Mission
Since 1978
Welcome to Clifton, an award-winning engineering and environmental consultancy. Our story began in 1978 with three engineers who valued curiosity, collaboration, and excellence.
A Simple Goal
The founders had a simple goal: Create a consultancy that would provide pragmatic and customized solutions to highly technical challenges involving rock, soil, water, and air. Solutions would be geologically informed, technically excellent, and above all, tailored to the unique needs of clients and communities.
Guided by Core Values
Guided by our core values, we have earned a reputation for our commitment to excellence.
RESPECT
Creating value for clients through careful listening, customized solutions, and consistent delivery on commitments.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Recognizing historical and social injustices as well as the advantages of diverse teams and communities.
INTEGRITY
Acting with honesty, transparency and accountability.
CURIOSITY
Developing innovative, technological solutions powered by curiosity.
INNOVATION
Delivering the highest technical and professional results in every aspect of our work.
COLLABORATION
Maintaining wide-ranging relationships rooted in a fundamental respect and regard for people and communities.
Growth
By finding, mentoring, and developing the best and brightest new talent, we have grown into one of the region’s most respected private engineering consultancies with five regional offices and over 250 engineers, scientists, and technologists.
Reach
We provide a full range of engineering and environmental solutions to clients in Canada, in the northern USA, and select locations around the globe.
Founder's Story
Do It Right. This has been the guiding precept behind Wayne Clifton’s life’s work, setting the standard for his company, collaborators, and the profession as a whole.
In 1978, Wayne founded Clifton Associates Ltd., a private engineering firm focused on serving clients and communities. He has since grown Clifton from a three-person start-up to a firm with five regional offices and 250 scientific and technical staff. Reflecting on this, Wayne quipped, “Well, we were just setting out to have some fun—and we have.”
Wayne’s emphasis on sound geotechnical practice and environmental stewardship has made him a highly sought-after consultant for challenging or complex problems. He has consulted on over 3,000 projects and has been called upon by major corporations and provincial and federal governments to assist with developing environmental policies, regulations, and strategies. Wayne has been fortunate to participate in many landmark projects in Canada and abroad. Projects range from major investments in water, road, and rail transportation to the development of our resource and agricultural industries to upgrading our environmental management and permitting processes, enhancing the protection of our precious bio-physical landscape. But, perhaps, rehabilitating Wascana Lake by deepening it (The Big Dig) and rejuvenating Wascana Park for generations to come was among his most satisfying accomplishments, given its significant and lasting contribution to his home community (Regina, SK).
Wayne has always taken a keen interest in supporting the growth and development of individuals and the profession. Clifton has provided scholarships for many employees to return to school, particularly for advanced degrees, investing in people and the future of the profession.
Wayne’s commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous honours and awards, including an honorary DSc from the University of Saskatchewan for his contributions to engineering teaching and research. He has also received The Julian C Smith Medal from the Engineering Institute of Canada for “achievement in the development of Canada” and the Legget Medal from the Canadian Geotechnical Society, the most senior prestigious award recognizing “significant lifelong contribution to the geotechnical field in Canada.” He also received ACEC’s Beaubien Award, which recognizes his “lifetime contributions to the advancement of the profession and the consulting engineering industry.”
In 1978, Wayne Clifton founded an engineering start-up so that he could have some fun and the freedom to “do things right”. Almost 50 years later, countless individuals and communities continue to be improved and inspired by Wayne and his infectious commitment to excellence.
