencies to enable construction in the limited time window, leading to a working canal by Spring 2021. The Water Security Agency was very happy that the project was delivered on time and within budget and water flowed earlier than initially expected.

Our key personnel involved on this project included Doug Thomson, Kristin Gray, Jim Kells, Brady Marshall, Evan Latos, Nick Dodds, and Doug Olson.

Happy Holidays from Associated Engineering

Posted on December 23, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

We began 2021 with much excitement, as this year marks Associated Engineering’s 75th anniversary, as well as a sense of optimism and hope that we could return to our normal routines.

We are extremely thankful to everyone, including our clients, partners, friends, and staff present and past, who have been a part of our journey over the past 75 years. We have grown from a three-person office in Edmonton to a company with over 1,000 staff in 21 offices across Canada. We have a proud legacy of projects that have supported healthy and resilient communities and companies. And, we remain one of Canada’s few, employee-owned, consulting firms! While the ongoing pandemic prevented us from gathering to commemorate our 75th anniversary, we hope we will be able to celebrate with you in 2022.

Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had a strong year at Associated. Thank you to our clients for your continued trust in us!

Thank you also to the Associated team. I’m proud of the dedication and tenacity of our staff, and their commitment to technical excellence and sustainability on projects for clients from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Their innovation is demonstrated by awards for the Wanuskewin Heritage Park Bison Facilities, the Dawson City Water Treatment Plant, and Seymour River Suspension Bridge. Congratulations to our project teams!

During this holiday season, in lieu of sending out cards, we are supporting charities and organizations across the country that serve those in need.

I hope to be able to see our clients, partners, and staff in person in 2022. Until then, I wish you and your families a very happy holidays!

Martin Jobke, P.Eng.
President & CEO

Predictive citywide stormwater models help protect Lethbridge’s infrastructure

Posted on December 20, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

In recent years, the City of Lethbridge has experienced several significant rainfall events, resulting in roadway flooding and damage to infrastructure in Alberta’s fourth largest city. Extreme rain events in 2020 further highlighted areas prone to flooding and the need for operational improvements to the City’s stormwater management system.

The City’s stormwater infrastructure consists of approximately 465 kilometres of stormwater pipe, 6,000 stormwater manholes, and many stormwater management facilities. To better understand and help plan for improvements to their stormwater management system, the City of Lethbridge wanted to develop a stormwater model of the system, and retained Associated Engineering to undertake this work.

Our approach allows the team to focus additional effort on quality control and quality assurance of the models, as well as interpretation of model results

Project Manager, Adam McDonald, tells us, “The City sought the ability to evaluate their stormwater management system against design rainfall events to determine the conditions contributing to flooding. They also wanted to be able to confirm drainage capacities in new areas being developed, and where new areas will be connecting to the existing system.”

Our team’s tasks included data collection and review; development of a geographic information system (GIS) data model and model development templates; data quality control; design rainfall event selection and design; climate change rainfall forecast; development of existing system one-dimension by one-dimension drainage models; quality assurance and quality control reviews; existing system analysis and risk assessment; development of improvement concepts for five top-ranked locations; cost estimates; and reporting.

Model files are large in scope and incorporate all of the drainage infrastructure. As a result, the full City of Lethbridge model has been divided into separate models to streamline model run times.

The development of detailed stormwater management models using traditional methods is an extremely labour intensive exercise. Associated Engineering’s approach uses GIS tools and programming to facilitate development of key parts of the model. Associated’s team developed one-dimension by one-dimension (1D-1D), dual drainage models of the City’s drainage system, analyzing stormwater flow in the storm sewer system as well as surface drainage. The models needed to cover all of Lethbridge and be sufficiently detailed to predict flooding due to minor system (e.g. gutters, catch basins, and storm sewers) surcharge and major system flows (e.g. streets, streams, channels, and ponds).

Adam explains, “The model development required significant data analysis and pre-processing to verify data.” As a value-added exercise, Associated Engineering committed to additional data input, feature digitization, and GIS quality control.

“Our project team developed automated custom queries for GIS data processing, comparing the data by proximity to help identify and flag any issues. Any missing data was interpolated and flagged for future identification.”

Throughout the project, the team looked for opportunities to further refine our standardized approach to model building and made significant improvements to the GIS programming that is used to streamline the process.

The model results were validated against anecdotal information of historical flooding, matched known flooding locations, and, in some cases, the results of other stormwater models which provided confidence in the accuracy of results produced.

Climate change adaptation was a key consideration on the project. The team provided the City with models that incorporate the design rain events, as well as historical return frequency events, and forecasted climate change events. The forecasted climate change rainfall events will enable the City to quantify the requirements to manage current and future flood risk affected by climate change impacts.

The team also identified five areas for improvements to mitigate flooding. To assist the City with prioritizing improvements, we recommended that the City work with stakeholders to develop a customized definition of the preferred level of service for each area, based on a triple bottom line approach. The existing system models should then be used to develop a master drainage plan that takes a holistic look at flood risk and mitigation plans and thus inform investment in infrastructure and capital expenditures.

The project is in its final stages, and will be complete early in 2022. Our key personnel on this project included Adam McDonald, Andrew Rushworth, Carmen Janzen, and Laurel Richards.

Shaping our Shared Future – Desiree Pastorin

Posted on December 16, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Desiree Pastorin is a Civil Engineering Technologist and Project Manager in our Winnipeg office. As part of the core group of staff since the office opened in 2011, she has been involved in nearly all of the projects delivered by our Winnipeg team. She has in-depth, multi-disciplinary knowledge of all aspects of water treatment plant design and construction.

With thoughts of adding a second child to her family, Desiree and her husband were inspired by her manager who had constructed a second floor on his home six years earlier. Desiree felt it was the perfect plan to create much needed space and remain in the house that her husband grew up in.

With the knowledge she has gained in her work at Associated, Desiree successfully took on the challenge of designing, drafting, and applying for the required building permits. In November 2017, demolition and construction began with the help of a few close friends. The entire main floor was gutted and re-configured. Over the next five months, while continuing to work their full-time jobs, Desiree and her husband spent every spare moment re-constructing their home, contracting out only the framing, drywall finishing, new HVAC, and exterior siding installation.

