Allteck aspires to be the industry leader for Indigenous inclusion by developing strong partnerships that provide economic prosperity, social well-being, and respect for the people and land where we work. We recognize that our operations are often located in the traditional territory of Indigenous communities, and we believe that responsible business activity involves meaningful inclusion and a deep respect of their cultures and values.

The above is just one of many reasons why this Gold award in the category of “ Electrical Contractors up to – $2 Million” presented by the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) is so meaningful to us at Allteck.

Through our relationship with Chief Michelle Edwards of the Sekw’el’was Cayoose Creek Indian Band, Allteck was entrusted with a very sensitive archeological/environmental power line relocation project in the Lillooet region of British Columbia.

In the 1950’s BC Hydro was going through a massive expansion of their generation and transmission power systems. During this time a 60kV line was constructed over top of a traditional pit house. A settlement has been in the works with BC Hydro since 1993 and part of that agreement included the relocation of these structures. Indigenous residents of the Interior devised traditional semi-subterranean winter dwellings known as pit houses or kekulis. A pit house is a building that is partly dug into the ground and covered by a roof. Besides providing shelter from extremes of weather these structures may also be used to store food and for cultural activities.

“The integrity of our ancestors has been brought back to who they were. They were special people, they were architects, they were engineers as well. That is how they built our communities.” Chief Michelle Edwards

Allteck partnered with BC Hydro, Antares Project Services and Splitrock Environmental to relocate two structures outside of the sensitive and culturally significant areas. The project was a massive success that took the collaboration of everyone involved to pull it off. It was important to have the job done right without causing any further damage. Also, the site is a source of many culturally significant plant species and had to be fully restored back to its natural state.

A few of the criteria that this project was judged upon included value engineering and innovations, challenges and resolutions, safety record, and site co-operation/ teamwork.

Allteck was proud to receive the GOLD award from the VRCA at their annual gala and awards ceremony Monday October 28.