Innovation Spring 2026

[features you have] in your design, the smoother the approval process tends to be,” Malekian said. “There is always value in adding more sustainable and environmental-friendly design elements.” Equally important is framing projects like Mill Creek as long-term investments rather than simple upgrades. This shift can help ensure projects remain viable in an ever changing climate. “Treating these types of projects should be a long-term adaptation investment rather than just capital upgrades,” he said. “Sit down and ask yourself, ‘OK, in 10 years from now, what could happen?’” Finally, Malekian stresses the value of collaboration, particularly with operations staff who will live with the infrastructure once it’s built. Knowing what the people who work with the systems daily need and want will help with the project’s success. “Talk to operators and maintenance staff from day one, they have the most valuable background information you can get for the project,” he said. “They know exactly what does and doesn’t work within their system.”

reinforced several lessons that apply to engineers and municipalities undertaking similar climate adaptation work. First and foremost: planning. “Planning is key,” Malekian said. Early planning and intentional pivots kept the project moving despite headwinds. “We always had the big picture in mind.” One of the first hurdles the project team had to clear was regulatory quirks and nuances. As upgraded flood infrastructure crossed regulatory thresholds, the diversion structure effectively became classified as a dam, triggering additional permitting requirements and reviews. “Apply early in the process and have an open communication with the regulatory bodies,” Malekian advised, adding that clear explanations of risk, mitigation, and design intent can help navigate complex approvals. “The more environmental-friendly and sustainable

Project contributors

Collaboration was the keystone for the Mill Creek flood protection project. Contributors were: Individuals • Ali Taleb, P.Eng.; Dr. Ali Malekian, P.Eng.; Hossein Fayyazi, P.Eng.; Ali Norouzi Zarmehri; Jesica Ferguson, P.Eng.; Zhe Su; Derek McCoy; Rod MacLean, P.Eng.; Brian Beach, P.Eng.; Steven Robertson; Mike Murrell; Robinson Puche; Ian Redden. Prime consultant • CIMA+ Consultants • Environmental Dynamics Inc.; Reilly Geotechnical Consulting Services; Boreal Water Resources Ltd.; Bench Site Design; Centrix Control Solutions

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Innovation Spring 2026

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