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water
W E S T E R N C A N A DA Volume 73 | Issue No. 2
T H E O F F I C I A L M AG A Z I N E O F WAT E R P RO F E S S I O N A L S AC ROS S W E S T E R N C A N A DA
COMMUNICATIONS
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
&
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: lauren@kelman.ca
MAGA ZINE
PM 40065075
ANNIVERSARY
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Natalie Wilson
204-928-8322
natalie.wilson@aecom.com
President Elect – Andy Barr
403-262-4500
barra@ae.ca
WORKING TOGETHER FOR WATER www.wcwwa.ca
Vice President – Kevin Traves
306-477-2822
ktraves@bcl-eng.ca Features
Past President – Jeffrey Halliday THEME: COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
306-525-6656
Indigenous engagement – An evolving discipline....................................................... 24
jeffrey.halliday@cima.ca
Navigating public engagement for a water treatment facility upgrade................27
Treasurer – Arlen Foster
867-920-2882 Ext. 249 Drought readiness – Engagement and research
arlen.foster@stantec.com for effective communication and response. . .................................................................. 29
CWWA Director – Vicki Campbell We are all Treaty People –
306-580-1204 The Town of Devon’s engagement with Indigenous Peoples.................................. 33
vcampbell@epcor.com
Water and Sewer Replacement Project
AWWOA Director – Bert J Miller for the Community of Resolute, Nunavut. . ...................................................................... 36
403-342-8321 Devon’s River Response Project: Promoting watershed education.. ...................... 38
bert.millerjr@reddeer.ca
Customers as partners, not problems. . ............................................................................ 40
SWWA Director – Susan Dobrowney
306-975-7908 Communicating value…
susan.dobrowney@saskatoon.ca 8 strategies for building trust and connections with customers............................. 42
WCWEA Director – Alec Mackenzie
403-717-8956
amackenzie@epcor.com Departments
President’s Message...................................... 6 WCW21 Virtual Conference.. .................... 13
WCS AWWA Director – Craig Bonneville
780-412-3175 Editorial................................................................. 8 News from the Field.................................... 44
cbonneville@epcor.ca WCW Crossword............................................ 10 The Last Drop.. ................................................ 53
Calendar of Events........................................ 11 Advertiser Product & Service Centre..... 54
NTWWA Director – Greg Hamann
867-767-9164 X21077
greg.hamann@gov.nt.ca
CO Reports
MWWA Director – Dan McDermid
204-785-4932 WCS-AWWA.................................................... 45 SWWA.................................................................. 49
dmcdermid@cityofselkirk.com AWWOA.. ........................................................... 46 WCWEA............................................................. 50
CWWA................................................................. 47 NTWWA.............................................................. 51
MSSA Director – Rana Elbittibssi
780-982-1419 MWWA.. .............................................................. 48
rana.elbittibssi@xyleminc.com
Executive Director – Audrey Arisman
877-283-2003
Working in Water Profile
aarisman@wcwwa.ca Gene Berezowski. . ......................................... 20
Editorial Committee
Western Canada Water is published by
Bill Brant (Chair); Vicki Campbell; Ken Johnson; Abigail Dyson; Kristen McGillivray;
Brian Sibley; Andy Barr; Jamie Abernethy; Edith Phillips; Kyla Kirk; Doug Lemon;
Bryan Adcock; Jolee Gillies; Jenna Horning.
WE WELCOME MEMBERS’ SUBMISSIONS!
Send “News” items to Reba Lewis (reba@kelman.ca)
3rd Floor, 2020 Portage Avenue New Product information and MSSA Profiles to Doug Lemon (doug.lemon@xyleminc.com)
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 0K4 Calendar information to Kristen McGillivray (events@wcwwa.ca)
Tel: 204-985-9780 Fax: 204-985-9795 Project Profiles, Last Drop Items, and Other Articles to Bill Brant (bill.brant@wsp.com)
www.kelman.ca
The articles published in Western Canada Water do not necessarily reflect the opinion of WCW.
Managing Editor - Reba Lewis – reba@kelman.ca © 2021 Craig Kelman & Associates Ltd. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be
Design/Layout - Kiersten Drysdale reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.
Marketing Manager - Rod Evason
Advertising Coordinator - Jenna Matthes
ISSN: 1483-7730
Publications mail agreement #40065075
Send undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
lauren@kelman.ca
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Engaging through self-advocacy
Natalie Wilson, WCW President
T
his summer magazine’s theme on Communications As a board, we continue to communicate and stay engaged,
and Public Engagement launches at a time when it albeit from our own hometowns. We are working on the steps
is crucially important to bring our water industry into that will assist us in meeting our strategic goals of WCW through
the public mainstream. Since I first started in the water the next 1-5 years. These steps recognize lessons learned from
industry, it seems that we’ve improved in communicating the the pandemic and also the reality that getting back to our
importance and value of water to the public. It is now common “pre-pandemic” ways may take a while yet.
to see members of the public concerned about flushable wipes, The strategic goals of the WCW board are:
or ageing infrastructure causing emergency bypasses. As • Enhanced Collaboration with Constituent Organizations
members, we need to continue to speak up and communicate • High-Quality Education and Networking Opportunities
the importance of our careers, and the lasting impacts we as • Increased, Active Engagement of Young Professionals
water professionals are positively making on the environment. It • Consistent, Quality Conferences
is through this communication and transfer of information that we • Supportive Financial Strategy
are also able to secure funding for our precious infrastructure. • Board Structure that Reflects WCW Needs
Self-advocacy is one great way to engage with the public; sharing • Becoming a Trusted Advisor on Water and Wastewater
just how exciting a career in the water industry is. The City of Selkirk While our annual conference will look a bit different this year,
recently took us all on a virtual tour to see how the water in the City it will still be hosted in the fall to give your technical knowledge
was treated. EPCOR explains the Value of Water on its website by a boost, with a side of socializing. This tailored lineup of content
describing treatment processes and why our water systems matter. takes into account the realities of this year and will be setup in
CWWA works hard to inform the public of water concerns with a manner that fits into remote working schedules. I’m looking
its flushable wipes campaign, and advocates for us on a national forward to seeing you all there.
