OpsTalk Fall 2021

Covering all aspects of educational facilities and operations.

Talk Fall 2021

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40934510

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Mass Timber as a viable building option Open learning environments replacing outdated ‘cells and bells’ design Vic High turns up

Victoria’s oldest school undergoes major renovations

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© 2021 Signify Holding. All rights reserved. The information provided herein is subject to change, without notice. Signify does not give any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information included herein and shall not be liable for any action in reliance thereon. The information presented in this document is not intended as any commercial offer and does not form part of any quotation or contract, unless otherwise agreed by Signify. All trademarks are owned by Signify Holding or their respective owners.

The products depicted herein are not approved and/or certified as medical devices. UV-C light should always be installed, operated and maintained by professionals in accordance with the safety requirements and instructions to avoid humans and animals from being exposed to it since it can damage their skin and eyes.

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Tests performed in a lab setting by Boston University using a Signify UV-C light source revealed that a dose of 5mJ/cm2 reduced 99 % of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, in just 6 seconds.

Based on the data, it was determined that a dose of 22mJ/cm2 will result in a reduction of 99.9999 % in 25 seconds. Research variables available upon request.

Fluence (UV Dose) Required to Achieve Incremental Log Inactivation of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses and Algae Revised, updated and expanded by Adel Haji Malayeri, Madjid Mohseni, Bill Cairns and James R. Bolton. With earlier contributions by Gabriel Chevrefils (2006) and Eric Caron (2006) With peer review by Benoit Barbeau, Harold Wright (1999) and Karl G. Linden

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IN THIS ISSUE Message from the EMFA President, Chuck Morris.................................................................... 8

Mass timber initiative for major capital projects................................................ 34

Message from Minister of Education, Jennifer Whiteside........................................................10

New school thinking – building schools with timber.................................... 36

2021 EFMA Executive Members............................. 12

21st Century learning in Lake Country................ 38

EFMA Zone 5 Meeting Update..................................14 Welcome new EFMA members.................................16 EFMA member profile on Dale Churchill................ 18 EFMA new member profile on Frank Wood.......... 20 Three days in June Spring Workshop.................... 22 Victoria High School since 1876............................ 24 Classroom audio helps overcome pandemic-related learning loss.............................. 28 Creating an accessible world in schools.............. 30 Re-opening facilities with indoor air quality assessments............................... 32

Benefits of an inspection program for school interiors...................................................... 40

President / Publisher DAVID LANGSTAFF

DHP technology: A new way to make indoor air safe........................ 42

Managing Editor TAMMY SCHUSTER tammy@delcommunications.com

Safety, speed, and communication in restorations..............................................................44

Advertising Sales Manager DAYNA OULION

Dealing with deferred maintenance issues.................................................... 46 2021 Fire Report..........................................................47 Thoughts On.................................................................. 48 Preserving and honouring a tradition................... 50

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Airplus Industrial Corp................................................ 46 Apex Building Sciences Inc......................................... 14 Caliber Sport Systems.................................................49 Canstar Restorations..................................................... 3 D.G. MacLachlan Ltd..................................................... 21 Dobbin Sales Ltd.............................................................. 9 Durwest Construction Management Inc..................27 Dyson Canada Ltd......................................................... 17 Encorp Beverages......................................................... 15 Encorp Electronics........................................................35 Erv Parent...................................................................... 32 ESC Automation & Delta Controls.........................OBC Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd...........................11 Front Row Education.................................................... 29 Garaventa Lift................................................................ 31 Goodbye Graffiti............................................................23 IBC Technologies............................................................. 5 Integral Group................................................................33

Published by: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 0G5 www.delcommunications.com

Kimco Controls Ltd......................................................... 4 National Air Technologies........................................... 44 Noratek Solutions......................................................... 41 Ram Mechanical Ltd.....................................................37 Reliable Controls Corporation.................................. IBC Rocky Point Engineering Ltd...................................... 10 Roofing Contractors Association of B.C..................45 Royal Stewart Ltd........................................................ 48 Shift Into Winter 2021 (RSAW)............................... 22 Spears Sales & Service Ltd........................................ 21 Station One Architects............................................... 26 Thinkspace...................................................................... 21 Time Access Systems Inc........................................... 44 Trane Canada-West......................................................43 Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc................. 13 Vipco Visual Boards Ltd............................................... 19 WESCO / Anixter..........................................................IFC Winmar (Canada) International, Ltd............................ 7

Advertising Sales GARY BARRINGTON JENNIFER HEBERT DAN ROBERTS Editorial Contributors VELVET CATES WILL DIRKSEN FORESTRY INNOVATION INVESTMENT LTD. ALLAN KAVANAUGH CHUCK MORRIS BARRY SHERMAN THE VICTORIA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLAIRE WALLACE Production services provided by: S.G. Bennett Marketing Services www.sgbennett.com Creative Director / Design KATHLEEN CABLE

Copyright 2021. EFMA. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

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While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers. Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees.

Publications mail agreement #40934510

ON THE COVER – Windshield Time!

Return undeliverable

In many areas of British Columbia, the director and his/her staff need to drive quite far to get to another part of their district. Sometimes hundreds of kilometres! This photo is of a portion of Highway 16 heading from Terrace toward Hazelton. That is approximately an hour and a half on non-winter roads.

Driving between your home base in the Kootenays down to another community is the same, as is driving from Prince George northward. Use these trips to think about the work or sit back and relax as the distance flashes by. Enjoy B.C.

DEL Communications Inc.

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Ops Talk • Fall 2021

Canadian addresses to: Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, MB R3L 0G5 Email: david@delcommunications.com PRINTED IN CANADA 04/2021

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Prince George Vancouver Victoria

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF EFMA

Chuck Morris We are a resilient force! I have been speaking with many of you around the province, listening to you, and thinking about the conversations afterward. We are dealing with everything being thrown our way: COVID, extreme heat, wild fires, and the proximities of the fires and dealing with the smoke to say the least! Oh, and don’t forget parts of the province are on strict water restrictions! Apparently, we may be experiencing various versions of these disasters year after year.

Climate change is here now. When I look at climate change and dig in a little deeper to find out who is doing what to combat it, I don’t see a lot. We cannot switch our white fleets all to electric at the snap of a finger. If we could, we would still fail as electrical infrastructure may not be able to handle the load. Net Zero on all our buildings by 2030 is near impossible for many/most districts as there is not enough funding available to come close to achieving that goal. WE are all doing what we can to reduce our negative contributions (no idling, etc.). We need to do something to help ourselves and think about the effects of the wild weather when it hits your district.

Many districts are looking at filming the exterior windows, especially the south and east facing, to drop the heat gain and UV in the classrooms subject to intolerable heat (www.wcmanet.org/best-heat-control-window-film/). Exterior shutters and shades are quite effective at reducing solar heat gain. Shade trees are being planted (8-10 feet height). Nice, but that is a large expense as well. These are but a small piece of what we can do to help prepare. The list is quite long. If anyone is interested, feel free to drop me a line and I can forward a few ideas. This is real and without sorting solutions to help your district you will fall short. Thank you for all your hard work!

Watch our website as things are happening. We are opening an online store, available in the open section of the website. Check it out as there is likely something there you may want. The Education section is being updated and should be available any day now.

The Truth and Reconciliation Report Calls to Action, Indigenous Awareness Training numbers 62 and 63 include federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments education system on all levels from kindergarten to university. Have you had yours yet? Visit www.indigenousawarenesscanada.com/indigenousawareness-online-training/.

I hope everyone had a good summer and are looking forward to reconvening in person in Penticton in May 2022. Until then, stay safe and stay healthy! n

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Ops Talk • Fall 2021

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MESSAGE FROM THE EDUCATION MINISTER

Jennifer Whiteside A new school year is a time for excitement and renewal, as we continue our collective efforts to keep our communities safe from COVID. We head into this school year with the benefit of many valuable lessons about how to keep schools open and safe and by making multi-million-dollar infrastructure investments to support COVID K-12 health and safety plans.

For the last year and a half, everyone in our education system has gone above and beyond in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Together, we dug deep to make sure students continued to receive a world class education and stay connected to their friends, supports, and school community.

School facility staff have been

implemented those improvements

on the education frontline ensur-

and ensured all schools’ HVAC sys-

ing our schools stay safe for stu-

tems are regularly inspected and

dents and for staff, and I am deeply

maintained.

grateful for the incredible work you have done.

