Page 44 - CEA-Alberta-Innovators-2024

2024
SHOWCASE - AWARDS -
AWARD OF
EXCELLENCE
–
STUDIES, SOFTWARE AND SPECIAL SERVICES
CLOSING THE INFRASTRUCTURE GAP FOR FIRST NATIONS
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Studies, Software and Special Services
FIRM: ASSOCIATED ENGINEERING CLIENT/OWNER: ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS LOCATION: NATIONAL PROJECT
OTHER KEY PLAYERS: INDIGENOUS SERVICES CANADA, FIRST NATIONS ENGINEERING SERVICES, BTY GROUP, PLANETWORKS CONSULTING CORPORATION, YALLEEDESIGNS, OVER 400 FIRST NATIONS
The Assembly of First Nations and Indigenous Services Canada needed to understand the actions and investments required to close the infrastructure gap for First Nations across Canada by 2030.
Associated Engineering documented, for the first time, the costs of maintaining, renewing, upgrading or expanding existing infrastructure while considering climate adaptation and energy management. Level of service improvements to accessibility, drinking water and all-season road access were examined. This study recognizes and emphasises the inequity and societal difficulties associated with substandard infrastructure, as well
as the opportunities and benefits that may be realized by narrowing the infrastructure gap.
JUDGES’ COMMENTS
This project is enormous, ambitious and highly difficult – technically, socially, politically and economically. However, this audit is absolutely integral to understand the infrastructure deficits within First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities. Kudos to Associated for creating the interdisciplinary team, garnering the financial and political support, and navigating the maze of bureaucracies to complete this project!
44 ALBERTA INNOVATORS