Ballou Park, Glenmore, Kelowna

Expertise Civil Engineering
Market Property & Buildings
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: City of Kelowna

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

PRI was engaged by the City of Kelowna to provide contract administration and civil engineering support for the Ballou Neighbourhood Park development. PRI joined the project approximately 10% into construction and remained engaged through to final closeout and warranty. Services included landscape oversight, field reviews, contractor coordination, payment certification, and full project closeout documentation.

CHALLENGE:

The project presented several compounding challenges from the outset. Construction originally slated for completion in late 2022 was delayed well into 2023, requiring sustained field presence and administrative support beyond the initial schedule. Errors in the original Schedule of Quantities generated multiple change orders that required careful negotiation, analysis, and documentation. Additionally, field execution of key layout elements, including gravel trails, playground curbing, and site grading, did not initially meet design standards, necessitating active intervention to preserve design intent throughout construction.

APPROACH:

PRI provided day-to-day contract administration including change order processing, inspection coordination, and progress tracking against contractual requirements. Regular field reviews were conducted to verify compliance with Issued for Construction drawings, with deficiencies documented and followed up with the contractor. PRI collaborated closely with the landscape design team to ensure that planting beds, playground features, and public realm amenities were constructed in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. Payment certificates were reviewed for each progress draw, with claimed quantities reconciled against actual completed work in accordance with MMCD payment terms. On-site layout guidance was provided throughout construction to clarify and enforce design intent, particularly for hardscape elements. PRI also provided technical support for playground equipment installation to ensure alignment with safety standards and design expectations, and carried the project through final inspection, deficiency coordination, Total Performance certification, and one-year warranty inspections.

OUTCOME:

PRI successfully delivered contract administration through an extended and complex construction timeline, maintaining design integrity and cost control through clear communication and active site oversight. All change orders were administered and documented, and contractor payments were kept aligned with actual completed work. Full closeout documentation was delivered, including Total Performance coordination, record drawings, and warranty inspection services. The project demonstrates PRI’s capacity to provide responsive, field-ready contract administration on urban park projects, including the ability to step in mid-construction, manage evolving conditions, and see a project through to successful completion.

Haida Gwaii Solar Project

Expertise Geotechnical
Market Renewable Energy
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: Hedgehog Technologies Inc.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

PRI Engineering provided preliminary foundation design and pre-production field investigation services, including Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) testing, for a 2 MW / 1.4 MW DC solar project on Haida Gwaii Island, BC. The scope included subsurface investigation, comparative foundation testing, and full foundation design. Deliverables included a Geotechnical Investigation Report, a Foundation Design Report, two issued-for-construction foundation drawings (helical and groundscrew foundations), and a General Conformance Letter.

CHALLENGE:

Haida Gwaii’s remote location and coastal environment presented unique geotechnical conditions, including corrosive soils that posed a direct risk to long-term foundation integrity. Identifying the right foundation system — and ensuring it could withstand both structural loads and aggressive soil conditions over the life of the project — required careful site characterization and a rigorous pre-production testing program.

APPROACH:

PRI advanced 20 helical probes to characterize subsurface conditions across the site. To evaluate foundation performance, 10 helical foundations and 10 driven foundations were installed, each with associated axial and lateral pre-production load tests. Given the corrosive soil conditions identified through geotechnical analysis, corrosion protection measures were recommended for both the helical and groundscrew foundations, along with specific pile sizes selected for durability, and recommended embedment depths to achieve required capacity. Load and stability checks informed final design adjustments, and production mechanical axial testing was completed on 6 foundations to verify compliance with QC/QA requirements.

OUTCOME:

PRI delivered a complete, site-specific foundation design package for a challenging remote and coastal environment — including issued-for-construction drawings for helical and groundscrew foundations and a General Conformance Letter. The corrosion-resistant design approach ensured the foundations were built to perform reliably over the long term on Haida Gwaii.

Big White Ski Resort I Water Reservoir

Expertise Structural Egineering
Market Transportation & Infrastructure
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: Big White Water Utility

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Ecora was engaged to provide civil, mechanical, and structural design services for a new 2,859 m3 rectangular concrete reservoir at Big White Ski Resort. This project was driven by the need to increase fire storage capacity and ensure adequate water supply for the resort’s continued expansion.

To accommodate limited available space and steep terrain, Ecora designed an “L”-shaped reservoir layout, optimizing land use while maintaining the required storage volume. The project included preliminary and detailed design, regulatory permitting, tender preparation, and construction oversight, ensuring compliance with Interior Health Authority (IHA) requirements. The reservoir was commissioned in October 2023.