During the pandemic, we invested a total of $87.5 million ($77.5

As a government, we have made

million from the province and $10

every effort possible to ensure

million from the federal govern-

school districts have the resourc-

ment) to improve air quality and

es they need to provide a healthy,

ventilation in thousands of class-

safe environment, and it is facilities

rooms across the province.

staff who put those resources into action.

And, while all this pandemic-related work happens, we continue

Throughout the pandemic, im-

our ambitious capital plan to build

proving ventilation in schools and

and upgrade schools across the

classrooms has been an important

province. From brand new schools,

goal. There are more than 1,500

to seismic upgrades, additions and

public schools in this province, and

playgrounds, we want all students

it is the operations staff that have

to be learning and playing in the best possible environments. You are the people on the ground help-

MECHANICAL CONSULTING ENGINEERS

ing us achieve that goal. Your work benefits students now and for generations to come.

I want to send a sincere thank you from myself and the Government of B.C. for your dedication to students and staff in our province.

We know it is a demanding time in education and your tireless efforts are seen and deeply appreciated.

I wish you all a safe and healthy school year.

DESIGNING FOR A BETTER FUTURE • New Building System Design

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Ops Talk • Fall 2021

for addi�onal services, and informa�on on our professional staff in all 7 of our offices across BC, visit us at: www.RPENG.CA

Thank you, Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education n

BC’s Mass Timber Schools Top of the class Southern Okanagan Secondary School | photo credit: Ed White Photograhics, HDR & KMBR Architecture

LEARN MORE

info.naturallywood.com/schools

For the better part of a decade, BC has been experimenting with more innovative design when it comes to schools. Today, the province is home to a growing number of schools that are shaking off convention in favour of more flexible and versatile architecture. Designs that might have once seemed ahead of their time, even quirky, are proving functional and timely—and showing what is possible here in BC and beyond.

2021 EFMA EXECUTIVE MEMBERS To reach the EFMABC executive: info@efmabc.com PRESIDENT CHUCK MORRIS

VICE-PRESIDENT ARCHIE STOGIANOS

PAST PRESIDENT RICK DELORME

SECRETARY-TREASURER HARRY KUMAR

SD#61 Victoria Tel: 250-920-3401

491 Cecelia Road, Victoria, BC V8T 4T4 Email: cmorris@sd61.bc.ca

SD#22 Vernon Tel: 250-549-9210

1401 - 15th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 8S8 Email: astogianos@sd22.bc.ca

SD#42 Maple Ridge Tel: 604-466-6154

23889 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1W1 email: rdelorme@sd42.ca

SD#37 Delta Tel: 604-952-5224

7186 Brown Street, Delta, BC V4G 1G8 Email: hakumar@deltasd.bc.ca

DIRECTORS CERTIFICATION/EDUCATION DIRECTOR TRAVIS ELWOOD SD#83 North Okanagan Shuswap P.O. Box 129, 5911 Auto Road SE, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4N2

Tel: 250-832-9415

CERTIFICATION/EDUCATION DIRECTOR MEGAN MACDONALD SD#43 Coquitlam

CONFERENCE DIRECTOR GLEN O’KEEFE

CONFERENCE DIRECTOR CINTHA WINTERS

Tel: 604-468-6868

1982 Kingsway Avenue, Coquitlam, BC V3C 1S5 Email: mmacdonald@sd43.bc.ca

SD#62 Sooke Tel: 250-474-9840

2788 Spencer Road, Victoria, BC V9B 0S3 Email: gokeefe@sd62.bc.ca

SD#36 Surrey Tel: 604-572-0521

6700 144th Street, Surrey, BC V3W 5R5 Email: winters_c@surreyschools.ca

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GLENN MILLER

Cell: 250-516-9596

SECRETARY MOLLY SHIPOWICH

Email: telwood@sd83.bc.ca

Tel: 604-943-3314

2439 Echo Valley Drive, Victoria, BC V9B 0S1 Email: exec.dir@telus.net

PO Box 19032, 1153 – 56th Street,Delta, BC V4L 2P8 Email: society@telus.net

EXHIBITOR REPRESENTATIVES ANDREW MCKAY

PAUL WILLIAMSON

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Ops Talk • Fall 2021

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EFMA Zone 5 Meeting –

PANDEMIC STYLE

BY WILL DIRKSEN, SD #68 NANAIMO LADYSMITH You couldn’t get any more distant, but it didn’t feel that way.

We had our largest meeting to date, with 44 caring professionals on a TEAMS screen grid, cameras on.

Vancouver Island Zone 5 was joined by members from the North. Even though Travis was in Terrace and Sid was in Sidney, we were able to share common goals made clear by the pandemic; students need to be safe, and students need schools.

Last year, we were guests at Vancouver Island University where the architects’ visions were explored by touching the massing of the block walls, and hearing & seeing a futuristic mine-water heat exchange system.

Little did we know that shaking hands, sharing lunch, walking and talking together with a smile and a laugh would be replaced with a virtually different meeting in 2021. The warm-spirited comradery shone through this

year. We could see Trent’s guitar sitting in his office.

Someone hummed a rift of the song “come together” which stuck in my head, resonating in a feeling of comfort.

We reminded each other of the importance of taking time to reach out to others by simply showing someone that you care. Our keynote speaker, Steven Falk of Switchback Safety, provided structure to this ideal. He guided us on team building, resilience, and the importance of understanding and managing our backstories.

He described the method of building scaffolding over ripped and damaged teams to allow them to flourish.

In the afternoon, the newly designed CAPS (Capital Assets Planning System) was introduced by the Capital Management Branch and we discussed the new Inspection System conducted by the School Protection Program. The pulse of Zone 5 was felt as information was shared from different school districts in the region.

Port Hardy reported on a number of power outages related to severe wind storms, Port Alberni discussed a major seismic project occurring in Ucluelet, Cowichan described the vision of a new high school design in Duncan, and Nanaimo shared the installation of new elec-

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Design services for repairs/remediation including options for:

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• procurement/tender • create contracts • contract administration

the best in people.

• obtain permits • field reviews

We welcomed new members and celebrated upcoming dent learning in B.C. As a team of professionals, adapting quickly and ef-

these same skills to provide even-keeled leadership during the pandemic. Equally important is the social derlying the importance of using empathy to motivate This zone meeting didn’t require booking a meeting

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Ops Talk • Fall 2021

struction site of the new Duncan High School together as a team, smelling the cedar sawdust in person. n

RETURN-IT SCHOOL PROGRAM 2021/2022 REGISTER TODAY AT RETURNITSCHOOL.CA!

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Welcome NEW MEMBERS

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ASHISH DEV Energy Specialist SD#43 Coquitlam

MHAIRI NICOLSON Manager, Minor Capital Construction SD#62 Sooke

BHUPINDER DHARNIN Assistant Manager, Service Operations SD#36 Surrey

ADRIAN PETTYFER Energy Manager SD#43 Coquitlam

JUSTIN EDWARDS Manager Structural & Civic SD#34 Abbotsford

MOLLY PROUDFOOT Manager Capital Projects SD#71 Comox Valley

DAVE EMERSON Assistant Manager of Building Operations SD#61 Greater Victoria

WILL ROSENDALE Assistant Manager Operations SD#69 Qualicum

TERRY GOMEZ Manager, Health & Safety SD#41 Burnaby

ROBERT SCHIBLI Director of Facility Services SD#82 Coast Mountain

LYLE HARRISON Architectural Trades Foreman SD#37 Delta

DAVE SHAW Manager of Laundry & Housekeeping Brentwood College

DEANNA HOOPER Manager of Custodial Services SD#20 Kootenay-Columbia

RIZWAN SHAWL Manager of Maintenance Mechanical SD#43 Coquitlam

MICKEY IVERSON Manager, Service Operations & Central Stores SD#36 Surrey

KENNETH TAGABAN Manager of Custodial Services SD#43 Coquitlam

ELIZABETH JOHNSON Health & Safety Manager SD#20 Kootenay-Columbia

KURTIS WERNER HVAC SD#78 Fraser Cascade

RODNEY KUEHNE Manager of Maintenance Services SD#82 Coast Mountain

DEAN WHILE Mechanical Manager SD#37 Delta

RYAN LORD Carpentry Lead Hand SD#27 Cariboo-Chilcotin

KRIS WILKINS Manager, Maintenance Planning & Improvements SD#38 Richmond

PATRICK MCCARRON Manager of Facilities & Transportation SD#27 Cariboo-Chilcotin

FRANK WOOD Director of Operations Langley Christian School

JODIE MILLER Director of Facilities & Transportation SD#64 Gulf Island

ROBERT YANG Assistant Manager of Service Operations SD#36 Surrey

KATHY NEUMAN Manager, Facilities Administration SD#38 Richmond

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Ops Talk • Fall 2021

m

EFMA MEMBER PROFILE

Still here Good people, reliable support, and a little luck. Dale Churchill believes that these three factors have largely contributed to the success and longevity of his career.

