THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015, VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4
IN THIS ISSUE:
ALL ABOARD THE UP EXPRESS CLOSE QUARTERS A DEFINING RELATIONSHIP CONNECTING TO OPPORTUNITY Union Pearson Express Enbridge South Edmonton Highway 407 Interchange Neskantaga Training Centre Terminal ı (Tı) Station Terminal Tank Farm and Brock Road Realignment Expansion
PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT #41329046 THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015, VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4
4 24 34 50 ALL ABOARD CLOSE QUARTERS A DEFINING RELATIONSHIP CONNECTING TO THE UP EXPRESS Enbridge South Highway 407 OPPORTUNITY Union Pearson Express Edmonton Terminal Interchange and Brock Neskantaga Terminal ı (Tı) Station Tank Farm Expansion Road Realignment Training Centre
IN THIS ISSUE:
2 Living Our Core Values of Trust, Excellence and a Learning Culture By Teri McKibbon 4 All Aboard the UP Express Union Pearson Express Terminal 1 (T1) Station 18 Did You Know? Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line 24 Close Quarters Enbridge South Edmonton Terminal Tank Farm Expansion 30 Meet Carlos Travassos 34 A Defining Relationship Highway 407 Interchange and Brock Road Realignment 46 Meet Brandon Alpine 50 Connecting to Opportunity Neskantaga Training Centre 58 The Aecon Safety Opportunity Program By Mike Archambault
COVER: UP EXPRESS TERMINAL 1 STATION, TORONTO, ONTARIO
LEFT: AECON’S VISION: 407 EXTENSION, PICKERING, ONTARIO
To be the first company people go to for building things that matter. ABOVE: ENBRIDGE SOUTH EDMONTON TANK FARM, EDMONTON, ALBERTA
ONE is a magazine published by Aecon Michele Walter, Editor-in-Chief BACK COVER: Group Inc. for its employees and clients. Matthew Le Blanc, Features Editor GIRDER WORK AT 407 ETR, PICKERING, ONTARIO For more information about Aecon, visit Rick Radell, Photographer This magazine includes certain forward-looking statements our website at aecon.com. Rob Kinnaird, Director of Business Development that contain information concerning possible or assumed future results or operations of Aecon. These forward-looking For more information on any of the Proudly designed by Hagon Design statements are based on current operating plans and competitive, financial and economic data but are subject articles published in the magazine, please hagondesign.com to risks and uncertainties. Although Aecon believes the contact Rob Kinnaird at 1 877 232 2677 expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assuranceWINTER the expectations 2015 of 1 or email [email protected]. any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. LEADERSHIP MATTERS
LIVING OUR CORE VALUES OF TRUST, EXCELLENCE AND A LEARNING CULTURE
By Teri McKibbon President and Chief Executive Officer
It’s hard not to be impressed with how far Aecon has come in such a short period members who have collectively logged more than 25,000 man-hours. In this of time. Not so long ago, Aecon was a company consisting of some 20-plus issue of ONE magazine we profile AECON CONTINUES TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPACT Brandon Alpine, a Ktunaxa Nation OUR PROJECTS HAVE ON ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES. business units that, for the most part, operated independently of one another. member, who was, in fact, trained as a carpenter on the Waneta project. The second success story is a great apparent that we needed a significant Our first Aecon Remote Training Then, in 2011, we embarked upon sensitive to the Aboriginal environment, fostering these relationships on the basis example of ingenuity, perseverance, paradigm shift in our thinking. Aecon Centre was opened with much fanfare in a journey toward a “ONE Aecon” people, traditions and culture. From a of respect, understanding and trust. collaboration and just plain listening to – began to focus on how we were going Neskantaga, a First Nation community in philosophy, bringing together our individual project perspective, Aecon has long To date, we’ve developed solid connections and hearing – the challenges faced by to help bring education and training Northern Ontario, in August of this year. I strengths to provide our clients with a been proactive in engaging Aboriginal with Aboriginal groups as far west our Aboriginal communities in Canada. directly to Aboriginal communities so encourage you to read the project profile on unified Aecon solution. This, in collaboration communities, facilitating discussions as the Tsawwassen First Nation in British We have worked with key training partners that community members did not have page 50 in this issue of ONE Magazine and with our Infrastructure, Energy, Mining