Prince Albert Grand Council

The Engineering and Technical Services Program started in 1983 when Prince Albert Grand Council was given funding to do Fire & Housing Compliance to PAGC twelve First Nations. The personnel hired to do this function were the Late Raymond Standing of Wahpeton Dakota First Nation, Leland McCallum of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and Napoleon Mercredi of Fond Du Lac Denesuline Nation. In 1984, Henry Felix of Sturgeon Lake First Nation was hired as a Housing & Fire Safety Inspector. The department has grown over the years as technical services were devolved from Indian Affairs and Health Canada to Tribal Councils.

Henry Felix was the Director of PAGC Engineering & Technical Services for close to thirty years. Over the years Mr. Felix has seen many changes within this office and there have been many accomplishments that have made this office unique in terms of obtaining additional services for the member bands and communities of the Prince Albert Grand Council. Henry Felix retired in December of 2009

Frank Bighead is currently the Director for PAGC Technical Services.

PAGC Technical Services consists of fifteen (15) full time employees in various areas of specialization and who are dedicated to improving the infrastructure and living conditions in the thirty two communities of our twelve First Nation members.

• Coordinates community land use and infrastructure plans with 5-year planning updates.

• Assists in capital planning and funding negotiations.
• Participates in project teams for major capital projects.
• Provides project management on selected projects.
• Provides training in contracting and project management to First Nations members.
• Advises and assists in contracting and engineering services.
• Conducts surveys and community mapping.

Conducts Capital and CMHC Program inspections for new housing and rehabilitation projects including:

• Plans Evaluations
• Site Inspections
• Prior to backfill, Foundation inspections
• Prior to Drywall, framing, insulation & vapour barrier
• Final Inspections

Conducts code compliance inspections & plan evaluations for:

• CMHC Section 95 new housing & rehabilitation projects
• Daycare and Head-Start structures
• Indian Child and Family Services structures
• Teacherages, Nursing Residence and other small buildings

Provides and administers the PAGC Better Building Approval System “BBAS” including:

• Providing Housing Bylaw template(s)
• Manage and maintain PAGC’s code plus housing specifications.
• Adhere to the latest versions of the Canadian Model Construction Codes & Standards
• Provide Building Approvals (aka Building Permits) including occupancy Certificates
• Provides technical advice on engineering, construction and building design issues.
• NOTE: PAGC Housing Services maintains a small library of basic house plans that can be modified to suit. (1 to 5 bedrooms including duplex to fourplex floorplans)

Provide a Housing Circuit Rider Trainer Program

• Conduct housing program assessments, identify strengths and weaknesses
• Compile information into a strategic plan complete with one-on-one training and mentorship working toward the development of a manageable Housing Program.
• Coordinates and conducts training of First Nations Housing Coordinators & Staff
• Provide assistance and advisory services on housing programs including policy development, proposal development, cost estimating, procurement practices and assist with housing authority development.

• Maintains an inventory of community facilities and assets through the Capital Asset Inventory System (CAIS) and housing databases, updated yearly.
• Coordinates Asset Condition Reporting System (ACRS) with 5-year updates.
• Updates Capital Management Data Base (CMDB) yearly.
• Provides technical support to capital projects and management.
• Updates housing maps.
• Developing a Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Conducts Global Positioning System (GPS) surveying.
• Provides computer-assisted drafting and design services.

• Advises in the maintenance of water/sewer and building systems.
• Responds to emergency repair services requests.
• Maintains computerized Maintenance Management System (MMS) including records of maintenance and equipment inventories for each community.
• Provides training and advice to First Nations maintenance staff.
• Conducts new Home Owner’s Workshops.
• Provides Building Systems Maintenance Training.
• Health Centre maintenance program.
• Infrastructure Training.