Churchill, Director of Facilities and Transportation at the Abbotsford School District (SD#34), has the humbling quality of crediting those around him for his career achievements. “I’m not an engineer, I’m not an architect, and I’m not a tradesman. I’m just a ditch digger who had tremendous luck and incredible help throughout my career,” he says.

Born and raised in New Westminster – when it was still considered a small community – Churchill says growing up was all about playing sports in the community and at school. He attended Douglas College and B.C.I.T. where he studied structural and civil technologies.

After graduation, he had a 20-year career at the Department of Highways with the Ministry of Transportation which took him throughout the Lower Mainland, Central Vancouver Island, South Cariboo, and South Okanagan, before taking a job as the City Parks Manager in New Westminster for the next three years.

In 1999, he was hired as the Manager of Structural/Grounds with the Surrey School District where he

With his team (L-R) Dale Churchill, Bob Beukers, Cathy Meeres, Ron Gregoire (inside the bus), Justin Edwards (kneeling), Albert Klade, Len Shingler.

credits his ‘buddies’ Lance Nordling, Ian Abercrombie, and Bill Ostrom for being great mentors and team players.

In March 2001, he moved over to the Abbotsford School District at a time when most districts were beginning to implement energy-efficiency programs, and Churchill says it was a very exciting time which spawned some healthy rivalries.

“There was fierce competition to see which district saved the most, was showcased the most, won the awards, and owned the bragging rights,” he says.

Churchill then spent two years as the Director for the Mission School District, and eight years as the Director of Facilities at the Chilliwack School District. Then, in the summer of 2015, he was offered to return to finish his career back in ‘Abby’ where he ran into another one of his buddies.

“I think a unique fact is that throughout my career, I worked for Ray Velestuk, Secretary Treasurer, in Mission, Chilliwack, and now Abbotsford. That must be a record to have the same boss in three different districts,” he says. “Near the end of your career, who you work for and work with is so important. As I start my seventh year back in Abby, we have truly assembled an incredible team here.”

Churchill’s other incredible team include his beautiful wife Kelly, Capital Planning Manager at the Abbotsford School District; son Jeff, who manages Royal Bank Financial Advisors throughout Vancouver Island; son Jason, who manages an agriculture division for Scotia Bank in the Fraser Valley, and daughter Aimee, who is in her third year of university studying education. “In our spare time, we golf, hike, travel, and hang out with the kids when they let us.”

Far left: Dale relaxing with sweet pup, Sadie.

Right: With his family (L-R) son Jason, Dale, daughter Aimee, wife Kelly, and son Jeff.

As

a

modest

team

Churchill adds one last contemplation. “I want to thank the EFMA for profiling employees throughout our province. If there are profiling me, all the interesting people must have been done! But, it’s honestly a great honour. Thank you.” n

18

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

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EFMA NEW MEMBER PROFILE

Full circle It was a desire to serve others that

was looking to connect with peers

motivated Frank Wood to return

across other districts and access

to a career in school facilities man-

resources that could enable him

agement.

to better support teachers and

Wood, Director of Operations at

students, a purpose that he had

the Langley Christian School since

missed in his previous career. He

2019, first worked in school facili-

says that those working in facili-

and two children. Some notable

ties management for an indepen-

ties management are typically en-

destinations where Wood and his

dent school nearly two decades

couraged to find ways to make improvements, support others, and

family have travelled include Dis-

ago before switching directions and moving into property strata

make a difference.

management. “I was young and

“I love helping people and the

ambitious, and I felt that after nine

sense of accomplishment that you

years I wanted some new chal-

get when we are able to make it all

lenges,” he says. Wood worked in

work,” he says. “Good teachers can

property strata management for

teach anywhere, but if we can pro-

twelve years before he decided to

vide teachers with quality facilities

circle back and return to his previous career. “I thought to myself, I’m ready to go back to something that I really love.”

The Langley Christian School consists of five schools across three campuses with approximately 1,400 students from daycare to Grade 12. While the pandemic has obviously created its own set of unique and unprecedented challenges to overcome, Wood says his first challenge since starting at LCS was to renovate the high school.

The 20-year-old facility had not received any significant upgrades since it was built, so Wood undertook renovations which included replacing flooring and installing new lighting systems. It also included repurposing and reimagining learning spaces and creating a new library commons and robotics lab.

Since

returning

to

facilities

management, Wood became an EFMABC 20

member

because

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

he

and spaces that complement the

neyland, Disney World for Wood’s 50th birthday, and Disney Paris.

Now that his oldest daughter has graduated high school and his younger daughter has started Grade 11, Wood and his wife look forward to a vacation with just the two of them. While another Disney

work that they do, then the out-

vacation hasn’t been ruled out for

come is excellent.”

the future, they plan to take a Euro-

In his spare time, Wood is a movie buff and loves to travel with his wife

pean cruise once it’s safe to travel again. n

Maddaugh Elementary School – Surrey, BC Photo: Upper Left Photography

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Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 21

Three days in June SPRING WORKSHOP May 31, June 2, and June 4, 2021 were good days. Not because they were a dreaded Monday, hump-day Wednesday, and TGIF Friday. They were good days because it was the EFMABC spring workshop.

The three-day sessions, held via

Zoom webinar, were designed and intended to have open and interactive dialogue with any and all active members of our Association and the Ministry of Education Capital Management Branch. For two hours on each of the first two days,

topics focussed on the areas of Maintenance and Operations, and wrapped up on Friday with the always popular and informative Ministry update and presentation.

The Maintenance round table was facilitated by John Vantol of SD#43

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22

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

(Coquitlam) and the topics were

and productive, the participants

schedules to attend and participate

as diverse as our members them-

requested

Executive

in these events, the entire EFMA

selves. Some of the topics included

to consider putting on additional

Executive extends their sincere ap-

difficulty finding trades workers,

Zoom group sessions in the future.

preciation.

school and property security, venti-

Thank you to Glen and Cintha for

A huge thanks to Allan Baedak

lation, COVID updates and the way

your help putting this together, well

in which districts are adjusting, and

done!

of WPM Media Inc. who provided

the

EFMA

the cost of lumber and the impact

The Ministry update with Michael

on B.C. school projects…. just to

Nyikes and his team was the per-

name a few. Thank you to John for

fect close to the workshop. A few

coordinating this session.

of the topics discussed were impor-

The Operations round table was

tant issues such as submitting suc-

facilitated by two members of our

cessful Capital Plan Projects, what

EFMA Executive, Glen O’Keefe and

constitutes successful submissions,

Cintha

technical coordination and support over the three days. As always, a great deal of appreciation to Molly for her hard work putting this successful program together, kudos Molly once again.

A reminder to all members of EFMABC, our 2021 Annual General

anticipated,

LRFPs, FESL submissions relative

the topics of primary concern sur-

to Strategic Priorities for Facilities

rounded COVID 19 cleaning stan-

& Planning, MyCaps System, and

dards and protocols, staffing con-

much more. Thank you to Michael

cerns to meet the current demand,

for once again being a part of our

ing, we look forward to seeing you

maintaining employee morale dur-

curious and enthusiastic group.

all there. Registration information

Winters.

As

ing COVID, and the recovery plan

With an average of sixty mem-

for keeping schools clean and safe.

bers attending each session and

As this session was enthusiastic

taking time away from their busy

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coming soon.

To quote Dr. Bonnie Henry “Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe." n

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www.goodbyegraffiti.com customercarecentre@goodbyegraffiti.com @GoodbyeGraffiti @GoodbyeGraffitiInc @GoodbyeGraffitiInc

FREE ESTIMATES Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 23

VICTORIA HIGH SCHOOL from 1876 and counting

BY THE VICTORIA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Victoria High School is the oldest public high school in western Canada, opening August 7, 1876, with an enrollment of 12 girls and 22 boys.

Its first two classrooms occupied a log building on the grounds of the current Central Middle School.

Only six years later it was so inadequate that a new brick building opened and was attached to the public school. This too was quickly outgrown and a new school opened nearby in 1902, designed by eminent Victoria architect Francis Rattenbury, who was also responsible for the B.C. Legislature, the Empress Hotel, and more. Nonetheless, Victoria was growing rapidly and in 1912 construction began on the fourth and current Victoria High School.

