Innovative risk assessment model helps in prioritizing land acquisition and budgeting

Aerial view of a Saskatchewan Highway

The Province of Saskatchewan’s Department of Highways and Transportation has embarked on a planning program for future highway construction, and has adopted an integrated highway corridor protection approach to manage future land acquisitions costs, facilitate long term planning, and meet the needs of regional planning. To ensure property required for future highway corridors is protected and available when needed, Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation engaged the assistance of Associated Engineering to help develop processes and policies. The Associated Engineering team undertook a comprehensive review of the existing Saskatchewan approach, as well as the approaches used in other Canadian provinces and selected states in the United States. In addition, we sought feedback from the province’s municipal government associations and Saskatchewan Government Relations. The project resulted in policy development needed to support a new approach to highway corridor protection. Changes to the existing property protection model and consistent application of legislation, regulations, and policies will create a more systematic and integrated approach for protecting land needed for future highway corridors. Associated Engineering developed an innovative risk assessment model, which can be used to rank four property protection tools with the time of construction and risk of impact of not having property available for future highway construction. Developing a risk-based Provincial Highway Property Management Plan (PHPMP) will provide the needed coordination and a framework for proactive protection measures. Project Manager, Monique Kealey advises, “This model will assist the client’s staff in budget development and prioritizing land acquisition for future needs. ”This plan will guide acquisition decisions and will provide the information base needed for a much strengthened relationship with the community planning activities of municipalities. “Improved communication will strengthen the relationship with stakeholders and provide opportunities for the department to work together with stakeholders to protect the property,” Monique states. The next steps for the client include preparing a detailed implementation plan addressing the development of the PHPMP, creating a risk assessment methodology, updating the regulations, and developing a land acquisitions strategy.

Toronto office adopts a highway

The Toronto office recently signed up for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Adopt-a-Highway program. Staff have committed to cleaning up part of Highway 427 outside their office. This summer twenty staff volunteered their time and energy to pick up garbage during the lunch hour and were rewarded with a pizza lunch. A dozen full garbage bags were collected, including a bicycle! The staff has committed to do this two to three times per year. Thanks to all participants, and organizer, Linda Wojcicka.

Saskatoon staff build Habitat for Humanity

Kudos to Saskatoon staff who participated in the Habitat for Humanity Build in Saskatoon on July 11. Bert Munro, Vice President and General Manager of our Saskatchewan operation states, “Basedon my estimates, the Habitat for Humanity team has contributed over $30,000 to the community in kind and in monetary contributions. I am immensely proud of the individuals and the team that committed to and followed through on the Habitat for Humanity Build in Saskatoon.”

Burnaby office makes Mission Possible

A team from the Burnaby office, including Pat Stancombe, Lester Marr, Guillermo Quijano, Louise Parnell, Ben San Wong, Prshant Batra, Michael Balescu, and Martin Jobke, volunteered their time to help prepare and serve breakfast to 100 of Vancouver's less fortunate people. Martin Jobke, Vice President and General Manager of our BC operation relates, “The gratitude that was conveyed by many of the individuals at the Mission was overwhelming.” Thanks to event organizer, Freda Leong.