platform. Outside of our region, Ohio WEA has tapped into the Western Canada Water exists to serve our members, which
social media world by highlighting the criticality of water through means that it’s always nice to hear from you. From Gimli to
comical means. I’ve been fortunate to go to schools to talk about North Battleford, Cardston and beyond, let us know how you’re
how the “poo bugs fart and create a gas that heats the plant”. It’s doing. How can WCW help you to be a better water professional?
all about tailoring the passion we have in Working Together for To reach out, send email to natalie.wilson@aecom.com.
Water, and properly communicating that with the public. Looking forward to it!
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EDITORIAL
Communication the key
to public engagement
Bill Brant, Editor, Western Canada Water Magazine
C
ommunication and public
engagement – two fine topics
that are inevitably linked, as
you can’t engage without To me, all of this distills down to two key issues: respect
communicating. Public engagement
became part of my career at an early
and communication. It is not enough to have all the facts,
age. Before my 40 years in consulting possess the technical knowledge, and show respect if we
engineering with WSP, I worked for a can’t communicate.
provincial government agency (MWSB),
which provided project management,
technical assistance and funding to
Manitoba municipalities undertaking
water and sewer projects. Almost from residents the benefits of “septic tank showing more respect. Respect also
the start, I was assigned to do what most effluent pumpout” (STEP) low-pressure means that we have to admit that we
people hate to do: presenting at public sewer systems. One indignant resident water professionals are not always right.
meetings. I had to explain to taxpayers stood up and insisted that he did not We have to be sufficiently open-minded
why the proposed project was needed, want a low-pressure sewer, he wanted a to listen to local input. I’ve always
and I had to justify the alternatives that high-pressure sewer! stressed to my clients (all being rural
were chosen. In any case, as a public servant municipal councils and their staff) that
I recall hearing a number of times and then as a consultant, I was front although we consultants may have much
over the years that opinion surveys have and centre at many dozens of public technical knowledge and experience,
found that a significant percentage of the engagement events. In the first three we will never know their community
public fear public speaking more than decades, that involved public meetings as well as the local residents. Success
death. When I was younger, I was shy and that seemed to bring out the worst always comes down to blending
introverted, but soon found that having a behaviour from project opponents, technical expertise together with
firm grip on the technical issues gave me including insults, catcalls and heckling. local knowledge to come up with the
enough confidence to get up in front of Over time, we convinced municipal best possible solutions to whatever
several hundred project opponents (the councils to switch to open-house events challenges are being faced. That looks
project supporters rarely showed up) and that allowed for more face-to-face like communication and engagement
present the case for the project. engagement through the exchange to me.
Within a couple of years, being of information and ideas, rather than To me, all of this distills down to two
involved in public engagement was no provide a venue for grandstanding key issues: respect and communication.
longer something I dreaded, but rather and heckling from the back of a dark It is not enough to have all the facts,
something that I saw as a challenge. In theatre where the presenters up front possess the technical knowledge, and
most cases, the projects proceeded, on the stage had little opportunity for show respect if we can’t communicate.
even when the chosen alternative was intelligent discussions. I haven’t been involved in many public
publicly deemed to be inferior to what The essential elements necessary engagement events in the past decade.
the community residents wanted. to winning over the majority generally I miss the adrenaline rush of engaging
They usually wanted the best technical included presenting facts and technical in discussions with the public, and also
alternative, but wanted to pay the least background without talking down to crossing swords (respectfully) with
for it. The most memorable occasion was the public, avoiding jargon, showing project opponents. Not many readers
in one small town not far from Winnipeg, respect, keeping one’s cool, being will have the chance to do so but if
where septic fields were failing and the prepared, listening to comments and you do, take it. We don’t always win
cost of constructing a conventional concerns, answering questions without the day, but the experience of public
gravity sewer system was prohibitive even hesitation, conveying confidence and a engagement is an opportunity we
after grants. My job was to explain to the clear command of the issues, and then shouldn’t miss.
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MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARY Summer 2021 | WESTERN CANADA | 9
CROSSWORD PUZZLE Answers on Page 52
1
2
3 4 5
6 7 8
9
10 11 12
13 14
15 16
17
18
19
20
21
22
ACROSS DOWN
2. An acid that is only partially ionized in a water solution is said 1. An organism living on dead or decaying organic matter.
to be this. They help with the decomposition of organic matter in water.
3. The action of a flowing liquid as it lifts and carries away the 2. The phenomenon of pressure oscillation that occurs in pipes
material on the sides or the bottom of a water system. when a valve is opened or closed very rapidly.
9. Growing and/or living on land. 4. The measure of the potential charge of a particle.
11. An area from which water drains and contributes to a water body. 5. Microscopic animals living unattached in aquatic ecosystems.
13. A piece of equipment that feeds a sodium fluoride (NaF) 6. Aquatic life of concern with intakes.
solution into water for fluoridation. 7. Term used for an asset that is of a physical nature.
