Heavy equipment operator focused on safety with Little Long Dam Safety Project
Aaron Louttit admits that he has been “a bit of a sponge”, soaking up information in his work life, leading up to his current job with contractor Kiewit working as a heavy equipment operator on OPG’s Little Long Dam Safety (LLDS) Project.
Aaron, a member of Moose Cree First Nation, said his interest began with the various pieces of heavy equipment available on work sites, but he soon grew to appreciate the experience of seeing large projects come to fruition.
“Seeing the large dams built really piqued my interest,” he explained, adding that his work experience began with OPG’s Lower Mattagami River Project in 2010. He has since worked on other projects across the province, including at Detour Lake mine, Yellow Falls, Parry Sound, Thunder Bay, and the wind farm at Henvey Inlet.
“I enjoy it, they’re all such different experiences, from dams to pit mines and transmission lines, there are different challenges with each one and it’s all really interesting.”
His work on OPG’s Little Long Dam has provided even more work satisfaction. The project involves excavating and transporting a large amount of rock, and adding four new sluicegates to the Adam Creek Sluiceway Structure. This will improve spill capacity in the event of large-scale flooding in the area, ensuring public safety and the safety of the environment, while helping OPG’s hydro stations continue to operate safely and efficiently.
“I enjoy it, they’re all such different experiences, from dams to pit mines and transmission lines, there are different challenges with each one and it’s all really interesting.”Aaron Louttit
The project also aligns with OPG’s Climate Change Plan, which outlines actions to strengthen the company’s operations and infrastructure to be resilient against climate-related impacts.
As part of the LLDS team, Aaron also contributes strongly to the Craft Voice and Safety Committee, a group that acts as a liaison between staff and management regarding a variety of issues. He’s also a member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee, and explains that safety is something that can’t be taken for granted on any job site.
“Everyone deserves to go home safely at the end of the day,” he said.
To anyone looking to get into the industry or take advantage of various opportunities offered, specifically from his home community, he says he would encourage people to “just go for it.”
“Take a chance, take a leap of faith,” he said. “There are a lot of nice people who are going to help you and guide you along the way. I’ve met a lot of good people.”
When he’s not working, Aaron likes to spend time at his home in Cochrane, Ont., playing with his kids, being outside, fishing and having campfires. When asked about the best parts of working on a project like LLDS, he doesn’t hesitate.
“There are a lot of good people, who all want the same thing: finish the project safely. I’ve met a lot of great people throughout my career who have helped me and guided me, and now I’m happy to pass along that information and help out anyone who asks,” he says. He also says working on the project, which is located in Moose Cree First Nation traditional territory, has personal meaning as well.
“It’s great to be a part of it,” said Aaron. “Down the road, I’ll be able to say I was a part of it, I contributed. It’s definitely a personal accomplishment.”
Related stories
Subscribe and stay informed
Sign up to receive the latest news, project updates, and event information from OPG.