Now a family of four (with their two sons), their “new” home provides all the space they need, while also being energy efficient. Upgrades to the insulation and HVAC system meant that despite rising utility rates and the doubling of their home’s square footage, their home heating and cooling costs remain similar to levels seen before construction. For Desiree, using her engineering and construction experience has proven to be a real way to shape her family’s future and establish a sustainable legacy for her family!

BC Flood Protection Support

Posted on December 15, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

A series of heavy rainfall events in southwestern BC in November resulted in devastating flooding. Subsequently, Associated received many requests for assistance from provincial agencies and municipalities. Staff from several offices and diverse disciplines, including water resources, transportation, and environmental, responded to these urgent calls from our clients.

Members of our staff deployed to Highways 1, 3, 5, 7, secondary roadways, and other sites throughout the Fraser Valley and in the BC Interior to assess major bridge and culvert washouts, channel avulsions, and flooding and erosion issues. Associated also played a key coordination role supporting Emergency Management BC’s Emergency Operations Centre.

Associated provided emergency flood response for the City of Merritt following the Coldwater River flood that occurred on November 15, 2021. This event is now the flood of record and roughly doubled the previous 200-year estimate. Flood extents in the City were vast, causing dike breaches, dike and bank overtopping, two avulsions, a bridge failure, and extensive overland flooding. The City’s wastewater treatment plant was compromised and the FortisBC gas main supplying the City was scoured and suspended in the new avulsion channel. This all led to an evacuation order of the entire City.

Associated conducted an emergency channel assessment and recommended a design for a river diversion to put the Coldwater River flow back in the pre-event channel. Rapid dike inspections were then completed with the threat of further atmospheric river events, and recommendations were provided for emergency dike repairs, temporary works (HESCO Barriers and Tiger Dams), vehicle and trailer removals from the river, and a second river diversion. Associated provided hydrotechnical engineering guidance to the City’s Emergency Operations Centre, field reviews of all dike and bank repairs, and construction oversight at 12 sites with 10 contractors and the Canadian Armed Forces.

On Sunday, November 28, Associated received a request from Emergency Management BC and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to assist in closing a gap in the flood protection infrastructure along Highway 1 at the Sumas River crossing in Abbotsford, BC. Associated staff immediately attended the site and identified the required flood protection measures. We provided direction to the Military, the Ministry, Abbotsford Fire Department, and local contractors. A Tiger Dam representative provided assembly instructions to the team.

The team worked through the night to complete a 1.5 metre high Tiger Dam, approximately 100 metres long, to close the gap between the recently raised Sumas River dikes to the north and south of the highway. The Tiger Dam was assembled by 5 am on November 29.

Thanks to our team who worked through the night/weekend to support the installation of flood protection measures.

March 1, 2022 application deadline for groundwater use in BC is fast approaching

Posted on December 14, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Environmental Images provided by Vernon staff. Fernie Water Supply. Water Sustainability Act (WSA).

Did you know that the deadline to apply for a groundwater use licence to comply with the BC Water Sustainability Act is March 1, 2022?

If your business was operating before March 1, 2016, you will now require an existing-use groundwater licence to retain your water-use rights.

If you run a commercial or industrial operation, or a home business that relies on a private groundwater supply, you need to obtain a groundwater-use licence. A licence is required for farms, orchards, vineyards, nurseries, ranches, and golf courses.

If you don’t apply for your existing water-use licence before March 1st, 2022, you will forfeit your historic right and seniority to use that groundwater. Continued water use will be unlawful, and you may be subject to fines and penalties. To legally use groundwater after this date, you will need to apply as a “new user”, and temporarily shut down your water use while your application is being reviewed. Approvals can take multiple years to process.

As a new user, your application can be refused. If this happens, your water use will be permanently shut down.

With decades of expertise in water quality and hydrogeology and experience with the BC Water Sustainability Act licence application process, our team is available to immediately support you to help understand the Water Sustainability Act’s regulations and the process of applying for your groundwater-use licence before the upcoming deadline.

We’re here to help! Contact Marta Green at 250-545-3672 or greenm@ae.ca.

More information is available at www.ae.ca/wsa.

Perseverance and goal-setting led Lisbeth Medina to find her true calling in consulting engineering

Posted on December 13, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Lisbeth Medina, a Water Resources Engineer in our Calgary office, credits her parents as early influencers in her life. She saw their discipline, dedication, and hard-working attitude and sought to emulate them. Her father, a mechanical engineer, always told her, “Everything is possible in this life, as long as you work hard and have a clear vision of you goals.”

As an undergraduate studying civil engineering in Venezuela, Lisbeth was attracted to water-related disciplines, including hydraulics, hydrology, water and wastewater treatment, and fluid mechanics. She was inspired to understand the science behind water and its impacts on infrastructure, the economy, and people’s lives. This led Lisbeth to move to Canada to pursue a Master’s degree in water resources engineering, with the added challenge of having to learn a new language. She says, “Earning a Master’s degree was always my goal as a junior engineer. It was very challenging to study and learn technical vocabulary in a different language, but I was determined to achieve this goal.”

After graduating, Lisbeth decided to take a job with a small consulting engineering firm in Peace River, AB. However, she always wanted to work for a big, successful consulting firm. She says, “Associated Engineering has always been known as an industry leader for quality of work, technical excellence, and innovation.” So, in 2011, Lisbeth moved to Edmonton and joined our Water Resources team.

“Now, I can’t see myself doing anything else, but consulting. I love the projects and the diversity of clients as a consultant, as well as the problem-solving, fast-tracked learning, design processes, goal-oriented work, and teamwork. We get to experience all of this in the consulting engineering world.”

Lisbeth reflects that being a female engineer has had its challenges, especially early in her career. She recalls, “As a young professional, some people on construction sites were disrespectful. With time and confidence, I learned to be more thick-skinned and focus on the goal and project deliverables.”

