After severe flooding devastated remote northern communities in the Northwest Territories, I worked as a Structural EIT to help restore safe housing for displaced residents. This was a joint effort between Associated Engineering (structural design) and Collier Project Leaders (project management), for the Government of NWT, Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA). I conducted structural assessments, made repair and restoration recommendations, and supported design and construction review. With winter approaching, there was real urgency to get people back in their homes.

What I did

Investigation and preparation

  • Studied existing record drawings, adjuster reports, and available project information to understand the structural systems and plan efficient site investigations.
  • Summarized key data from record drawings to use as a reference during on-site work.

On-site structural assessment

  • Led on-site structural assessments in Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River, NWT, documenting foundation conditions and building integrity for numerous flood-damaged homes.
  • Verified record drawings against actual conditions, noting discrepancies and undocumented modifications.
  • Identified non-structural components without proper anchorage or bracing that posed safety risks or could affect long-term performance.
  • Maintained strict safety protocols throughout - PPE, satellite phones, specialized protective gear. Avoided areas requiring fall protection or confined space entry without proper procedures.

Hazard assessment and reporting

  • Assessed hazards for each structure, combining record drawing data with site visit findings.
  • Ranked structures by hazard rating so MACA could prioritize where to focus remediation.
  • Wrote and submitted a technical report to MACA with identified vulnerabilities and recommendations.

Design support, construction, and coordination

  • Deployed to the Northwest Territories for 45 days to provide on-the-ground support during reconstruction. Limited resources, COVID-19 restrictions, and the remote location all added complexity.
  • Participated in design review and construction oversight.
  • Coordinated among the Government of NWT (client), contractor, Associated Engineering (structural designer), Colliers (project management), and individual homeowners.
    • Ran daily stand-up meetings with contractors, local government, residents, and engineering disciplines (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing) to catch conflicts early and develop solutions.
    • Listened to contractor input - particularly from those experienced in remote northern work - and deferred to their expertise on work planning.
    • Integrated engineering requirements with input from other disciplines.
  • Attended weekly coordination meetings during the design phase, flagging items that needed structural coordination and providing status updates.
  • Conducted pre-construction site visits with the contractor and homeowners to explain the scope, timelines, and expectations.
  • Briefed contractors on technical requirements including acceptable tolerances for structural connections.
  • Proposed alternative structural connections in response to contractor feedback to improve constructability while maintaining tight tolerances and continuous load-path integrity.
  • Made daily site visits during construction to monitor progress, provide guidance, and verify adherence to design specifications.
  • Kept clients and homeowners informed with regular status updates.
  • Reviewed completed work and documented any deficiencies for contractor follow-up.

Results

  • MACA accepted my assessment report covering the condition, vulnerabilities, and remediation needs of the evaluated structures.
  • My findings helped MACA prioritize remediation, retrofits, and upgrades across the flood-affected communities.
  • Over 70 houses were rebuilt and elevated. The project finished on time, and displaced residents returned to safe homes before winter.
  • The project progressed through design development, construction documentation for repairs and foundation extensions, and construction completion in October 2022.