regarding current or potential projects Columbia to Nova Scotia’s Millbrook First over the years such as the Operating to uproot and abandon their cultural ties go to the YouTube link mentioned in the article. and Concessions business segments, located in and around these communities. Nation in the east and as far north as Kaska Engineers Training Institute of Ontario and support systems to pursue the Going forward, as we continue along on has our company now working all across In 2013, Aecon established a dedicated First Nation in the Yukon Territory. (OETIO), a world-class training institute careers they desired. our “ONE Aecon” path, our Aboriginal Canada, successfully executing mega- team to formalize and coordinate our Aecon has participated in many offering learning and safety programs for This led our Aboriginal Affairs team to Engagement Program will play a critical projects that carry values in excess Aboriginal Affairs program under the success stories over the years in relation crane and heavy equipment operators, work in partnership with key technology role in the success of our projects. Our of $100 million and, in some cases, leadership of Bill Clarke, Vice President to Aboriginal communities, but I’d like among others, in support of our and communications providers to develop clients also greatly benefit from engaging more than $1 billion. of Aboriginal Affairs. With the Aecon to highlight two in particular. construction industry. Aecon has the Aecon Remote Training Centre. It’s with a contractor that offers an established As you can imagine, the locations of Corporate Aboriginal Policy as its Our Waneta Dam project, which successfully sent Aboriginal students from a “classroom in a box” concept that’s track record of working with Aboriginal some of these projects, especially in the foundation, the Aboriginal Affairs team was profiled in an earlier edition of ONE Saskatchewan and Ontario to OETIO for innovative and modern. The facility communities for mutual benefit. At Energy and Mining sectors, are in some has focused on actively implementing an Magazine, is a major contract for Aecon training, with many graduates actively consists of a sizable classroom, kitchen, Aecon, we undertake these initiatives of the most remote areas of the country. Aecon Aboriginal Engagement Program, and involves the construction of a new working on Aecon projects close to their office and coatroom. It is completely and continue to invest in our Aboriginal Many are either located on Aboriginal which encompasses a 360-degree 330 MW hydroelectric generating station home communities. modular in construction, transportable Engagement Program because it makes traditional territories or, as can be the sustainability strategy designed to adjacent to the existing Waneta Dam near The challenge in this, however, is that by small cargo plane and ready for assembly solid business and economic sense to case with Infrastructure projects that support the inclusion, engagement and Trail, British Columbia. Over the duration many Aboriginal students and workers on site by Aboriginal community members. do so. In the case of the Aecon Remote are linear in nature, they cross through participation of Aboriginals across Canada. of the project, we’ve worked extensively with great potential must leave their The classroom is equipped with state-of- Training Centre, and the profound impact them, sometimes even within Aecon has also been working diligently and collaboratively with the nearby respective communities and travel, in the-art technology and features a high- it will have on local Aboriginal communities semi-urban environments. with Aboriginal community leaders Ktunaxa Nation, engaging community some cases thousands of miles, to get speed satellite connection to OETIO for years to come, sometimes we do things For this reason, it is essential that to develop an extensive network of members in career exploration sessions the training they require. After working and other educational institutions, just because it’s the right thing to do. Aecon continues to recognize the partnerships focused on sustainable and and ongoing training programs. From closely with several Aboriginal community such as Confederation College, where impact our projects have on Aboriginal mutually beneficial programs. In all cases, a site perspective, Aecon has trained and leaders and listening to the challenges students have direct and interactive Teri McKibbon is the President and Chief communities, and that we remain we endeavour to be a responsible partner, employed numerous local Ktunaxa Nation their young people face, it became access to key professional educators. Executive Officer of Aecon Group Inc.
