Ecora Christmas Party 2023

In 2023, Ecora celebrated a year of remarkable achievements and hard work with an epic Holiday Party, marking a fitting end to a series of festive gatherings. Hosted at Kelowna’s renowned BNA Brewery, the event was a vibrant tapestry of joy and camaraderie.

Team members indulged in a delightful buffet, capturing memories at the photo booth, and engaged in spirited games of bowling and bocce. The excitement was further amplified by an array of door prizes, adding an element of surprise and delight to the festivities.

This celebration was not just about marking the end of the year; it was a heartfelt thank you to every team member for their dedication and hard work throughout 2023. Ecora’s success is a testament to the collective effort and commitment of its incredible team. As we wrap up the year’s holiday parties, the anticipation for the New Year is palpable. Ecora is poised to kick off another year with this amazing team, ready to scale new heights and achieve even greater successes.

Here’s to a fantastic 2023 and the promise of an even brighter future!

Ecora is featured in the December edition of “Apeiron Construction” magazine.

Exciting News! Ecora is featured in the December edition of “Apeiron Construction” magazine..

Ecora maintains four key values that it refers to as “PERC”: People, Environment, Responsibility and Community. “Those four values tend to align really well with First Nations, but it also aligns with our people too. So, whenever somebody does something exceptional, we’ll give them a PERC award and identify how they went above and beyond to represent one of our core values.”

Dive deep into our story, values, and the profound partnerships we’ve built, especially with First Nations communities. Learn about our approach to projects and commitment. 💚

🔗 Read the full article and explore our journey at Ecora here

Ecora Welcomes Reece Tomlinson as an Independent Board Member

Ecora Engineering & Resource Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Reece Tomlinson as an Independent Member of its Board of Directors. This strategic addition aligns with Ecora’s commitment to foster diverse leadership and expertise in guiding its ambitious growth trajectory.

Reece Tomlinson, the founder and CEO of Saone Capital and RWT Growth, brings a wealth of experience in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, and strategic planning. Her profound expertise in corporate finance, combined with a passion for promoting inclusivity and supporting underrepresented founders, makes her an invaluable asset to the Ecora team.

With an impressive track record of advising on over $1 billion in transactions across 12 countries and multiple industries, Reece’s global perspective will be instrumental in steering Ecora towards new heights of success. Her educational background, including an MBA from Athabasca University and executive education from renowned institutions like MIT and Cambridge, further solidifies her role as a strategic leader.

Reece’s recognition as a recipient of the Athabasca University Rising Star Award and her features in publications like Forbes and The Times underscore her influence in the business world. Her role on several boards and advisory committees speaks to her commitment and capability in providing strategic direction to growing companies.

Kelly Sherman, Principal & Founder of Ecora, expressed excitement about the new appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Reece Tomlinson to our Board. Her exceptional experience, unique insights, and commitment to fostering inclusive business environments align perfectly with Ecora’s values and strategic goals. Her appointment is a testament to our dedication to diversity and excellence at the leadership level.”

Reece is equally enthusiastic about her new role: “Joining the Ecora team is a privilege. I am excited to contribute to a company that not only shows impressive growth and potential but also maintains a strong commitment to social responsibility and community development. I look forward to being part of Ecora’s journey in making a positive impact in the engineering and environmental sectors.”

We are excited to announce our participation in COP28

We’re excited to announce that Ecora and Halfway River First Nation will be represented at the prestigious COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference, this year in Dubai. Our very own Dave Myers, Chief Technology Officer, and Ecora Technical Representative, along with Darlene Hunter, Chief of Halfway River First Nation, will be showcasing Ecora’s innovative approaches to climate change and environmental restoration.  

COP28: A Global Platform for Climate Action 

COP28 stands as a pivotal global forum, bringing together leaders, innovators, and change-makers to address the pressing challenges of climate change. This year, the focus is on restoration of First Nation land and the ability of Carbon Credits to help offset the huge cost associated with it.  Learn more about the COP28 initiative here.

un climate change convention

Ecora’s Presentation: A Focus on Nature-Based Solutions 

Our participation in COP27 last year in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, was a resounding success, marking a significant milestone for Halfway River First Nation (HRFN) and Ecora. We had the opportunity to share the groundbreaking work of HRFN in generating carbon credit revenue on their traditional territories. This initiative not only highlighted the potential for indigenous communities to leverage their land for sustainable economic development but also set a precedent for environmental stewardship. 

Key Highlights from COP27 Presentation: 

(a) Collaborative Delivery: Our presentation, jointly delivered with Chief Hunter, received an overwhelmingly positive response. We were honored to receive commendations from diverse attendees, including Canadian Senators who requested a follow-up presentation to Senate committees on Climate and Indigenous Relations. 