She adds, “My experiences as a water resources engineer and project manager have been absolutely great. I really enjoy connecting with clients and working with a team. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing the team working together toward a common goal and hearing clients express their appreciation for the completed work. Strong communication and teamwork are the keys to success.”

Lisbeth believes that mentoring young staff is a great way to promote a successful work culture, foster positive relationships, and share knowledge and experiences. Lisbeth feels that by providing support, guidance, and opportunities, young staff get to develop and meet their professional and personal goals. She encourages young staff to always ask questions, be curious, and be open to new ideas.

In her free time, Lisbeth enjoys working out, playing golf, hiking, spending time with friends, and exploring new places. One of her new adventures is modeling in charity fashion shows. She is also a Zumba fitness instructor and teaches classes a couple of times per week, incorporating some Latin-American inspired dance moves. Lisbeth is a strong advocate in motivating others to achieve their personal fitness goals, as well as their professional goals.

Wishing Ted Miller a very happy retirement

Posted on December 7, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

As 2021 draws to a close, we also say farewell and happy retirement to one of Associated Engineering’s longest serving employees, Ted Miller. As he embarks on his well deserved post-work life, we look back on his over 57 year career with us.

Ted began his AE journey in 1964 with our Vancouver office, working on the then new Highway 63 between Edmonton and Fort McMurray. His early responsibilities also included surveying and inspecting various projects in the BC Lower Mainland.

In 1966, Ted relocated to Prince George and quickly established himself as a senior construction inspector and a key member of the office. There he was involved with numerous projects including subdivisions, roads, treatment plants, and utilities for the City of Prince George, including helping to build the brand new community of Mackenzie. Ted returned to Vancouver in the 1980s, where he further built his resume by adding inspections of site work for both Expo 86 and BC Place.

Later, Ted joined our Kelowna office, working on projects for 14 years, in various locations up and down the Okanagan Valley and the Prince Rupert region. He led the survey for the design of the Okanagan Connector and he was the senior inspector for the Mill Creek Flood Diversion Channel. In 2000, Ted began working for our Calgary office on a major industrial landfill program that continues successfully to this day.

All of us at Associated wish Ted a very happy retirement and sincerely thank him for his many contributions to our organization and his decades of incredible service to our clients!

Another successful Movember campaign in support of men’s health

Posted on December 1, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering’s teamwork and community spirit never ceases to amaze us and we’re proud to say that we’ve outdone ourselves once again with this year’s Movember Campaign! In total, 132 participants on seven regional teams representing offices from across the country grew some spectacular moustaches and collectively smashed our previous fundraising record by raising $46,359 (and counting). Our fundraising total includes a generous corporate donation of $9,900.

Our company-wide team also led the Movember Engineering Challenge (featuring engineering firms from across Canada) by more than double the second place team!

A big shout out to our team in Edmonton for raising the most funds in our network. This year, we also had five individuals reach Platinum Club Status by raising over $1,000. Congratulations to Doug Thomson, Alex Lyon, Jaylyn Obrigewitsch (1st year Mo Sista) and Shane Cook – and a special congratulations to Andrew Stewart, our first team member to individually raise over $10,000! Andrew is currently in 2nd place for the individual leaderboard in the Movember Engineering Challenge.

Thank you and congratulations to everyone who participated and donated this year. Your continued dedication to the causes we support are greatly appreciated!

Continued excellence in Saskatchewan recognized with two awards

Posted on November 22, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Last week, the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Saskatchewan (ACEC-SK) hosted their annual Brian Eckel Awards to recognize project excellence and individual achievements by members companies in consulting engineering and geoscience in the province. We’re pleased to share that ACEC-SK presented Associated Engineering with an Award of Merit in Project Management for the Wanuskewin Heritage Park Bison Facilities project, completed for our client, the Wanuskewin Hertitage Park Authority. Accepting the award were Darrell Rinas and Doug Thomson.

Watch the video shown during the awards gala, here.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Authority-WHP Renewal Civil Eng.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park has become a world-renowned center to research, honour and educate others about the Indigenous tribes of the Northern Plains. In 2017, Associated Engineering was contracted to manage a project that would return a resident bison herd to Wanuskewin, starting with construction of facilities to manage and care for the animals. This project involved a cultural journey for our team as we participated in awareness activities set out by Wanuskewin and their elders. The success of this initiative highlights the unique collaborative effort that became a shared vision, echoing Indigenous collaborations of centuries past.

Earlier this fall, the same project won a 2021 National Trust Award.

Also, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways awarded Associated Engineering with the 2021 Consultant of the Year Award! Accepting on behalf of the company was Paul Pinder (3rd from left), and Ian Farthing (2nd from left).

Clayton Reservoir awarded for design excellence

Posted on November 18, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

We’re pleased to share the news that the Architecture Foundation of British Columbia recently announced their 2021 Architectural Awards of Excellence Program winners. Over 150 award submissions were evaluated by an esteemed jury and graded on five key elements. The program presented a Design Excellence Award for the Clayton Reservoir, which was delivered by a multi-discipline team and Associated Engineering served as lead engineer and prime consultant on the project.

Our project team completed the preliminary and detailed design of the new, two-cell, 22.5 million litre reservoir that provides additional drinking water capacity and improves resilience to warmer and drier summers in response to the changing climate. The work included public consultation support services to the City of Surrey’s Parks and Engineering Department and planning for a future Phase 2 reservoir.

The team also developed an innovative architectural and landscape concept to mitigate the reservoir’s 8.5 metre height and mass. On cloudy days, the white upper half of the tank blends with the sky, while the dark base grounds the project, connecting it with the surrounding environment. In addition, landscaping integrates the reservoir site with the surrounding community and Hazelgrove Park.

Previously, the Clayton Reservoir also received a 2019 Canadian Architect Award of Merit.

Associated staff unite again for a great cause

Posted on November 17, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Supporting the United Way and their annual fundraising campaign is a long-time effort that staff in our offices have contributed to over many years. Despite the ongoing challenges faced by us all, our dedicated colleagues once again developed fun and engaging activities for us to enjoy and together we raised funds for this great cause. The incredible generosity of our staff resulted in a total of $60,640 being raised!