2 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 3 PROJECT MATTERS
UNION PEARSON EXPRESS TERMINAL 1 (T1) STATION
ALL ABOARD THE Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to arrive in Canada’s most populated city next summer for the Pan Am and Parapan Games 2015. Providing them quick and easy access in and out of the downtown core will be the brand new Union Pearson Express, a 25-kilometre express rail service connecting the country’s two busiest transportation hubs, Union Station and Pearson International Airport. Aecon has played a major role in bringing this much-needed express service to Toronto’s GTA. First came the construction of the three-kilometre elevated spur line that connects the line to the UP Express airport. Next Aecon has reached substantial completion on the new Union Pearson Express Station at Terminal 1, where logistical ingenuity and precision planning have created a sleek, modern building to welcome visitors and urban commuters alike.
4 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTERWINTER 2015 5 // all aboard the up express
PROJECT FILE
Union Pearson Express Terminal 1 (T1) Station
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
AECON DIVISION: Aecon Buildings
CLIENT: Metrolinx
JOINT VENTURE: Aecon Group Inc. and Dufferin Construction (50/50)
TIMING: March 26, 2013–August 2014
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Design-Build-Finance
CONTRACT VALUE: $21 million (station) WHEN PEOPLE VISIT THIS STATION, THEY SUMMARIZED SCOPE: ARE GOING TO SEE A REALLY BEAUTIFUL // Construct: BUILDING, BUT WHAT THEY WON’T SEE – A train station(92 metres x 7.5 metres), ARE THE LOGISTICAL FEATS THAT WE approximately 24 metres above ground level NEEDED TO OVERCOME TO GET IT BUILT. – An emergency stair tower – Two service floors, suspended from the station’s beams — LES WEIDMAN, PROJECT MANAGER, AECON BUILDINGS // Install: – All station finishes – All Electrical and Mechanical – A platform-edge protection system
KEY EMPLOYEES: Les Weidman, T1 Station Project Manager Brent Kimberley, Superintendent Guido Gallomazzei, Superintendent t could be called “25 in 25.” It would In December 2011, Metrolinx Ralph Perry, Superintendent Ibe a fitting moniker to describe the awarded AirLINX Transit Partners, Matt Kopczinski, Construction Manager 25 minutes it will take to travel the 25 a joint venture between Aecon and Fraser Gray, Project Coordinator kilometres of express rail line between Dufferin Construction, a multi-million- Patricia Alderson, Project Coordinator Toronto’s Union Station and Pearson dollar contract to design, build and Brad Smith, Safety Coordinator International Airport once the Union finance the spur line and build the George Steele, Safety Coordinator Pearson (UP) Express opens for business station at Terminal 1 (ONE, Vol. 2, QUANTITIES: in Spring 2015. Issue 1). Aecon set to work on the // Concrete – 1,000 cubic metres As Canada’s first airport express three-kilometre elevated spur line // Reinforcing steel – 178.8 tonnes train, the UP Express is projected to in January 2012 with its sights set // Structural steel – 534.8 tonnes remove 1.2 million car trips from the on a Fall 2014 completion date. In GTA’s clogged arteries and major all, five internal groups came together thoroughfares in its first year of on the spur line for a comprehensive operation alone. It’s a long-awaited “ONE Aecon” approach-to-project antidote for both urban commuters (ACML, AME, AGI, Miwel and and global tourists. Lockerbie & Hole), while the station In July 2010, Metrolinx, the provincial work was subcontracted to Aecon’s government agency in charge of public Buildings group. transportation in the GTA, announced The project schedule called for it would build, own and operate the Aecon to begin construction staging UP Express. It would utilize an existing rail of the new UP Express Station at corridor with a direct route to downtown’s Terminal 1 in March 2013. Many Union Station and, for the Pearson end of months prior to that, however, the express service, introduce a newly Project Manager Les Weidman constructed three-kilometre spur line that and his site team were already fully would branch off the corridor and connect ensconced in meticulous pre-planning to the airport. There, a newly constructed and logistical detailing. They knew station at Terminal 1 would welcome the challenges that lay ahead. and process UP Express passengers.
6 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 7 // all aboard the up express
THE STATION IS BOXED IN AND SITS 24 METRES IN THE AIR, BETWEEN TWO OPERATING TRACKS FOR THE AUTOMATED PEOPLE MOVER. IT TOOK MONTHS OF PRE-PLANNING AND COORDINATION WITH ALL THE GROUPS INVOLVED TO LITERALLY GET THE BUILDING OFF THE GROUND AND INTO PLACE ON SCHEDULE.
— LES WEIDMAN, PROJECT MANAGER, AECON BUILDINGS
NEXT STOP: NEW STATION airport’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 hubs, To say the new UP Express Station as well as a reduced-rate parking facility. at Terminal 1 is situated in a busy The APM’s guideway – a pair of tracks corridor is an understatement. Flanked that run independently of each other – by the airport terminal, a parking garage, frames the site where the station multiple levels of roadway and a pre- now rests, which, at the time, further existing elevated guideway for the contributed to the site’s constricted terminal’s automated people mover construction space. With the APM trains (APM), the new station location definitely out of commission for the duration of required some innovative thinking. the building’s shell construction, buses “When people visit this station, were brought in to keep people moving they are going to see a really beautiful throughout the airport. The buses, building, but what they won’t see are however, also served as a constant the logistical feats that we needed reminder to the site team of Aecon’s to overcome to get it built,” notes contractual deadline. Failure to reach Weidman. “The station is boxed in and construction completion by September 26, sits 24 metres in the air, between two 2013, would result in a $50,000 per day operating tracks for the APM. It took penalty for the continued operation of months of pre-planning and coordination the buses, a fate that was strategically with all the groups involved to literally avoided with the introduction of a 24/7 get the building off the ground and work schedule. into place on schedule.” With little time to spare, the Aecon A significant consideration in every site team set to work on the station’s stage of the project planning was foundation shortly after arriving on site. the issue of working within a fully To hold the weight of the station, two functioning environment. 90-metre-long monolithic support “You can’t expect an airport to close beams were required to span across its doors to complete construction,” four pre-existing piers. In order to create notes Weidman. “We pre-planned such a lengthy beam, three sections stages months in advance with the were created, with each section Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), featuring two 30-metre concrete tweaking where we had to just to avoid support beams running parallel to interfering with airport operations.” one another. The first order of business for the Since the support beams in the first Aecon site team was to shut down the section needed to sit 24 metres in the APM and then focus on safely completing air above parking garage entrance ramps the building’s structure and shell within of varying heights, 18 metres of truss a six-month construction window. frame scaffolding was introduced to As its name states, the APM – avoid the use of public ground space. automated people mover – is an With each concrete form being the unmanned, cable-driven train used approximate weight of a people-packed to move people along an elevated city bus, it was imperative the truss guideway, making brief stops at the scaffolding be capable of supporting
8 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 9 // all aboard the up express
SHAPING THE TERMINAL 1 STATION HAS REALLY BEEN A FULL TEAM EFFORT … WITHOUT THE COMBINED EFFORT AND COOPERATION FROM EVERYONE, THIS PROJECT SIMPLY WOULDN’T HAVE HAPPENED.
— LES WEIDMAN, PROJECT MANAGER, AECON BUILDINGS
10 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 11 // all aboard the up express
A RENDERING OF THE UNION PEARSON TERMINAL 1 (T1) STATION
each of the 16-tonne concrete forms The two-floor suspended service systems. Weidman notes that every without ground support. Once hoisted area drops below the station to house station system is directly tied into into place and torqued together, the all of the electrical and mechanical existing airport systems, another entire weight of the formwork was taken components required to run features challenge the site team carefully off the scaffolding, and the first two such as the train door system and planned with precision. of six concrete pours began. station services. Since the service levels “We used all of the shutdowns and Unlike the first two support beams, are suspended from the station’s scheduled openings to our advantage the remaining four beams spanned foundational concrete, two-metre-deep to perfectly coordinate the timing of an open area, and a more traditional hangers placed every three metres the tie-ins. We wanted our crew to walk approach could be used. Ground-built were embedded into the main concrete into the job site and, without question, scaffolding was erected to support the beams to secure the structural steel know exactly what needed to be done hefty formwork for the final four beams, framing. These supports, located at that day. Very rarely did we have to while the first two truss-supported four key sites, could not be welded until reschedule work.” Weidman is quick beams cured. Steel-reinforced concrete all construction loading was in place. to note that construction