from nine different communities participated as environmental monitors, contributing traditional knowledge and cultural insight throughout the project.” One of the most important contributions was the principle of “resting and healing the land” for two years after construction or any flood event. This practice, along with the establishment of a First Nations Land Use Plan Implementation Committee, ensures that traditional perspectives continue to guide stewardship long after construction is complete. Environmental mitigation was another core priority. SR1 was deliberately designed to reduce disruption to the Elbow River’s natural flow, protecting fish populations and aquatic habitats. Regulatory processes required detailed plans for managing potential impacts on water quality, wildlife, and vegetation, and these plans were reviewed by Indigenous groups as well as government regulators before construction began. “The area is closed to unauthorized access for at least two full growing seasons after construction,” Schulz explains, “allowing vegetation time to regenerate and give wildlife time to adapt to the altered landscape. Environmental monitoring was conducted throughout construction and continues during operations to ensure long-term protection of the environment.” 52 NOV 2025 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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