REGINA — Thirty-eight Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration jobs are moving to Regina from Saskatoon.
The geotechnical division of PFRA has been located in Saskatoon since the late 1950s, said Bert Lukey, director of engineering and sustainability.
However, the mandate of the division has changed over the years and as the division downsized the move became necessary, he said.
The division’s role was initially in water development and earth works projects, like the construction of Gardiner Dam. Investigating and monitoring foundations, providing advice and developing concrete technology were all part of the division’s duties. Lukey said there aren’t as many large water development projects being done, so the role of the division has changed.
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All under one mandate
Now, water and soil conservation, water quality and land use are all part of the mandate.
Lukey said the division was originally located in Saskatoon because of the close working relationship with the University of Saskatchewan. It was also close to the South Saskatchewan River project.
“All the other engineering and technical divisions and other professional head office facilities of PFRA are in Regina,” he said.
At one time the geotechnical division employed more than 100 people. Lukey said he expects the number to continue decreasing from the current 38.
As a whole, PFRA is changing its role to focus on providing a broad range of expertise out of district offices, said Lukey.
“We’re trying to be as flexible as we can in the way we meet their needs. There is an enhanced need to have all our professional disciplines working together.”