(b) Valuable Connections: The presentation opened doors for potential collaborations. We connected with influential organizations like the International Indigenous Forum on Climate and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, which oversees regions facing challenges similar to Indigenous communities in Canada. These interactions underscored the global relevance of our work. 

(c) Shared Experiences: Engaging with indigenous representatives worldwide, we found our stories resonating with many, highlighting the universal challenges and triumphs in indigenous-led environmental initiatives. 

(d) Youth Inspiration: Canadian youth delegates expressed their admiration for FNCI’s women-led leadership, reflecting the impact of our approach beyond environmental and economic realms. 

(e) Nature-Based Solutions Emphasis: Many discussions at COP27 revolved around Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), aligning closely with Ecora’s focus. The diverse perspectives on NBS, including critical views on its implementation, provided us with a nuanced understanding of its global application. 

(f) Emerging Trends: We observed a strong emphasis on hydrogen and renewable energy technologies, alongside innovative approaches to marine NBS, highlighting the dynamic nature of climate solutions. 

COP 28 - renewable energy sources

This year at COP28, we’re building upon these foundations to delve deeper into the role of landscape restoration in fighting climate change. The costs associated with restoration are significant, and our presentation will explore how NBS-generated carbon credits can help offset these expenses, a crucial step in our ongoing commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.  

COP28 Presentation 

(a) Nature-Based Solutions: Led by Chief Darlene Hunter, we’ll discuss the critical role of indigenous leadership in environmental stewardship and restoration, emphasizing the balance of revenue and values through carbon financing. 

(b) Renewable Energy Transmission and Generation: Barry Nikal will delve into how local initiatives can have a global impact in decarbonization. 

(c) Decarbonized Economies: Andy Robinson will explore international collaborations and innovations in decarbonized economies. 

(d) Canadian Indigenous Leadership: Alex Grzybowski will highlight the role of Canadian Indigenous leadership in global decarbonization pathways, including innovative approaches to hydrogen production and utilization. 

Join Us on This Journey 

Our mission at COP28 is not just to present our work but to foster a global dialogue on the importance of nature-based solutions and indigenous leadership in combating climate change. We’re committed to sharing these insights and learning from others to create a more sustainable and inclusive future. 

Watch Darlene Hunter’s Insightful Video 

To give you a glimpse of the impactful work and perspectives we’re bringing to COP28, we invite you to watch an inspiring video by Darlene Hunter. This message underscores the importance of combining traditional knowledge with modern technology to address environmental challenges.

Join us in supporting this vital cause and stay tuned for updates from COP28. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against climate change. 

Adapting to Climate: Kelowna’s Weather And Structural Design

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s picturesque Okanagan Valley, Kelowna captivates visitors and residents alike with its breathtaking landscapes. However, it is not only about the beautiful views. It also involves the seamless integration of buildings and nature, achieved through clever design that caters to Kelowna’s distinct weather conditions.

Understanding Kelowna’s Unique Climate

To fully grasp the role of structural design in Kelowna, one must delve into its climate. Four pronounced seasons bless the city. Snow-laden winters usually follow hot summers. Kelowna offers an ever-changing canvas that any professional needs to consider when conceptualizing a project.

Moreover, Kelowna exhibits desert characteristics with its dry summers and cold, dry winters. Spring is rainy, which affects how buildings are designed in the area due to moisture and its impact on materials.

Structural Engineering Challenges & Resilient Solutions

Structural engineering in Kelowna isn’t merely about erecting buildings. It’s a complex science that demands resilience, adaptability, and forward-thinking.

1. Thermal Expansion and Contraction

As temperatures change, materials in construction expand and contract, causing wear and tear over time. To combat this, engineers integrate materials and design techniques resilient to these shifts, ensuring longevity.

In particular, steel, a commonly used material, undergoes expansion because of heat. Thus, it becomes imperative for engineers to consider temperature variations when selecting and fitting steel within structures.

2. Snow Load

While the snow-covered landscapes of Kelowna are a sight to behold, they bring their own set of challenges. Roofs, for instance, need to bear the weight of accumulated snow. Sloped roofs and reinforced materials are often the go-to solutions.

Given Kelowna’s wet springs, high water levels and changing water tables because of runoff become significant factors. Designers must accommodate snow melts during spring when designing underground structures.

While accumulation may not be significant, Kelowna’s high alpine conditions, about 2.3m of compact snow or 7.6m of fresh snow at locations like Big White, cannot be overlooked. Additionally, structures should also take into account snow drifts, which can alter the distribution of snow loads.