14. Water discharged at the downstream end of a structure. 8. A structure installed in a canal or open conduit to allow spilling or
15. Pertaining to or containing salt. wasting of excess water from other sources that might reach the
16. A calculated average of a set of data in which some criteria or canal and cause damage by overflowing the banks.
factors are given more or less importance than others. 10. A measure of light or sound that corresponds to the distance
17. A precipitate deposited on surfaces such as the walls of a pipe. between the maxima of the light, or sound waves in a beam.
19. An important means of communication to workers that a piece 12. The drilling and threading of a hole in a pipe or water line with the
of equipment is out of service and not to be used or energized. insertion of a corporation cock to allow the connection of a water
20. A type of treatment unit used in water softening that removes service line or fitting.
certain parameters by base exchange. 15. The layer of solids and biological growth that forms the top of a
21. Metallic element that is an essential grown element in terms of slow sand filter allowing the filter to remove turbidity effectively
nutrition, but can also be a contaminant in wastewater systems. without chemical coagulation.
22. A force applied to a material that tends to pull it apart. 18. A civil process that specifies which types of land use are allowable
in specific locations.
10 | WESTERN CANADA | Summer 2021 MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARY2021 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JUNE 9 CWWA Window on Ottawa (Hybrid) Ottawa, ON
10-11 CWWA Canadian Water Summit (Hybrid) Ottawa, ON
14-17 AWWA ACE Online
AUGUST 13 MWWA Golf Tournament Carman, MB
20 SWWA Golf Tournament Dakota Dunes, SK
SEPTEMBER See pages 13-18 for details on the WCW Conference.
OCTOBER 16-20 WEF WEFTEC Chicago, IL & Online
NOVEMBER 1-5 NTWWA Conference Yellowknife, NT
1-4 CWWA National Water & Wastewater Conference Niagara Falls, ON
3-5 SWWA Conference Saskatoon, SK
7-9 WEAO Technical Symposium and OPCEA Exhibition London, ON
TBD AWWOA Water Week Edmonton, AB
DECEMBER 7-10 ACWWA Conference Online
24-31 WCW Office Closed
JANUARY 1-3 WCW Office Closed
2022
“It’s 2020 2.0!” Check out our websites for Training Updates.
www.awwoa.ca/training www.swwa.ca/training www.cwwa.ca/events
www.mwwa.net/Training www.awwa.org/Events-Education
www.ntwwa.com/conference-events www.wef.org/events/all-events
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MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARY Summer 2021 | WESTERN CANADA | 11WCW21
THE VIRTUAL EDITION
calming
turbulent
waters
SEPTEMBER 2021A NOTE FROM
WCW
If we were good at everything, we would
have no need for each other.
And that is why we meet, why we share, of the Western Canada Water Annual Let us come together to build strength,
why we teach, why we problem solve Conference in a virtual format is not focus on the problems of today,
and why we connect. We make each just us riding out the storm but rather a prepare for the challenges of tomorrow
other better. This pandemic has reimagined way for our attendees to and unify in our common purpose of
impacted the vast majority of us in learn, engage and connect. This working together for water.
ways we never e pected. $t was conference was purposely designed to
something that many of us were not have something for everyone. The
prepared for and has forced us into a schedule is spaced out over the month OUR SINCERE THANKS TO THE
unified purpose of coming together to
achieve goals. The same is true of our
of .eptember to give you time to
prioritie the events that matter most
REGINA PLANNING COMMITTEE
organiation, we have had to think of to you and keep your focus at work and FOR THEIR RESILIENCY AND
new ways to do things we've always at home. We encourage you to take in COMMITMENT OVER THE LAST
done to continue to do the work that is as much as you can throughout the TWO YEARS.
vital to our communities. The return conference and interact with others.
14 | WESTERN CANADA | Summer 2021 MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARYREGISTRATION RATES & DETAILS
WCW Member
$350.00
Non-member
$425.00
includes access to
everything.
Rates increase after August 1st.
REGISTER
ONLINE
wcwwa.cawhat is
everything?
WCW21 is a work in progress, schedule edits and
additions are anticipated.
September 2
12:45 PM - Welcome and Introductions
1:00-4:30 PM - /ec4nical .essions
September 7
1:00-1:45 PM - s7 Me nt4in0: The City of Regina
September 8
7:00 PM - ra e lue World 'i e Watc4 Part 4osted WCWEA
September 9
1:00-4:30 PM - /ec4nical .essions
September 10
2:30-4:30 PM - .lee Wor7s4o it4 r olleen arne
Brought to you by SaskWater
September 1
10:00-10:45 M - s7 Me nt4in0: Stante
September 1
6:00-8:00 PM - Pu )i04t 4osted WCS AWWA
September 1
1:00-4:30 PM - /ec4nical .essions
September 21
1:00-1:45 PM - s7 Me nt4in0: AECOM
September 22
9:00-9:45 M - &enote: ill arr
September 23
1:00-4:30 PM - /ec4nical .essions
September 28
10:00-10:45 M - s7 Me nt4in0: EPCOR
September 29
5:30-7:30 PM - uan oo7in0 lass it4 %ane ond ,
September 30
1:00-4:30 PM - /ec4nical .essions
All times are listed as Mountain Daylight Time.