It opened on May 1, 1914 nearby at the corner of Fernwood and Grant Avenues, a very progressive state-ofthe-art facility for its time designed by local architect C. Elwood Watkins. It cost approximately $460,000 which, at that time, was the most expensive school ever built in British Columbia. The principal was Samuel J. Willis, who later became B.C.’s first Deputy Minister of Education. With an enrollment of 478 students, the new school had plenty of room to also house McGillaffiliated Victoria College, precursor to the University of Victoria, whose classes were taught by Willis and other senior Vic High faculty.

The Fairey Technical-Vocational Unit officially opened in 1949 across the playing field from the main

This is a new sandwich concrete wall that was built to take all of the gravity loads off of that existing footing which you can see under the centre of the new wall. It is about seven square feet and carries the load of five floors of school above! As you can see, this excavation is in the centre of the original Roper Gymnasium.

This photo is further along on the same wall and shows the rebar being installed in the shearwall footing. With the load taken off and transferred to eight mini piles (four at each end of that concrete wall), we were able to excavate under the footing to build a new, much larger shear wall footing. This footing contains about 120 cubic metres of concrete.

24

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

school, a result of the scrambled together trades training needed during World War II. In 1955, an addition to the main building provided a second gymnasium, more classrooms, and arts and music studios.

By 2011, the original Fairey Tech building needed replacing and a spacious and bright addition extended north of the main school’s 1955 addition.

The Vic High Alumni Association got its informal start in the mid-1970s, its early volunteers a legacy of the school’s 1976 centennial celebrations led by former Deputy Minister to the Premier Lawrie Wallace (VHS 1930 and former teacher). Proceeds from several large Alumni celebrations over the years plus ongoing fundraising and bequests are invested in endowment funds now exceeding $584,000, providing approximately $18,000 annually in scholarships and bursaries to

Vic High students. The Association continues to raise funds for school projects and amenities.

Other legacies of the 1976 centennial included a detailed Vic High history book, Come Give a Cheer, and creation of the school’s Association-funded and alumni volunteer-managed Vic High Archives & Museum.

Several major school-wide celebrations have been held since, and plans are on the radar for Vic High’s 150th anniversary in 2026.

Realizing the extraordinary role of Vic High, its architecture, and its decades-long culture of inclusivity and acceptance have played in Victoria, the Association is pleased with the decision to retain and upgrade the 1914 building. Its far-sighted design and excellent workmanship are being more fully revealed as seismic upgrading proceeds. The Association is proud to pro-

A $70-million-dollar seismic upgrade and 200-seat addition for Victoria High School It is huge and at times dangerous, but the seismic upgrade of Victoria High School is going well.

Structural engineers are measuring gaps in the structure of the building to mark any widening which could mean other work would likely need to take place right away to help keep the old building together before continuing with the renovation and seismic upgrade.

In Victoria, we are lucky to have the Capital Management Branch (CMB) of the Ministry a short distance away. Because of that we toured the site with Francois Bertrand, Executive Director, Damien Crowell, Regional Director, Alexander Angus Regional Director, Geoff Croshaw Capital Planning Officer (CPO), Marek Benedik CPO, Travis Tormala CPO, Jordan Stewart CPO, Nancy Dube CPO, and Kyle Stratton CPO. The tour was important for the planning officers to see. The enormity of the project is an eye-opener especially giving everyone a chance to witness some of the failings of the old High School Building!

This project is moving ahead with the odd surprise as this is a big project on an old building. It is located in a high-risk quake zone so time is of the essence so to speak. Watch for more updates in the spring as the project progresses. n Top left: A typical classroom wall in the original school with removals completed.

This would have been a slate blackboard location. All interior walls are clay brick with a plaster finish or clay tiles with a plaster finish. All of the clay tile walls were demolished.

Left: One of the more recent findings after flooring removal began, significant shear cracking along several of the perimeter walls, which necessitated even more shoring than previously.

Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 25

This is the lower section of one of approximately 13 new concrete shear walls inside the original school building, most of which extend up to the attic floor level, a total height of approximately 22 metres. At this location, this shear wall is half a metre thick.

Robust yellow jacks throughout the building provide load support while upgrade work is carried out. In many cases the existing clay tile shafts and partitions that are being demolished as part of the seismic upgrade were found to be load bearing.

vide historical and other input to the school district’s

In some cases, bags were packed with debris and had

plans for Vic High’s major seismic upgrade, and to pro-

to be man handled to a location where the small ma-

vide funding and input for upgrades to outdoor ameni-

chine could take loads out in its front bucket.

This is a very large project and one that covers over

ties.

Leaving this beautiful building standing while a mas-

two years to reach completion and employs a number

sive seismic upgrade takes place inside is a major feat

of professionals to ensure we reach the timeline and

in itself. Some of the images provided depict the type

end with a seismically sound building. Once completed

of work and safety required. Interior demolition of most

watch for a follow up piece on this old charmer.

non-load bearing walls and two existing exterior stair-

Photos by Linda Baker of the Alumni Association,

wells and asbestos abatement started in September

Durwest Construction Management, and Jim Soles,

2020 and completed in May 2021. Access to the base-

Associate Director and Manager of Major Capital for

ment area was excavated at two locations so a skid

School District 61. Technical information provided by

steer machine could get inside to haul debris out.

Jim Soles. Edited by Chuck Morris. n

a past you can trust and a future you can depend on soarchitects.com

26

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

Expert Construction Managers for Seismic Upgrades and Expansion projects on Vancouver Island

We are dedicated to managing the complex process of project delivery through commitment, control, leadership and attention to detail to maximize value for each client’s development.

Solution Driven for Successful Project Delivery Durwest Construction Management Project & Construction Managers 250.881.7878 l www.durwest.com Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 27

How classroom audio helps overcome pandemic-related learning loss

mote learning isn’t keeping up with the classroom is that students can’t engage in social-emotional learning (SEL). When students learn in person, they benefit from interactions that build social skills and boost confidence. The social aspect of the classroom is not something that In the aftermath of a global pan-

it is exercised. And similarly, when

is easily transferred to a digital for-

demic, K-12 students are facing un-

the mind is left to idle activity, it los-

mat, and students are feeling the

precedented setbacks in academic

es knowledge and skills previously

effects.

learning. Now that students are re-

learned. The typical summer break

As a result of the barriers to so-

turning to the classroom, teachers

learning loss is familiar to teachers

cial-emotional learning in virtual

and school administration face an

and administration, and nearly all

education, students lost engage-

even tougher battle to overcome

curriculums address necessary re-

ment and intrinsic motivation to

pandemic-related learning losses

view periods structured at the be-

learn. Without such engagement

and help students get back on

ginning of each school year.

and motivation, many simply just

track.

What is Learning Loss?

But closed

the

COVID-19

schools

and

pandemic forced

ill-

planned remote learning formats on

The concept of learning loss is not

school districts around the world. In

new to the world of education. The

do not perform.

Benefits of Classroom Audio on Learning

some districts, the students did not

Teaching is primarily verbal, and

majority of Canadian schools are in

see a single day of in-person learn-

kids can only learn what they hear.

session for a little more than three-

ing for a year and a half. For others,

Decades of research proves that

quarters of the year. Students enjoy

the students were constantly shuf-

classroom audio systems are an

a lengthy summer break viewed by

fled between in-person and virtual

effective technology to improve

many as a rite of passage into the

learning. The result was widespread

teaching and learning outcomes by

next grade level, and along with it

disengagement

providing highly intelligible sound.

they often seem to regress in their

learning loss.

academic achievements.

The human mind is like a muscle, and its capacity to learn grows as 28

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

and

prolonged

Social-Emotional Learning Further, the biggest reason re-

Every classroom can benefit from a K-12 specific audio solution that facilitates actions

student-teacher

and

promotes

inter-

learning.

The social aspect of the classroom is not something that is easily transferred to a digital format, and students are feeling the effects.

Schools that implement classroom

• Improves articulation for ESL Stu-

population. Classroom audio solu-

audio solutions experience benefits

dents (aids in alleviating tradition-

tions like FrontRow are key tools to

that include:

al barriers)

overcome that challenge.

• Improved student phonemic development, comprehension, and reading • Increased engagement and participation

FrontRow is a leading provider

• Helps achieve equity This school year teachers will

of

classroom

audio

technology

work harder than ever before to

with a range of solutions available

bridge the gaps and make up for

for individual classrooms and en-

the lost time. There is no single so-

tire schools. To find out more, visit

• Less distracted students

lution to fix the problem at hand.

www.gofrontrow.ca, or call us at

• Relieved learner stress (comfort

Schools will have to embrace ev-

1-800-340-9894, ext 3. n

level) • Reduces teacher

erything from new instructional vocal

strain

on

the

techniques to new technology to serve the needs of the student

Unmask Their Voices Student engagement is critical, and this year teachers will need to work harder than ever to re-engage students and combat learning loss from time spent away from school.

