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Vol. 12, No. 2, Tuesday, November 1, 2016 www.LamontLeader.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE WIVELL OF DRONE YOUR HOME
This is an aerial photograph of the new seniors lodge in Lamont which is currently under construction. The weather is proving most challenging, but the company is trying to deal with those challenges using innovative techniques.
Weather and site conditions at new Lamont lodge prove challenging Michelle Pinon Editor
The recent snowfall, coupled with the latest rain is causing major headaches and delays at the construction site of the new Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge in Lamont. Project manager Kim Rolheiser with Brenex Building Corporation, told the Lamont Leader on Oct. 26 that the recent snowfall couldn’t have come at a worse time. While the snow melted, it did not dry up, and as a result, the construction site on 52 Avenue and 52 Street remains a total and complete mud bog. “It’s
(mud) is three feet thick…It’s the muddiest I can remember.” The weather has pushed back the schedule, and in an attempt to keep progress moving forward, Kim has resorted to moving rig mats on site so the heavy equipment can get the trusses lifted into place. “This is only the second time in 33 years as a contractor that I’ve used rig mats on a commercial construction site,” stated Kim. It’s a race against Mother Nature and time, and the goal is to have all of the trusses and roof on as soon as humanly possible. “That’s why we can’t wait for freeze up.”
The spring and summer months were also challenging for crews. The constant rain, coupled with soft ground, has also put a damper on construction. “Every second day we were draining water away from the site.” Kim has also had to have the mud scrapped away, and gravel laid down in order for heavy equipment to continue working on site. “It’s unfortunate we started when we started,” added Kim, as Mother Nature has been relentlessly pounding the area with constant precipitation over the past six months. Being at the mercy of Mother Nature, and only
able to employ a limited number of tactics available, it seems like they
are indeed fighting a losing battle. “As contractors we are very resilient, and are trying to remain positive.” However, he does a d m i t morale amongst construct i o n workers has suffered, but he is not prepared to lay down the MICHELLE PINON PHOTO s h o v e l , Construction workers continue to battle but realistically the elements on the work site.
speaking, the project’s timeline has been pushed back, and the contractor’s budget will be negatively impacted as a result. Every two weeks Alberta Social Housing and Lamont County Housing officials and representatives meet with the contractor, and will definitely have lots to talk about when they meet next on Thursday, Nov. 3. “Even though site conditions and the weather has been challenging, progress is being made and we are proud to provide Lamont with a new senior’s facility”.