Finch Drive Development

In 2018, Binnie began work as the consulting engineer for a private land developer to provide road access to an upper future development parcel located at the end of Finch Drive in Squamish. It is the second major development project in the Loggers East neighbourhood. Binnie’s collaboration involved a geotechnical engineer due to the terrain grades and materials.

The scope of work included working with the aforementioned geotechnical engineer and the client to prepare a detailed design submission to the district for the extension of Finch Drive. Recommendations were made for road locations, grades, pipe sizes and locations, road typical section and placement of road alignment to minimize earth cutting and filling. Additionally, conceptual plans for the new municipal road were created and allowed for the winding road up the hillside. The topographical constraints were a challenge with the incredibly steep terrain. Still, staff worked through the most challenging part of the road to find a constructible solution that involved a retaining wall and alignment location.

This project allowed Binnie to gain invaluable experience working with private developers and working on steep and challenging hillside terrain that pushed the boundaries of road grades and road alignment.

At the conclusion of this project, the community in Squamish will benefit from the diversified housing options and additional road access.