Our Approach

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, we are committed to providing exceptional service to our clients and community. Our team combines international experience and training with an in-depth knowledge of the special demands of structural engineering in Atlantic Canada.

Larger engineering firms may rely on one-size-fits-all methods that result in unnecessary expense. At SHM Canada, we adapt our methodology for each project, and we find efficient, economical, and innovative ways to meet our clients’ needs, often combining cutting-edge approaches with tried-and-tested traditional strategies and materials.

We maintain a substantial roster of trusted freelancers and subcontractors, and take pride in cultivating strong relationships with our collaborators. These relationships allow us to bring in highly qualified professionals with specializations that complement our own, expanding our resources and expertise to ensure on-time, on-budget completion of projects.

We develop in-depth understanding of the site environment for every project we undertake. Our experience of working on bridges, wharves, and trails has helped up to develop a clear understanding of the environmental aspects of different projects. We carry out our work in a manner that minimizes disturbance to local vegetation and wildlife, including habitats of marine species and native plants. We also take measures to avoid soil erosion, compaction, and disturbance of stream beds and banks. For environmentally sensitive projects, we obtain approvals from regulatory authorities and engage with experts in hydrology, ecology, and related fields.

Sustainability in engineering work goes hand-in-hand with innovation and a commitment to excellence. In selecting appropriate materials, we balance considerations of appearance and durability. We do our best to ensure that the materials and products that we recommend for maintenance or replacement are environmentally friendly, generate minimal waste, and have a low carbon footprint. We find innovative, efficient solutions for rehabilitation of existing structures, and we design new structures that can withstand the potential long-term effects of climate change.

Caring for our workers’ health and safety is part of our overall vision of sustainability. When planning fieldwork, safety of workers is always a key consideration. We develop a safety policy to avoid exposing our team members to hazards and take all appropriate precautions. Our employees are adequately trained in health and safety programs and are covered under the Worker’s Compensation Board policy.

SHM Canada has built a reputation for excellence and innovation in engineering. Our team is not only up to date on current techniques and technology—we’ve also made significant contributions to research and development in structural engineering, civil engineering, and Structural Health Monitoring. These contributions include:

• Journal publications and conference presentations on new materials, technologies and techniques

• Research collaborations with faculty at Dalhousie University and St. Francis Xavier University

• Development of Digital Sensor Interfaces (DSIs) and Drone Control software funded by Innovacorp’s Productivity and Innovation Program