Reservoir & Water System Design
• Preliminary and detailed design of a 2,859 m3 single-cell concrete reservoir to supplement fire storage shortfalls.
• Optimization of reservoir layout, incorporating an “L” shape design to fit within site constraints and steep terrain.
• Seamless integration into the existing water system to maintain operational efficiency.

Regulatory Approvals & Permitting
• Interior Health Construction Permit approval for water system upgrades.
• Design compliance with provincial water infrastructure and health authority regulations.

Contract Administration & Construction Support
• Preparation of CCDC-based tender documents and contractor selection.
• Field reviews, record drawings, and final testing, including leakage testing, chlorination, and disinfection.

CHALLENGES & APPROACH:

Space Constraints & Terrain Limitations
• Challenge: The limited available land and steep site slopes restricted conventional reservoir configurations.
• Solution: PRI designed an “L” shaped reservoir layout, allowing for optimal land use while maintaining required storage volume.

Regulatory Approvals & Health Authority Compliance
• Challenge: The project required Interior Health Construction Permit approvals to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Solution: PRI worked closely with IHA representatives early in the process, incorporating health authority standards into the design and expediting the permitting process.

Integration with Existing Water System
• Challenge: The new reservoir had to be integrated into the existing water supply system without disrupting service.
• Solution: PRI designed a strategic tie-in plan, ensuring minimal downtime and smooth operational transition.

OUTCOME:

• Designed a 2,859 m3 reservoir, resolving fire storage capacity shortfalls for Big White’s growing development needs.
• Optimized site layout with a custom “L” shaped reservoir design, maximizing efficiency within steep terrain constraints.
• Ensured full regulatory compliance, securing Interior Health Construction Permit approvals.
• Provided comprehensive construction oversight, including field reviews, leak testing, chlorination, and disinfection for successful commissioning.
• Delivered a cost-effective and constructible solution, balancing budget efficiency with long-term water reliability.

Chalk River Liner Installation Pilot

Expertise Geotechnical
Market Energy & Resources
Location Eastern Canada

CLIENT: Wood Canada Limited (Wood PLC)

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

PRI Engineering provided independent construction quality-assurance services for the clay liner test pads at Canada’s Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) at Chalk River, on behalf of Wood Canada Limited for Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Working on an active nuclear site under a formal Inspection and Test Plan, PRI carried out daily inspection and materials testing — compaction, moisture content, Shelby-tube sampling and hydraulic-conductivity testing — and documented conformance, nonconformances and laboratory results to validate the engineered low-permeability clay liner.

CHALLENGE:

The clay liner test pads had to demonstrate the very low permeability required to contain low-level radioactive waste, verified to strict ASTM and project standards. All work was performed on an active nuclear site under stringent radiation-safety and HSE protocols and a formal Inspection and Test Plan with controlled documentation and nonconformance procedures.

APPROACH:

PRI deployed qualified geotechnical and materials-testing personnel to inspect trial-pad construction daily, performing compaction, moisture-content and hydraulic-conductivity testing to ASTM D6391 and related standards. Results were recorded on Wood’s controlled QC forms, nonconformances were managed through NCR/CAR logs, and laboratory testing and a CNL peer review reinforced the field program.

OUTCOME:

PRI confirmed that the inspected elements — engineered fills, compaction and the drainage / liner works — were in general conformance with the design drawings and specifications. A complete package of daily QA reports, laboratory results and a review letter was delivered, supporting validation of the clay liner design for the NSDF.

Conuma Resources Analysis & Design for New Tailings

Expertise Hydrotechnical
Market Energy & Resources
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: Conuma Resources

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

PRI was retained by Conuma Resources Ltd. to assess tailings storage options for several new mines and advance conceptual and detailed design for required dam modifications and new facilities at the Quintette Mine. The assessment identified two primary solutions: raising the existing Shikano North TSF by 5 to 10 metres, and constructing a new approximately 15-metre high dam downstream of the Flooded Shikano Pit (FSP). PRI’s mandate spans site investigation, instrumentation, conceptual and detailed design, dam breach analysis, and long-term engineering support through construction, operations, and closure.

CHALLENGE:

Determining viable tailings storage capacity for expanding mine operations required a multi-site assessment that balanced geotechnical constraints, existing facility conditions, and the feasibility of new infrastructure. Both the Shikano North TSF raise and the proposed FSP dam required thorough subsurface investigation before design could advance, including characterization of foundation conditions, assessment of existing embankment behaviour, and evaluation of permafrost and thermal conditions through instrumentation. Coordinating sequential geotechnical and geophysical investigations across active mine infrastructure added further complexity to the program.

