MUNICIPAL ENGINEERING

Mitigating Disaster Risk: ICLR and the Role of the Insurance Industry in Canada

Speaker: Dan Sandlink

The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) was established in 1997 by the Canadian P&C insurance industry to support natural hazard risk reduction by the public and private sectors. Catastrophe loss in Canada is largely driven by flood, high wind, hail, and wildland-urban interface fire. These hazards have caused at least ~$1 billion CAD per year in catastrophe losses over the past 10 years. Catastrophe losses are largely associated with property insurance (i.e., homes). ICLR has focused its efforts on expanding the role of insurance in disaster recovery and risk reduction, adjusting construction practice to account for disaster risk and potential climate change impacts, provision of improved data to support insurance underwriting and infrastructure design, disaster risk reduction communication, household risk reduction action, among other initiatives. The presentation will provide an overview of ICLR’s work concerning disaster risk reduction in Canada.

COMPLETE STREET INVESTMENTS FOR LOW CARBON MOBILITY

Speaker: Troy McKay, Eng.L. and Sarah Webb

This is a joint presentation by the City of Victoria and District of Saanich on successful approaches to planning, designing, constructing and operating all ages and abilities infrastructure. The session will focus on lessons learned and the benefits of collaboration between municipalities to achieve mode share and road safety objectives.

Archaeological Process, Policy, Permitting, and Municipal Projects - A Partnership Approach

Speaker: Sze Kong, P.Eng., and Shauna Huculak

Local governments are well positioned to identify activities that may impact archaeological sites/areas of cultural significance by integrating archaeological management tools into planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance processes. Awareness helps to avoid or reduce damage to archaeological sites. Early understanding of potential archaeological issues via engagement with involved Indigenous groups can reduce the potential for inadvertent impacts that can result in a loss of cultural heritage, increased costs and delays, negative press, and the undermining of relationships. COV has implemented a partnership approach – working collaboratively with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations to co-develop and manage heritage within Vancouver. This presentation outlines aspects of this collaborative process that reflects the reconciliation process in action.

LESSONS LEARNED WORKING WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: A PANEL DISCUSSION

Speaker: James Kay, P.Eng., Michelle Mahovlich, P.Eng./P.Geo., Chalys Joseph, P.Eng.

This panel discussion of engineering professionals will discuss their lessons learned working with local governments. The discussions will present perspectives on the engineering profession and working within political environments.

PRESENTER BIOS