Metro Vancouver I Contaminated Sites Services

Expertise Environmental
Market Earth & Environment
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: Larco Investments

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

PRI’s contaminated Sites Team performed a range of environmental site investigation and remediation programs to support redevelopment initiatives across Metro Vancouver. These works included Stage 1 & 2 Preliminary Site Investigations (PSIs), Detailed Site Investigations (DSIs), and full-scale remediation activities, ensuring compliance with BC Ministry of Environment regulations

CHALLENGE:

The main challenge was the complexity of contamination present onsite. PRI’s team successfully overcame that with structured, step-by-step environmental risk management process and obtained necessary approvals from the Ministry.

APPROACH:

Close coordination with regulatory agencies, resulting in timely approval of Ministry instruments (Approval in Principle and Certificate of Compliance)

OUTCOME:

Comprehensive site characterization across multiple Metro Vancouver locations, Successful implementation of remediation strategies to support redevelopment

Eckhardt Avenue West Mixed Use Development

Expertise Civil Engineering
Market Transportation & Infrastructure
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: Mundi Construction Ltd.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

650 Eckhardt Avenue is a six-storey mixed-use development in Penticton, BC, featuring ground-floor commercial units, residential units above, and an integrated parkade. The site is situated between Eckhardt Avenue West and Pacific Crescent. PRI provided comprehensive civil engineering services for the project, including on-site and off-site design in accordance with the City of Penticton Subdivision and Development Bylaw, supported by in-house geotechnical, survey, materials testing, and field review capabilities.

CHALLENGE:

The project required coordinated civil design across a constrained urban site bounded by two roads, with both on-site and off-site works needing to satisfy municipal standards. The mixed-use nature of the development introduced layered servicing demands, requiring utility coordination across multiple shallow utility providers alongside municipal water, sanitary, and drainage systems. Foundation and drainage planning also required geotechnical input to address site-specific subsurface conditions.

APPROACH:

PRI delivered a fully integrated civil design package covering all on-site and off-site components. On-site works included site grading, stormwater management, access and parking layout, and utility servicing for water, sanitary, and shallow utilities serving Penticton Electrical Utility, TELUS, SHAW, and FortisBC Gas. Off-site design addressed road, curb, and sidewalk improvements on both Pacific Crescent and Eckhardt Avenue West, including associated drainage and connections to municipal systems. PRI’s in-house geotechnical team completed a site assessment to inform foundation and drainage design. Additional services included a topographic survey, laboratory materials testing, and field reviews during construction to verify compliance with the approved civil design drawings.

OUTCOME:

PRI’s multi-discipline, in-house delivery model provided the project team with seamless coordination across civil design, geotechnical assessment, survey, and construction-phase services. The completed civil works successfully satisfied the City of Penticton’s development requirements, supporting the advancement of a prominent mixed-use infill development on one of Penticton’s key arterial corridors.

Southside Church in Chilliwack

Expertise Structural Egineering
Market Property & Buildings
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: Southside Church

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

PRI provided structural design and construction engineering services for a 36,000 sq. ft. church facility. The building includes a large primary auditorium with a 1,038-person capacity, a secondary auditorium, a two-storey office, classrooms, and a large foyer.

CHALLENGE:

The scale and complexity of the facility demanded the integration of multiple structural systems across distinctly different functional spaces — from a large-capacity assembly auditorium to intimate classroom and office environments — each with its own structural and load requirements. Coordinating tilt concrete, structural steel, and timber construction within a single cohesive building presented significant design and construction coordination challenges.

APPROACH:

PRI designed a mixed structural system tailored to the demands of each space within the facility. Tilt concrete walls were used in the primary auditorium to handle the large spans and assembly loads of the high-capacity space. Structural steel was employed in the secondary auditorium and foyer to achieve the open, column-free areas suited to those gathering spaces. Timber construction was specified for the classroom and office areas, providing an efficient and appropriate solution for the smaller-scale occupied spaces.

