INNOVATION July-August 2016

2015 ❖ 2016 Project Highlights

Boundary Bay Dike Foreshore Upgrades The Corporation of Delta retained SNC-Lavalin Inc. to upgrade two sections of the Boundary Bay dike. SNC-Lavalin provided design, cost estimates, construction and permitting documents, and all tendering and construction services. Before construction, a nearby resident informed the team about a snake den on the dike. It is illegal to disturb hibernating snakes without permits from the BC Ministry of Environment. The company’s snake handler worked with the ministry to develop a plan to move the snakes temporarily to the Burnaby Wildlife Rescue Society. The day that construction started, a group of children with handmade posters protested the proposed disturbance of the snakes. Delta officials met with them to explain what was going to be done if snakes were found. More than 500 snakes were found in the area of the dike face. In the end, construction was completed on time and budget, and all snakes were returned to their den. APEGBC members: Conrad Lehane, P.Eng., Grant Lamont, P.Eng., Sherry Lim, EIT

Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk Improvements and Habitat Restoration The Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk is a multi-use path near the mouth of the Courtenay River, Vancouver Island. Wedler Engineering made improvements to the walk, which includes a length of three-metre paved path with opposing lanes. In addition, a manmade slough was constructed, using retaining walls of soil-filled geotextile sacks, to restore fish and wildlife habitat. These also support the path, which is laid on a foundation of large, natural stones, along the existing natural river slough. The sacks provide a base for local flora to be planted directly into.

The man-made slough rises and lowers with the tides, and three large-diameter-arch culverts allow passage for wildlife. The improvements were finished with decorative concrete fencing, sodding, and replanted alders. APEGBC members: Andrew Gower, P.Eng., Greg Merchant, EIT

AnahamMeadows Drainage Rehabilitation Anaham Meadows has been an important agricultural area for BC's Tl’etinqox community for more than 100 years. Because of the region’s dry climate, irrigation is necessary for crop and livestock production. In 1963, a series of drainage structures was built to facilitate seasonal flooding and draining of the meadows.The structures were difficult to operate and, over time, the system deteriorated to the point of being deemed inoperable. Klohn Crippen Berger was engaged to restore the functionality of an aging irrigation system on a culturally significant site with unique environmental conditions. The primary objective of the project was to restore functionality using as many of the existing structures as possible. Successful project execution required disciplined management, multi-stakeholder engagement, technical innovation, and adaptability. APEGBC members, Klohn Crippen Berger (primary consultant): Andrew Muir, P.Eng., Robin Fitzgerald, P.Eng., Brian Borton, P.Eng.

P hoto : E van M artin , P. E ng .

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