Help ensure the lesson is clearly heard by all with FrontRow classroom audio solutions. Give every student a front row seat, no matter where they learn.

Learn more at www.gofrontrow.ca Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 29

Creating an accessible world in schools

BY BARRY SHERMAN, COMMERCIAL CONSULTANT, GARAVENTA LIFT B.C.

There was a time when children

began in 1974 when we built the

accessibility challenges to addi-

with accessibility challenges didn’t

Grouse Mountain Skyride. We have

tional floors. We continued to in-

have the same freedoms as their

been designing and custom man-

novate and began building verti-

classmates. They would come to

ufacturing accessibility products

cal platform lifts and LULA (Limit-

school and be limited in their mo-

at our Surrey factory ever since.

ed Use Limited Application) auto-

bility, access to learning spaces

We employ over 220 British Co-

matic elevators to provide options

on different floors, and chances

lumbians at our factory and ship

for different applications. We also

to participate. There was a need

our elevators and lifts worldwide.

added portable track products for

for an inclusionary solution to cre-

Thirty minutes away at our direct

situations when a more perma-

ate an accessible world and allow

sales office in Maple Ridge, we em-

nent option is not possible, and

those with mobility challenges

ploy 30 people who take care of

flexibility is required.

to navigate commercial and resi-

the needs of our customers in the

We have grown with the needs

dential facilities with dignity and

province. We are now part of the

of our partners and customers,

safety.

largest accessibility group world-

taking valuable feedback from

Garaventa Lift B.C. has been

wide, proudly Canadian-owned,

the field to improve our designs

working with school districts to

and the only local manufacturer of

through

provide

these products in B.C.

providing the best solutions for

accessibility

products

continuous

innovation,

many challenging applications.

throughout the province for over

Our first accessibility lift design

40 years and have been proud

was the GSL1 incline platform lift,

We are not only the largest

EFMA sponsors since 1985.

which travels on staircases and

manufacturer of these products

provides safe travel to users with

in the province, but we also have

Our story in British Columbia 30

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

Seeing a child ride one of our lifts is very rewarding because we believe that accessibility is for all.

the largest certified fleet of elevator and lift technicians with over 1,500 lifts and elevators under routine

maintenance

contracts

(required by the province for commercial lifts as per B355 code).

Garaventa Lift B.C. remains the leading choice in the province for many seeking to make their facilities barrier-free and more wheelchair friendly.

As accessibility continues to come to the forefront and technology trends change, we see the need for accommodating power wheelchairs with larger platforms and, in some cases, a fully automatic elevator solution.

For the past 40 years, Garaventa Lift B.C. has been and will continue

Accessibility lifts

to be a presence for the province’s school districts to help advise and provide vital equipment to aid in the learning and development of children. Seeing a child ride one of our lifts is very rewarding because we believe that accessibility is for all. We have always called B.C. our home and became a leader in accessibility based on your support throughout the years. Thank you for helping us create a more accessible, inclusionary world. n

Unit 1–11393 Kingston St. Maple Ridge, BC V2X 0Y7

(800) 565-6636 garaventabc.ca

Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 31

Re-opening the doors of your facilities with indoor air quality assessments Langara College Library and Classroom Building (Vancouver, BC).

Integral Group provided mechanical engineering services for this building and an IAQ audit for the college.

which has historically seen older structures predating the 1980s, lacking in both comfort and modern technology. As we come together to reintroduce the benefits of a shared learning environment, including improved focus and creativity, it may seem impossible to keep energy costs and carbon emissions low, while simultaneously As Canadians evaluate their return-

As variants of SARS-CoV2 com-

to-school plans, facilities managers

pete with immunizations, and future

are considering all that has been

coronavirus outbreaks are certain

learned about aerosolized viruses

— not to mention the transmission

and how to keep students safe.

of common cold and flu — it’s clear

Some of the strategies Integral

that we need to rethink our indoor

Group has been using to improve

environments.

indoor air quality and thermal com-

It can often feel like somewhat of

fort may offer a holistic solution to

a balancing act when deciding how

reduce the risk of contamination.

to invest in school building stock,

improving air quality.

There are several ways to approach this challenge with a carefully considered planning stage and assessment process opening the door to success. Education facilities managers and operations managers in B.C. should begin by reviewing existing ventilation systems. Is it possible to retrofit what is already in place?

When it comes to improved ventilation, there are three key areas to invest in: • increase of air exchange rates

ERV PARENT

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32

800-525-1511

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

www.ervparent.com

info@ervparent.com

tion into the design Through the application of these principles, which are incorporated into many of Integral Group’s education projects, it is possible to

As we come together to reintroduce the benefits of a shared learning environment, including improved focus and creativity, it may seem impossible to keep energy costs and carbon emissions low, while simultaneously improving air quality. work with an existing building, rath-

versity, Langara College and Cap-

tion in spaces alongside façade and

er than against it.

ilano University projects, with these

envelope replacement.

An order of prioritization should be set using an Indoor Air Quality

higher education facilities following the same format as a K-12 audit.

Where large projects are not possible, existing mechanical systems

(IAQ) audit as the basis for design

Ventilation upgrades can also be

should be analyzed to see which

considerations. The investment in

incorporated into existing plans to

systems can be retrofitted inexpen-

this process will determine whether

further reduce costs. The best time

sively, or a planned upgrade can

it is possible to upgrade all rooms,

to schedule these retrofits is when

be completed on end-of-life equip-

and if not, which should be upgrad-

the building is being seismically

ment. The health and safety of our

ed first. For example, cafeterias

upgraded, in line with the provin-

students is a paramount concern

and band rooms which are valuable

cial government’s previous audit

in facilities maintenance and capi-

social and community spaces will

of schools needing upgrades or re-

tal investment. Through a strategic

require the removal of masks and

placements to reach the required

and well-planned approach, we can

therefore should be at the top of

standards

earth-

bring students, staff and admin-

the list. The IAQ auditing process

quakes. These essential works can

istrators back together, to thrive

has seen success as demonstrated

be combined, creating a bespoke

and grow in healthy, well-ventilated

by some of our Simon Fraser Uni-

package to address natural ventila-

spaces. n

to

withstand

Clean Indoor Air or Energy Efficiency?

Your School Can Have Both INTEGRAL GROUP SPECIALIZES IN: ◆ CLIMATE ACTION PLANNING ◆ RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE ◆ PATHWAYS TO ZERO CARBON ◆ BC STEP CODE FOR EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES ◆ INTEGRAL DRIVE ENERGY MODELLING ◆ PASSIVE HOUSE SCHOOL DESIGN Photo: École Salish Secondary School

Integral Group OPS Talk Ad_Half Page.indd 1

integralgroup.com

2021-03-05 12:38:11 PM

Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 33

Mass timber initiative for major capital projects

Sir Matthew Begbie Elementary School - $22.4-million seismic replacement project

Bayview Elementary School - $24.5-million seismic replacement project

The Province has long had a focus on building schools

rameters align with local permitting requirements and

with wood. Mass timber uses state-of-the-art technol-

are smoothly integrated into the subsequent design/

ogy to glue, nail, or dowel lumber together in layers to

construction phases.

create large structural panels, posts, and beams that

Some recent major capital projects currently under-

are sustainable, climate friendly, strong, and versatile.

way in the Vancouver School District that utilize mass

Accelerating the adoption of mass timber in public in-

timber include the Sir Matthew Begbie Elementary

frastructure construction is a provincial priority.

School and the Bayview Elementary School.

New capital projects including schools will be re-

The Office of Mass Timber Implementation was cre-

quired to consider mass timber in their design, pro-

ated by the province in June 2020 and is available to

viding an opportunity to showcase innovation in mass

support capital ministries as they explore using mass

timber construction. It is important that school dis-

timber construction. For resources and research re-

tricts engage with local governments and consultants

lated to building schools with wood, please visit www.

regarding opportunities to integrate significant mass

info.naturallywood.com/schools. Contact your re-

timber elements during the business case develop-

spective Major Capital Programs Regional Director/

ment phase of projects. This ensures that project pa-

Planning Officer with any questions. n

34

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

Flip the switch.

Recycle your old electronics.

Recycling your old electronics keeps metals, plastics, and other valuable resources out of landfills, and puts them back into the manufacturing supply chain. It also prevents e-waste from being illegally exported or handled by irresponsible recyclers.

