Manitoba Chapter THE THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION, ALBERTA CHAPTER THE SASKATCHEWAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION, THE MANITOBA PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION, AND THE ALBERTA MUNICIPAL SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION ROADRUNNER FALL 2025 Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Lots Going on in the County of Northern Lights FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING ONLINEUp Front 8 A Message from the British Columbia Public Works Association 9 A Message from the Canadian Public Works Association, Alberta Chapter 10 A Message from the Saskatchewan Public Works Association 11 A Message from the Canadian Public Works Association, Manitoba Chapter 13 A Message from the Alberta Municipal Supervisors’ Association In Every Issue 14 Safety Report: Take the Sting Out of Working Outside 17 Safety Report: A Sound Plan: Preventing Hearing Loss in Public Works 20 Legal Brief: Change Orders vs. Amending Agreements: Choosing the Right Tool to Modify a Construction Contract 22 Upcoming Events 26 Community Highlight: Lots Going on in the County of Northern Lights 30 Community Highlight: Interim Leadership Brings Stability and Direction to Maple Creek’s Operations 32 Community Highlight: Turning Sewage into a Heat Source for a Community: The Story of the False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility 34 Community Highlight: Lanigan Waterpark Facility: A Milestone in Community Recreation Tech Talk 36 Greatario is Building Something Great in Canada with HydroMix 40 Goosinator: Judgement Day for Resident Geese in Lethbridge 42 Index to Advertisers Manitoba Chapter THE THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION, ALBERTA CHAPTER THE SASKATCHEWAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION, THE MANITOBA PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION, AND THE ALBERTA MUNICIPAL SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION ROADRUNNER FALL 2025 Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Lots Going on in the County of Northern Lights FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING ONLINE Published For: The Public Works Association of British Columbia www.pwabc.ca Editorial Advisor: Pat A. Miller executivedirector@pwabc.ca The American Public Works Association, Alberta Chapter https://alberta.apwa.org Editorial Advisor: Peter McDowell Tel: 403-938-8928 The Saskatchewan Public Works Association http://saskatchewan.apwa.org Editorial Advisor: Andrew Stevenson Tel: 306-960-1624 The Manitoba Public Works Association http://manitoba.apwa.org Editorial Advisor: Darren Wanless Tel: 204-399-9477 Alberta Municipal Supervisors Association www.amsapw.ca Editorial Advisor: Christine Heggart Tel: 403-844-5678 Published By: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. 309 Youville Street Winnipeg, MB R2H 2S9 Toll Free: 866-999-1299 Toll Free Fax: 866-244-2544 www.matrixgroupinc.net Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 President & CEO: Jack Andress Operations Manager: Shoshana Weinberg sweinberg@matrixgroupinc.net Senior Publisher Jessica Potter Publishers: Julie Welsh, Christine Scarisbrick Editor-in-Chief: Shannon Savory ssavory@matrixgroupinc.net Editorial Team: Jenna Collignon, Paul Adair, Kaitlin Vitt Finance/Administration: Lloyd Weinberg, Nathan Redekop accounting@matrixgroupinc.net Director of Circulation & Distribution: Lloyd Weinberg distribution@matrixgroupinc.net Sales Manager: Jeff Cash jcash@matrixgroupinc.net Sales Team Leader: Andrew Lee Matrix Group Inc. Account Executives: Colleen Bell, Jackie Casburn, Chandler Cousins, Rich Cowan, Rob Gibson, Jim Hamilton, Frank Kenyeres, Sandra Kirby, Andrew Lee, Brian MacIntyre, Chad Morris, Lynn Murphy, Wilma Gray-Rose, Monique Simons Advertising Design: James Robinson Layout & Design: Cody Chomiak ©2025 Matrix Group Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Matrix Group Publishing Inc. On the cover: The County of Northern Lights features a large land size and a small tax base. That said, there are still a large number of significant infrastructure projects underway or set to begin. Photo courtesy of the County of Northern Lights. 5 TABLE OF CONTENTSA s we reflect on the second quarter of 2025, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible work being done across our province by public works professionals. This year’s National Public Works Week (NPWW) was a resounding success and united communities across British Columbia under the theme of: “People, Purpose, Presence.” During NPWW, municipalities large and small embraced the opportunity to showcase the essential services that keep our communities safe, clean, and connect- ed. From Port Coquitlam and Vancouver’s open house and heavy equipment show- case, to Penticton’s interactive displays and electrical truck bucket rides, the public was invited to engage directly with the peo- ple behind the infrastructure. Richmond launched an interactive video highlighting their public works team, while Courtenay and Dawson Creek hosted school tours and community events to educate and inspire the next generation of public works leaders. As we wrap up the summer months, public works teams across British Columbia are finishing one of the busiest times of the year. From road resurfacing and water main upgrades to park maintenance and emer- gency preparedness, the scope of work that was carried out is both vast and vital. These projects not only improve the quality of life in our communities but also