The project described in this paper involved the planning, design and construction of a waterway crossing structure in an environmentally sensitive and geotechnically challenging location in order to provide access to a new shopping centre development in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The shopping centre lands are separated from the street right-of-way by a creek, with the property line falling roughly in the centre of the creek. Project planning and execution involved working closely with a special interest group to provide landscaping and restoration of the creek to be characteristic of a natural habitat, and provide public access to the creek bank. Preservation of fish and fish habitat was also given high priority. Timing is very important in the business of commercial development, and developments near watercourses are invariably going to encounter environmental and technical challenges that need to be addressed through responsible consultation, design and construction. The solutions to these challenges typically need to fit into a complex administrative framework for approvals from the authorities having jurisdiction. The degree of success achieved during the approvals process is likely to reflect the level of co-operation and the nature of the relationships created along the way. The process that unfolded on this project demonstrated that effective communication can create an atmosphere in which co-operation between all parties can progress a project through to its conclusion in a methodical, timely and responsible manner. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting