Associated projects recognized at ACEC-SK Brian Eckel Awards

Last night in Saskatoon, the Association of Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Saskatchewan (ACEC-SK) hosted their 2023 Brian Eckel Awards. The Brian Eckel Awards was established in 2002 to recognize and promote innovative projects by ACEC-SK member firms that highlight industry-leading applications and solutions that meet project requirements, and demonstrate new technologies or methods.

Two of Associated Engineering's projects were honoured this year.

In the Municipal Infrastructure & Water Resources category, the Kahkewistahaw Landing project received an Award of Merit.

For Kahkewistahaw First Nation, economic development on its Saskatoon urban reserve presented two challenges: proximity to the airport, governed by strict land development regulations from Transport Canada, and the absence of infrastructure to service the site. From initial brainstorming with Kahkewistahaw First Nation to construction, Associated engaged diverse stakeholders to facilitate the approvals needed to proceed. The lack of established stormwater infrastructure required Associated to design an interim stormwater system that can easily be converted to connect to the permanent stormwater system, once constructed.  Today, Kahkewistahaw’’s development is a commercial success, providing opportunity for Indigenous Peoples and commercial ventures.

In the Transportation category, another Award of Merit was presented for the Highway 3 Twinning project.

Over the years, Highway 3 near Prince Albert saw numerous accidents and fatalities. Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Highways retained Associated Engineering to fast-track twinning of 7.5 kilometres of Highway 3 to enhance public safety. A model for future projects, Associated’s solution incorporated design standards not previously used in Saskatchewan, including protected left-turn intersections and an undivided median cross-section design. Using new technologies such as specialized cameras for traffic assessment helped to inform and support the recommended solutions. Upgrading of Highway 3 was completed, in less than two years – half the time of typical highway projects – preventing accidents and saving lives.

Congratulations to our project teams and everyone involved on these award-winning projects in Saskatchewan!