Planning Process
Getting to the ASP stage was a long and complex process that involved the use of town planners and civil engineers (Scheffer Andrew Ltd.), geotechnical engineers (Terracon Geotechnique Ltd.), traffic engineers (McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd.), and environmental consultants (Pioneer Professional Services Group).
Extensive geological testing was conducted in the valley and on the plateau to determine the suitability of the soils for road, bridge, infrastructure and building construction. This study was performed by the Fort McMurray office of Terracon Consulting Engineers and Geologists, an acknowledged leader in the soils testing field. In total 33 boreholes were drilled at depths up to 24 meters (78 feet) and soil samples collected. These were then sent to their laboratory for detailed testing and analysis to confirm the suitability of their use for development. As well, 14 standpipe piezometers were installed to monitor the water table fluctuations over a period of time. Terracon determined that development of the Riverbend Point area and the access road and bridge were feasible.
While this was going on Daon commissioned an environmental assessment of the quarter section, the other areas within the ASP, and the access road and bridge locations. This assessment was conducted by renowned environmental consultants, Pioneer Professional Services Group of Calgary. Their exhaustive study did not find any serious environmental issues that would be created by this development.
Daon and its team of over 20 engineers and planners have been working for over 2 years with the RM of Wood Buffalo to get to this stage. Daon is committed to bringing Riverbend Point on stream as soon as possible. To date it has spent over $1,200,000 in planning and engineering, however the money will be well spent as Daon fully anticipate that this will become Fort McMurray’s prestige address.