OUTCOME:

PRI successfully delivered a structurally sound and fully integrated facility that meets the diverse functional needs of a large community church. The completed building accommodates over 1,000 occupants in the primary auditorium while providing flexible, well-supported spaces for offices, classrooms, and secondary assembly areas across all three structural systems.

Forty Mile Solar Project

Expertise Geotechnical
Market Renewable Energy
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: PCL Solar Constructors Canada Inc.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Forty Mile Solar Project – Forty Mile County No. 8, Alberta. PRI completed geotechnical investigation, field and laboratory testing, helical pile probing, pre-production axial and lateral load testing, and foundation design recommendations for an approximately 220 MWAC PV ground-mount solar facility located on agricultural land near Bow Island, Alberta.

CHALLENGE:

The project required a practical foundation design for a large fixed-tilt racking system across a broad rural site with variable glacial till soils, potential cobbles/boulders, frost uplift considerations, corrosive soil conditions, wetland access constraints, and the need to confirm pile performance prior to production installation.

APPROACH:

PRI advanced a comprehensive subsurface investigation consisting of 44 boreholes, 14 test pits, piezometer installations, field electrical resistivity testing, and laboratory testing including grain size, Atterberg limits, Proctor, corrosivity, thermal resistivity, CBR, unconfined compressive strength, and hydraulic conductivity testing. PRI also completed 2,431 helical probes, installed 130 axial test piles and 35 lateral test piles, and used the results to develop site-specific helical pile design recommendations.

OUTCOME:

PRI provided design recommendations for the solar racking foundations, including site-specific torque/capacity relationships, frost uplift considerations, lateral capacity assessment, corrosion design considerations, production testing requirements, and construction recommendations. The testing confirmed that helical piles were a viable preferred foundation option for much of the site, with additional recommendations for areas not accessible during the investigation, including designated wetland areas.

Drought and Frost Risk Assessment Tool

Expertise Forestry, GIS & Geomatics
Market Earth & Environment
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: BC Ministry of Forests

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: PRI developed a Drought and Frost Risk Assessment Tool for the BC Ministry of Forests, applying advanced remote sensing techniques to detect and classify drought-stressed areas across various locations in British Columbia. The work was completed in collaboration with Craig DeLong.

CHALLENGE: Accurately identifying drought-stressed and frost-affected trees across large and varied forest landscapes required a scalable and reliable methodology capable of distinguishing individual tree health conditions from aerial imagery — and translating those findings into a broadly applicable classification tool validated against real-world field conditions.

APPROACH: PRI applied object-based image analysis techniques to segment and classify individual trees captured in UAV imagery, characterizing each tree as live or dead based on spectral and structural attributes. This classified dataset was then used to train a machine learning model for detecting drought-stressed areas in Sentinel satellite imagery, extending the tool’s applicability across broader landscapes. Field validation was subsequently carried out to confirm the accuracy of the modeled results and ensure the tool’s reliability for operational use.

OUTCOME: The project delivered a validated, scalable Drought and Frost Risk Assessment Tool for the BC Ministry of Forests, combining high-resolution UAV analysis with satellite-based classification to provide an efficient and accurate means of monitoring forest health and identifying at-risk areas across British Columbia.

Abbott Street Sanitary Sewer Replacement

Expertise Civil Engineering
Market Transportation & Infrastructure
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: City of Kelowna

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

As part of the City of Kelowna’s Annual Capital Works Utility Replacement Program, PRI was selected to provide engineering design and construction services for the Abbott Sanitary Sewer Project. The project involves the removal and replacement of 530 metres of 200mm and 150mm Asbestos Cement (AC) sanitary sewer pipe originally installed in 1949, as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to rehabilitating aging underground infrastructure.

