Joel Schlesinger © Postmedia Network Inc.
Whether it’s a major water management project or an initiative to reduce emissions for an energy firm, WSP’s team of engineers and other experts is always firmly focused on the challenges that lay ahead.
Ask WSP’s executive vice-president for Western Canada and Territories, Peter Hatcher, to sum up its reason for being and he’ll tell you that the engineering services firm’s underlying focus on any project is future readiness.
“At its essence, this involves looking at all the means to future-proof our cities and the environments in which we live and work,” says Hatcher, who has called Calgary home for 30 years.
Given the fast pace of technological change amid rising challenges from climate change, no successful project can be built without the long-term future in mind.
Be it for renewable energy or for a major transport thoroughfare in the city, “every project must be future ready by not only being sustainable for the long term, but resilient to extreme conditions, like floods and wildfire,” Hatcher further explains.
WSP is a leading partner in helping private and public sector clients with major projects — in Calgary or anywhere in the world — that serve the needs of today and address the challenges of tomorrow.
In short, WSP is a Canadian success story helping build the world of the future. With a global workforce 66,000-people strong, including more than 12,000 in Canada, Calgary is a critical hub for operations in the West, with more than 1,200 employees based here.
And WSP is growing, having recently acquired the Environment and Infrastructure business of John Wood Group, expanding its environmental leadership. It has also acquired Golder Associates, an environmental and earth sciences specialist.
“Not only have these acquisitions expanded our expertise in environmental aspects when consulting on major projects, but they offer us leadership in the environmental monitoring and reporting space, providing even more services,” Hatcher says.
WSP isn’t solely focused on improving the environment; it’s also working to help connect communities. The company has been heavily involved in shaping transit and transportation networks across Canada, including here in Calgary.
“As a member of Bow Transit Connectors, the consortium delivering the Green Line LRT, we’re playing an active role in helping people have greater access to the places where Calgarians live, work and play,” he says.
While its expertise is in high demand, WSP remains focused on what’s next, including nurturing the next crop of engineers, technologists and other skilled workers.
“Our edge is really our people, so ensuring there is a next generation of workers with the skill and expertise to contribute to the development of these projects is paramount,” Hatcher says.
“After all, it’s all about being ready for whatever may come.”
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Calgary Economic Development.