2 weeks Ago By Zac Delaney
Article content The latest contracted inspection company hired by the City of Edmonton will help it meet its high demand for inspection services while also fostering reconciliation, say city officials. In an announcement on Wednesday, the city introduced First Nation Inspection Authority ( FNIA ) as its latest contracted inspection firm to conduct a variety of inspections for the city. While the city has worked to expedite and automate its permitting process to maintain a high rate of development, there has remained a strong demand for more inspectors.
The city said FNIA will help with the high demand, while also strengthening its partnerships with Indigenous businesses and communities to work towards reconciliation. “This addition not only helps Edmonton’s need for inspection services, but is a meaningful partner to work towards a broader goal of strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples,” said deputy mayor and Ward Anirniq Coun. Erin Rutherford.
“Not only does FNIA provide a range of accredited technical and inspection services, but their company also works with First Nations to advocate for better quality and safety for on-reserve homes and buildings.” FNIA owner-operator Nathan McDonald said the work to get to this moment was just over eight years in the making. Although he’s from Enoch Cree Nation, McDonald had been working in electrical inspections in British Columbia when he noticed the need for Indigenous inspection services.
Due to a lack of clarity about jurisdiction on First Nations land, McDonald observed a lack of inspections being conducted. “What comes from that is inadequate housing, inadequate buildings. And that’s kind of why (FNIA) was created,” said McDonald.
McDonald recalled speaking to his uncle about the gaps that he saw. “I said, ‘We should be doing this for ourselves. Like, we can’t rely on the government for the oversight,’ ” he said.
McDonald said he’s received encouragement from the Enoch Cree Nation. Enoch Cree Nation Chief Cody Thomas spoke at the announcement on Wednesday afternoon. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to bless Nathan in a good way, and for him taking that opportunity to lead the nation and go out there and gaining skills and being an entrepreneur and giving hope for the rest of us as Indigenous peoples,” said Thomas.
Deputy city manager of urban planning, Kim Petrin, also spoke to attendees of the announcement about the need that FNIA is filling with their services. With record-setting housing starts in the city, Petrin explained that there’s an equally growing demand for inspection services to help build homes faster to accommodate the city’s ballooning population. “This new partnership will do more than just improve inspection timelines.
It will help attract new and skilled workers to the industry. It will help make inspection system and its standards better and safer. It will enhance our cultural sharing and journey towards reconciliation,” said Petrin.
McDonald said he’s looking forward to helping the city with its inspection and technical services needs, and also for the broader change that the contract can inspire. “(The city) saw the bigger picture of what I was trying to create. Trying to get more First Nations to become safety codes officers and try to be a pipeline for that.
And that’s my whole goal of my company — to improve standards on First Nations. “Well, obviously, by hiring my company and my workers, we can start getting the ball rolling.”.