CHALLENGE:

The existing sanitary sewer infrastructure had reached the end of its serviceable life after more than seven decades in the ground. Asbestos Cement pipe of this age presents both structural and environmental risks, requiring careful handling and replacement planning. The project demanded a thorough understanding of existing subsurface conditions and legacy infrastructure, as well as the development of viable alignment and connection options that could be clearly evaluated and approved by the City before detailed design commenced.

APPROACH:

PRI initiated the project with a kickoff meeting with the City to confirm project requirements, deliverables, and schedule. All relevant historical data was gathered, including record drawings of existing services and topographic survey data of the sanitary system. Following a thorough analysis of this information, PRI commenced preliminary design, developing drawings of the sewer collection system that presented options for service connections and main alignments. A preliminary design submission meeting was held with the City to walk through the initial design options and explain the underlying design philosophy, ensuring all parties had a clear understanding of the alternatives before proceeding to detailed design.

OUTCOME:

The structured preliminary design process enabled the City of Kelowna to make well-informed decisions on alignment and servicing options prior to committing to a final design. PRI’s methodical approach — from data collection and analysis through to collaborative design review — established a strong foundation for detailed design and construction, supporting the City’s objective of replacing deteriorating AC pipe infrastructure with a reliable, modern sewer system.

Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Reporting

Expertise Environmental, Forestry, GIS & Geomatics
Market Earth & Environment
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: Timberland Investment Resources

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

PRI developed a carbon and greenhouse gas reporting system for Timberland Investment Resources (TIR), integrating ground plot data and land status information to produce accurate carbon and emissions estimates across their landbase portfolio.

CHALLENGE:

TIR required a dynamic and responsive reporting solution capable of reflecting real-time changes to their land base, including land acquisitions, dispositions, and associated treatment activities, while maintaining accuracy in carbon and greenhouse gas estimates based on actual ground-truthed plot data. Translating complex back-end data into a clear and accessible visualization tool for client use presented an additional design challenge.

APPROACH:

PRI developed a robust estimation process in R to calculate carbon and greenhouse gas values based on actual ground plot data and the current status of lands within the client’s database. Emissions assumptions for equipment used across land treatments were incorporated into the modeling framework. The resulting back-end database was then linked to a PRI-developed Power BI application, enabling dynamic visualization of carbon and greenhouse gas estimates as land was purchased or sold and as treatments were applied.

OUTCOME:

TIR gained a fully integrated and interactive carbon and greenhouse gas reporting platform that provides real-time visibility into their portfolio’s emissions profile. The solution supports informed decision-making around land acquisition, disposition, and management activities, positioning TIR with a transparent and defensible framework for carbon and greenhouse gas reporting.

BC Hydro I Bridge River Transmission Project

Expertise Environmental
Market Transportation & Infrastructure
Location Indigenous Communities

CLIENT: BC Hydro / Szumin’ts First Nation

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Under a partnership with local Indigenous Communities, PRI performed Environmental Overview Assessments, mitigation planning, a data analysis, GIS support, environmental monitoring for upgrades to a 50 km section of the Bridge River Transmission Project near Lillooet and Goldbridge, BC.

CHALLENGE:

The main challenge is that project layout and designs change frequently, which means that the environmental scope of work must adapt continually so that adequate assessment of areas added to the project takes place within approriate assessment windows for species of concern. The project has many contributers and a high level of communication, consultation and information change management is required.

APPROACH:

PRI delivered responsive, timely and skillful communication with project partners and contributors.

OUTCOME:

Sucessful delivery of field inventory, data management and commnuications deliverables for three years and ongoing.

Conuma Resources I Two Tailings Storage Facilities

Expertise Hydrotechnical
Market Energy & Resources
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: Conuma Resources

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

PRI was retained by Conuma Resources Ltd. as the new hydrotechnical and geotechnical Engineers of Record (EORs) for two tailings storage facilities (TSFs) at the Quintette Mine in British Columbia: the Shikano North TSF and the Plantsite TSF. The Shikano North TSF is a 45-metre high, 210-metre long flow-through rockfill dam currently accepting tailings, while the Plantsite TSF is a 52-metre high, 2.6-kilometre long earthfill dam in active care. PRI’s ongoing mandate spans dam safety analysis, regulatory compliance, annual performance reviews, and long-term closure planning.