The campaigns were held virtually once again this year and led by our creative United Way committees. With the heartwarming support of our staff, our combined contribution will aid those living in poverty and help to build better communities.

In Edmonton, the committee of Aymee Smith, April Ziegler, Cailee McOrmond, Chris Parfitt, Li Wang, Candice Gottstein, Andrew Christopher, Rahul Jairath, David Ulliac, Hannah Graham, Sara Debaji, Rose Schneider, Kevin Carnagie, and Nikki Unsworth, Andrew Stewart, Laurel Richards, and chair, Imad Bazzi, organized events including several Engineering Days of Caring, a fitness challenge, a turkey raffle, a wine survivor raffle, and bingo. We’d like to thank our corporate sponsor, Helder Afonso, for his continued support of this annual campaign.

In Vancouver, the committee of Nicole Tamm, Juliet Hone, Fenella Cheng, Max Lauretta, Karine Poliquin, Arpan Grewal, Alex Hackney, Freda Deale, Sean Bolongaro, Robyn Casement, Nicole Scherer, Derek Desaulniers, Patrick Stancombe, Winnie Li, and chair, Rachel Allen, organized events including bingo, trivia, an island survivor raffle, and a gift card raffle.

Associated Engineering recognized at the inaugural Psychologically Safe Workplace Awards

Posted on November 8, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

The health and well-being of our employees is one of Associated’s top priorities. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacting the mental wellness of many of us, we sought a means to effectively measure and better support the psychological safety of our staff.

Last month, we invited all staff to participate in a survey using the Mental Fitness Index, developed by Howatt HR, which evaluates the employee experience with respect to workplace mental health. The survey program is also part of the Psychologically Safe Workplace Awards, a Canada-wide, evidence-based annual competition that measures workplace mental health. As an organization, we saw value in gaining insight into what makes for a Psychologically Safe Workplace, and benchmarking our performance against the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, using the results to inform opportunities for improvement.

As an added benefit, thanks to the large number of our staff who voluntarily participated in the survey, we qualified for consideration in this year’s awards. Organizations were evaluated on several criteria, validated by an independent judging panel, and awarded at three levels – Gold, Silver and Bronze. More information on the awards may be found here.

On October 20th, Associated Engineering was invited to attend a special virtual conference and award event, where we received the 2022 Psychologically Safe Workplace Silver Award. The award recognizes employers in Canada for their leadership in workplace mental health. We are amongst just five other companies receiving an award this year. The awards were presented by Talent Canada with OHS Canada and Howatt HR.

We thank all of our staff who participated in the survey and helped contribute to the collective learnings received.

Associated presents at Engineers & Geoscientists British Columbia 2021 Annual Conference

Posted on October 26, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering is proud to participate in this year’s Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia’s Annual Conference, which is being held virtually once again. We invite attendees to hear and learn from our presenters on Thursday, who will be discussing two important projects related to water infrastructure in a remote Indigenous community, and rehabilitating one of Vancouver’s most iconic transportation structures, the Burrard Bridge.

Community Circle Approach to Project Delivery for First Nations Communities
Thursday, October 28 | 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
The Lhoos’kuz Dene Nation’s main residential community of Kluskus is situated approximately 200 km west of Quesnel, on Kluskus Lake. Access to Kluskus is by forestry roads and year-round access is difficult/limited during winter and spring thaw. The Nation has been working towards clean, safe, and reliable drinking water for over 20 years, and has been supplying bottled water for drinking/food preparation/cooking since early 2000’s. TRC: Calls to Action states “Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples.” Our commitment to this call to action was through the adoption of a Community Circle Approach for this project. This approach involves open dialogue and idea-sharing from all members of the Community Circle. The aim is to encourage and facilitate full, honest, and respectful collaboration with the Nation from feasibility investigation through to construction and Water Operator training.
AE Presenters: Freda Leong, Robyn Casement

Constructed in 1932, the Burrard Street Bridge was designed to carry six lanes of traffic over False Creek in Vancouver. Associated Engineering provided engineering services for the retrofit and rehabilitation of the bridge, including inspection, assessment, retrofit and rehabilitation of bridge components.

Burrard Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Thursday, October 28 | 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
This session will present the structural and functional renewal of the Burrard Street Bridge. The Burrard Bridge is a massive, 870 m long concrete and rivetted steel truss bridge spanning False Creek, connecting Vancouver’s downtown peninsula to the city further south. This heritage Art Deco structure opened as a six-lane gateway bridge in 1932 and remains a beloved city landmark. Seeking to address significant deterioration the project addressed significant rehabilitation needs, restored failing or missing heritage features, and incorporated functional enhancements to allow the bridge to continue to meet the City’s needs.
Presenters: Shane Cook, David Harvey

Associated Engineering supporting Climate Resilient Burlington project

Posted on October 25, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering is supporting the City of Burlington to develop a climate change adaptation plan titled “Climate Resilient Burlington” (CRB) that will be used by the municipality to adapt to the changing climate and minimize the severity of resulting impacts. The goal of the CRB is to create a community wide plan, informed by both internal and external stakeholders, that addresses the risks and identifies opportunities to Burlington’s built, natural, social, and economic systems associated with warmer, wetter, and wilder weather. Implementing the plan will focus efforts from reactive to more proactive measures.

To date, Associated Engineering has:

Identified most significant past or current climate hazards faced by Burlington (probability and consequence)
Reviewed and confirmed climate impact statements ensuring all relevant sectors, assets, or services expected to be most impacted are considered
Engaged staff and community stakeholders by hosting and facilitating workshops to help define vulnerabilities and risks for city operations and the community.

The City of Burlington, with support from Associated Engineering, is hosting a virtual launch of the CRB project this Wednesday, October 27th. The free event is open to the public and will provide a high-level introduction of the project and feature keynote speaker David Phillips, Senior Climatologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada. In “Weather and Climate: It’s Not What Our Grandparents Knew”, David will highlight what’s happening to our weather, what we should be worried about, and what we can do to make a difference and be better prepared.

For more information and to register, please visit here.

