The Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race is an annual competition where teams of engineering students from across Canada are challenged to build a toboggan out of concrete that can safely carry five riders down a hill. This year, the event celebrated its 50th anniversary and was held in St. John’s Nfld., with the team from NAIT, representing Alberta alongside the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, participating. The NAIT team, made up of first-year students, spent over 200 hours building their toboggan, which they named the ‘Bogwarts Express’. Their main goal was to create a sled that weighed less than 350 pounds, had a working steering and braking system, and could safely navigate a ski hill.
Founded in 1974 by Dr. S. H. Simmonds, the competition has grown in popularity over the years, attracting teams from various universities across Canada. The biggest challenge for the NAIT team was starting the project, as they had no prior experience and limited resources. With a budget of around $4,000, the team had to be creative in sourcing materials and designing their toboggan. Despite these obstacles, they managed to win the awards for Best Looking Toboggan, Best New Team, and third place in Braking Performance. The University of British Columbia Okanagan took home the top honours at this year’s event, showcasing the high level of competition among the participating teams.
The NAIT team also managed to raise about $50,000 in funding, which they plan to pass on to future teams to help support their efforts in the competition. This financial support will be crucial for future teams to continue building innovative concrete toboggans and participating in the event. The NAIT team’s success in both the competition and fundraising efforts sets a high standard for future teams to strive towards. The experience gained from participating in this event is invaluable for the students, as it allows them to apply their engineering knowledge in a practical and hands-on way.
The Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race provides a unique opportunity for engineering students to showcase their skills and creativity in a fun and challenging competition. The event encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation, as teams work together to design and build a concrete toboggan from scratch. The competition also fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants from different universities, creating a supportive and competitive environment. Overall, the event serves as a platform for students to apply their engineering knowledge in a real-world setting and gain valuable experience in project management and teamwork.
As the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race continues to grow in popularity and reach its 50th anniversary milestone, it highlights the importance of hands-on learning experiences for engineering students. The event not only allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical way but also challenges them to think creatively and work collaboratively with their peers. The success of the NAIT team in this year’s competition demonstrates the dedication and hard work of the participating students, as well as the support they received from their university and sponsors. Overall, the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race is a testament to the ingenuity and talent of Canadian engineering students, as they continue to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence in the field.