CHALLENGE:

Assuming the role of Engineer of Record for two large, active tailings storage facilities mid-operation required PRI to rapidly develop a comprehensive understanding of each structure’s design history, current condition, and operational context. The complexity of the assignment demanded integrated analysis across hydrotechnical, geotechnical, environmental, and mining operations disciplines, all benchmarked against the rigorous requirements of the 2024 Health, Safety, and Reclamation Code (HSRC) for Mines in British Columbia. Ongoing engagement with the Independent Tailings Review Board (ITRB) further required that analyses and reporting meet the highest standards of technical defensibility.

APPROACH:

PRI completed detailed dam safety analyses across both facilities to formally establish EOR status, with analyses commensurate with those required for a full Dam Safety Review under the 2024 HSRC. The work incorporated hydrotechnical, geotechnical, environmental, and mining operations considerations specific to each structure. On an ongoing basis, PRI completes Annual Facility Performance Reviews (AFPRs) for both TSFs and maintains regular engagement with the ITRB. PRI also provides a broad range of supplementary analyses, designs, technical memoranda, and reports to support the continued safe operation and eventual final closure planning of both facilities.

OUTCOME:

PRI successfully established itself as EOR for both the Shikano North and Plantsite TSFs, providing Conuma Resources Ltd. with continuity of expert oversight across two critical mine infrastructure assets. The rigorous dam safety analyses completed by PRI satisfied the requirements of the 2024 HSRC and established a strong technical foundation for ongoing regulatory compliance. PRI’s continued involvement through AFPRs, ITRB coordination, and ad hoc technical support ensures that both facilities are managed with the diligence required for safe operation and responsible long-term closure.

Naramata Water System Rehabilitation

Expertise Civil Engineering
Market Transportation & Infrastructure
Location Western Canada

CLIENT: Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) retained PRI to deliver the Naramata Water System Rehabilitation and Extension Project. Awarded in December 2016 and completed by the end of November 2017, the project involved watermain replacement across eight roads in Naramata. PRI’s scope encompassed detailed topographic survey, engineered design drawings, MMCD tender document preparation, materials testing, QC/QA, and full construction services.

CHALLENGE:

The aging water system required comprehensive rehabilitation across multiple roads simultaneously, presenting coordination challenges across a broad project area. The design needed to account for updated fire protection requirements and appropriately sized watermains determined through hydraulic modelling and calibration. Working within road allowances also required engagement with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) as the approving authority for all proposed road and stormwater improvements. Additionally, site conditions on certain roads demanded innovative installation methods to minimize disruption to existing infrastructure and road surfaces.

APPROACH:

PRI managed all phases of the project from survey through construction. Design work included site surveys, base map preparation, and hydraulic modelling and calibration to determine watermain sizing and fire protection requirements. Coordination with MOTI was maintained throughout the design development process. PRI prepared platinum MMCD tender documents, including a detailed Schedule of Quantities and Unit Prices, and conducted materials quality control and quality assurance testing on all structural fill and pavement structure. Where site conditions warranted, innovative construction techniques were employed, including slip lining and pipe bursting to install new watermain inside existing pipes, and auguring of water services beneath Naramata Road to preserve the existing asphalt on the west side of the road.

OUTCOME:

The Naramata Water System Rehabilitation and Extension Project was completed on schedule by November 2017, delivering a modernized water distribution system across eight roads. The use of trenchless technologies such as slip lining, pipe bursting, and auguring minimized surface disruption and preserved road integrity where conventional open-cut methods would have been impractical. PRI’s full-service delivery, from survey and design through tendering, construction oversight, and materials testing, provided the RDOS with a seamless, single-point-of-accountability engagement throughout the project. Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.