APPROACH:

PRI completed a geotechnical investigation through the Shikano North TSF embankment and its foundation, and installed new piezometers and thermistors connected to an upgraded telemetry system to support ongoing monitoring. Conceptual design for the Shikano North TSF raise has been completed, with detailed design to follow. For the FSP TSF, PRI completed a geophysical investigation of the proposed dam area to inform a subsequent geotechnical investigation program, upon which the detailed design will be based. Conceptual design for the new downstream dam has also been completed. Looking ahead, PRI will complete dam breach analyses and inundation mapping using FLO-2D and/or HEC-RAS 2D for both TSFs, update their consequence classifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and provide Conuma with engineering support through construction, operations, and eventual closure.

OUTCOME:

PRI’s tailings storage assessment provided Conuma Resources Ltd. with a clear and technically defensible path forward for accommodating mine expansion within the constraints of existing and new infrastructure. The sequential investigation and design program has systematically de-risked both the Shikano North TSF raise and the proposed FSP dam, with detailed designs advancing on the basis of site-specific geotechnical data. The upgraded instrumentation and telemetry system at Shikano North has enhanced real-time monitoring capability, supporting both ongoing dam safety oversight and the EOR responsibilities PRI holds for these facilities.

Ikayuut Solar Project

Expertise Geotechnical
Market Renewable Energy
Location Indigenous Communities

CLIENT: Solvest Northern Star Solutions

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This project involved the civil and foundation engineering for a utility-scale solar installation situated in a permafrost environment — one of the more demanding settings for renewable energy infrastructure. The scope encompassed the full design lifecycle for both the Solar Array and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), from early-stage grading and geotechnical integration through to Issued for Construction (IFC) packages. Foundation solutions included adfreeze and bedrock micropile systems engineered to support solar racking and electrical auxiliary structures in ground conditions where conventional approaches are neither appropriate nor reliable.

CHALLENGE:

Designing solar foundations in permafrost presented a genuinely novel engineering challenge. Unlike temperate-climate installations where soil bearing and frost depth are manageable variables, permafrost demands a fundamentally different design philosophy — one that accounts for the thermal sensitivity of the ground, the risk of thaw settlement, and the long-term implications of a warming climate. Loading demands were rigorous, driven by wind, snow, and seismic considerations specific to the northern environment. Equally important was ensuring that foundation solutions remained viable not just at time of construction, but across the operational life of the facility as climate conditions continue to evolve. The project required the team to adapt established micropile methodology to an environment where adfreeze capacity and bedrock engagement are the primary mechanisms of structural resistance.

APPROACH:

The design process was grounded in available site data from the outset, with previously completed survey information integrated into the grading plan and geotechnical investigation findings directly informing foundation selection and sizing. The team advanced the design through progressive submissions at the 30%, 60%, and 90% stages, allowing for stakeholder review and iterative refinement before issuing final IFC packages for both the Solar Array and BESS components. To move beyond analytical assumptions and validate real-world performance, production pile load testing was carried out on-site — confirming that the adfreeze and bedrock micropile foundations performed in accordance with design intent under actual site conditions.

OUTCOME:

The project delivered fully engineered, construction-ready foundation and civil packages for a solar facility operating in one of the most thermally complex ground environments in the country. Load testing provided definitive confirmation of foundation performance, giving confidence to both the construction team and project owner. A final conformance review and sign-off following installation of all foundation and civil components closed the loop on design intent and field execution. The work stands as a demonstration that rigorous, climate-aware geotechnical engineering can enable solar development in northern permafrost settings — expanding the viable geography for renewable energy infrastructure.

Innovation Centre Commercial Development

Expertise Civil Engineering
Market Property & Buildings
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: Argus Properties Ltd.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Argus Properties Ltd. retained PRI in 2017 to complete civil engineered drawings for the phased development of Innovation Centre, a commercial project located across the highway from the Kelowna Airport. Delivered in two phases, the development includes a Conoco Gas Station, carwash, A&W Restaurant, and Subway. PRI provided civil engineering and survey services across both phases, with Phase 2 construction completing in spring 2020.

CHALLENGE:

The project required comprehensive civil design and servicing coordination for a multi-tenant commercial development on a highway-adjacent site. Balancing the needs of multiple end users — each with distinct operational and access requirements — demanded careful attention to site grading, traffic circulation, and utility coordination across two sequential phases of construction.

