Background

The Lac Seul First Nation is located on the south shore of Lac Seul in the District of Kenora in North Western Ontario. The Kejick Bay road is 25.6 km. long and provides access to a landing where the residents of Kejick Bay and Whitefish Bay travel by boat to their communities.

TBT Engineering’s Role – Phase I

Thunder Bay Testing & Engineering Limited (TBTE) was originally retained by Lac Seul First Nation to undertake a aggregate source investigation and road bed evaluation of the existing roadway.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the current road condition and investigate possible aggregate sources to upgrade this road to an acceptable standard.

TBT Engineering undertook all necessary field investigations, then recommended a strategy that identified an approach to further investigations, design, contract preparation, tendering and construction management issues, along with estimated construction costs and engineering fees. TBT Engineering’s construction management approach included raining and employing selected band members in construction inspection and testing techniques.

TBT Engineering’s Role – Phase II

• During the Design/Construction phase, TBT Engineering was commissioned to undertake the following activities:
• Attend meetings with council, partners, funding agencies, legal representatives, Town of Sioux Lookout officials and others as required
• Develop a Construction Tender Package, including plans, typical drawings, construction specifications and estimated quantities for bidding purposes
• Obtain bids from three contractors – select a Contractor for the work
• Administer construction activities, including training and supervising one local band person in compaction testing, surveying and routine inspection
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation on all aspects of the project to ensure total accountability
• Following construction completion, TBT Engineering prepared a post-construction report summarizing details of the assignment.

TBT Engineering provided Project Management, Engineering Investigations and Design and Construction Administration services for the accomplished roadway improvements which included:

• Drainage improvements, grade raises, ditching and culvert installations
• Crushing contract tendered and administered providing for sufficient granular A for project upgrading purposes
• Distribution of 150 mm Granular A full width over the project limits
• Placement of 12 new roadway signs and cable guide rail systems where warranted