Always bring your old, unwanted, or unusable electronics to our authorized drop-off locations to ensure that your end-of-life electronics are being recycled in a safe, responsible, and environmentally sound manner.

The Electronics Products Recycling Association (EPRA) of BC is a not-for profit, industryled organization designed to manage end-of-life electronic products that have exhausted their potential for re-use by donation to friends, family, or authorized re-use organizations.

WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED?

Desktop/Portable Computers

Display Devices

Printing, Scanning and Multi-Function Devices

Desktop Printers

Home Audio/ Video Systems

Medical Devices

Vehicle Audio/ Video Systems (aftermarket)

Personal/Portable Audio/Video Systems

Video Gaming Systems/ Battery Powered Toys

Cellular and Non-Cellular Devices

IT and Telecom Equipment

Musical Instruments

For more information, and to find out what and where to recycle, visit

Return-It.ca/Electronics

Return-It powered by Electronic Products Recycling Association, British Columbia

New school thinking The school of the future is flexible, adaptable and focused on health and wellness

SUBMITTED BY FORESTRY INNOVATION INVESTMENT LTD.

From improved indoor air quality and disease prevention to versatile and student-centred design, now more than ever, the architecture of schools is under scrutiny.

Whether it’s early childhood to senior secondary facilities, how we build schools is rapidly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of our fast-moving world. The school of the future is more flexible, versatile and adaptable to the wider community it serves. It supports hybrid learning models, equipping students to seamlessly access online and bricks-and-mortar resources. It reduces its carbon footprint using renewable materials, promotes health and wellbeing, inspires new ways of learning and teaches students environmental values and citizenship.

An unconventional school design, ahead of its time And for some B.C. schools, the future is already here.

For the better part of a decade, innovative school designs have been cropping up across the province, characterized by an abundant use of wood, sustainable technologies and unconventional open floor plans flooded with sunlight. In some instances, they incorporate unusual features such as retractable garage doors, little to no traditional desks and minimal hallways. Such designs that may have once seemed ahead of their time—even quirky—are proving functional and timely today, affording adjustable classroom configurations, fresh, natural ventilation, and better indoor-outdoor connectivity.

Such is the case with the 480-student Lord Kitchener Elementary School located in Vancouver’s Point Grey neighbourhood. Completed by the IBI group in 2012, the project entailed a rehabilitation, seismic upgrade, and adaptive reuse of an existing century-old wood structure along with the construction of a new building. The added facility, constructed of glulam timber post-and-beams, includes community-use facilities and does away with the traditional division between classrooms. Mechanical garage doors line one wall of each classroom, opening on to a shared common area.

Top: Surrey Christian School Primary Wing Addition | Photo credit: Ed White Photographics courtesy KMBR Architects.

Middle: École Au-coeur-de-l’île | Photo credit: Derek Lepper Photography courtesy McFarland Marceau Architects.

Bottom: Lord Kitchener Elementary School | Photo credit: Michael Sherman courtesy IBI Group.

36

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

École Salish Secondary | Photo credit: Ed White Photographics courtesy KMBR Architects.

The design accommodates collaborative teaching methods and gives teachers opportunities to work oneon-one in a designated quiet room with their students while their colleagues watch their classroom from the common area. The two-storey space features a grand staircase that links the two levels of learning studios.

The main entrance area is spacious enough to accommodate student drop-offs, informal meetings and more formal concerts and performances. Extensive glazing draws in light while connecting students to outdoor learning areas. A community garden for the students reinforces a strong link with nature.

Timberbuilt BC high schools top of the class

Designed by KMBR, the firm set out to re-envision a new school from the ground up. This required a fresh perspective, according to the firm, starting with new names for traditional spaces. Music, arts, and drama are “MAD Labs” and the metal and wood shops are “TED (Technology Engineering and Design) Labs”. Learning spaces incorporate discovery labs, break-out and multipurpose gathering spaces, and a learning commons with creative areas called “Makerspaces”. The result is a design that accommodates “anytime-anywhere, collaborative, project, and inquiry-based learning,” according to the design team.

The energy-efficient facility features argon-filled

The province’s high schools are also increasingly adopting more sustainable construction, natural materials, such as BC-sourced timber, along with less conventional, forward-thinking designs.

One of the newest to join the list is École Salish Secondary in Surrey, B.C.’s fastest-growing municipality.

The 13,000-square-metre facility features immense collaborative spaces that can be partitioned off with sliding glass walls, an open-air rooftop yoga studio, and whiteboard desks, along with state-of-the-art technology, including a theatre, ubiquitous WiFi, and huge screens for students to project work onto.

windows and automated motorized shutters to reduce solar heat gain and loss. This in turn minimizes the use of HVAC systems. A double-height atrium features exposed glulam beams and interior wood finishes along with large operable overhead doors—a boon for improving natural ventilation and increasing outside airflow throughout the building.

Other high schools throughout the province are also demonstrating innovative and sustainable designs such as Southern Okanagan Secondary School and Abbotsford Senior Secondary School.

Learn more at info.naturallywood.com/schools. n

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21st Century learning in Lake Country Open project-based learning environment replaces outdated ‘cells and bells’ design H.S. Grenda Middle School facilitates 600 students for the District of Lake Country. This 20 learningstudio facility has been designed with 21st Century Learning principles in mind. The sleek and modern three-storey middle school consists of open learning studios complete with overhead operational doors which connect to the adjacent maker spaces creating a multi-user learning studio.

Glazing has been strategically placed in order to connect the learning spaces to the outdoors.

The school is broken into separate communities while retaining a new traditional learning environment.

The design also consists of a servery, full gymnasium, music, drama, and home economics rooms. The building is sustainable, heated and cooled using geothermal technology. Built on a former infill playing field, the structure’s footprint was minimized to maximize and compliment the surrounding greenspace environment.

Maximizing a tight and condensed site, designing a three-storey structure gave great potential within a reduced footprint. With structure spanning from east to west, the full exterior facade welcomes and encourages natural light as a key element for interior design and connecting students to the outdoors.

High degrees of natural daylighting saves energy and improves the 38

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

indoor environment experienced throughout the school. Integrated solar shading provides reduced overall heat gains for the project.

Taking advantage of the spectacular views, the two-storey floating cantilevered learning commons truly captures the surroundings from any vantage point. The exterior material selections complement the natural surroundings considering sustainability and reduced maintenance costs.

Situated on a corner lot, the existing property provided its challenges and genuine features. With the projected growth for the District of Lake Country, major infrastructure is currently being planned around the site to provide a better flow and transition for the community. With this in mind, the school footprint was a challenge on its own. The school has been strategically positioned on the site to capture the

learning for many years to come.

bined with maker spaces create

most natural daylight while keep-

The ways of education are con-

arenas, arenas turn into “learning

ing the front facade as a key fea-

stantly changing to meet the needs

pods” to create an environment

ture to the design. The parking lot

of a 21st Century shift. The old

with no limitations on learning cul-

will be tucked away to the rear of

double loaded corridors “cells and

ture.

the school drawing attention to the

bells” method of learning suited to

beautiful modern design.

The pods follow the Da Vinci

prepare students for the factory

configuration – a mix of learning

Keeping the existing greenscape

work of the Industrial Revolution

surroundings in mind, organic ele-

has been set aside on H.S. Grenda’s

ments have been placed and high-

collaborative and open environ-

lighted through the exterior and

mental design. This method sup-

interior design. Outdoor learning

ports curriculum’s project-based

spaces are located throughout the

learning and real world working

site providing instructors the avail-

conditions preparing the students

ability and opportunity to teach

for an aggressively changing envi-

from different perspectives.

ronment.

disciplines within each grouping.

Direct access to exterior spaces give students the option to have their classes inside and then walk outside, straight from their pods, to benefit from outdoor learning and connect directly with the attractive riparian area that fosters a connection to nature. The ben-

The three-tiered main floor pro-

Embracing 21st Century learning

vides freedom for landscape to flow

principles, the three-storey school

throughout the site. An outdoor

design includes “pods” organized

that there is an instinctive bond

amphitheater space thrives off of

in communities to provide a more

between human beings and other

this approach while complement-

intimate learning experience for

living systems. This innovative de-

ing the surroundings. This design

students.

sign reflects the client’s priority for

will not limit but also encourage the future arrangement of teaching and

Adaptable classrooms turn into auditoriums,

auditoriums

com-

efits of the biophilla effects prove

outdoor education and collaborative learning. n

Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 39

The benefits of an inspection program for the interior of schools esponsibilities and R preventative maintenance

BY ALAN KAVANAUGH, CRM, CCPI (MEMBER NFPA) There are many areas within schools

ning, fire drills, fire code require-

be over stated. How do we know

that require inspections including

ments, etc.

how long our equipment will oper-

fire safety equipment, fire protec-

2.

