Permafrost Challenges: Designing Long-Lasting Infrastructure in a Changing Climate
Understanding Permafrost Permafrost is one of the defining features of northern Canada. It is ground that remains frozen year-round, sometimes hundreds of meters deep, and it forms the foundation for much of the region’s infrastructure. As an Arctic engineer, I have spent decades working with permafrost, learning to design roads, bridges, and buildings that can […]
Engineering in Extreme Cold: Lessons Learned from the Harshest Worksites
The Challenge of the North Engineering in Canada’s North is not like anywhere else. For over two decades, I’ve worked on ice roads, winter highways, and remote infrastructure projects, often in conditions that test both people and machines. Temperatures can drop below minus 40 degrees Celsius, winds can whip across frozen lakes, and permafrost can […]
Sustainable Engineering Practices in Cold-Region Construction
By Douglas Kuluk Building in a Harsh Environment Working in Canada’s North presents challenges unlike any other region. Extreme cold, permafrost, and unpredictable weather make construction a complex endeavor. For over 20 years, I’ve been designing and maintaining infrastructure that connects remote communities, mining operations, and energy projects. But engineering in these regions isn’t just […]
The Role of Technology: How Satellite Imaging and Radar Improve Ice Road Safety
By Douglas Kuluk Ice Roads: Lifelines in the North In northern Canada, ice roads are more than just winter highways—they’re lifelines. Every year, these frozen routes connect remote communities to essential supplies, fuel, and medical services. For industries like mining and energy, ice roads are critical for transporting equipment and resources. But as valuable as […]