Airport Runway Electrical Project in Partnership with the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council

Building Local Partnerships

Understanding the importance of community engagement, Sasco initiated early discussions with the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. We committed to hiring local labour and subcontracting specific tasks to First-Nations-owned businesses. Through this partnership:

• A portion of the workforce was sourced locally, providing jobs and training to First Nations members.
• Sasco offered on-the-job training in specialized electrical work, which aligned with the goals of the Community Development Agreements, ensuring socio-economic benefits in the region.

Logistics Planning and Mitigating Weather Challenges

Sasco knew that efficient planning and material management were key to overcoming logistical hurdles. We implemented the following strategies:

• On-Site Materials Management
  Pre-positioning materials in Whitehorse prior to the onset of winter to avoid delays caused by transport disruptions.
• Advanced Storage Solutions
  Utilizing heated storage facilities for sensitive electrical components, such as LED lighting systems, to prevent weather-related damage during installation.
• Flexible Scheduling
  Work was scheduled to maximize productivity during the summer months when daylight hours were longer and weather conditions were more favorable. Critical tasks, like trenching for electrical wiring, were prioritized before winter​.
• Transportation and Lodging
  Precise scheduling was required to minimize inefficiencies and ensure that all out-of-town workers were flown into Whitehorse and lodged appropriately.

Technical Expertise and Regulatory Compliance

Sasco’s Vancouver-based team brought expertise in aviation electrical systems, crucial for handling runway lighting and backup power. They ensured compliance by:

• Engaging local regulatory experts to navigate Yukon’s specific building codes and federal aviation standards.
• Implementing robust safety protocols, including grounding systems and surge protection, to ensure the runway’s electrical infrastructure would meet all operational and safety requirements​.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The project included the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting, which requires minimal maintenance and reduces the airport’s carbon footprint. We also repurposed materials from the existing runway, such as crushed concrete, in line with the project’s sustainability goals.