ensure our A Message from the Public Works Association of British Columbia infrastructure remains resilient and future ready. With rising temperatures and the increasing risk of wildfire smoke, I want to take a moment to remind everyone – both workers and residents – to stay informed and take precautions during heat and air quality advisories. Hydration, rest, and proper protective equipment are essential for those working outdoors. Let’s continue to prioritize safety while delivering the high standard of service our communities rely on. It’s hard to think about winter when the sun is shining but, looking ahead, the Public Works Association of British Columbia (PWABC) is excited to offer both the Winter Maintenance Operator and Supervisor courses in October. Also don’t forget – in Whistler, the 2025 Joint Annual Conference delegate registration is now available. Get registered because spots are going fast and it was a sell out last year. PWABC remains committed to supporting our members through training, advocacy, and collaboration. Let’s continue to build on this momentum and keep public works at the heart of thriving, resilient communities. Taryn Scollard President Public Works Association of British Columbia Board of Directors & Staff You can learn more about the Public Works Association of British Columbia on their website: www. pwabc.ca. PRESIDENT Taryn Scollard City of Vancouver PRESIDENT- ELECT AND APWA DELEGATE Alexander Christensen Westbank First Nations PAST PRESIDENT Meryl Ditchburn Heinz SECRETARY & TREASURER TBD DIRECTORS Devon Aaroe City of Dawson Creek Jason Adair City of Victoria Ryan Adams City of Surrey Matt Brown City of Surrey Jatin Chhibba Langley Concrete Group Ryan Coad Township of Langley Jules Looy City of Penticton Matt Stoltz Flow Systems Pat Miller Retired MEMBER AT LARGE AND ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Pat Miller executivedirector@ pwabc.ca During NPWW, municipalities large and small embraced the opportunity to showcase the essential services that keep our communities safe, clean, and connected. 8 UP FRONTso if you or your municipality would like to host a future Idea Group meeting, please let us know. Additionally, we are seeking committee members for the Idea Group – your involvement could make a big impact. Do you have something you’d like to share with the broader public works com- munity? Perhaps a training idea, a job posting, or other resources? We’d love to help get the word out by featuring it on our website. Collaboration and resource- sharing will strengthen us all. The APWA Alberta Chapter partici- pated in the Alberta Equipment Expo, which took place in Edmonton on April 24-25, 2025. It was an honour to be part of the inaugural event this year, where we were thrilled to have a booth where we could engage directly with so many of our members. We look forward to another successful expo next year! As I conclude this message, I want to acknowledge the challenges many of us have faced in June with high stream flow advisories. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and vigi- lance – especially as we remember the devastating floods of 2013. Let’s continue to prioritize safety and remain diligent in our efforts. Thank you for all that you do. Stay safe, and don’t forget to check our web- site at alberta.apwa.org for updates and resources Peter McDowell President American Public Works Association, Alberta Chapter A s we look to the end of sum- mer, it’s hard to believe how quickly the season has passed. The weather, as always, has been full of sur- prises – hot and dry one moment, cool and wet the next, and we even saw snow on the first day of summer. Amid these seasonal shifts, I’m eager- ly anticipating attending PWX 2025 in Chicago, happening August 17-20, 2025. The American Public Works Association (APWA) Council of Chapters will also convene during PWX, making this an exciting opportunity for learning, col- laboration, and connection. By now, I’m sure many of you are well into your annual maintenance programs. Tasks like crack sealing, pothole patch- ing, concrete repairs, and line painting are just a few of the vital activities cur- rently underway. These programs remind us of the essential work we do to main- tain our infrastructure and serve our com- munities, as well as that one of the great- est tools for success in these efforts is learning from one another. This is what I truly appreciate about networking at in- person gatherings – the shared ideas and experiences are invaluable. In regard to networking, I am thrilled to share that the APWA Alberta Chapter recently hosted its first Idea Group meet- ing in nearly two years. A huge thank you goes out to Charles Schwab and the County of Northern Lights for graciously hosting this joint meeting with APWA and Alberta Municipal Supervisors Association (AMSA). We’re interested in expanding this initiative going forward, A Message from the Canadian Public Works Association, Alberta Chapter Board of Directors & Staff You can learn more about the American Public Works Association, Alberta Chapter on their website: alberta.apwa.org. PRESIDENT Peter McDowell DIRECTORS Doug Halldorson City of Lacombe Steven Kennedy Town of Innisfail Azam Khan City of Cold Lake John Martineau Town of Hinton Charles Schwab County of Northern Lights Abdou Souraya City of Calgary Did you know that the Alberta Chapter was first founded in 1979 to enhance the services of the APWA to the Alberta public works community and to improve the quality of public works products and services to Canadian citizens. 9 UP FRONTNext >