Preventive Maintenance Inspec-

ate? What condition is the equip-

tion equipment, fire alarm sys-

tions – filter changes, trash can

ment in? What maintenance and

tems, electrical, HVAC/ventilation

inspections, mechanical inspec-

testing should be provided if we

systems, boiler & furnace systems,

tions, boilers, HVAC, geothermal,

don’t develop a digitally document-

plumbing equipment, and health &

electrical systems, roofs, building

ed inspection program?

safety.

envelope Inspections, etc.

With all of the time and supports

The inspection procedures and

3.

Interior Safety – applies to hall-

required to operate a safe building

recommended frequencies are usu-

ways, steps and staircases, stor-

in schools, it is difficult at times to

ally based on national and provin-

age,

occupancies

meet these inspections frequencies

cial codes, regulations & standards,

(maker labs, tech shops, science

even though they are required by a

preventative maintenance and best

labs), etc.

national or provincial code, regula-

loss prevention practices.

What applies in schools – interior inspections 1.

Safety Inspections – emergency

hazardous

Preventive maintenance – predicting a problem before it happens Whenever there are cutbacks, preventive

maintenance

usually

tion & standard.

The inspection requirements for schools can be fairly extensive. But a Digital Inspection Program can help by providing you with the fol-

exiting of buildings, fire protec-

takes a hit. The need to provide a

lowing information:

tion equipment, fire alarm sys-

regular digitally documented pre-

• Reduce recurring problems.

tems, storage concerns, fire plan-

ventive inspection program cannot

• Prevent the use of unsafe assets,

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Ops Talk • Fall 2021

thus reducing employee and student injuries.

• Help set up ideal maintenance schedules.

• Maximize scheduling productivity.

• Budget for repairs and updates.

Inspection requirements should encompass a regular (monthly) inspection program – preferably digital – and should be developed and put into place which covers the following areas as a minimum: a) All rooms, hallways, means of egress, exterior exit stairs, pathways and fire exits. b) All mechanical systems, heating, electrical, plumbing. c) Fire safety systems, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, etc. d) Hazardous processes and operations – specific to shops, labs, maker labs, 3D printers, etc.

Alan has provided Loss Control Services to school districts, municipalities, industry, and government operations for over 34 years.

He has developed a set of training programs (workshops) and audits (safety related) to help all organizations accumulate and prioritize information and develop short- and long-term compliance plans. Alan is based out of Prince George, B.C. and provides services throughout Western Canada. n

Conclusion • Conduct a risk analysis or needs assessment. This will help you determine your inspection needs.

• Identify all areas to be inspected.

This makes it easier to develop specific ways of developing an inspection program that will meet the requirements of the various codes, regulation and standards.

• Monitor your progress, make changes if needed.

• Stay informed.

• Talk to risk management professionals, people in your industry, staff and various other organizations.

For additional information, contact: Alan Kavanaugh, CRM, CCPI, Director of Loss Control & Risk Management. Noratek Solutions Inc. TF: 1-866-264-2236 C: 250-961-8186 P: 250-564-2236 akavanaugh@noratek.com www.cityinspectionsoftware.com Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 41

DHP™ technology: A new way to make indoor air safe How Does DHP™ Work?

In light of recent public health

ogy fights bacteria, mold, odours,

concerns, many principals, school

insects, and most importantly today

board officials, and faculty never

– viruses.

molecule­ , Hydrogen Peroxide, is

Creating the Best Environment for Learning

present in nature and the human

imagined

their

school’s

viabil-

ity would be impacted so much by its capacity to improve indoor air quality­. For many, opening and

DHP™ is the true gas form of

keeping schools’ indoor air safe

hydro­ gen peroxide, and it is safe

feels difficult. First, how can you be

for occupants of any age. This tech-

sure it’s clean when you can’t see it?

nology uses ambient oxygen and

Then, even when you thought you’d

humidity naturally present in every

sanitized a space, it becomes com-

indoor environment. No need to

promised the moment the room

budget for extensive retrofit work

becomes occupied.

or downtime: DHP™ units are easy

DHP™ is a form of gas whose

body. The DHP™ molecule has a structure similar to a water molecule. Since all microbes (like viruses and bacteria) require water to live, they search for the DHP™ molecule in the air and on surfaces and attach themselves. DHP™ breaks down the microbe’s outer cell membrane leading to its destruction.

Is DHP™ Safe?

District leaders and facility man-

to install, and mount either into an

agers need a robust air cleaning

existing HVAC system, or as stand-

DHP™ works continuously (the

technology to end the frustration

alone ‘plug and play’ devices. They

24/7/365 kind of continuously) to

and restore confidence in the class-

require only minimal and easy

reduce the levels of microbes in

room. Created to fight airborne and

maintenance through the year to

any type of facility from the air and

on-surface microbes 24/7, Dry Hy-

ensure classrooms are a safe and

on surfaces. DHP™ flows wherever

drogen Peroxide (DHP™) technol-

disruption-free place to learn.

air flows, throughout any indoor

DHP air cleaning technology uses naturally occurring humidity (H20) and oxygen (02)…

42

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

Converting these elements into the gas Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (H202 commonly referred to as DHP) which then reduces unwanted microbes that may be present in the air and on surfaces…

Continuously improving the indoor air quality and surface cleanliness 24/7/365

space, reducing the presence of microbes. Unlike other methods, DHP™ was designed specifically to allow people to safely remain inside the same room where the technology is breaking down microbes. It will continually attack microbes while students and teachers go about their day, with no disruptions.

It can clean surfaces that are out of reach or are not normally cleaned, such as the tops of tall cabinets in a classroom or the insides of desk drawers.

As DHP™ is a form of gas whose molecule, Hydrogen Peroxide, is a natural component of human lungs, it occurs at levels well below OSHA’s standard.

Air cleaning units that use DHP™ technology are not only safe, but sustainable, as they are UL867certified non-ozone generating and feature low energy consumption.

If you are searching for a way to improve your indoor air quality to keep your staff and students safe, consider DHP™ technology for your facilities.

For more information, contact: Jhanine Camp Indoor Air Quality Specialist Trane Canada West jhanine.camp@trane.com 604-473-5676 n Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 43

Safety, speed and communication

BY VELVET CATES, CANSTAR FIRE & FLOOD RESTORATIONS Since the end of 2019, safety, speed

to receive their student populations

and

back into their halls.

communication

have

been

forefront in our world.

Keeping ourselves and our communities safe during the pandemic,

Consistent

implementation

of

safety controls; routine efficiencies

How do we, as essential ser-

during set up and demobilization;

vice contractors, best support our

controlled access for vehicle move-

school facility staff?

ment, equipment installation and

while moving quickly to pivot and

By providing timely response, a

removal of repair-related debris;

emerge with new service models

safety-focussed and collaborative

time and expertise, and a willing-

and deliver essential services, all

service and prompt communication

ness to trust that you are the best

the while digesting communica-

to your team of decision makers.

judge of what the right course of

tions from Dr. Bonnie Henry and

Partnering with the facility team

action is for your facility once pre-

our community leaders … no small

to control disruption and displace-

sented with viable options for a

task.

ment of students and staff is critical

successful outcome.

While our communities prepared

especially now when options must

Ensuring your restoration partner

our students for September’s some-

be considered with new criteria and

has certified project managers and

what unfamiliar return, our educa-

protocols.

technicians that adhere to the Best

tional facility managers prepared

What should you expect?

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Ops Talk • Fall 2021

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Partnering with the facility team to control disruption and displacement of students and staff is critical especially now when options must be considered with new criteria and protocols.

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Restoration industry standards and

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able restoration solutions while en-

guidelines exist to eliminate grey ar-

to you and learning how to provide

suring safety, speed and communi-

eas and unacceptable practices.

the right solutions for B.C. schools.

cation remain our top priorities. n

When facility staff find themselves in that “grey area” of not knowing for certain how much water escaped, where it migrated to and how much remains in the building materials, a true partner will provide the time and expertise necessary to form a customized restoration solution.

Keeping the facility “healthy” remains high priority especially within the critical first 48 hours. Stabilizing the building environment, safeguarding the indoor air quality while removing the bulk of the water from surfaces and ducting happen almost simultaneously. Rapid structural drying helps minimize secondary damage to building materials and fixtures while minimizing microbial growth.