Red Deer’s Water Treatment Plant Residuals Management Facility will reduce environmental impacts associated with treating water

Posted on October 19, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Red Deer Water Treatment Plant Residuals Management Facility – Exterior

The City of Red Deer in central Alberta is the province’s third largest city. With a thriving economy and more than 105,000 residents, the city operates a 150 million litre per day conventional, surface water treatment plant that draws water from the Red Deer River. The facility provides safe, clean drinking water to the city and its regional customers.

The City of Red Deer engaged Associated Engineering to improve management of the residual waste streams produced by the water treatment plant. The solution, a new Residuals Management Facility, will treat up to 6 million litres per day of clarifier blowdown waste from the plant’s Actiflo® clarification process before discharge to the Red Deer River.

Red Deer Water Treatment Plant Residuals Management Facility – Interior

Treating clarifier blowdown waste before its discharge to the river will reduce the visible plume created by the current discharge, reduce solids sedimentation and associated impacts on fish habitats, improve the river’s aesthetics, and encourage recreational activities. By improving the quality of the waste stream, the City is demonstrating its leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship and meeting environmental regulations. An additional waste stream, backwash water from the plant’s filters, will be sent to the Red Deer wastewater plant for treatment.

Envision Certification Lead & Process Support, Jill Townsend, tells us, “It was a pleasure to assist the City in its pursuit to obtain Envision® certification for the project.” Envision® Awards are available to projects that have successfully completed the Envision certification program offered by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. The project was evaluated based on Envision’s 60 sustainability criteria that address impact areas of quality of life, leadership, resource allocation, natural world, and climate and risk.

Some key sustainability achievements and verified results include:

Minimizing noise and vibration during plant operation with a target of 50 decibels at night
Reducing operational energy consumption by 23.6% compared to industry norms
Recycling, reusing, and diverting 75% of the construction waste
Supporting sustainable procurement practices
Preventing surface and groundwater contamination.

In conceiving the design of the new building, engineers, architects, and City staff collaborated to create a design that blends aesthetically with the surrounding area. The design reflects some of the architectural features of the original Water Treatment Plant No. 1 that is no longer in service. Bricks are incorporated in the facade, replicating a feature of historic buildings in Red Deer, including the nearby, above-ground reservoir. Designers also applied an aggregate finish on precast concrete panels to tie-in with the architecture of the active water treatment plant.

Regulatory approvals were identified as one of the key risks on the project. Project Manager, Risto Protic, says, “The approval sought by this project, to discharge treated water treatment residual waste to a water course, sets a precedent in Alberta. In anticipation of regulator scrutiny, we worked with the City to proactively engage the regulator to address potential concerns and respond in a timely manner to keep the process moving on the required schedule.” We tracked the progress of regulatory approvals to allow all parties to be informed on the progress and potential issues.

Red Deer Water Treatment Plant Residuals Management Facility – Stormwater Rain Garden

Our key personnel on this project include Risto Protic, Joe Lisella, Jeff Huber, Gabriel Jean, Joe White, Mark Ingalls, Gates Billodeau, Candice Pearce, and Jill Townsend. The project is expected to be completed in late 2021.

[AE75] Senior management appointments

Posted on October 5, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

As we celebrate our 75th anniversary in 2021, we take a look back at our legacy of achievements and milestones over the years, as chronicled in our company newsletter that began publishing in 1967…

Originally appeared in AE Today, Fall 1996 issue

The Board of Directors of the Associated Engineering Group is pleased to announce the following head office and subsidiary company appointments which were effective July 1, 1996: Vince Borch, Chairman and CEO; Alistair Black, President; and Kerry Rudd, General Manager, Associated Engineering (B.C.)

Vince Borch, previously President and CEO, recently returned to the west coast after six years in our head office in Edmonton.

Alistair Black joined Associated Engineering in 1974. For the past six years as Vice President and General Manager of the BC operation, he has led the organization through a period of significant growth and achievement.

Kerry Rudd has successfully and continuously taken on increasing responsibilities since joining the firm in 1982 as a Project Engineer. Prior to this appointment, he was Group Manager of Drainage, Site Services, Bridge and Construction Services in B.C.

Upgraded Loon River First Nation Water Treatment Plant will provide a reliable, high quality water supply

Posted on October 4, 2021June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Located 450 kilometres north of Edmonton, Alberta, Loon River First Nation is a community of approximately 600 residents. Over the years, the community has received its drinking water from Loon River. With seasonal algae blooms and high organic carbon, this water source is not ideal. The challenging conditions can lead to taste and odour problems and disinfection by-products formation that exceeds regulatory limits. In addition, plant operators have difficulties accessing and maintaining the raw water pumping facility. To mitigate these concerns, Loon River First Nation wanted to assess alternative water sources, including groundwater or a regional water supply from the Peace River.

Regional water solutions are common in Alberta and benefit communities and government in the long-term. However, regional water projects typically take years to gain momentum and funding support. Project Manager, Jeff Fetter, advises, “Connecting to the regional water supply would require a significant capital and lifecycle cost premium, partnering with a third-party utility company, regulatory approvals, and funding support from the Provincial and Federal governments.” Loon River First Nation decided a regional water supply would unlikely serve their needs in the next five to ten years, but would remain a long-term option.

Associated Engineering developed a solution using the existing surface water supply. We developed a three-phase plan, focusing first on improving the existing systems and then considering future needs. Our team worked closely with Loon River First Nation and Indigenous Services Canada to define phasing, schedule, funding, and annual budgets for the project.

Phase 1 involved improving the treated water quality by upgrading the raw water intake, implementing nanofiltration, upgrading the chemical system, reconstructing the truckfill pad, and improving miscellaneous water system components. Phase 2 of the project will improve the capacity of the plant by upgrading the pre-treatment process and pumping system. Phase 3 would involve identifying a long-term alternate water supply.

The Phase 1 design phase started in 2019 with a pilot study to demonstrate the effectiveness of reverse osmosis filtration membranes to remove total organic carbon, hardness, iron, and manganese from the raw water supply and establish design parameters for the full-scale system. Jeff explains, “Pilot testing was also important to determine if pre-treatment or post-treatment is required and identify operating issues for design consideration.”