within an slabs were then poured on top of the On the upper levels of the station, operating airport facility means fully cured beams, starting from the structural steel, concrete walls, the unforeseen circumstances every so south end of the station and making aluminum and glass curtain wall system, often, “but we always responded in their way north. and roofing elements were all installed a timely manner and accommodated “It was definitely a challenge getting concurrently to form the building’s any on-the-spot changes.” these three-metre-thick beams in place perimeter. All materials needed to With the electrical in place, the team within such a confined environment,” form the exterior were pre-ordered focused on finishing touches to bring says Weidman, “but we were up to the and fabricated off site, with guaranteed the station alive. Cellphone antennas task. These support beams needed to dimensions, to save time on the tight and a Wi-Fi system were wired be heavy-duty, not just for the station schedule. “I lost a few hairs just throughout the building to keep on top but also for the two suspended wondering if these pieces were going passengers connected to the outside service levels dropping down underneath. to fit because you don’t really know until world. Two sets of screen monitors Essentially, that applies two forces to you’re putting it in,” jokes Weidman. were installed; one displays train arrival the concrete – one pressing down and To the team’s delight, everything was and departure times, the other sponsored the other pulling – that the entire beam successfully installed without incident, ads and promotional information. Making needs to withstand in order to provide thus completing the outer shell of the the station interior really pop are the support without fail.” structure in time for the APM to resume deeply recessed lighting fixtures placed With only a few months to go before service on September 26, 2013. within a classic wood panel ceiling and the APM was back in service, the crew Protected from the elements, crews the polished-to-a-shine terrazzo floor. began work on the exterior shell and were now able to comfortably work on “Despite all the challenges on this the suspended service levels as soon connecting the station to the nearby project, seeing all of the chosen finishes as the concrete slabs were finished. required electrical and mechanical fully installed is really impressive,”
12 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 13 // all aboard the up express
24 METRES ABOVE GROUND LEVEL
25 KILOMETRE EXPRESS RAIL SERVICE
MINUTES TO TRAVEL FROM UNION STATION 25 TO PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 1.2 million FEWER CAR TRIPS REQUIRED IN THE GTA
14 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 15 // all aboard the up express
THESE FINISHES AREN’T SOMETHING YOU WOULD NORMALLY SEE IN A TRAIN STATION. I THINK PASSENGERS WILL BE THOROUGHLY SURPRISED BY THE BEAUTY, FORM AND FUNCTION OF THE UP EXPRESS STATION WHEN THEY SEE IT.
— LES WEIDMAN, PROJECT MANAGER, AECON BUILDINGS
notes Weidman. “These finishes aren’t guides the operator in properly something you would normally see in aligning the train before the safety a train station. I think passengers will features allow the doors to open. be thoroughly surprised by the beauty, The PED system is also slated to be form and function of the UP Express installed at the UP Express downtown Station when they see it.” hub, Union Station. Before that installation takes place, however, the ALL ABOARD! express line’s Terminal 1 Station will As passengers gear up to step on or serve as a proving ground for the off the trains, a complex platform edge technology. Since the trains were door (PED) system provided by General purchased from Japan (Nippon Sharyo) Electric (GE) will ensure their safety and the PED system from Singapore every step of the way. The first (ST Electronics), the two operating installation of its kind by GE in Canada, components will meet for the first the system prevents train doors from time at Terminal 1 in Toronto. With opening before the train operator has trains lying in wait in Toronto since a chance to perfectly line up the vehicle mid-September, commissioning of the with the station doors. Attempting to PED system began on October 1, 2014. eyeball the required precision would be “Shaping the Terminal 1 station has impossible. To assist, a light and laser really been a full team effort between system that works in tandem with Aecon, the AirLINX joint venture, antennae located below the train and Metrolinx and the GTAA,” notes station doors gives the train operator Weidman. “Without the combined visual confirmation of his or her position. effort and cooperation from everyone, Approaching the station, the operator this project simply wouldn’t have will decelerate the train to get within happened, purely based on the site’s a few inches of the correct position, challenges alone.” as indicated by a series of multi-coloured The Union Pearson Express is lights. From there, the lasers will provide expected to be fully operational by a pinpoint accurate measurement that Spring 2015.
