Designing with nature: Restoring drainage and supporting Guichon Creek
September 23 from 2:30 pm to 3:45 pm PDT
Guichon Creek is a one of the unique features of BCIT’s Burnaby Campus. A vibrant riparian ecosystem that has been restored on the south side of campus that provides space for the campus community to enjoy.
The presence of the creek on campus alongside existing facilities also creates challenges with the potential for flooding and erosion. As an example, the south campus running track and surrounding paths that sit next to the creek flood repeatedly, causing damage and making the track unusable.
BCIT is launching a new project to provide a long-term solution to the problem, by replacing antiquated drainage infrastructure and managing stormwater sustainably, while naturalizing the areas close to Guichon Creek.
In this Living Labs lecture, that is part of the celebrations for World Rivers Day, the design team who have been developing this project will be sharing lessons learned from developing the drainage and creek design and the engineering challenges of building next to environmentally sensitive stream habitat.
The lecture will look at how to integrate a project like this with long term planning for stormwater management and habitat restoration.
Presenters
- Allana Spooner, P.Eng., PMP Project Manager | Binnie
- Kulveen Kaur, P.Eng. Design Engineer | McElhanney
- Courtney Lahue, R.P.Bio. Biologist | McElhanney
- Rochelle Hill: Rochelle Hill, PMP, AScT, Asset Planner | BCIT Facilities Improvements
Presenter Biographies
Allana Spooner, P.Eng., PMP Project Manager | Binnie
Allana is a Project Manager/Owner’s Representative with 9+ years of experience managing projects ranging from tenant improvement to heavy civil bridge and infrastructure upgrades and new building construction for a variety of large public clients. BCIT has been her client for over 6 years now and she is proud to say that she has worked on a multitude of projects in across four of five BCIT campuses. Her philosophy and approach to managing projects is rooted in collaboration and team building supported by her technical background in Civil Engineering. She is a mentor and fierce advocate for women in engineering and construction and firmly believes that everyone has a right to feel comfortable being their authentic self at work and is intentional about providing a safe space for colleagues to do so.
Kulveen Kaur, P.Eng. | Design Engineer
Kulveen Kaur is a Professional Civil Design Engineer with over 10 years of experience delivering municipal utility and land development projects across British Columbia. Her work has included the planning, design, and construction support of municipal roads, storm and sanitary sewer systems, water distribution networks, drainage infrastructure, utility coordination, and hydraulic modeling studies. Throughout her career, she has contributed to a wide range of infrastructure projects, including developing drainage solutions to address flooding on sports fields through the design of swales and stormwater conveyance systems to the Guichon Creek. As a practicing engineer, she is passionate about sharing practical engineering experiences and insights with the next generation of civil engineering professionals.
Courtney Lahue, R.P.Bio.: Biologist | McElhanney
Courtney is a Registered Professional Biologist with nearly 15 years of experience in environmental consulting, conservation biology, and the federal and municipal government sectors. As a graduate of three BCIT programs, including Ecological Restoration, she has maintained a strong connection to the school and has contributed to several campus projects, including Guichon Creek daylighting, bank stabilization works, and drainage infrastructure upgrades. Having heard discussions about daylighting Guichon Creek during her time as a student, she is especially proud to play a role in helping bring that long-held vision to life. As a Team Lead, mentor, and technical subject matter expert, Courtney helps develop standards and best practices for wildlife and species-at-risk management across McElhanney while supporting the growth of early-career professionals and advancing practical, environmentally responsible solutions for infrastructure projects throughout British Columbia.