Port Metro Vancouver's Low Level Road Project First Transportation Project to Receive ISI's Envision Sustainable Infrastructure Platinum Award

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 24, 2015) - Port Metro Vancouver's Low Level Road project recently received the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) Envision sustainable infrastructure rating system's Platinum Award. The project is the first transportation project to receive an ISI Envision-verified sustainable infrastructure rating system award.

The Low Level Road project involved the realignment and elevation of approximately 2.6 kilometres of the Low Level Road in North Vancouver, B.C., providing space for two new rail tracks. The project also eliminated three existing road and rail crossings and provided direct access to major port terminals. In addition, the project addressed safety, recreation and noise challenges associated with port operations along the Low Level Road, including the reconfiguration of three intersections and improved lanes for cyclists. The project also involved the continuation of the Spirit Trail pedestrian walkway, including structures over two creeks and an overpass.

The project was designed to enhance rail and port operations as international trade continues to grow, and to address long-standing community safety and traffic congestion challenges in the area. Stantec Consulting, Ltd. was the principal consultant on the project, which was funded by Port Metro Vancouver, port industry, Canadian National Railway, TransLink, Canadian Pacific Railway, and the City of North Vancouver.

"Port Metro Vancouver's realigned Low Level Road project improves community mobility, enhances the availability of active transportation options, improves community safety and mitigates threats from unstable slopes and seismic risks," said ISI President and CEO, William Bertera. "The road project's design team also contributed to sustainable infrastructure through economic development and stability in the local community."

"The Low Level Road project has increased trade opportunities for Canada while providing safety, traffic flow and recreational benefits to the local community," said Port Metro Vancouver President and Chief Executive Officer, Robin Silvester. "We are proud of the significant collaboration between funding partners, project staff and the community, and delighted to see recognition of the project's contributions to sustainability."

"Stantec is very proud of our work on the Low Level Road, and we are thrilled it is the first Envision-verified transportation project in North America," said Managing Principal, Transportation B.C., Neal Cormack. "On this multifaceted project our team realigned the roadways to accommodate rail expansion and increase safety, while securing the road's slopes and bridge structures to enhance resiliency, protecting against sea level rise and seismic threats."

ISI's Envision rating system measures sustainable infrastructure projects through the measurement of five categories: Quality of Life, Leadership, Natural World, Resource Allocation, and Climate and Risk. These contribute to overall credits for the positive social, economic, and environmental impacts in a community in the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects.

More Information:

Backgrounder: ISI's Envision Sustainable Infrastructure Rating System and the Low Level Road Project

Backgrounder: Low Level Road Project

Photos: Low Level Road Project and Award Presentation

About Port Metro Vancouver:

Port Metro Vancouver is Canada's largest port and the third largest tonnage port in North America, responsible for Canada's trade with more than 160 world economies. Located in a naturally beautiful setting on Canada's west coast, Port Metro Vancouver is responsible for the efficient and reliable movement of goods and passengers, and integrates environmental, social and economic sustainability initiatives into all areas of port operations. Port Metro Vancouver is committed to meaningful engagement with the communities in which it operates and the shared obligation to improve the quality of life for Canadians. Enabling the trade of approximately $187 billion in goods annually, the port generates an estimated 100,000 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, and $9.7 billion in GDP across Canada. As a non-shareholder, financially self-sufficient corporation established by the Government of Canada, Port Metro Vancouver operates pursuant to the Canada Marine Act and is accountable to the elected federal Minister of Transport.

About Stantec:

We're active members of the communities we serve. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

The Stantec community unites more than 15,000 employees working in over 250 locations. Our work-professional consulting in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics-begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. With a long-term commitment to the people and places we serve, Stantec has the unique ability to connect to projects on a personal level and advance the quality of life in communities across the globe. Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at www.stantec.com.

About ISI Envision^®

Envision^® is the product of a joint collaboration between ISI, which was founded by three national engineering associations: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and American Public Works Association (APWA), and the Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure at Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Information on all of ISI and Envision can be found on the ISI website, www.sustainableinfrastructure.org.