16 | WESTERN CANADA | Summer 2021 MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARYtechnical
lineup
WATER
North Pole Water Moves Fast -Dean Syta | Stantec
The Search for Lower Cost Water in the Arctic -Ken Johnson | E0P Services
A Tale of the City of Iqaluit Emergency Water Shortage -Justin Rak-Banville | WSP
Operational Challenges of Onsite Sodium Hypochlorite Generation Facilities -Supramaniam Sutha Suthaker, nne
Bridgeman, Shane Thompson | Associated Engineering & Patrick Chan, Kelsey Kundert | City of Calgary
Rouleau-Wilcox: Regionalization for Improved Water Security and Quality -Lin Watt | TetraTech
Primary Disinfection for a Challenging Surface Water -Stan Torgunrud | Associated Engineering
WTP Membrane Filtration: Fouling Mechanisms and System Optimization -Ian Moran | WSP
Pushing New Capacity: The Cold Lake Membrane Expansion -Steven Pickle, Cortney McCracken, Rezaur Bhuiyan | AEC
WA TEWATER TORWATER
Refurbishing the City of Calgarys Mobile Emergency Pump Stations -Daniel Schaefer | City of Calgary
Increasing the Pumping Capacity of the McCarthy Blvd Pump Station -David Milliken, Darin Schindel | City of egina
Phosphorus Removal and related Carbon Diversion and Energy Considerations -Dean Shiskowski | Associated
Engineering
Modelling Alternative Approaches to Intensify Secondary Treatment at Gold Bar WWTP -Saif Molla | EPC Kim Fries,
Mike Hunter, Ivan Rubio | Jacobs
Operations Experience with Off-line Storage to Manage Wet Weather Sewage Flows -Kevin Syrnick | City of egina
Lagoons and Wetlands: The Story of Passive Nutrient Reduction -Dana Bredin, Bruce Friesen-Pankratz | WSP
Dry Pond Concept to Construction: Parkallen Flood Mitigation -David Burton | Stantec
City of Regina Third Sewage Force Main -Mike Georgalas, lex Munoz, Jason Gaudet | Stantec
Ponding Prioritization --aughn Wlodarczyk | City of egina
Case Study of Application of Hydrogen Peroxide in Sewer Odour Control -Joy 1u | City of egina
Preeceville WWTP: Increasing Wastewater Treatment Capacity and Improving Effluent Quality while Reducing Footprint
Requirements -Christopher Nameth | MPE
A Method to Analyze Stormwater Controls and Meet Regulatory Agency Criteria for New Development -Edward Graham |
Smart City Water
Capitalizing on Space: The New McLoughlin Point WWTP -David Houghton | AEC
A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING
Using Public Engagement to Build Collaborative Relationships in the Communities We Operate -Laine Watson, Saif Molla,
Craig Bonneville, Stephanie Begin | EPC
Cyber Security and What Does it Have to Do with Water -Francisco Garcia | SE
Application of 2irtual Reality Technology in the Training of Water and Wastewater Treatment Operators -Ting 2hou, Pablo
Pina, 1ifei Wang, Jesse Smilanich, Gerry Gusdal | SIT
The Application of HDPE Spool for High Efficiency Disinfection -Rob Sinclair | KGS Group
Construction and Operation of Residuals Management Facility: City of Lethbridge -ndrew Kleisinger | MPE & Tyler
Bennett | City of ethridge
City of Selkirk 12MLD Membrane Bioreactor WWTP -Mona Lashkarizadeh | AEC & Dan McDermid | City of Selkirk
Adaptive Water Governance in the Mackenzie River Basin -Margot Hurlbert, Wayne Dybvig | ,niversity of Regina
Process Safety: How it Fits in the Water & Wastewater Industry -Kimberly lcorn, James Laslo | EPC
MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARY Summer 2021 | WESTERN CANADA | 17HELPING BRING WCW21
OUR PARTNERS TO WATER PROFESSIONALS
OCEAN
STREAM
CREEK We would like to share our profound gratitude with our partners who
stood by us through the cancellation of WCW20 and the transition to a
virtual format for WCW2j. They are the driving force behind the
reimagination of our annual conference and our water community in
Western Canada is made better through their support.
18 | WESTERN CANADA | Summer 2021 MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARY36th annual
TRI-STATE SEMINAR
AUGUST 9-12, 2021 | SOUTH POINT HOTEL & CASINO | LAS VEGAS, NV
yo u
e d to s e e
ex c i t
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Life’s experiences
are the most enriching:
Gene Berezowski
Kristen McGillivray, Western Canada Water
G
ene Berezowski is a Plant feeling each workday. Buffalo Pound If the situation is serious, or requires
Foreman for Buffalo Pound Lake, being a shallow reservoir of water, additional people, contact your
Water Treatment Corporation. provides all employees with a daily supervisor immediately. After the
He is an Industrial Instrument challenge. Pumping, treating, monitoring mistake is resolved, review the action
Technician and a red seal Instrumentation equipment, and the process chemicals that caused the mistake and compile an
Mechanic with a 4th-class certificate in must be fine-tuned continuously for incident report. Modify your work habits
Water Treatment. the operation to provide that odour- to prevent the mistake from reoccurring.
free, safe, most precious-to-life Forgive yourself and move on with life.
