Thurber Engineering: Pioneering Geohazards Mitigation Across Canada

📅 2 days ago 🏷️ Thurber Engineering Ltd.

Thurber Engineering Ltd. is addressing the growing challenges posed by geohazards across Canada, enhancing public safety and infrastructure integrity through specialized expertise in risk assessment and mitigation.

In Canada, the presence of geohazards poses significant risks to critical infrastructure, public safety, and community well-being, regardless of whether these areas are urban or remote. Thurber Engineering Ltd. plays a vital role in helping clients identify, assess, and mitigate these geohazards, utilizing specialized knowledge across a range of projects, including highways, pipelines, and emergency response initiatives.
One notable project currently underway is the Eagle Mountain Woodfibre Gas Pipeline, located near Squamish, British Columbia. Tori Smith, an Engineering Geologist at Thurber, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the numerous geohazards that must be navigated and designed for, such as active debris flows, rockfall hazards, landslides, and avalanche paths. The safety of both the construction site and the future pipeline is paramount.
Thurber’s efforts extend beyond pipeline projects; they also focus on safeguarding transportation corridors. Jessica Dhami, a Geoscientist and Geological Engineer-in-Training at the firm, cited the North Beach Slide in the Okanagan as a significant geohazards project she has been involved with. The slide impacted a major highway corridor, necessitating its closure and affecting numerous residents in the Okanagan area. Dhami expressed her fulfillment in contributing to emergency response efforts that directly benefit the community.
In Alberta, Don Proudfoot, a Partner and Senior Geotechnical Engineer at Thurber, has dedicated over 25 years collaborating with Alberta Transportation to ensure the safety of the province's highways. He is currently engaged in Peace Country, a region notorious for mass-movement and geohazard activities due to its deep river valleys and erodible soils. Landslides in this area have a direct impact on local roads, and Thurber is consistently assessing these risks. Proudfoot noted, "We conduct annual inspections and assist Alberta Transportation in prioritizing mitigation efforts. We also monitor active sites using instrumentation to ensure community safety."
The careers of those in the geohazards field at Thurber reflect diverse paths. Smith has been drawn to this specialty from an early age, whereas Proudfoot discovered his passion through hands-on project experience. Both he and Dhami find their work rewarding as it combines problem-solving with a tangible impact on community safety. Smith remarked, "I get to see issues that others may overlook and help communities make a difference." Dhami added that the variability of projects allows for creativity in addressing challenges while working in stunning locations.
Proudfoot appreciates the opportunity to see projects through from inception to completion, stating, "You act as a prime consultant, managing the site from initial problems through design, repair, and ongoing monitoring." The trio agrees that Thurber offers a robust environment for building a career in geohazards, with a skilled and diverse team that promotes learning and growth supported by experienced mentors.
As climate change intensifies, the significance of geohazards mitigation work is expected to escalate. Proudfoot noted, "We will always require safe access to highways, pipelines, and railways traversing hazardous terrains, and these hazards may worsen due to climate fluctuations." He referenced a valley north of Peace River that had previously experienced stability until a severe weather event led to significant erosion and new geohazard challenges. Recent years have demonstrated the urgency of addressing natural events, as seen in incidents like the 2013 Calgary floods, the 2021 atmospheric river damaging the Coquihalla Highway, and the wildfires in Fort McMurray and Jasper. During such crises, Thurber has been instrumental in providing emergency response, geohazard mitigation design, construction oversight, and ongoing monitoring.
Thurber's wealth of experience will be showcased at the upcoming Geohazards 9 conference, scheduled for June 1-3, 2026. Smith, Dhami, and Proudfoot will present insights from their diverse projects, highlighting the breadth and impact of Thurber's work. Their presentations will include topics such as terrain stability assessments for wildfire risk reduction in Yoho National Park and emergency response measures related to the North Beach Slide, demonstrating the critical nature of their contributions in the field of geohazards.

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