We’re finding low-carbon energy in unlikely places

Like biogas captured from wastewater to create Renewable Natural Gas1 (RNG). It’s a low-carbon energy2 that can be used in homes and businesses across the province—and we’re adding more to our supply every year.

Our natural gas delivery system can provide RNG to buildings and developments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This means buildings can meet strict emissions guidelines without expensive upgrades or retrofits.

Find out more about RNG at fortisbc.com/rngbuild. Connect

PRIME CONTRACTOR AWARD $5 TO $10 MILLION CGI Constructors – 1810 Blanshard St. Renovations

CGI WAS THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR on the renovation of the 4th and 5th floors at 1810 Blanchard Street in Victoria. Completed June 2021, this project involved the full internal demolition and reconstruction to a newly configured office space.

On the fourth floor, work on the 14,000 square foot space included all new mechanical, plumbing, power, and data, along with all the required architectural finishes including new flooring, millwork, glazing partitions and feature ceiling. This gave the floor its new purpose which was to house the Ministry of Citizens Services Real Property Division.

Once the 4th floor works were successfully handed over at the end of June 2019, the team moved up to the 5th floor commencing in November 2020 to perform similar work. Each floor is now transformed into brightly light collaborative open office and shared spaces.

During construction, the rest of the eight-storey building was occupied, posing many unique challenges including mitigating noise, dust and disruption. Material access in and out of the building was another challenge that the team successfully overcame.

Other challenges included pandemic restrictions and a tight site, limiting material laydown room and requiring just in time deliveries. The project was successfully completed on budget and on time.

PRIME CONTRACTOR AWARD UNDER $5 MILLION Knappett Projects – Craigflower Hall

THE CRAIGFLOWER COMMUNITY & Performing Arts Centre is a 10,000 square foot Scottish cultural centre on the Craigflower Manor House National Historic Site property in Victoria. Construction began in 2021 and the centre officially opened in January, 2023.

Designed by D’Ambrosio Architecture, the landmark community centre features a distinctive circular shape and will host a range of events, including art exhibitions, musical performances, meetings and weddings. It will also be the base for the Victoria Highland Games Association. Spaces include a conference centre, club, commercial kitchen, museum, cafe, restaurant, recreational amenities and retail sales area.

The building is a single storey with a central hall and roof structure supported with steel columns and mass timber glulam beams. The wood framed building has curved concrete walls, large glass curtainwall, stone masonry, and metal paneling. This project’s unique glulam ceiling structure is in shape of Celtic Knot, requiring the Knappett team to utilize its solution driven project management skills to overcome design and installation conflicts. Industry challenges during this time period were prominent. Construction was challenged by supply delays and labour shortages related to the pandemic. This required extraordinary flexibility and commitment from Knappett to the project management and site coordination. Knappett’s skilled field staff self performed all concrete, framing, cladding and some excavation work.

SUBCONTRACTOR $2-$5 MILLION DenMar Electric– Berkwick Parksville

Berwick Parksville Retirement

COMMUNITY is a 189-unit seniors’ living facility located in Parksville. Newest in the Berwick group of communities, the facility includes many amenities for residents including fine dining, pubs, exercise facilities, arts and crafts rooms, and even a performance theatre. The six storey building includes an underground parkade and rooftop lounge, and also offers residents outdoor activities in the extensively landscaped grounds.

DenMar Electric began working with the developer, Denford Construction, in June 2020, starting with work on a multi-phase suspended slab over the parkade. This slab required DenMar’s team to coordinate inslab conduit locations with both the electrical design and the above-grade structure. Working with the developer and BC Hydro in the early stages of the project was key to ensuring all underground and under-slab conduit was installed to meet the utility’s standard.

The 1200-amp 347/600V service included a large main distribution board as well as numerous transformers and sub-panels throughout the facility. The electrical system was backed up with a 200kW diesel generator and automatic transfer switches on the parkade level. DenMar Electric crews were there to make sure the BC Hydro service was connected on schedule and that distribution equipment was installed and commissioned safely.

SUBCONTRACTOR UNDER $2 MILLION Kerr Controls – PEXSISEN Elementary

The construct ion period fell in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the company to deal with added safety protocols, labour shortages, and material delays. Working closely and cooperatively, DenMar was able to successfully navigate these challenges and bring the electrical installation in on time.

THE PEXISEN ELEMENTARY and Centre Lellum Middle Schools project was completed in January 2023. The high level of collaboration between School District 62, Farmer Construction, trades, and engineers was a major contributing factor to the success of the project.

The two scho ols and central boiler plant were built simultaneously on a large site at 3090 & 3100 Constellation Drive near Westshore Parkway in Langford. The project was targeted to be built to LEED Gold standards with a focus on energy efficiency.

Numerous features were incorporated to maximize the energy efficiency of the schools, including solar energy, geothermal systems, and a sophisticated building automation system. Photovoltaic panels on the roof are expected to provide five per cent of the schools’ energy needs. Geothermal systems installed under the school playing fields will provide efficient heating and cooling, and electric backup boilers help minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

Kerr Controls installed internet‐connected building automation control systems in the elementary school, middle school, and central plant to automate the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, and monitor energy consumption. The scope included programming the system software and creating a graphic user interface. The building automation system is vital for ensuring the mechanical systems operate with optimal efficiency.

The schools are aesthetically stunning and provide a fantastic environment for learning. The internet-connected building automation system is equally state‐of‐the‐art, integrating modern technology and sophisticated energy management strategies.