Embracing Local Resources

Incorporating local materials into structural design is a wise and sustainable choice. Native materials are inherently suited to Kelowna’s climatic conditions. Through their use, structures not only stand resilient but also mirror the essence of Kelowna’s local culture and topography. Kelowna can use local timber, stones, and clay in building designs for their beauty and practical benefits.

Future-Forward

Sustainable Practices in Kelowna’s Building Design

The changing global climate underscores the importance of sustainable building practices. For professionals in building design in Kelowna, it’s not merely about adhering to trends.

Green building methods, from energy-efficient designs to the integration of renewable energy systems, are increasingly becoming the norm. This approach ensures structures remain environmentally friendly, adaptable, and resilient against evolving climate challenges.

In addition, green roofs are gaining traction. Not only do they support local bee populations, but they also offer insulation benefits. However, they can retain water and add weight to the building. Green roofs have advantages like saving energy and promoting biodiversity, making them worth considering despite the challenges they present.

 

Tech-Savvy Structural Engineering

The fusion of technology and structural design is becoming increasingly prevalent in Kelowna. People searching for “building design near me” indicate a growing need for companies to utilize advanced software and simulation tools. These technologies allow professionals to predict how structures will fare against local climatic conditions, leading to more efficient and robust designs.

Community Engagement and Feedback

Kelowna’s community plays a crucial role in shaping its architectural landscape. Local feedback often leads to designs that are not only structurally sound but also align with the community’s vision and aspirations.

Public meetings and discussions help ensure that Kelowna’s buildings and spaces align with the community’s lively spirit. These meetings involve engineers, architects, and the public. Greater community involvement often leads to more complex architectural designs. While these intricate designs can pose challenges, they also present opportunities to address specific needs and issues faced by the community.

Conclusion

Kelowna’s structural landscape is a testament to the marriage between nature and engineering. Experts in the area create strong and beautiful buildings by using new ideas, involving the community, and considering the local weather. Whether you live in Kelowna or are just visiting, take a moment to appreciate the city’s stunning buildings. These structures are specifically designed to withstand and complement Kelowna’s unique weather conditions.

Ecora is a leading architectural firm that combines past experience with new ideas to create innovative designs. Unafraid to push boundaries, Ecora strives to achieve architectural excellence with every endeavor.

Welcome to the Team, Kendra!

Exciting News! Meet Kendra, Our New GIS Team Lead in Kelowna!

We’re thrilled to introduce Kendra as our latest addition to the team, taking on the role of GIS Team Lead at our Kelowna office. With over two decades of GIS expertise under her belt, Kendra is more than equipped to lead our team to new heights.

Kendra’s Background:
🔶 20+ years of GIS experience
🔶 12 years of Project Management skills
🔶 5 years as a Team Lead
🗺️ Her skill set spans the entire ArcGIS Suite, including ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, ArcGIS Portal, ArcGIS Enterprise, FME, and AutoCAD.

Her attention to detail is second to none, and she’s known for delivering top-notch service and fostering strong customer relationships.

Kendra isn’t just about GIS—she’s a well-rounded individual with a zest for life! Her hobbies include camping, ball hockey, baseball, watching rugby, dancing, and catching live music performance. Oh, and did we mention she’s a cat lover? Meet Rosie, her adorable feline companion.

Speaking of travel, Kendra’s been around! She’s visited New Zealand three times and even attended three Rugby World Cups. Our Kiwi friends, you’ve got a kindred spirit in Kendra!

Kendra joined our team on Monday, September 25, 2023, and we’re excited to see the positive impact she’ll bring to our GIS endeavors. Welcome aboard, Kendra!

Congratulations Dwight Crouse!

A huge Shoutout: We are pleased to announce that Dwight Crouse has been promoted to Team Lead, Resource Analysis!

 
Dwight joined Ecora in January 2018 and has shown great growth in his career within the organization. He completed his Bachelor’s of Science in Forestry at University of New Brunswick in 1994. While in Calgary, he also completed certificates in Business Process Management and Business Analysis in 2011/2012. Dwight is a Registered Professional Forester in both British Columbia and Alberta and has 30 years of experience in the natural resources sector.
 
Over his career he has been involved with operational forestry, forest inventories, land-use planning and strategic planning/decision making. He has worked with energy, forestry, First Nation and municipal clients on strategic resource plans, urban forest management plans, 50-year water needs assessments, footprint and cumulative impact assessments, and remote sensing-based inventories.
 
His passion is mixing traditional inventory and planning with remote sensing and machine learning/analytics to reliably quantify the cumulative effects and values on the landscape (fibre, wildlife habitat, carbon, water, natural disturbances, etc.,) so that operational and long-term strategic plans and decision making are as robust as possible.
 
Please congratulate Dwight on his new position!