With out-of-date facility record drawings, our team completed a virtual reality capture of the existing facility to enable development of a 3D model of the water treatment plant. The model assisted in the design of retrofits and tie-ins, which was particularly valuable as the detailed design phase was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the existing facility modelled, our team could clearly show the integration between the new and existing buildings. Jeff shares, “The 3D model allowed operators to provide input and feedback and resulted in design improvements and modifications to meet the operators’ needs and optimize spaces.”

A new building was designed to house the new membrane nanofiltration system, including equalization tanks and transfer pumps; modern chemical feed systems; electrical room for the motor control centre, programmable logic controller and electrical distribution equipment; new wastewater lift station to handle additional flows from the water treatment plant; and relocated truckfill. To improve access for water trucks, we also expanded the entrance of the water treatment plant to accommodate truck turning. We also designed a new electrical service and emergency power system. The design considered future pre-treatment improvements and ultraviolet disinfection system. Construction began in June 2021 and is scheduled to be completed in December 2022.

Key staff include Jeff Fetter, Jacques Groenewald, Matt Somes, Nicholai Kristel, Norm Villeneuve, Hu Kou, Chris Parfitt, James Sharpe, Zhi Gu, and Bryden Coonan.

City of St. Catharines implements combined sewer overflow abatement strategy

Posted on October 1, 2021August 24, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Located in the Niagara region in south-central Ontario, the City of St. Catharines is known as “The Garden City” with its lush parks, gardens, and trails. As such, maintaining and enhancing park amenities were important components of the city’s Burleigh Hill/Glendale Avenue combined sewer overflow (CSO) abatement strategy and infrastructure project.

The City retained Associated Engineering to provide design and construction services for new combined sewer overflow (CSO) control works, sanitary sewers, a watermain, and road and intersection improvements in the Burleigh Hill / Glendale Avenue area. The project included a new CSO tank constructed within Glengarry Park, located north of the intersection of Brookdale Avenue and Glengarry Road. During a major storm event, any overflows from sewers will be directed to the CSO tank.

Dan MacDonald-Lockhart, Structural Engineer, explains, “The CSO tank stores up to 3,200 cubic metres of combined sewer overflow until a storm passes. Sewage will then be pumped back into the sanitary sewer system. Initial results of the geotechnical investigation indicated a deep foundation solution was required for support of the tank. Our structural team worked with the geotechnical subconsultant to provide an alternate solution that resulted in a shallow foundation, saving substantial costs.”

Careful planning and design of the CSO tank, including its size and location, were required to minimize potential impact to properties backing onto Glengarry Park. Following the CSO tank construction, Glengarry Park was reinstated with a new recreational trail, basketball court, playground equipment, and landscaping.

Other works implemented as part of the project include upsizing the Glengarry Road and the Burleigh Hill Drive sanitary sewers, ranging in diameter from 375 to 600 millimetres. In addition, a new dedicated bypass sewer was installed along Warkdale Drive. The existing cast iron watermain was replaced with a new 400 millimetre diameter PVC watermain.

This project was completed as a joint effort with the Regional Municipality of Niagara. The project team addressed deteriorating roadway pavement conditions and traffic operational and safety issues, and designed new asphalt pavement, traffic signals, streetlighting, curbs, storm sewer reconnections, sidewalk, cycling facilities, landscaping, and streetscaping along Glendale Avenue and Burleigh Hill Drive.

“These improvements to the road infrastructure aligned with the Region’s strategic vision for long-term transportation needs in Niagara by providing pedestrian and cycling facilities. New infrastructure improves the integration of the roads and highways network for the movement of people and goods.” – Project Manager, Mark Belanger

In addition, the City’s CSO abatement strategies met the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) Procedure F-5-5, providing additional protection against basement flooding.

The $8 million project was successfully completed in the fall 2020.

Key personnel on this project included Mark Belanger, Herb Kuehne, Don Bai, Dan MacDonald-Lockhart, Lindsay Mooradian, Dave Harris, Kerri Hildebrandt, and Stan Angrilli.

The Mackenzie River Basin State of Aquatic Ecosystem Report combines Indigenous and scientific knowledge systems to better understand the ecosystem

Posted on September 29, 2021October 16, 2024 by Ryan (ODG)

The Mackenzie River Basin covers one-fifth of Canada’s landmass, or about 1.8 million square kilometres, in the western and northern provinces and territories, and consists of six sub-basins. While population in the basin is small, less than half a million people, the Mackenzie River serves a major role in regulating global ocean circulation and Arctic climatic systems. The basin is home and has spiritual, cultural, and food security significance for Indigenous communities.

On behalf of the Mackenzie River Basin Board and a technical steering committee, Environment and Climate Change Canada retained Associated Environmental Consultants and Integral Ecology Group to conduct an aquatic health assessment of the basin. The result of the assessment is the State of the Aquatic Ecosystem Report (SOAER), which guides the Board’s decision-making. The Board includes representatives from Federal and Provincial/Territorial governments, and Indigenous organizations. One of the Board’s duties is to conduct an assessment every five years. The first report was published in 2003. The 2021 edition of the report describes changes to the aquatic ecosystem health, furthers the understanding of conditions and developments in the Mackenzie River Basin, and educates residents on the ecosystem through an intuitive, interactive, and user-friendly website.

“This is the first time this report has been developed following a braided approach, which includes Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific knowledge. We had to figure out how to tell a braided story, bringing together and respecting the value of these knowledge systems, and present a holistic understanding of current conditions and environmental change in the watershed.” – Project Manager, Rebekka Lindskoog

Our project team collaborated extensively with Environment and Climate Change Canada representatives and the Mackenzie River Basin Board committee members to ensure the knowledge systems and braiding are current, representative, and complete for this immense and complex trans-boundary basin.