Q. What sparked your interest commodity; potable water to the taps
in working in water? of thousands of customers every day. Q. What accomplishments
A. After a tour of the water treatment Mathematical calculations, equipment are you most proud of?
facility with the SIAST Instrumentation troubleshooting keeps the mind active, A. Probably the biggest accomplishment
Class, Ozzie Mang, a Plant Manager, walking and lifting keeps one in good of my life is my marriage to my wife
contacted me, inquiring whether I would physical shape. A well-stocked coffee Wendy of 53 years. We raised our family,
be interested in pursuing a career at room provides a space for friendly watching, and assisting the kids grow
Buffalo Pound (BP) Water Treatment conversation, and a well-deserved break from infancy to successful adults makes
Corporation as an operator/maintenance on a busy schedule. me proud. I am the proud parent of
person. The main function would be four, grandfather of 10, and I have one
to assist with servicing and updating Q. What does an average day great grandchild. COVID-19 may have
the existing process equipment and look like for you? put a damper on our weekly family
instrumentation. Within six months, I A. I typically arrive at the plant one meal gathering, but I’m sure it will only
realized BP was offering me a challenging hour before the rest of the crew arrives increase our bond with one another once
career, a diverse and pleasant work and have a coffee with the night shift it ends. If you see an elderly, physically
environment that benefited society with operator. We discuss staffing, equipment fit gentleman running beside a young
a good, safe, potable water supply at an troubles and operations. I move onto girl learning how to ride a bike, it might
affordable price. modifying the CMMS systems work just be me enjoying the exercise and
I discovered I was interested in the orders if required. Then I meet with staff, family. If you see a bunch of people at
conservation of water, as well as assisting discuss work order and goals for the day. Rowans Ravine enjoying a cold one and
in water-shed protection. This career I attend meetings with management and a bunch of young kids a-hooting and
was recession-proof as people always construction meetings as required. Then a-hollering at the cabins, it might just be
require water for consumption, and other it’s developing work orders, providing me strengthening the family fabric.
household needs. BP provided benefits, guidance to contractors, operational and Working at the Buffalo Pound Water
such as sick leave, a pension plan, etc. maintenance assistance and guidance. Treatment Corporation hasn’t made me
My former manager always said, “You Some days we order parts, other days we rich in dollars, but it has sure enriched me.
can have the best machinery, the best plan projects. Finally, my day closes with
process, but it’s the people monitoring the end-of-day tailgate sessions. A Proud Parent’s Quote to close:
and servicing them that makes the We wish you the strength to face
difference.” Now, this is any operators/ Q. What kind of advice would you challenges with confidence along with
maintenance persons’ cup of tea. give someone on making mistakes? the wisdom to choose your battles
A. To make mistakes is only human – carefully. We wish you adventure on
Q. What excites you about don’t overreact, but don’t underreact your journey and may you stop to help
working in the water industry? to save your ego. Take a deep breath, someone along the way. Listen to your
A. I have a philosophy: if you love your analyze the situation, develop possible heart and take risk carefully. Remember
job, you will never work another day in solutions. If the situation is something how much you are loved. We are so
your life. I fortunately experience that you can handle, address it immediately. proud of you.
20 | WESTERN CANADA | Summer 2021 MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARYSpotlight ON OU R
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PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
&
24 Indigenous engagement – An evolving discipline
27 Navigating public engagement for a water treatment facility upgrade
29 Drought readiness – Engagement and research
for effective communication and response
33 We are all Treaty People – The Town of Devon’s
engagement with Indigenous Peoples
36 Water and Sewer Replacement Project
for the Community of Resolute, Nunavut
38 Devon’s River Response Project: Promoting watershed education
40 Customers as partners, not problems
42 Communicating value…
8 strategies for building trust and connections with customersCOMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Indigenous engagement –
An evolving discipline
By Kimmy Der, Aecon
Photos: Zac Whyte
W
e all recognize large yellow our commitment, improve our Building trust for sustainability
equipment and skilled communication, and ask ourselves Communication and trust building
tradespeople in hard hats how we can better work with all of the works both ways. In the early project
as iconic imagery of the construction communities involved. development phase, it is necessary to
industry, but they are also symbols of Preparing this article provided me meet often with community represen-
an industry evolving to include years of an opportunity to further reflect on the tatives to share project information,
advanced consultation, planning and catalysts and progressive developments concerns, and objectives. I have found
engagement efforts with Indigenous in recent decades, including Bill C-31 that leading with intention in early
peoples prior to mobilizing even a single (1985), the Aboriginal Residential School foundational meetings provides the
piece of equipment. Apology (2008), UNDRIP and the Truth basis for developing a shared under-
With hundreds of First Nations, Inuit and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 standing of project objectives, supports
and Métis communities across Canada, Calls to Action (2008) to name just a few. the alignment of objectives, and fosters
each with unique cultural and economic There’s no question that we still have a lot trust building.
objectives and priorities, it has been my to learn from the wisdom of the peoples Providing training opportunities and
experience that a holistic and flexible with whom we engage. But, from the subcontracting with qualified local
approach is fundamental to building perspective of one person among many and Indigenous businesses maximizes
strong corporate-community relations, working towards a common goal every economic benefits, builds sustainable
which are long-lasting and meaningful. day, I am optimistic that scenes of yellow local expertise and provides a mutually
The pace of change within the iron and hard hats are not only the early beneficial approach to construction
Indigenous relations space is rapidly signs of a successful project, but also a execution. These are real-world benefits
accelerating and each new project reflection of a new and better relationship that are a first step in going beyond mere
represents an opportunity to demonstrate with Indigenous peoples. promises. Taking the time to engage
24 | WESTERN CANADA | Summer 2021 MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARYin proactive commercial discussions
provides important insight into how
“ As with every distinct culture,
communities prioritize member-owned having a solid foundation of cultural
businesses, nation-affiliated businesses,
and other commercial ventures. As with awareness helps ensure effective
all construction, a strong foundation is and productive communication.”
