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 WINTER 2026 Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Public Works Inspires Our Future FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING ONLINEUp Front 5 A Message from the British Columbia Public Works Association 7 A Message from the Canadian Public Works Association, Alberta Chapter 9 A Message from the Saskatchewan Public Works Association 10 A Message from the Canadian Public Works Association, Manitoba Chapter 11 A Message from the Alberta Municipal Supervisors’ Association In Every Issue 12 Safety Report: Protecting Public Works Crews on the Move and at the Roadside This Winter 14 Safety Report: Strategies to Boost Your Mental Health 16 Safety Report: Resolutions for 2026: Building Safer Public Works Teams 18 Upcoming Events 20 Legal Brief: The Builders Lien Act: The Highway Exemption 22 Community Highlight: Public Works Inspires Our Future 24 Community Highlight: Public Works and Asset Management: Do You Know What You Own? 26 Community Highlight: Altona’s Purr-fect Response to Stray and Feral Cats 28 Community Highlight: Developing Municipal Winter Maintenance Policy Tech Talk 30 Safety Beneath Our Streets: How BC 1 Call Supports Public Works 32 Stainless Steel Pools: European Innovation Redefines Sustainable Aquatic Design 34 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 WINTER 2026 Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Public Works Inspires Our Future 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: Carolyn Caldwell 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: Christine Scarisbrick, Julie Welsh Editor-in-Chief: Shannon Savory ssavory@matrixgroupinc.net Editorial Team: Paul Adair, Jenna Collignon, Richard Cowan, 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: Ana Baez, Colleen Bell, Jackie Casburn, Chandler Cousins, Paolo Cruz, Rob Gibson, Wilma Gray-Rose, Jim Hamilton, Craig Hornell, Frank Kenyeres, Brendan Kidney, Sandra Kirby, Andrew Lee, Ian MacGregor, Brian MacIntyre, Chad Morris, Lynn Murphy, Monique Simons Advertising Design: James Robinson Layout & Design: Cody Chomiak ©2026 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 visibility of Public Works in the community – whether on the street or at National Public Works Week events – can go a long way in inspiring the next generation of public workers. Photo courtesy of Nike Juzkiw and Elliott Brown. Winter 2026 3 TABLE OF CONTENTSLast fall, the Public Works Association of British Columbia (PWABC) and the BC Municipal Safety Association (BCMSA) came together to host one of our most successful joint conferences to date in Whistler, British Columbia. The energy was palpable as more than 100 first-time attendees joined our commu- nity to bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a contagious enthusiasm that elevat- ed every session, workshop, and hallway conversation. From technical innovations to impactful keynotes, the conference show- cased the strength of collaboration across disciplines and municipalities – large and small. The most fun portion of our confer- ence was the opportunity to recognize a number of individuals and communities with PWABC Awards. A heartfelt thank you to all the volun- teers, speakers, exhibitors, and delegates who made the joint conference such a resounding success. Your commitment to excellence in public works and municipal safety continues to inspire us all. Turning to national developments, the 2025 federal budget has brought renewed momentum to our sector. With $51 billion committed over the next decade, the launch of the Build Communities Strong Fund is a clear signal that infrastructure is being rec- ognized not just as a cost – but as a catalyst. This significant investment in roads, water systems, and public facilities is a win for every community, from the largest urban centres to the smallest rural districts. A Message from the Public Works Association of British Columbia For municipalities across British Columbia, the implications may be signifi- cant. The budget’s focus on streamlined funding access and regional equity means that long-standing infrastructure priorities may move from planning to implementa- tion faster. Smaller communities, in particu- lar, stand to benefit from reduced admin- istrative barriers and increased flexibility in how funds are deployed. But funding is only part of the equation. The real work lies in how we collaborate – across juris- dictions, sectors, and disciplines – to ensure that every dollar invested delivers long-term value for our communities. As public works professionals, we are uniquely positioned to lead this charge with innovation, integrity, and a deep under- standing of the communities we serve. Let’s keep building – stronger systems, stronger partnerships, and stronger communities. Taryn Scollard President Public Works Association of British Columbia Board of Directors & Staff 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 A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers, speakers, exhibitors, and delegates who made the joint conference such a resounding success. Your commitment to excellence in public works and municipal safety continues to inspire us all. Winter 2026 5 UP FRONTOn the topic of networking, I am thrilled to share that the American Public Works Association (APWA), Alberta Chapter will be hosting the Equipment Roadeo once again for the first time in a few years. We have a new venue and a new date and time. So, save the date for September 3-4, 2026, at The Olds College Training Facility. A huge thank you goes out to the new Equipment Roadeo committee for securing this venue. We are also still interested in expand- ing our Idea Groups. So, if you or your municipality would like to host a future Idea Group meeting, please let us know. In addition, we are seeking commit- tee 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 community? Perhaps a training idea, a job posting, or other resources? We’d love to help get the word out by featur- ing it on our website, www.alberta.apwa. org. Collaboration and resource-sharing strengthen us all. Looking ahead, the APWA Alberta Chapter will be participating in the Alberta Equipment Expo, which is sched- uled to take place in Edmonton in 2027. We look forward to another successful expo. Thank you for all that you do. Stay safe, and don’t forget to check our web- site for updates and resources. Peter McDowell President American Public Works Association, Alberta Chapter As we