As a dedicated Structural EIT, I played a pivotal role in a critical initiative to restore safe and resilient housing for residents of remote northern communities in the Northwest Territories whose homes were devastated by severe flooding. This was a collaborative endeavor with Associated Engineering (Structural Designer) and Collier Project Leaders (Project Management), executed in direct support of the Government of Northwest Territories, Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA). My primary contributions encompassed conducting detailed structural assessments, formulating crucial recommendations for repair and restoration, and providing comprehensive support throughout the design and construction review processes. The project’s urgency, driven by the approaching winter, necessitated efficient resource management, a proactive approach to coordination, and innovative problem-solving.

My Core Responsibilities and Contributions

My involvement spanned multiple critical phases, from initial investigations and safety management to design support, construction oversight, and intensive stakeholder communication, ensuring the project’s success despite logistical and environmental challenges.

Initial Investigation and Strategic Preparation

  • Spearheaded a comprehensive desktop study of existing record drawings, adjuster reports, and available project information to gain a thorough understanding of the structural systems and identify critical areas for access, thereby enabling efficient and targeted site investigations.
  • Systematically summarized key data extracted from record drawings, creating an accessible reference that facilitated effective on-site assessments.

Comprehensive On-Site Structural Assessment and Safety Leadership

  • Led meticulous on-site structural assessments to thoroughly document the existing conditions of foundation structures and overall building integrity for numerous flood-damaged homes in the remote communities of Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River, NWT.
  • Diligently verified the accuracy of record drawings against actual site conditions, meticulously noting discrepancies and undocumented structural modifications.
  • Proactively identified and documented non-structural components lacking proper anchorage or bracing, which posed potential safety risks or could adversely affect long-term building performance.
  • Championed and rigorously maintained a paramount focus on safety throughout all on-site activities. This involved:
    • Strict adherence to established safety protocols and the diligent use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to mitigate exposure to site-specific hazards inherent in a post-flood environment.
    • Carrying essential safety equipment, including satellite phones and specialized protective wear, critical for sustained operations in remote northern locations.
    • Proactively identifying and avoiding areas that would necessitate specialized safety procedures like fall protection or confined space entry, demonstrating a robust understanding and practical application of Canadian regulations, codes, and standards pertaining to workplace safety.

Hazard Analysis, Prioritization, and Technical Reporting

  • Executed a comprehensive hazard assessment for each evaluated structure, synthesizing observations from record drawings with detailed findings from site visits.
  • Systematically ranked structures based on their determined hazard rating, identifying those requiring immediate attention or further specialized evaluation. This prioritization was crucial for guiding MACA’s remedial actions effectively.
  • Authored and submitted a detailed technical report of my findings directly to the client (MACA), which included identified structural vulnerabilities and actionable recommendations for their review and strategic decision-making.

Integrated Design Support, Construction Management, and Stakeholder Engagement

  • As a key individual responsible for inspection, design integration, and coordination, I was deployed to the Northwestern Territories for an intensive 45-day period to provide essential on-the-ground support and oversee reconstruction efforts. This involved navigating significant challenges posed by limited resources, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the remote location.
  • Played an integral role in the design review and construction process oversight, ensuring all structural requirements and project objectives were met.
  • Masterminded highly effective communication and rigorous coordination among diverse stakeholders, including the Government of NWT (client), the contractor, the structural designer (Associated Engineering), the project management team (Colliers), and the individual homeowners.
    • To ensure seamless collaboration and address the urgent reconstruction needs, particularly with winter approaching, I spearheaded daily stand-up meetings. These meetings brought together contractors, local government representatives, residents, and various engineering disciplines (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing) to proactively identify potential conflicts and collaboratively develop solutions.
    • During these interactions, I prioritized active listening to all concerns and suggestions, demonstrating respect for each stakeholder’s responsibility and expertise. I deferred to the specialized knowledge of contractors experienced in remote northern territories for work planning, ensuring the development of efficient and effective strategies.
    • This approach facilitated the integration of engineering requirements with other professional input, fostering a respectful and productive team environment.
  • Actively participated in weekly coordination meetings with the client and PM team during the design phase, proactively identifying items requiring further structural coordination and providing timely status updates on outstanding structural issues.
  • Conducted crucial in-person pre-construction site visits alongside the contractor and homeowners to clearly articulate the intended scope of work, associated timelines, and effectively manage expectations.
  • Thoroughly briefed the contractor on specific technical requirements for the proposed structural scope, including acceptable tolerances for critical structural connections.
  • Demonstrated proactive problem-solving by proposing innovative alternative structural connections in response to contractor feedback, significantly enhancing constructability while meticulously ensuring tight tolerances and continuous load-path integrity.
  • Executed daily site visits throughout the construction phase to closely monitor progress, provide expert structural guidance to the contractor as needed, and ensure unwavering adherence to design specifications.
  • Maintained regular and transparent status updates with the client and homeowners by keeping an open line of communication, effectively managing expectations, fostering a high level of trust, and facilitating quick problem-solving for the rehabilitation and raising of over 70 houses.
  • Conducted thorough reviews of completed work on-site, meticulously documenting any deficiencies requiring contractor attention to ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Key Achievements and Project Impact

  • The Comprehensive Assessment Report I authored, detailing the condition, vulnerabilities, and remediation needs of the assessed structures, was formally accepted by MACA.
  • My findings and expert recommendations proved instrumental in enabling MACA to effectively prioritize and strategize remediation efforts, retrofits, and essential upgrades for the flood-affected communities, ensuring optimal allocation of limited resources.
  • My diligent approach to site investigation, documentation, hazard assessment, and unwavering commitment to relevant safety standards contributed significantly to the successful initial phase and overall execution of this vital housing restoration project.
  • The detailed documentation I provided, coupled with my direct and continuous involvement, formed a crucial part of the project’s successful progression through design development, construction documentation for remedial repairs and foundation extensions, and ultimately, successful construction completion in October 2022.
  • Through my direct involvement in efficient management and coordination, over 70 houses were successfully rebuilt and elevated. The project was critically completed within the specified timeframe, allowing displaced residents to return to safe and resilient homes before the onset of winter.
  • My proactive communication and coordination efforts, underpinned by a commitment to respectful collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork, were pivotal in ensuring that complex design and construction challenges for various structural components were effectively resolved, directly leading to the timely and successful completion of the project.