Leveling Up Safety – A Legal Perspective and Case Study in Collaboration on Safety on YVR’s North Runway Rehabilitation Project
YVR’s concrete north runway, built in the early 1990’s, is in need of major strengthening and rehabilitation after decades of use from heavy widebody aircraft. As a 24/7 operation, YVR determined that the customer impact of a full closure of the runway would be too great so it was decided that the nominal 8” asphalt overlay (over 150,000 tonnes overall) would be constructed in nightly closures, six nights per week over a period of six months, with the runway re-opening every morning. Aviation is an industry built on safety and collaboration between multiple parties is crucial to deliver this project safely. Considerations include fatigue risk management for staff working night shifts, the coordination of multiple paving and heavy works crews, mental well-being and the need to have a safe operating surface for aircraft each day.
Hear how YVR and the General Contractor, Kiewit along with subcontractors, are working collaboratively together to develop and execute on a strategy that includes considerations around safety culture, the use of technology, intricate planning, working in an active runway environment, and a people first approach to carry out this work on critical infrastructure safely and efficiently.
These large projects also create compliance challenges, particularly around prime contractor responsibilities over multi-employer worksites, potential jurisdictional disputes, and dealing with increased risks of prosecution in the event of a serious incident or fatality. As projects get larger, so does the need for effective co-ordination and co-operation.
Join moderator Aaron Frost and panelists Daryl Calvert (YVR), Connor Fuller (Kiewit) and Graeme Hooper (Mitha Law Group) for an engaging and jam-packed discussion.
Panelists
Graeme Hooper, Associated Council at Mitha Law Group is a litigator focusing on workplace law, especially occupational health and safety. He represents employers before WorkSafeBC, the Federal Labour Program, and multiple tribunals, handling appeals, investigations, injunctions, and prosecutions. Graeme also seeks WCAT certifications in civil suits. A former clerk to British Columbia’s Chief Justices, he maintains a broad appeal practice spanning civil, family, criminal, and quasi‑criminal cases, and has appeared at every court level in B.C. His earlier roles in the public service—Ministry of Public Safety, WCB, Court of Appeal, and Legislative Assembly—equip him to navigate government for clients.
Connor Fuller, P.Eng. is a Project Manager at Kiewit with over 12 years of experience leading complex infrastructure projects across Western Canada. He is currently managing the YVR North Runway Rehabilitation Project. Previously, he oversaw a major segment of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, managing over 500 personnel and delivering ahead of schedule. Connor holds a BASc in Integrated Engineering from UBC. He also helped establish Kiewit’s Western Canada Wellness Committee, promoting mental, physical, and emotional well-being through events and initiatives that connect employees with wellness resources.
Daryl Calvert is the Acting Director of Health & Safety at YVR, responsible for overall airport health and safety, including contractor safety for major projects like the North Runway Rehabilitation. A trained aircraft maintenance engineer, Daryl spent over a decade in offshore helicopter transport, focusing on systems integration and safety management. Their career also includes experience in heavy ship construction and municipal government, where collaboration shaped training and culture. Known for a compassionate leadership style, Daryl is passionate about building positive safety cultures and believes meaningful change happens when people feel heard, respected, and actively involved.
Moderator
Aaron Frost, OHST, is the Health and Safety Manager for Industrial Scaffold Services and the owner of QWEST Consulting Ltd. Aaron is a safety‑focused operations leader with 20+ years in oil & gas, mining, construction, and forestry. As Environmental Health & Safety Manager at Industrial Scaffold Services LP, he transforms safety culture and ensures regulatory compliance across Western Canada, delivering measurable gains in efficiency and workforce engagement. Honoured as the BC Forest Safety Council’s Safety MVP (2019) and backed by extensive emergency‑response expertise, he merges data analysis, project management, and strategic planning to align teams with corporate goals while minimizing risk. Aaron excels at uniting safety and operations to create resilient, high‑performance workplaces.
Thank you, RAM, for your generous sponsorship of this event!
Join fellow BCCR - ELG members on a construction site tour of the Skylink Precast Yard Site Tour.
***Please note that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory on site. You will need to bring: Hard Hat, safety glasses, safety boots, gloves and wear long pants.
Parking is along 24th Ave and 194A Street.
BCCR's Summer Social is back! Please join us on August 14 from 3:30 - 7 PM at the Kerrisdale Lawn Bowling Club (5870 Elm Street, Vancouver). We hope you can join us! Members and Non-members are welcome.
There will be coaches and volunteers who describe the game, provide instructions, lead players through a few practice bowls and remain available during the game for advice on preferred shots, strategy or other elements of bowling.
Additional information:
Please contact us if you are interested in sponsoring this event.
Join industry leaders for an in-depth discussion on the growing challenges and emerging strategies in today's unpredictable economic climate. This timely event will explore the impacts of inflation, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and shifting client demands on architecture, engineering, and construction.
Learn how organizations are adapting their operations, contracts, and forecasting models to remain resilient and competitive in a volatile market.
Whether you're an owner, contractor, or consultant, you'll gain practical insights to help your organization plan for uncertainty, manage risk, and position itself for sustainable growth.
This session features a panel of respected industry leaders offering valuable insights from across the infrastructure and construction landscape:
Our Panelists
Brandon Kwan, Partner, Infrastructure Advisory at BTY Group – a cost consultant with extensive experience delivering infrastructure projects across Canada and abroad.
Jennifer Ng, Vice President, Project Services at TI Corp – a senior executive overseeing project delivery and strategic initiatives for major public infrastructure.
Gareth David, Chief Estimator at PCL Construction – an expert in estimating and cost planning for complex construction projects.
Moderated by
Seema Lal, Partner at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP – a legal specialist in infrastructure and construction law with deep experience in contract and dispute advisory.
Interested in sponsoring this event? Please contact us.
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