The site office shook as if a minor tremor was feeling its way through the Okanagan Correctional Centre property.
But it was likely one of the large dump trucks carrying rocks across the busy construction site.
A swear jar sat lonely on the counter waiting for $1 per word. Wonder how full it was.
Project manager Ken McCabe from PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. rounded the corner and offered a firm handshake.
Back in his office, he explained that work is progressing on schedule for the 378-cell facility in Senkulmen Business Park north of Oliver.
The prison will consist of a central services building and three inmate buildings called “pods.” Excavation for pod C began in early September, and work on its foundation is well underway.
Excavation has begun on pod B, with work on the footings starting this week. Foundation work on the central services building will begin soon.
The precast cell modules are currently in full production, and January is the month that wall panels and pod C cell erection is scheduled.
“The main thing is communication and coordination,” McCabe said, noting they want to make sure that everyone knows what is going on with the latest information.
McCabe said the most challenging part of the project is “fast-tracking” the process.
“Correctional facilities have a lot of unique requirements, such as secure, robust construction and state-of-the-art electronic security systems,” he pointed out.
McCabe is quick to note that worker safety is always the number one priority in any project.
With that, he asked a colleague to put me through a safety assessment before touring the site. The safety coordinator warned about snakes, pointing out the snake fence around the perimeter of the site. Reportedly one bull snake got through recently.
The coordinator alluded to first aid stations on a map, along with emergency procedures and “three horn blasts” if you need medical attention. Also, be sure to make eye contact with heavy equipment operators, he said.
During the tour, earth-moving machines were clearing an area for a parking lot, and pod C workers were as busy as beavers. One employee was unloading rebar, while another was compacting a section of ground.
McCabe said there are approximately 40 workers on site. He noted there are approximately 20 people working off-site prefabricating the cells, producing door frames and mechanical modules.
Recent subcontract awards went out to H&M Excavating and Riteway Fencing in Penticton.
Shanahan’s from Kelowna is making the doors and frames, while Pitt Meadows Plumbing from Maple Ridge is performing mechanical work. Electrical work is being done by Status Electrical from Abbotsford, while the cell modules are being built by a company in Spokane, WA.
Oliver Ready-Mix, a business operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band, will be providing the concrete for the project.
“Most of the workers on site are locals from the South Okanagan,” McCabe said.
As construction ramps up, more workers will be arriving from out of town, taking advantage of local accommodations and businesses, he pointed out.
Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) Chief Clarence Louie said he would like every business person to have an opportunity for work at the prison site.
“There is always hope for more work and bigger contracts, but at least the OIB is getting some work from the site and we appreciate that.”
McCabe said some local finishing trades will likely have an opportunity to be hired if they are competitive.
He noted that construction work will continue through the winter months regardless of the weather.
“I didn’t think you had winter here,” he laughed.
If the ground freezes, they will either tarp it to keep the frost out or use a ground-thawing system similar to a radiant floor heating system.
McCabe said the 2016 completion date certainly means an “aggressive schedule,” but he’s confident that PCL will meet the deadline.
McCabe recognized Corrections BC for its work on the project, and Honeywell, who will be providing facility maintenance for the next 30 years.
Plenary Justice is head of the project consortium, while DGBK Architects are the design consultants.
For employment opportunities, fax resumes to 250-868-8396, or email bcinteriorjobs.pcl.com. Do not apply in person.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