enter this transitional season, it is my pleasure to connect with all of you. The dedication and hard work of our members have been truly inspiring, and I am grateful for the com- mitment that each of you brings to public works across Alberta. It is hard to believe how quickly the months have passed and, as we reflect on the past year, I am proud of how our chapter has grown and adapted to new challenges. Our members continuously demonstrate resilience and ingenuity and find new ways to support their communi- ties, while advancing the field of public works. Through continued engagement, professional development, and collabora- tion, we have strengthened our network and built lasting connections. The weather (as always) has been full of surprises – hot and dry one moment, cool and wet the next, and with snow on the first day of summer! As I am writ- ing this message, I want to acknowledge the challenges many of us recently faced with high stream flow advisories across Alberta. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and vigilance. By now, I’m sure you have all pre- pared for winter weather and have gotten your equipment switched over; tasks like mixing salt and sand and snowplow train- ing are vital activities. This reminds me of the essential work we do to serve our communities. One of our greatest tools for success is learning from one another, which is something that I truly appreciate about networking at in-person gatherings – the shared ideas and experiences are invaluable. 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 Wade Nellis City of Grand Prairie 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. Winter 2026 7 UP FRONTOver the last year, Saskatchewan Public Works Association (SPWA) Board members have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming conference and other key events. Here’s a quick recap of the past four months and a glimpse of what’s to come. SPWA continues to host its Lunch & Learn webinars, offered at no cost to partici- pants, which span a wide range of disciplines and are designed to be both informative and interactive. Here, attendees have the opportu- nity to engage directly with guest speakers, ask questions, and build professional connections. For details on upcoming Lunch & Learn webi- nars, as well as other SPWA events, visit our website, www.saskatchewan.apwa.org. Partnering with the City of North Battleford, SPWA delivered two, one-day 0.6 CEU courses titled ‘Permit to Operate a Water and Wastewater System.’ The courses were held on two consecutive days – November 26-27, 2025 – to accommodate communi- ty operations by enabling crews to attend in shifts. Participants gained valuable insight into the development of operating permits and their alignment with Canadian environmental legislation, standards, and guidelines. From February 18-21, 2026, I will have the privilege of representing the Saskatchewan Chapter at the Region IX Chapter Meeting in Victoria, British Columbia. Following this event, I will be providing the Board and SPWA members a report that highlights key discussions and outcomes. The Annual SPWA Conference & PWville will be held at the Saskatoon Inn February 24-26, 2026, and will include two days of work- shops, a tradeshow, and a keynote, as well as a 0.6 CEU course on the final day. In addition to professional development opportunities at the event, SPWA will be celebrating members and their communities through its awards program. A highlight of the show (with assistance from FerMarc) is the $2,000 SPWA scholar- ship that supports a member’s son or daughter A Message from the Saskatchewan Public Works Association PRESIDENT / APWA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS REPRESENTATIVE Stewart Schafer North Battleford PAST PRESIDENT/ CPWA REPRESENTATIVE Dale Petrun Saskatoon PRESIDENT-ELECT Vacant TREASURER Eric Quail Saskatoon DIRECTORS Kevin Hepburn Davidson Neeraj Saroj, P.Eng., MBA Regina Andrew Stevenson Saskatoon Brandon Uhryn Lanigan DIRECTOR – SMALL TOWN (<3000) Tammy Landry Pierceland DIRECTOR - INDIGENOUS Crystal Campbell Lemburg DIRECTOR – RM (RURAL MUNICIPALITIES) Rod Benroth RM of Edenwold SUPPLIER REPRESENTATIVE Mike Gilchrist Greenworks Commercial APWA CHAPTER COORDINATOR Rhonda Wilhite Kansas City, MO REGION IX DIRECTOR Kristina Nelson, P.E. Port Orchard, WA CHAPTER ADMINISTRATOR Kristy Olsen Saskatoon CHAPTER HISTORIAN Vacant Board of Directors who is entering their first year of postsecondary education. To review the award categories or to nominate someone for an award, please contact the SPWA office. In April 2026, SPWA will be joining with our British Columbia counterparts to host a Fleet Maintenance webinar. This will be a two- and-a-half-day webinar certificate course, and dates will be announced on Constant Contact. Stay tuned for more information to come. From May 17-23, 2026, communities across the country will again celebrate National Public Works Week (NPWW), a time to acknowledge the vital contributions of public works employees in maintaining and enhanc- ing our communities. SPWA encourages mem- bers to share their plans for recognizing staff during this week of appreciation and we wel- come photos and short descriptions of your community’s celebrations, which will then be featured by SPWA to showcase the outstanding work of public works professionals. As a chapter, we are eager to learn about the initiatives taking place in your commu- nity and, whether it involves the construction of new infrastructure or the development of innovative approaches to completing work, we welcome your stories. We want to remind our members that it is not the size or complexity of a project that matters, but the positive impact it has on the community. Selected projects have the opportunity to be showcased here in The Roadrunner to highlight the valuable contribu- tions of our members. Going forward, SPWA will continue to bring our members – and others in the public works profession – greater value in educational and networking opportunities. We will also continue to promote professionalism in the public works field, advocate the essential role that public works plays in the quality of life, and promote it as a career choice for the work- force of the future. Stewart Schafer President Saskatchewan Public Works Association The Saskatchewan Chapter strives to promote professionalism in the public works field and provide a network through which members can share and receive useful information. Winter 2026 9 UP FRONTNext >