13 Moons Consulting: A partnership between Homalco First Nation and Ecora Engineering & Resource Group (Ecora)

Homalco First Nation and Ecora Engineering & Resource Group (Ecora) are pleased to announce the formation of a new partnership, 13 Moons Consulting, aimed at providing a range of professional services on projects within Homalco traditional territory.

The partnership between Homalco First Nation and Ecora brings together a wealth of knowledge and expertise to provide high-quality consulting services to clients looking to work within the traditional territory of Homalco.

Chief Darren Blaney of Homalco First Nation expressed his excitement about the new partnership, stating, “We are pleased to announce our partnership with Ecora. This partnership is an opportunity to ensure that our values and principles are at the forefront of any project taking place within our traditional territory. We look forward to working with Ecora and providing their team with our unique knowledge and perspectives as stewards of our traditional territory.”

Kelly Sherman, Principal and Founder of Ecora, echoed Chief Blaney’s sentiment, saying, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Homalco First Nation to form 13 Moons Consulting. Our team is committed to working collaboratively with Homalco to ensure that all projects within the traditional territory are approached with the utmost respect for the land, culture, and community. We believe that by combining our expertise, we can offer clients an unparalleled level of service that is both socially responsible and environmentally sustainable.”

The formation of 13 Moons Consulting is an exciting development that offers clients an opportunity to work with two organizations that are committed to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the unique needs of Homalco First Nation and their traditional territory.

Ecora Welcomes Umaakant Narang as Director of Environmental Sciences

Ecora is excited to announce that Umaakant (Umaa) Narang, P.Eng., joined their team at their head office in Kelowna, BC as Director of Environmental Sciences.

Kelly Sherman, President, and CEO of Ecora was thrilled to welcome Umaa to the team. “After meeting with Umaa, we found the alignment with Ecora’s Why and Ecora’s Values to be impeccable, which helped us entice Umaa to join our team. As a result, Umaakant (Umaa) Narang started as Ecora’s Director of Environmental Sciences, and we look forward to leveraging Umaa’s experience, expertise, and network to expand the Site Assessments and Remediation group of Ecora in the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley areas of BC.”

Umaa also expressed his excitement about joining the Ecora team. “I am a professional engineer registered in British Columbia and Alberta. I have over 34 years’ experience in the environmental field including environmental management, contaminated sites, waste management, and occupational hygiene projects. My experience and expertise have focused on providing strategic advice to clients on how best to achieve their goals and successfully complete their projects in a timely and cost-effective manner. Most recently, I was the Environmental Division Manager and Senior Technical Reviewer for Metro Testing & Engineering Ltd., a leading engineering consulting company based in Burnaby, BC.”

He continued, stating, “I am excited to join the Ecora team because Ecora is an exciting engineering and natural resource consulting firm, which values its employees by owing its success to them and believes in them.

“Success is not the key to Happiness, but Happiness is the key to Success since If You Love What You Are Doing, you will definitely be successful—Albert Schweitzer.”

“I was attracted to Ecora because of its strong alignment with their core values and many strategic partnerships with First Nations communities, along with their commitment to strong, responsible growth, not only in their business, but also in the businesses of Indigenous communities. I am delighted to join the group of energetic professionals at Ecora in growing their Site Assessments and Remediation business throughout BC.”

kelowna engineering landscape architecture planning

Outland Design Landscape Architecture

Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

Ecora Engineering & Resource Group is pleased to announce that Outland Design Landscape Architecture is joining the Ecora Team. Outland Landscape Architecture is the dominant Landscape Architecture firm in the Okanagan and Interior BC. In the last two decades, Fiona Barton, President of Outland, has built the ‘Best in Class’ Landscape Architecture Firm.
Fiona and her Team at Outland will form Ecora’s Landscape Architecture Discipline and will continue to support Outland’s clientele plus support Ecora’s partners and clients.

Fiona Barton, President of Outland, states that ‘joining forces with Ecora provides an exciting opportunity to be part of a thriving multi-disciplinary firm that has secured projects for the next decade and will support the scaling up of our Landscape Architecture Team. I’m especially impressed by Ecora working with over 40 First Nation communities on their partnership model with a select few.”

Kelly Sherman, President and CEO of Ecora, states that “With Fiona and her Team at Outland becoming Ecora’s Landscape Architecture Discipline, we significantly improve this service offering from day one and have a strong foundation to build from. Fiona’s technical expertise, combined with her business acumen and experience make her an excellent addition to Ecora’s leadership team.

Originally launched in 2010 as a forestry and environmental services firm, Ecora now has locations across the province offering a full spectrum of consulting services in municipal development, environmental, engineering, and natural resources sectors to a diverse client base in land development, forestry, energy, environment, and other industries.