Ali Malekian is a highly experienced Senior Project Manager with a PhD in renewable energy. He has over nine years of experience in project management and planning, engineering design, contract administration, and construction of heavy civil infrastructure such as those related to water resources, flood protection systems, water conveyance systems, and port and marine infrastructure. In 2019, as a project engineer, Ali joined MidSea Engineering Ltd., which was later acquired by CIMA+ in 2023.
In this interview, Ali shares his passion for engineering and discusses the challenges he faced while managing the consultant team during the Mill Creek Flood Protection project, which is known to be the largest and most complex capital project in the City of Kelowna.
How would you describe your department/sector? What is its greatest asset/strength?
Our department specializes in heavy civil projects that cover a wide range of disciplines, including hydropower projects, water resources, marine infrastructure, complex inspections, condition assessments of existing structures and many more. This diverse portfolio highlights our capacity to address complex engineering challenges effectively.
The greatest asset of our department lies in the expertise and dedication of each and every team member. Their collective knowledge, skills, and commitment to excellence enable us to deliver high-quality solutions that meet the needs of our clients and stakeholders.
Where does your passion for engineering come from? What about energy and resources (hydropower, water resources, marine infrastructure)?
My passion for engineering started at an early age when I became fascinated with machines and systems—always curious about how they worked and interacted. This interest led me to pursue a career in engineering, and I’m truly happy to be contributing to the heavy civil industry.
What I find compelling about this field is the opportunity to work on projects that have a real impact on communities and the environment. I’ve always enjoyed seeing the big picture in project delivery and understanding how different elements come together for successful outcomes. In my current role, I get to embrace that approach, particularly in areas like hydropower, water resources, and marine infrastructure, contributing to sustainable engineering solutions that make a difference.
What projects are you most proud of and why?
We’ve tackled a diverse range of projects, from marine infrastructure and water resources to industrial piping. However, I’m particularly proud of the Mill Creek Flood Protection Project, where I wore multiple hats as project manager, design engineer, contract administrator, field engineer, and many more. This project was a significant challenge, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead it. My work on this project earned me the Young Professional Sponsorship Award from BCWWA to attend the 2024 WEF/AWWA YP Summit in Portland, OR. It’s rewarding to see the positive impact of your efforts on the community and to be recognized for your contribution.
Mill Creek Flood Protection
What were the key challenges you encountered during the Mill Creek Diversion Flood Protection Project?
Key challenges included upgrading the diversion structure to handle the increased flood risk due to climate change, which doubled the 200-year flow from the original 12 m³/s in 1989 to 24.3 m³/s in 2020. Another challenge was managing debris accumulation during peak flow events, which threatened both public safety and the infrastructure itself. Ensuring fish passage while complying with multiple environmental regulations, including the Canada Fisheries Act and British Columbia Water Sustainability Act, added further complexity. Permitting for these upgrades required extensive consultations and approval from multiple agencies. Additionally, there were logistical challenges, including coordinating construction activities in an urban environment while maintaining public access to nearby trails and minimizing disruption to the local community and private lands. Due to its complexity, the project was divided into two phases.
How did the team incorporate environmental sustainability into the project design and execution?
Environmental sustainability was fundamental to the project from the design phase through execution. The team minimized tree removal, reducing the number of trees to be cut from 150 to 70. Additionally, we implemented a comprehensive compensation plan, committing to plant three new trees for every one that was removed during the project. This significant commitment not only helps restore the local ecosystem but also demonstrates our dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable development in all our initiatives. The design also incorporated fish passage improvements, restoring natural habitats, and enabling upstream migration, which was previously blocked by the old structure. Ongoing consultation with Indigenous communities, particularly the Okanagan Nation Alliance, ensured that environmental stewardship and cultural sensitivity were prioritized. Furthermore, the team adhered to strict environmental regulations, reducing the project’s overall ecological footprint, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
How did climate change considerations influence the project, and what measures were taken to future-proof it?
Climate change was a major factor in the project’s design, particularly when the 200-year flood flow models indicated that the flood flows are now more than double what they used to be back in 1989. To future-proof the infrastructure, the capacity of the diversion structure was increased to manage significantly higher volumes of water, and an advanced hydraulic control system was implemented. Automated gates were installed to dynamically adjust water levels by diverting water, responding in real time to changing conditions. This flexibility was critical for managing not only everyday water flows but also extreme weather events, which are expected to become more frequent with climate change. The project also included natural habitat restoration, enhancing the ecosystem’s resilience, and helping mitigate the long-term effects of climate change by promoting biodiversity and reducing environmental degradation.
Can you explain the role of community and stakeholder consultation throughout the project?
Community and stakeholder consultation played a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success. The Okanagan Nation Alliance, along with other Indigenous groups, was heavily involved from the early design stages, ensuring that their environmental, cultural, and archaeological concerns were addressed. Their input influenced decisions on habitat restoration and riparian improvements. Residents were kept informed on a regular basis, particularly regarding the impact of trail closures and rerouting during construction. Regular public updates and open communication ensured transparency and helped build trust among the community. This engagement was essential in navigating the complex permitting process, as it ensured alignment with local and provincial regulations and helped address concerns early on, reducing delays during construction.
What innovative engineering solutions did the team implement in the design?
The project introduced several innovative engineering solutions to address both hydraulic and environmental challenges. Key innovations included the use of an inclined trash rack system, which captured debris at varying water levels, reducing blockages and improving safety. Automated debris rakes were programmed to activate based on real-time water flow and elevation, minimizing the need for manual debris removal by the operations crew and ensuring continuous operation during peak flow periods. The automated gates were designed to manage both water flow and fish passage, allowing for dynamic control during high water events. This system provided enhanced flood resilience while maintaining ecological functions, such as fish migration. These innovations reduced the maintenance demands and improved operational efficiency, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Why was the project divided into two phases and how did that help in managing the complexity, permitting, and construction?
The project was divided into two phases to effectively manage its complexity and address the specific challenges associated with each component. Phase 1 focused on the design and construction of a dam, which involved upgrading the existing diversion structure to enhance its capacity and hydraulic performance. This phase allowed the team to address the immediate hydraulic needs while simultaneously securing the necessary permits for the more complex aspects of the next phase. Phase 2 concentrated on the design and construction of dikes along the creek banks, which required extensive coordination with stakeholders to address any potential environmental impacts. By dividing the project in this manner, we could streamline the permitting process and ensure that each phase was executed efficiently, ultimately leading to a successful outcome that met safety requirements, environmental objectives, budget and overall project timeline.
Who would you like to acknowledge for their contribution and support throughout the project?
- I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the City of Kelowna’s engineering planners and managers for their trust in our capabilities and for awarding this complex project to our team.
- Special thanks to our dedicated project team. A special acknowledgment goes to Ali Taleb, Hossein Fayyazi, Ali Norouzi Zarmehri, Zhe Su, Jesica Ferguson, and Jaron Peck for their exceptional contribution.
- I also want to thank our subcontractors, including EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc., Boreal Water Resources Ltd., Reilly Engineering Associates Ltd., Bench Site Design, and Centrix Control Solutions, for their invaluable contributions.
- Lastly, I extend my appreciation to the prime contractor, R&L Construction Ltd., for their dedication throughout the project.