“Climate change was identified as the most common cause for changes in aquatic ecosystem signs and signals, indicating a widespread impact of this stressor on aquatic ecosystem health across the basin.” – Senior Aquatic Scientist, Dörte Koster

Increased air temperatures and, to a lesser degree, changes in precipitation patterns, have changed ice and flow patterns in rivers, reduced snow cover in many areas, reduced water levels in deltas, and impacted water quality in northern parts of the basin through permafrost slumps. The quality of habitat, such as wetlands in deltas and distribution of fish species, has also been altered. Climate change has also affected access to traditional land-use areas, in particular in the winter in the northern part of the basin, and, thus has impacted the health and well-being of Indigenous communities.

Land use has also impacted aquatic ecosystem health in the basin in many ways, in particular in the Peace and Athabasca sub-basins. Fishing pressure has likely been a contributing factor in many of the historical fish population declines in lakes and rivers across the basin.

Much of the information gathered from Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific sources complement each other

A lesson learned from this study is the complementary nature of Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge sources. Together, they paint a much clearer picture of the status of aquatic ecosystem health and the key pressures upon it, than would be possible by either knowledge system alone. Key changes in the aquatic ecosystem include rising air temperatures, variable water levels, reduced populations of wetland-dependent wildlife, contamination of water and fish, and increased concentrations of ions in rivers.

Information Systems Developer, Jase Zwarich, says, “We worked together to present the online web report in a way that is both appealing and interactive for multiple audiences – residents, decision makers, and government.”

[AE75] Land management: a precedent for Canadian First Nation

Posted on September 27, 2021June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

For the first time in Canadian history, a First Nations band has been given the authority to manage its own land. On November 6, 1974, the Sechelt Indian Band of the Sechelt Peninsula, just north of Vancouver, had final details confirmed by the band’s housing authority administrator, Gilbert Joe, in talks with the federal Department of Indian Affairs. Since November, the band has been authorized to sell homes on leased band property.

Until last year, with all First Nations land held in trust by the Crown, it was impossible for First Nations to lease their lands directly, or even to arrange financing through a bank. Now, four Sechelt band members are agents of the Crown under the Minister for Indian Affairs, Judd Buchanan, and have the same powers as appointed civil servants.

For a two-year period, while it negotiated for self-management privileges, the Sechelt Band cleared land, installed telephone, hydro, cablevision, and waste services, and built foundations for modular homes. Tsawcome Properties, the name of the development, is located five kilometres south of Sechelt.

The housing project started in 1972 when band manager, Clarence Joe, made inquiries about 120 houses that were to be removed from an old army camp in Ladner. The band could not afford to buy the houses, but the Department of Indian Affairs bought them in 1973 and offered them to the Sunshine Coast Tribal Council. As a result, 60 houses went to Powell River First Nations, 40 to the Sechelt band, and the remainder to smaller reserves.

Throughout the laying of foundations for the modular homes and the installation of sewer and other systems, the Sechelt Band has had a full-time economic consultant in employ, while Associated Engineering has been retained as the consulting engineers for the overall development of the housing projects on a continuing basis.

Helping to build better communities through the Engineering Day of Caring

Posted on September 23, 2021June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering is proud to be a long-time supporter of the United Way and the annual Engineering Day of Caring. On a sunny weekend in September, our four-person team of David Ulliac, Cailee McOrmond, Kevin Carnagie, and Imad Bazzi joined a large group of 80 volunteers who worked on two construction projects benefitting the Operation Friendship Seniors Society and e4c in Edmonton.

Following opening remarks by the United Way and both agencies, an Indigenous smudging ceremony performed by a local Elder, the volunteers followed strict safety precautions and respected the safe working site policies in place at both project locations in the community of Boyle/McCauley. The work our team contributed to on both sites included building new planters, a trellis, two gazebos, as well as some edging, artwork, and a new paving stone sidewalk.

Our volunteers shared their thoughts about their participation.

“This year’s Engineering Day of Caring was an amazing experience. The amount of planning and effort from the volunteers and organizing committee that goes into a project like this is truly remarkable. Seeing how invested and determined everyone became as the day progressed was inspiring and it was awesome to be able to represent Associated Engineering. We look forward to next year’s Engineering Day of Caring!”

Thank you to our hard working volunteers for representing Associated Engineering at the 15^th edition of the United Way’s Engineering Day of Caring and helping to build better communities, bringing joy to local residents, and contributing to make a lasting impact in Edmonton!

Photo credit: United Way of the Alberta Capital Region

Akinbola George credits his career success to dedication to research and learning, and determination to succeed

Posted on September 22, 2021June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

At an early age, Akinbola George learned about groundwater by spending time with his father, a geologist who specialized in hydrogeology, on various field investigations to locate groundwater. This led to his interest in studying civil engineering at university. Akinbola then attained a Master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering, specializing in hydraulic and hydrotechnical engineering.

Akinbola tells us, “During my research, I focused on the application of 3D numerical models on controlled flows and sedimentation transport within open channels. This sparked my love for hydraulics and hydrotechnical engineering.” After working in Manitoba for over ten years, his interest transitioned from hydraulics and hydrotechnical engineering to water resources engineering.

Asked about his early career, Akinbola tells us, “When I first entered the consulting industry, I had the notion that you had to perform – to prove yourself. I was very determined to figure things out myself. I spent lots of time researching and learning.” Akinbola advises that this phase of his career was quite challenging, but he is grateful that he never gave up.

Reflecting on this time, he tells us he now advises young professionals, “Always ask questions; no question is silly. Everyone is ready to help you, regardless of their position within the company.”

“Never spin your wheels on any design when you can ask someone who has proven experience doing the same thing.”

Akinbola shares that he has always enjoyed learning, from coding, to design tools, to designing. He still carries this learning philosophy with him. “I have completed a number of designs and developed many 1D, 2D, and 3D numerical models related to water resources engineering. I consider every one of them a huge success.” Akinbola credits his research background and early career experiences to his ability to accomplish difficult and challenging tasks.

When seeking a career change and new opportunities, Akinbola shares that he was attracted to Associated Engineering because he was impressed with the thought-leadership and projects shown on the company’s website.

“I just had a feeling that this environment would be different compared to my experiences with other organizations.”

A visit in Winnipeg with our Senior Vice President, Civil Infrastructure, Chris Skowronski, helped to convince Akinbola that Associated was the right company for the next phase in his career.