critical for success, and incorporating
these priorities into project execution
plans early on in the process provides the proponent company or applicant in have been fortunate to enlist the help of
part of that important foundation. One the best position for success. Across all a local Community Elder or Knowledge
area that we are pushing to evolve is sectors, post-bid evaluations provide Keeper to provide employees with an
the expansion of designated scopes meaningful feedback to make future understanding of the history and culture
of work for Indigenous participation. bids stronger and this is no different in of the local Indigenous communities. This
A designated scope of work guarantees the Indigenous relations space. Sharing valuable context teaches us the different
Indigenous involvement, but can also best practices in terms of bid strategy, ways of looking at the same subject and
bring about an unintended consequence requesting extensions when needed tools to recognize that our personal lens
of missed bidding opportunities if the and seeking clarifications also helps influences the way we communicate
work designated from the outset is support commercial or candidate and can sometimes lead to unintended
mismatched against available talents, success by building trust in an equitable miscommunication.
capabilities, and priorities. Going beyond evaluation process. Working in this field, I aim to be
the construction work itself, we have an acutely aware of cultural sensitivities
opportunity to support the realization of Success through cultural awareness and accept that there will be missteps
economic reconciliation by investigating As with every distinct culture, having a to learn from along the way. However,
opportunities through the whole supply solid foundation of cultural awareness having the humility to acknowledge
chain. The scope of Indigenous enter- helps ensure effective and productive that there is a great deal to learn is an
prise today is extensive and remains a communication. On
Waste Water manyplus
products projects,
NMac 4.65 xwe
4.65.pdf 1 approach
1/24/2018 that
7:37:09 AM I can attest is ultimately
central tenet to economic sustainability
and reconciliation.
In addition, spending the time to
tailor recruitment and training strategies
between Nation-led employment/training
Pumps for all your waste water challenges
offices with internal hiring practices helps
optimize our shared goals, of reduced Thickened Sludge Bio-mass Thin Sludge
attrition and understanding any systemic Dewatered Sludge Activated Sludge Lime Milk
application barriers. Collaborating
Auxiliary Flocculents Combined Sewage Flotation Sludge
with community-based employment/
CLASSIC TORNADO® T1
training officers is an excellent resource Rotary Lobe
for reaching candidates that might C Pumps
underestimate their own qualifications or
M
transferrable skills and would otherwise
decline to come forward. Higher Y
application rates that result from such CM NEMO® Progressing
collaborations have been very positive onMY Cavity Pumps N.Mac™ Twin
recent projects and are an encouraging Shaft Grinders
trend. The planning and implementation
CY
Full Service-in-Place
of recruitment strategies makes the CMY
(FSIP®) Pumps
difference between leaving a sustainability K
TORNADO® T2 NEMO® Mini
legacy and one that falls short of shared
Rotary Lobe Pumps Metering Pump
goals at project closeout.
Feedback is a key component in the
communication cycle – particularly when
working with Indigenous businesses and
candidates. For example, it is important NETZSCH Canada, Inc.
to work closely with our Indigenous Tel: 705-797-8426
partners to mutually unpack and ntc@netzsch.com
understand the sometimes-complicated www.pumps.netzsch.com
tender evaluation process. This puts
MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARY Summer 2021 | WESTERN CANADA | 25COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
rewarding. With each cross-cultural
interaction our awareness improves
and adds to the contextual fabric of a
comprehensive approach, influenced by
culture and developed with input from
our Indigenous partners.
Looking ahead
The need for a flexible approach became
ever more apparent through the first
year of the COVID-19 pandemic when
working directly within communities
was made impossible. Recognizing
the disproportionate effects of the
pandemic on Indigenous communities
put engagement strategies to the test
through most of 2020 as construction
activities are broadly considered an
essential service. As we navigate the foundation for this project. In the About Aecon
pandemic through the summer of 2021, agreement, K’ómoks First Nation With predecessor companies dating
I continue to be inspired by the resiliency provided its support of the project as well back to the late 19th century, Aecon
of Indigenous communities through as the Region’s water licence applica- has had a part in building Canada’s
hardship, together with the agility tion, both of which were instrumental infrastructure foundation from coast to
demonstrated by Aecon to build the in gaining the required provincial and coast. As a result, we have had a unique
infrastructure of a better tomorrow. federal approval to move forward with the opportunity to develop relationships
new water treatment plant. Both groups and work with many Indigenous
Project highlight – were active participants a year later at the communities, businesses and people
Comox Water Treatment Plant construction kick-off event on the site of along the way. Project magnitudes and
As the Manager of Indigenous Relations the new water pump station on Comox developed expertise are progressive
for Aecon in Western Canada, I have Lake. Among the featured highlights was elements in Aecon’s journey, but people-
had the opportunity to build many a K’ómoks First Nation ceremonial dance focused work remains intrinsic to the
great relationships over the years. and remarks by Chief Nicole Rempel. company’s culture. We rely on Indigenous
Recently I was involved on a project that Now more than a year into construction, partnerships and local engagement to
has implemented many of the ideas Aecon’s project team has completed many help build winning project teams and
mentioned above. In the fall of 2019, of the major supporting elements of the create a productive project experience
Aecon’s Water Infrastructure group kicked new water treatment system and is fully for rights and title holders and project
off a $112 million design-build contract immersed in the construction of the water stakeholders alike.
to build a new water treatment system treatment plant. The project’s apprentice- As an industry leader, Aecon’s
on Vancouver Island for client Comox ship program has engaged more than experience with Indigenous engagement,
Valley Regional District. The project has 15 apprentices from local communities collaboration and partnership runs
been years in the making. It’s critical to and Aecon has tendered work to K’ómoks deep. Over the years, the company has
the region and its residents, who are First Nation affiliated subcontractors consistently grown its team of dedicated
anticipating a new treatment system that and actively procures through supplier Indigenous relations specialists,
meets current health standards, eliminates networks local to the project. understanding the importance of creating
turbidity-related boil water notices and The water treatment plant is positive relationships for mutual benefit.
