In 2021, AtkinsRéalis was awarded a design and engineering contract by Tlingit Homeland Energy, owned by the Taku River Tlingit First Nation band government in Northern British Columbia (BC), to support additional power capacity for the local hydro facility in Atlin, BC.
As design engineer, AtkinsRéalis provides conceptual and advanced design, as well as supports the selection of a contractor through the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process. The work involves expansion of the generating facility to enhance its capacity from 2,1 MW to 10 MW by using the available power potential of Pine Creek, located in the Atlin region.
‘The project is one of many examples of how AtkinsRéalis continues to build on its long history of collaborating and working with indigenous people across canada.’
Ian L. Edwards, President and CEO
AtkinsRéalis carried out the design, construction, financing, testing, commissioning, maintenance, and life cycle rehabilitation of the John Hart facility, as well as the decommissioning and disposal of designated portions of an existing BC Hydro facility and associated remediation.
AtkinsRéalis worked with the North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society to help assist 104 local First Nations people to gain employment on the project. During the project, we engaged with the We Wai Kai First Nation of the Cape Mudge Indian Band, Wei Wai Kum of the Campbell River Indian Band, and the K’omoks First Nation to achieve First Nations economic development and engagement.
Located in northwestern Quebec on the eastern shore of James Bay, the Cree School Board’s $57.5 million new facility was built due to the community's rapid growth. With a total floorplan of 7,050 m² spread over two levels, AtkinsRéalis provided civil (parking, landscaping and service connections), structural (concrete foundation, steel structure), mechanical (fire protection, ventilation, plumbing, control) and electrical (distribution, generator, intruder and fire alarm, plus telecommunication) engineering works.
This regional medical facility combines a 52-bed hospital with a community health (Miyupimaatisiiun) center that will serve the Eeyou Istchee people in northwestern Quebec on the eastern shore of James Bay. The population of 20,000 includes people from nine Cree communities. AtkinsRéalis delivered mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering works for the new $500 million facility.
AtkinsRéalis was mandated in Q4 2014 to conduct an environmental and social impact assessment for the Continuation of Mining Operations at Raglan Mine Project (Phases II & III), in Nunavik. This mandate also included consultation with Aboriginal communities in the region.
AtkinsRéalis worked in partnership with Avaatani, an Inuit enterprise, to support the logistics related to consultations with stakeholders and the public. This resulted in a thorough assessment of environmental and social issues associated with the Sivumut Project, and in the identification of meaningful measures that positively contributed to improving the relationship between Raglan Mine and its Inuit partners and communities of interest.
AtkinsRéalis undertook all professional mechanical, electrical, civil and structural engineering services for the completion of a new 4,280 square meter high school for 200 students in Inukjuak, Northern Quebec. The $29 million school includes 17 classrooms, 15 specialized rooms, a gymnasium, a library, administrative offices and an atrium.
Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario will reap the benefits of the planned new access to Ontario’s critical mineral-rich Ring of Fire. AtkinsRéalis is providing preliminary engineering design and environmental impact assessment services for a planned 170 km all-season road near one of Canada’s most promising deposits, linking the currently fly-in Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations— both approximately 400 km north of Thunder Bay— to the provincial highway network. The road will unlock new economic opportunities and offer a reliable and cheaper transportation route for goods and services to all Indigenous communities in the region.
As part of our consultation effort for the project, we developed an engagement program with 22 Indigenous communities, municipalities, touring organizations, local mining companies, and regulatory agencies. One of the significant environmental studies undertaken was a comprehensive collaring study of caribou in the region. This study aimed to gather detailed data on their movement patterns, seasonal behaviors, and habitat preferences. This work will help us successfully identify critical habitat features, including calving and nursery sites, wintering areas, and migration routes. This will significantly mitigate potential impacts of the road on caribou.