Since joining Associated, Akinbola says he has had the opportunity to complete many exciting and interesting projects with amazing team members. He tells us that his most memorable experience so far was also his first project with Associated, the Mill Creek Erosion Study. He says, “The project was quite challenging with regard to the scope and our proposed methodology. We used an innovative approach to address the project’s objectives. Today, the approach is still being used and recognized by the City of Edmonton (Drainage), now EPCOR.”

“With hard work and the will to succeed, you can do whatever you set your heart and mind to do.”

Today, Akinbola is a Senior Water Resources Engineer and Manager of the Water Resources group in our Edmonton office. As a manager, Akinbola has more responsibilities which he finds interesting. He says he continues to research and learn in his new role.

Akinbola advises that, before he joined Associated in 2015, he never had a formal mentoring relationship. He appreciates participating in the company’s formal mentoring program as both a mentee and a mentor. Akinbola advises, “I love mentoring young staff. I don’t want them to go through what I went through when I was a young engineer.”

Away from work, the musically talented Akinbola spends his free time playing the guitar. He is also learning to play the piano. Akinbola also works with kids from his church community, guiding the next generation of engineers and leaders.

[ViewPoints] Design for reliability – Consider climate change

Posted on September 20, 2021January 14, 2025 by Ryan (ODG)

re·li·a·bil·i·ty, /rəˌlīəˈbilədē/, noun, The quality of of performing consistently well.

re·sil·ience, /rəˈzilyəns/, noun, The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

When engineering for the built environment, Associated Engineering considers reliability and resilience for the systems we design. We include safety factors, stand-by and back-up process systems, alternative feeds, and back-up power to mitigate risks, such as climate change impacts. Adding redundancy to our systems is one way to achieve resilience, but redundancy has impacts, such as increased cost, maintenance, and embodied carbon. Designing for climate resiliency goes beyond ‘n+1’ and requires discussions with owners and operators. We need to think “outside of the box” and the facility we are designing.

Power Supply: Floods, snow, and fires can destroy critical infrastructure, leaving facilities without power for days, weeks, or longer. Fires may require the shutdown of natural-gas-powered systems. Adding a back-up power generator is a solution; however, we must consider the source of fuel for generators, the facility’s location, and the risks associated with fuel supply and transportation. Transportation routes can become blocked or damaged in flood events, blocking critical supplies.

In the past, for cold climates, we have specified arctic-packages for outdoor generators. With the changing climate, we are experiencing +39°C temperatures in locations like Edmonton, Alberta, so we also need to consider high-temperature radiator and coolant systems so that we can operate up to +40°C. We also consider air conditioning in generator rooms. Care must be taken to consider the additional building electrical load which the generator has to power. And, the generator has to be sized to power the cooling for itself!

Too hot to handle: In the past, when designing facilities in Canada, electrical designers didn’t worry too much about the ambient temperature; that was a consideration for the building mechanical designers. However, the Canadian Electrical Code for cable sizing is based on +30°C. Equipment that is rated for +30°C will need to be in a conditioned space. Equipment that is rated for +40°C may also need to be in a conditioned space if there is a lot of heat accumulation in the area.

We may need to consider multiple distribution systems and shedding power, because the equipment may get too hot or overload the generator. Maybe we need to design for full normal operation up to +30°C, only essential equipment from +30°C to +40°C, and for critical systems to operate when temperatures are over +40°C.

Recovery: After fires and floods, we have faced questions such as, ‘How hot did the conduit get with the fire being so close?” or “Did the smoke enter the building and cover copper with soot?” Considering potential fires, stickers can be applied to conduits; the stickers change colour if the outside temperature rises to +90°C. Then, operators and designers know the wires were compromised and need to be replaced. We can add smoke detectors in electrical rooms; if the alarms activate, we know there may be soot inside the room. However, smoke detectors are not precise, and don’t identify conduits drawing smoke directly into panels or motor control centres. After flooding, all affected electrical systems need to be replaced, which can be a significant cost to owners.

Engineers must consider future flood levels when designing new or renovating facilities. The changing climate creates impacts we must consider to reduce risks to facilities. Designers, owners, and operators need to have candid discussions so we can make informed decisions and develop reliable and resilient systems.

About the Author:

Scott Friel, PE, P.Eng. is an Electrical Specialist in our Edmonton office. He has 24 years of experience in electrical systems design, electrical inspections, certification of hazardous location equipment, and commercial and industrial engineering studies.

Shaping our Shared Future – Rahim Ahmad

Posted on September 17, 2021June 5, 2023 by Ryan (ODG)

At the age of sixteen, Rahim Ahmad, a Civil Engineer in our Saskatoon office, moved from Surrey, BC to Warman, SK, which at the time was Canada’s fastest-growing municipality. In Warman, Rahim’s passion for engineering and construction blossomed. Watching the community develop had a significant impact on Rahim.

Since completing his engineering degree and joining the company in 2013, Rahim has worked on a diverse portfolio of municipal and industrial projects, including subdivision developments, raw water intakes, lift stations, water treatment plants, lagoons, and landfills. He takes pride in cultivating relationships with clients and colleagues, and believes that nurturing these relationships is critical to successful project delivery. It was this people-first attitude that also helped Rahim successfully fulfill his role as the Acting Manager of our Fort McMurray office, a role he undertook from August 2020 to March 2021.

Rahim is also passionate about serving the community. Since returning to Saskatoon earlier this year, Rahim has volunteered with the Saskatoon Open Door Society, an organization that helps newcomers to Saskatoon connect, integrate, and build strong reciprocal relationships within the community. Rahim was recently elected to their Board of Directors and is serving a two-year term from June 2021 to June 2023.

This summer, Rahim joined the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association for a blood donation drive and helped distribute water and snacks to the vulnerable during a July heatwave in Saskatoon.

When not working or volunteering, Rahim spends time with his wife, Alia, and daughter, Shaista. Together, they enjoy evenings and weekends exploring different walking trails in and around Saskatoon.

Thank you, Rahim, for helping to shape our shared future!