Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) Improvement Project
Project Details
Location: Vancouver to Whistler, British Columbia
Client / Partners: Kiewit Construction & Engineering, Cristina Valentinuzzi
Project Type: Landscape restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and living infrastructure-integrated solutions
Distance Covered: 100 km linear corridor
Project Overview
As part of the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway improvement project, a major infrastructure initiative supporting both transportation safety and the 2010 Winter Olympics, Brinkman Living Infrastructure was contracted to lead the landscape restoration and ecological revitalization of this highly visible and environmentally sensitive corridor between Vancouver and Whistler, BC. Bringing its unique expertise in native ecosystem restoration, soil science, and field logistics to deliver large-scale outcomes that balanced function, beauty, and ecological integrity.
Impact at a Glance
- 100,000+ native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers planted
- 10,000 m³ of custom-engineered growing media installed
- 100 km of ecologically restored roadside corridor
- Riparian habitat enhanced and compensated across multiple zones
- Restoration across coastal rainforest to alpine ridgelines
Scope of Work
- Ecological Planting & Habitat Compensation
Brinkman planted more than 100,000 native trees, shrubs, and groundcover species along the corridor, chosen to reflect the ecological diversity of the region’s bio-geoclimatic zones. This effort included both aesthetic landscaping and ecological compensation for plantings in riparian areas to mitigate the project’s impact on natural waterways and habitats. - Design Review & Adaptation
Brinkman worked closely with project engineers, owners, and environmental consultants to review and adapt the preliminary landscape and planting designs.
Field Methods & Logistics
Working within tight construction timelines, and across challenging terrain from coastal rainforests to mountain passes, and sensitive alpine zones, Brinkman deployed:
- Heavy machinery for material handling and mass installation
- Precision hand crews for sensitive areas requiring detailed attention
- Safety-first protocols adapted for harsh terrain and tight construction schedules
Our hybrid approach enabled efficient operations while ensuring long-term ecological integrity, essential for this high-profile transportation corridor.
Project Outcomes
Brinkman’s work on the Sea-to-Sky Highway helped transform a major infrastructure upgrade into a showcase of ecological integration. Today, Highway 99 stands as a model for infrastructure-integrated restoration, delivering lasting value in multiple dimensions:
- Rich, regionally appropriate native landscapes that enhance the visual experience for travelers
- Engineered slope stability and erosion control, achieved through natural systems and native vegetation
- Rehabilitated habitats supporting pollinators, birds, and local wildlife along the full length of the corridor
- An immersive green corridor that reflects British Columbia’s ecological identity remains preserved and visible from the road