The objective remains “in-place drying with minimal destruction”.

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Attempting to deal with deferred maintenance issues Although OpsTalk deals with school

maintenance because we do not

facilities, this editorial speaks in gen-

have necessary funding to allocate

eral for both private buildings in cit-

to repairs in a timely fashion or fund-

ies and towns as well as schools. The

ing cuts tie our hands. Do you know

problem of deferred maintenance

what you have out there, what the

is widespread and not restricted to

repairs are, and what the cost for

one entity over another. All of North

those repairs may be today? Do you

America struggles with this phe-

have some kind of metrics in place

nomenon.

to measure what you have, to help might

in assisting you to illustrate what it is

Deferred maintenance is not new.

seem like a clever idea in facilities

exactly that over shadows that lack

Looking at numerous buildings in

management

of repair?

a variety of cities and communi-

Deferred

maintenance for

keeping

costs

down, but it only delays inevitable

How much of the deferred work is

ties around the province shows this

maintenance costs. If the piece of

structure of the building? How much

has been happening for over 20-30

equipment breaks, it will need to

is failing HVAC systems that may be

years and likely longer. Some of the

be replaced, and other systems can

60 years old or older? Are you able

only compensate for asset failure

to keep indoor air quality in hand or

buildings are either beyond repair

for a limited time. Deferred mainte-

do you struggle to maintain the ba-

nance can do much more damage

sics such as low CO2 ? What about

to your department, inflating costs

the climate change that is taking

and placing the building you man-

place? You think systems struggle

age in a precarious position.

now? Wait until extreme heat be-

Most of us deal with deferred

comes a common occurrence!

now, or very close to it! What does that mean? Likely, the only way to fix it is to replace it!

This is not a problem any one political party in power created, but it seems to be something exasperated by a combination of factors. Poor decisions by owners, boards, and others because of funding being directed somewhere else.

We quite literally need to see a

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Ops Talk • Fall 2021

a very large sum to rectify. It does not make sense to replace a building because of decades of deferred maintenance.

Let’s think about this. Let’s come up with sincere dialogue on the best way to move forward. How will this be funded, both private and public sectors? n

2021 FIRE REPORT

The City of Merritt and Nicola-Similkameen School

ly transformed into a supply area. If an owner forgot

District (SD#58) was unfortunately between three ma-

something or didn’t have any food for their pet, it was

jor fires this summer. Merritt also had five other smaller

provided free of charge. The lunchroom housed hay

fires throughout the summer that had the potential to

bales to hamster food. All the food and supplies were

threaten the city and our school district. Fire crews re-

donated from all over the province.

sponded quickly to these smaller fires and successfully

SD #58 also worked closely with the Thompson-

extinguished them. Merritt’s summer skies were con-

Nicola Regional District and the City of Merritt for the

sistently covered in heavy smoke, and plumes of heavy

emergency evacuation use of busses. The district in-

dark smoke could be seen at almost all times. During

sured all of the busses and had drivers ready to re-

the nights in mid-August, the orange glows of the fires

spond if needed. The City of Merritt was fortunate that

could be seen from the city and if you traveled only a

it only received an alert order for a short period of time

few kilometres north or south you would see flames on

and the busses were not required.

the adjacent mountains.

The map above shows the multiple fires surrounding

Evacuees from Lytton, Logan Lake, Shackan Re-

Merritt.

serve, and Nooaitch Reserve all came to Merritt and

Kelowna once again was hit but not as deadly as in

many stayed in local hotels and the Trans Mountain

previous years. The Central Okanagan School District

pipeline camp that is set up just east of the city. With

made a gym available to house evacuees, if required.

Merritt being in close proximity of these fires and on

Kudos to districts like Merritt and Kelowna for step-

the main evacuation route for evacuated towns and

ping up to help wherever possible. There are many

properties, SD #58 in conjunction with Nicola Valley

school districts that have done so, these are just two

& District Metis/Nicola Valley Animal Rescue stepped

we are highlighting for this district.

up to help. Working with individuals that had been

Thank you to Darrell Finnigan with the Nicola-Si-

evacuated, it was quickly apparent livestock and pets

milkameen School District and Harold Schock with the

are also a large part of an evacuation. SD #58 opened

Central Okanagan School District. Sharing of this in-

the lunchroom area in the Central Elementary School

formation helps the rest of us understand with a little

for livestock and pet owners to meet and find safe

more depth just what happens when communities are

areas to relocate their animals. The room also quick-

threatened. n

Evacuees from Lytton, Logan Lake, Shackan Reserve, and Nooaitch Reserve all came to Merritt and many stayed in local hotels and the Trans Mountain pipeline camp that is set up just east of the city.

Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 47

THOUGHTS ON

Trust

BY CHUCK MORRIS

Trust forms the foundation for everything you do in

Trust is a foundation for the relationships you build

business, and everything you do in your personal life.

at work (and within your own family)! If you constantly

(Jeffrey Gitomer)

cause an employee to second guess your actions or motives, do you think you have trust? If your employer

What is trust?

seems distant or not really willing to release informa-

• Assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or

tion to you, do you have trust?

Be honest. Be sincere. Don’t blame others; you take

truth of someone or something

the hit. Walk the talk. Show empathy. Show regard

• One in which confidence is placed

for those around you – to all employees. Own up to

• Dependence on something future or contingent

YOUR mistakes right away. If you are on the path just

• Hope All of us work within roles that may have varying degrees of responsibilities. Those responsibilities exist because of a trust between the employer and you. You have proven you are capable of carrying out your duties in a fashion that show you are confident and can

described here, you already have the trust of so many people or are on the way as you build it. Never ever stop! Trust WILL change your life and that will affect others around you!

If you are consistent and honest to yourself and those around you, you build trust.

carry trust. As Einstein once said, “whoever is careless

The more you believed in yourself, the more you

with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with

could trust yourself. The more you trust yourself, the

important matters.”

less you compare yourself to others. (Author unknown)

Don’t forget; the risk of trust and trusting – trust is a risk (Jeffrey Gitomer).

“I’m not upset that you lied to me, I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you.” (Friedrich Nietzsche). n

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Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. | www.efmabc.com 49

Preserving and honouring a tradition

BY CLAIRE WALLACE The beautiful Victoria High School is currently undergoing a complete general and seismic upgrade and new addition. While the heritage of the building’s architecture is being carefully preserved, there is another student tradition worthy of preservation that has been brought to light. It has been a long-standing tradition — as far back as the 1950s — for student graduates to go to the attic of the historic building where walls are designated for their signatures, comments, and art. During a project orientation for the new project manager, his first day on the job, the team was in the attic when the new PM recognized a piece of artwork. He commented that the painting looked like the work of his daughter, Amanda Wallace, who graduated from Vic High in 1999. On closer inspection, he was able to confirm this identification from a comment and signature left by his son, Cameron Wallace (another Vic High grad) asking others to respectfully not graffiti over his sister’s artwork. This painting existed on a wall that is slated to be drywalled over, but the life-sized piece has been salvaged and, following the renovation, will be reinstated as a memoir of this long-standing tradition and in loving memory of the artist, Amanda Wallace (1981-2006). n

50

Ops Talk • Fall 2021

the ART of Building Sustainability

HVAC ART

INTEGRATED FAULT DETECTION & DIAGNOSTICS

OWNERSHIP OF ANALYTICS

MOBILE-CENTRIC EXPERIENCE

LIT Y

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Lighting

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Ensure a strong level of interoperability by using open protocols which have third-party listing laboratories to verify adherence to your protocol’s form and function.

o f

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S U S TA I N

Employ a single sign on (SSO) architecture with compliance to scalable credentialing architectures and secure tunneling methodologies such as BACnet virtual private networks (B/VPN).

Select lifecycle-centric manufacturers who minimize the negative impacts of waste with long-term warranty and repair services while adhering to WEEE, RoHS, R2, and LEED directives.

Specify integrated FDD (IFDD) that delivers real-time fault detection, step-by-step root-cause diagnostics while using all your existing cabling structures, including twisted-pair networks.

Enjoy the long-term benefits of suppliers who engineer a path forward to new technologies while remaining backward compatible without third-party gateways or hardware replacement.

Insist on timely analytics for all stakeholders with complete control of formatting and scheduling while retaining full ownership of your data and the reports generated.

Stay on top of regular advances in technology with supplier-certified, multi-lingual online educational videos, technical documentation, software updates, and advanced leader lead training.

Create better-connected spaces with real-time access to occupancy, lighting, ventilation, and thermal comfort levels, using a holistic mobile-centric experience.

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