APPROACH:

PRI delivered a full suite of civil engineering services for both phases of the development. The civil design package included a stormwater management plan for the buildings and parking areas, site grading and servicing plans, driveway access design, on-site vehicle turning schematics, and a shallow utilities schematic. Site servicing encompassed sanitary, storm, and water service design, along with shallow utility coordination for BC Hydro, TELUS Communications, and Fortis Gas. Survey services were provided throughout to support design and construction.

OUTCOME:

Both phases of the Innovation Centre development were successfully completed, delivering a fully serviced, multi-tenant commercial site adjacent to the Kelowna Airport. PRI’s integrated approach to civil engineering and survey services ensured consistent design standards across both phases, supporting Argus Properties Ltd. in bringing the development to completion through to spring 2020.

Nak’albun Elementary School Addition

Expertise Structural Egineering
Market Property & Buildings
Location Indigenous Communities

CLIENT: SEKO Construction

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

SEKO Construction Ltd. retained PRI for the structural design of a 6,000 sq. ft. addition to an existing elementary school serving the Nak’azdli First Nations Community. The addition comprised 18 rooms including classrooms, reading rooms, and administrative offices.

CHALLENGE:

The project presented several structural complexities, including heavy roof snow loads with accompanying drift loads, the need to integrate the new structure with the existing building, and the design of pitched roof connections terminating at a 15-foot tall-wall feature at the north end of the building.

APPROACH:

PRI designed a conventional wood-frame structural system incorporating wood-framed lintels, shear walls, and roof diaphragms suited to the building’s layout and load demands. For the two classroom additions, glue-laminated pitched beams were specified to accommodate the pitched roof geometry and support the signature tall-wall feature. Careful attention was given to the connection details between the new addition and the existing structure to ensure continuity and structural integrity across the combined building.

OUTCOME:

PRI delivered a structurally sound and cohesive addition that met the community’s educational space needs, successfully addressing the site’s challenging snow load conditions and achieving a seamless integration with the existing school building.

Holistic Management Plan for the Upper Pitt River

Expertise Forestry, GIS & Geomatics
Market Earth & Environment
Location Indigenous Communities

CLIENT: Katzie First Nation

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

PRI supported Katzie First Nation beginning in 2019 to develop a Holistic Management Plan for the Upper Pitt River area, within Katzie’s traditional territory. PRI completed forest modeling, provided forestry expertise, coordinated and edited contributions from other specialists, and supported data management, indicators development, and overall analysis.

APPROACH & OUTCOME:

The plan provides a comprehensive framework for managing the area’s natural, cultural, and economic values. It covers the planning context and process, the area’s physical and land-use setting, natural and cultural heritage, wildlife and fisheries, forest resources, and recreation. A central theme is shifting toward a more balanced approach that better protects fish, wildlife, and cultural sites while increasing Katzie’s role in decision-making and access to economic benefits.

Key steps in developing the plan included community engagement, stakeholder consultation, data collection and analysis, objective setting based on Katzie values, and creation of an adaptive monitoring framework to track indicators and support future updates.

Anahim Lake Solar Project

Expertise Geotechnical
Market Renewable Energy
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: Wildstone Construction Group

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

PRI Engineering provided issued-for-construction foundation design and pre-production field investigation services, including Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) testing, for a 5.2 MW DC solar project in Anahim Lake, BC. The scope included subsurface investigation, pre-production foundation testing, and full foundation design. Deliverables included a Geotechnical Investigation Report, a Foundation Design Report, an issued-for-construction groundscrew foundation design, and a General Conformance Letter.

CHALLENGE:

Anahim Lake’s remote location in BC’s interior, combined with corrosive soil conditions identified during investigation, presented meaningful durability and design challenges. Selecting and validating a foundation system capable of supporting the solar structure over the long term — while accounting for soil aggressiveness and the logistical demands of a remote site — required a thorough and well-executed field program.

APPROACH:

PRI advanced 50 groundscrew probes to characterize subsurface conditions across the site. Twelve helical foundations were installed with associated axial and lateral pre-production load tests to evaluate foundation performance and inform design decisions. Corrosion protection measures were recommended based on the corrosive soil findings, along with specific pile strength and embedment depth requirements. Groundscrew foundations were identified as the preferred system to support the structure. Production mechanical testing was then completed on 37 foundations — 21 axial and 16 lateral — to verify design compliance and meet QC/QA requirements.

OUTCOME:

PRI delivered a complete issued-for-construction foundation design package tailored to the site’s remote setting and challenging soil conditions, including a groundscrew foundation design and General Conformance Letter. The extensive production testing program provided strong assurance of foundation performance and set the project up for a confident construction phase.