delivers safe, high-quality drinking water scheduled for completion in spring of This approach improves constantly as
for decades to come. The new advanced 2021. The Comox Valley Regional District the team captures and analyzes lessons
system will draw water directly from commissioned permanent art installations learned – but the fundamental objective
nearby Comox Lake. Aecon’s winning created by two K’ómoks First Nation of maximizing meaningful opportunities
proposal focused on innovative design, artists, Rand and Sean Frank, to be for Indigenous participation communities
industry best-practice standards, and installed in the new water treatment plant is steadfast. We build relationships with
cost-effectiveness. once construction is complete. Sean’s Indigenous communities on a foundation
Recognizing that water is a shared 18-foot red cedar dugout canoe (featured of trust, respect, and understanding
interest of the K’ómoks First Nation here) is a colorful masterpiece that will through an inclusive approach which
and Comox Valley Regional District, be prominently displayed on the second focuses on apprenticeships, employment,
both groups signed a Mutual Benefit floor of the completed facility. The grand training, sustainability and business
Agreement in 2018, laying an important opening is slated for summer 2021. development.
26 | WESTERN CANADA | Summer 2021 MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARYNavigating public engagement
for a water treatment facility upgrade
By Alexia Stangherlin, P.Eng. • Director of Utilities, City of Brandon
E
ngineers and public engagement usually form strong relationships with In 2019, the City of Brandon held an
do not always go hand-in-hand – their constituents as well as with City Open House event for the upgrade of
at least not in the City of Brandon. Administration (non-elected staff). its water treatment facility to inform
While the engineers at the City fully Citizens are engaged and expect to be the public of the overall project vision
support and regularly participate in consulted when it comes to changes and the details of the future chemical
public engagement events, it is not in their community. These conditions building. The two-hour evening event
necessarily in our wheelhouse. We have encouraged public dialogue that had a wide range of attendees, including
tend to be more comfortable with our informs pragmatic civic solutions. plenty of water treatment facility
calculators, spreadsheets, and drawings. With the City’s successful application operators! Given the feedback received,
By contrast, our planning co-workers for Clean Water and Wastewater the general impression afterwards was
are more comfortable with facilitating Funding in 2017, planning and design that the Open House was a success.
public events and often take the lead with of an overall water treatment facility Attendees were genuinely happy to
citizens when there is a joint initiative. upgrade, as well as the construction see planned improvements to water
To set the scene, Brandon is a small of a chemical storage and dosing treatment in the City.
city of about 50,000 people in western building began to move forward. The Engaging the public in water and
Manitoba with big-city issues and a size of the projects and the impact wastewater topics can be challenging.
small-town feel. City councillors work on the community made them strong The impacts to public health and the
part-time in their public roles, but candidates for public engagement. environment are at the forefront and there
MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARY Summer 2021 | WESTERN CANADA | 27COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
The Strength of Many.
“ Engaging the public in water and wastewater topics can be
The The Strength
Power
challenging. Theof of Many.
One.
impacts to public health and the environment
The
are at Power ofand
the forefront One.
there are often large dollar values
associated with such infrastructure improvements.”
are often large dollar values associated the public engages today, there are a few 1. Keep City Council informed
with such infrastructure improvements. recommendations that would hold true There was an effort to take Council
While COVID-19 has impacted the way even in virtual settings: on the project journey as much as
possible. City administration and
the consulting engineer presented
the project informally to Council
in advance of the Open House so
K. Brent Pooles, B.A., C.I.M. questions could be addressed.
Industrial Group bpooles@groupwd.com Council’s questions were also good
1036 Waverley Street Phone: 204-896-1333 Jeffrey K. Warren indicators of what might come from the
Winnipeg, MB R3T 0P3 www.groupwd.com jkwarren@groupwd.com public. Several councillors attended
the Open House as a show of support
The Strength of Many. The Power of One. for the project, which went a long way.
neup of composite water & sewer prodcts: 2. Visuals are key
Our lineup of composite water & sewer products: Representing the Project boards showing construction
PI Valve Boxes Robar 1696-2B
neup of composite water & sewer prodcts: following renderings were very well received.
WD82 PI - MWSB PI Valve Boxes
Approved New Robar all stainless
quality steel two boltThe written information was kept brief
products:
The Strength of Many.
WD46
PI PI - City
Valve WD82
Boxes PI - MWSB
of Winnipeg Approved Robar
Approved multi-range coupling:
1696-2B through bullet points. Handouts were
Type A PI - CityWD46
of PI
Regina - City of
Approved Winnipeg Approved also available for people to take with
WD82 PI - MWSB TypeApproved New
A PI - City of Regina Approved Robar all stainless steel two bolt
Type C PI - City of Saskatoon Approved them that included the highlights
TheType
Power of One.
WD46 PI - City of Winnipeg Approved - Non-Corroding
multi-range coupling:
Type C PI - City of Saskatoon Approved
A PI - City of Regina Approved
LIGHTER, STONG & NON-CORRODING!
- Large OD Range
of the information provided on the
project boards.
Type C PI - CityLIGHTER, STRONG
of Saskatoon & NON-CORRODING!
Approved Easy Installation
- Non-Corroding A short video of walking through
WD50SC Composite Manhole Cover
LIGHTER, STONG & NON-CORRODING!
- Large OD Range the chemical building 3D rendering
FitsWD50SC
City of Winnipeg WD50F played on a loop via a projector.
Manhole CoverFrames - Easy Installation
- < 40 Lbs.
