Testing laboratory will strengthen North Island infrastructure sector, create skilled jobs, and support economic reconciliation
We Wai Kai Nation, Campbell River, BC – We Wai Kai Nation is establishing the first Indigenous-owned engineering materials testing laboratory serving northern Vancouver Island and the surrounding coastal region, creating a new local resource for infrastructure, construction, and development projects.
The WWK Engineering Materials Testing Laboratory will provide geotechnical and construction materials testing services, including soil, aggregate, and concrete testing, as well as field sampling, certification, and engineering support. The new facility will offer timely, cost-effective, and locally delivered services to support public infrastructure, private development, and resource sector projects throughout the region.
“This initiative reflects our vision of a strong, self-determined future where our Nation plays a leading role in building the region we all share,” said Chief Councillor Ronnie Chickite. “By bringing this specialized service home to our territory, we are not only creating opportunities for our people but also supporting the growth and resilience of communities across the North Island. This is about building capacity, strengthening relationships, and ensuring that the benefits of development are felt locally, today and for generations to come.”
Currently, most construction materials testing for projects on the North Island must be sourced from the Comox Valley, Nanaimo, the Lower Mainland, or further afield, increasing costs, extending project timelines, and limiting opportunities to retain economic activity within the region.
“With hundreds of millions invested annually in infrastructure projects across northern Vancouver Island and nearby coastal communities, this laboratory addresses a significant service gap while helping strengthen regional supply chains and technical capacity,” said John Sorenson, We Wai Kai Engineering Senior Engineer. “By providing these services locally, we can improve project efficiency, create skilled employment opportunities, and support long-term economic growth throughout the region.”
Through We Wai Kai Nation’s majority ownership of WWK Engineering LP, the laboratory represents an important step toward economic reconciliation by increasing Indigenous participation and leadership within the construction and infrastructure sector. The project will help keep more infrastructure-related spending within local communities while creating new opportunities for Indigenous employment, training, and technical careers.
“Congratulations We Wai Kai!” said Anna Kindy, North Island MLA. “I am pleased to see this new facility opening for North Island and I’m hopeful it will bring much needed job support for all our communities.”
The project is expected to create three permanent full-time positions, one permanent part-time position, and two temporary construction jobs, while supporting workforce development and skills training opportunities for Indigenous people.
In addition to its economic benefits, the laboratory will reduce the need to transport materials to facilities outside the region, helping lower transportation costs and associated emissions. By providing these services locally, the facility will support more efficient delivery of infrastructure and development projects across northern Vancouver Island and coastal communities.
“Every road, building, and harbour on the North Island depends on technical work that, until now, had to be sourced outside of the community,” said Island Coastal Economic Trust CEO Brodie Guy. “We’re grateful to partner with We Wai Kai Nation as they launch a new Indigenous-owned and operated business that brings specialized engineering capacity home, keeps more infrastructure investment in our region, and builds skilled technical careers for Indigenous and local people in a high-demand and growing sector.”
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing $73,695 toward the $294,778 project through its Capital and Innovation Program, under the Innovation and Technology priority area.
For more information visit: https://islandcoastaltrust.ca/project/capital-innovation-program/start-up-of-engineering-materials-testing-laboratory/
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About Island Coastal Economic Trust
Island Coastal Economic Trust is the regional development organization founded by the Province of British Columbia under the North Island-Coast Development Initiative Trust Act to serve Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast. We partner with First Nations, local governments, businesses, and non-profits to drive prosperity and diversify the coastal economy through strategic economic investments. Over $406.5 million in direct new investment has been attracted to coastal B.C. through our partnerships since 2006. We believe that meaningful and lasting change is best achieved through strong, collaborative partnerships that unite people, communities, sectors, and resources. As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda’xw, Pəntl’áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
The Trust’s mandate has been to support economic diversification and growth across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and islands and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution (see Our Region). Serving more than half a million residents, the Trust partners with communities in the development and financing of their economic infrastructure and diversification efforts through a unique structure that is led by and accountable to communities.
Media Contacts:
Kyle Wells
Manager, Communications and Impact
Island Coastal Economic Trust
kyle@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
John Sorenson
Senior Engineer
WWK Engineering LP
info@wwkengineering.ca
778-346-9014
