Montreal: June 6, 2024 – AtkinsRéalis, a fully integrated professional services and project management company with offices around the world, has formed a limited partnership with Indigenous-owned Ontario construction company Shwe Miikaan. The limited partnership will focus on securing contracts for the expansion of Highway 69 in Ontario between Sudbury and Parry Sound, located in Robinson Huron Treaty territory. AtkinsRéalis and Shwe Miikaan will also collaborate to jointly pursue other Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) projects. AtkinsRéalis is the first major company to form this type of Anishinabek-led partnership to provide engineering services for the MTO.
The co-operation agreement between the two companies formalizes an earlier teaming agreement that combines AtkinsRéalis’ fully integrated transportation capabilities across Canada, including project management, engineering, design, contract administration, and environmental services, with Shwe Miikaan’s expertise in construction and community engagement along the corridor of work on Highway 69. Shwe Miikaan is owned by three communities in Robinson Huron Treaty territory: Henvey Inlet, Magnetawan and Shawanaga First Nations.
“The crux of our ReconciliACTION Plan is the expansion of the number of co-operative delivery models that we’re involved in,” said Stéphanie Vaillancourt, President, Canada, AtkinsRéalis. “It’s critical that Indigenous communities have greater supply chain opportunities on projects that pass through their territories. This partnership with Shwe Miikaan is a model for how we will work on infrastructure projects in Canada, by bringing Indigenous-owned companies and expertise into our supply chain. Aligned with our purpose of engineering a better future for our planet and its people, helping Indigenous communities close the gap in key markets such as infrastructure, clean energy, and water is how we are establishing a leadership position in Canada for Indigenous engagement in engineering.”
A partnership launch event is planned in Shawanaga First Nation, just south of Parry Sound, Ontario, with the Shwe Miikaan Board of Directors, and Stéphanie Vaillancourt, President, Canada, AtkinsRéalis.
"We are confident that this partnership with AtkinsRéalis will deliver tangible benefits to Shwe Miikaan. As we strive to capture local benefit from the Highway 69/400 twinning project and others with the MTO, we remain committed to training and hiring surrounding First Nations. AtkinsRéalis, having a rich history in delivering multiple highway and road expansions globally, will be an invaluable partner in realizing our vision for the development of our territories,” said Adam Good, President, Shwe Miikaan.
Background on Highway 69
Highway 69 is a provincially maintained north–south highway in Ontario. In conjunction with Highway 400, it links Toronto with the city of Sudbury, via Parry Sound. It is a key corridor for people and goods in the region, and a crucial route for Canada as part of the Trans-Canada Highway.
The MTO is undertaking a 152 km capacity expansion initiative along Highway 69 from Sudbury to Parry Sound, bringing it to expressway standard. In addition to doubling the highway from two lanes to four, the project includes construction of water crossings, culvert replacements, wildlife passages, work to maintain snowmobile trails and crossings, and construction of new interchanges plus service roads. The expansion will help improve traffic flow, safety and support economic growth and prosperity in Northern Ontario. Approximately 68 km of the highway expansion remains to be completed; work representing an estimated $500 million.
AtkinsRéalis’ Transportation market experience spans delivering multiple major highway and road expansions as well as program improvements globally. This includes across Canada, and the US, and the UK.
AtkinsRéalis’ Broader Approach to Indigenous Relations
AtkinsRéalis has undertaken multiple notable projects for and with Indigenous communities in Canada. This includes Ontario, where AtkinsRéalis is providing environmental impact assessments for two major transportation road projects in the north of the province. These will connect remote communities to the provincial highway network and facilitate resource development in the Ring of Fire area.
AtkinsRéalis’ Indigenous Relations program is a core part of the Company’s strategy. It supports its commitment to establishing and maintaining mutually respectful and meaningful relationships between Indigenous communities, our clients and our company. Some of AtkinsRéalis’ Indigenous Relations program initiatives include:
- Indigenous E3; a special purpose limited partnership formed between AtkinsRéalis and Indigenous Community and Engagement (ICE), to deliver projects that support Indigenous advancement and long-term prosperity.
- Being independently certified as a procurement champion from Indigenous-owned business in Canada, by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business.
- Volunteering our expertise and assistance in Ground Penetrating Radar technology — an effective tool to identify possible locations of burial sites — to Indigenous communities to help bring a degree of closure and peace for families impacted by the legacy of the residential school system in Canada.
- Supporting the success of the next generation of Indigenous youth with ongoing annual funding of multiple academic bursaries and scholarships.
- Requiring all Canadian-based AtkinsRéalis employees to enroll in comprehensive training to improve awareness and understanding of Indigenous history and communities.
- Undergoing full certification with the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relation (PAIR) Program, a best-in-class corporate program which confirms performance toward progressive improvement in Indigenous relations.
- Launch of a ReconciliACTION Plan, detailing the actions AtkinsRéalis will undertake between now and 2030 across procurement, recruitment, employee experience and education, bidding, project delivery, partnerships and philanthropy, and more.
About AtkinsRéalis
Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Downloads
Trade releases