Fits City of Winnipeg WD50F Frames
- Non-corrosive 3. Make the experts available
-WD50SC
< 40 Lbs. Manhole Cover
- Non-conductive Representing the following quality The City’s project management, as
products:
-FitsNon-corrosive
- Lockable & Sealable
City of Winnipeg WD50F Frames
well as the consulting engineer were
-- Non-conductive
< 40 Lbs.
Service Boxes present for the public to ask questions.
-- Lockable & Sealable Full product line of Representing
lighter, the following quality products:
The technical aspects of a project
Non-corrosive non-corroding service boxes for need to be summarized but not so
- Non-conductive Manitoba & Saskatchewan far as to over-simplify, and are often
Service Boxes & MORE!
- Lockable & Sealable better communicated in person if the
Full product line of lighter, -Non-Corroding
Robar 1696-2B information is too complex to explain
New RobarService
all stainless
Boxes
non-corroding steel boxes -Large OD Range
service on a project board. It was an asset
two bolt multi-range
for Manitoba & Saskatchewan-Easy Installation
coupling: having the experts available to go into
Full product line of lighter, more detail for those attendees that
non-corroding service boxes may be more fluent in the topic.
for Manitoba
Contact&ourSaskatchewan
Sales Team: K. Brent Pooles, B.A., C.I.M.
1036 Waverley Street
Winnipeg, MB R3T 0P3OUDL
bpooles@groupwd.com
neup of composite water Kurt Chekosky,
& sewer P.Eng.
prodcts: R
As the City’s water treatment facility
Jeffrey K. Warren project continues, there will
kchekosky@groupwd.com Phone: 204-896-1333 upgrade
P
Y
K. Brent Pooles, B.A., C.I.M.
jkwarren@groupwd.com
PI Valve Boxes 204-896-6969 be the need to hold additional public
Arleigh Mouck Robar
1036
Korosh Najar, P.Eng. 1696-2B
Fax:Waverley Street bpooles@groupwd.com
Kurt Chekosky, P.Eng.
amouck@groupwd.com Winnipeg,
knajar@groupwd.com MB R3T 0P3
www.groupwd.com events.
WarrenEven with success, there is
WD82John
PI - MWSB Approved New Robar all stainless steel two bolt
Jeffrey K.
kchekosky@groupwd.com
N
204-896-1333
CA
Aguirre Phone:
WD46 PI - City of Winnipeg Approved
Quyen Truong N A D I jkwarren@groupwd.com
always room for improvement and
A
jaguirre@groupwd.com qtruong@groupwd.com multi-range
Fax: coupling:
204-896-6969 Kurt collaborating
Chekosky, P.Eng. with the City planners for
Type A PI - City of Regina Approved www.groupwd.com assistance on future public events may
kchekosky@groupwd.com
Type C PI - City of Saskatoon Approved - Non-Corroding be an additional benefit.
LIGHTER, STONG & NON-CORRODING!
- Large OD Range
28 | WESTERN CANADA | Summer 2021 - Easy Installation MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARYDrought readiness
Engagement and research for
effective communication and response
By Pamela Duncan and Catriona White, City of Calgary
In the summer of 2015, building a flood resiliency program in the aftermath of the devastating 2013 flood was a top priority
for the City of Calgary. We were busy with multiple programs on the flood file, when a phone call during that long hot summer
added another item to our priority list. It was the major water users in the Bow River Watershed in Southern Alberta on a
weekly operations call. The rivers were running low and there was no precipitation in the forecast. Were we approaching
another drought in Southern Alberta? What level of response was going to be required? Fortunately, a full-fledged drought
didn’t materialize, but it prompted the City to revisit its drought readiness through engagement and research, with the
intention of developing effective communication and response before, during and after a water shortage.
Project background
At the time, Calgary had an early working
draft of a drought plan, which included
a drought model and a first set of
actions. The plan was, however, limited
in its operational scope and stakeholder
engagement.
Summer 2016 was cool and rainy, and
it has been said that this is the best time
to plan for a drought. Proactivity can be a
hard sell when there are always competing
priorities for municipal resources. However,
Calgary had clear drivers to revisit drought
management. This was already a drought- communication and engagement were
prone region. Initial tree-ring analysis in paramount to Objectives 1, 4 and 5 in
the Bow River Watershed in 2011 had ensuring successful outcomes. The work
shown that while the last few decades presented in this article aligns directly with
had been relatively wet, there had been these objectives. Objective 1 focuses on
decade-long periods of drought over the internal readiness across the entire City
last few centuries. Significant drought was of Calgary Corporation. Communication
bound to happen again with a regular across an organization of approximately
climate cycle, and climate change was 13,000 employees with dozens of drought-
expected to shift how much and when we impacted business units would need to
would receive precipitation. On top of that, be addressed. Objective 4 directs us to
the South Saskatchewan River Basin had establish clear, credible communication
been closed to any new water licences. from the City about the drought situation
With the dry 2015 summer, climate change and response with our customers.
risks and water licence limitations, the Objective 5 acknowledges that we also
City secured the funding and resources need to establish strong partnerships and
needed to launch in-depth drought knowledge sharing between organizations
management planning. involved in drought management. To
complete these objectives, drought
Drought management planning management planning has been divided
To guide the City’s drought management into two streams:
work, five key objectives were established Drought Response: Improve
(Figure 1). Taking a page from the immediate drought readiness and
lessons learned from the 2013 flood, decision-making using existing drought Figure 1: Drought Management Objectives
MAGA Z INE ANNIVERSARY Summer 2021 | WESTERN CANADA | 29You can also read