16 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 17 DID YOU KNOW? FACTS AT A GLANCE
CLIENTS: Bilateral agreement with both the Canadian and U.S. governments
PRIME CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR: Western Electric Company Inc.
AECON’S INVOLVEMENT: The Foundation Company of Canada, DISTANT EARLY WARNING an Aecon predecessor company
COST: $27,944,984 ($249,522,942 in today’s dollars) ( ) TYPE OF CONTRACT: DEW LINE Fixed Fee
LOCATION: Arctic Region of Canada
SCOPE: Construction of 17 surveillance radar stations Built as a pre-emptive measure against the threat and a radio relay station of Russian aerial bombing attacks during the CONSTRUCTION TIME FRAME: January 1955–March 1957
Cold War, the Distant Early Warning (DEW) DEACTIVATION: Line stood watch over the Arctic Circle for nearly 1995 40 years. The unforgiving Arctic weather served as backdrop as construction crews braved the elements to construct a defensive line of surveillance radar stations across the northernmost tip of North America that would warn of any incoming security threats. But did you know that Aecon – through one of its predecessor companies – confronted the largely unexplored Arctic territory to collaboratively complete a project deemed as one of the most demanding construction jobs ever undertaken in the North?
18 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP AERIAL VIEW OF A MAIN SITE SHOWING THE RADOME BEING ERECTED WINTER 2015 19 THE RUGGED TERRAIN OF NORTHEASTERN CANADA SPEAKS TO THE CHALLENGES INHERENT IN CONSTRUCTING THE DEW LINE.
A SUPPLY PARADROP AT THE FOX C DEW LINE SITE (NOV. 11, 1955) FROBISHER BAY, NWT
OFF-LOADING MATERIALS FROM A LANDING SHIP ALONG THE EAST COAST OF BAFFIN ISLAND
The Distant Early Warning (DEW) the region due to a lack of Canadian A veritable caravan of military and Line was an integrated chain of 63 presence. And so the Canadian commercial vehicles distributed thousands surveillance radar and communication government entered into a bilateral of pounds of cargo along the entire length stations strategically placed across agreement with the United States of the DEW Line to build permanent EVERYTHING FROM SACKS OF POTATOES DOWN roughly 5,000 kilometres of desolate, in the early 1950s, with construction settlements for the personnel at each TO THE SMALLEST NUT AND BOLT HAD TO BE snow-covered terrain. From the northwest getting under way in December 1954. of the 63 sites. Incredibly, approximately coast of Alaska to the eastern shore The federal governments of the 420,000 tonnes of materials were DELIVERED TO THIS REMOTE NORTHERN LOCATION. of Baffin Island, Nunavut, the stations partnering countries selected Western transported to the Arctic from the U.S. collectively scanned the north for Electric Company Inc. as the main and Canada by air, land and water, possible airborne surprise attacks contractor for the project. Shortly including enough gravel to build two northward, preceded by the icebreakers increase efficiency and safety. through a metre-and-a-half thickness on North American soil. thereafter in late December, Western versions of the Great Pyramid of Giza. HMCS Labrador and USS Edisto. The As with most construction projects, of ice into the sea. While the sheer magnitude and Electric contracted The Foundation Locating the radar sites was armada manoeuvred its way through with every new turn came a new set Despite Mother Nature’s unwillingness expense of the project led the U.S. Company of Canada to build 17 of the 63 documented as being a formidable the puzzle-like ice fields day and night, of challenges, and airlifting was no to cooperate, crews soldiered on. government to shoulder the bulk of its stations that would run along the eastern undertaking since much of the geography partially guided by the midnight sun – exception. Piloting skills were put to With stacks of supplies, materials and accountability, the Canadian government, Canadian portion of the DEW Line. was considered extreme. The Royal a natural phenomenon occurring during the test as the crews attempted to equipment mounting, construction began in the end, remained strategic in its role. An undertaking of this magnitude Canadian Air Force (RCAF) contributed the Arctic’s summer months. safely set down on established landing to move forward at a rapid pace. At the Documentation reflects Canada’s initial necessitated planning on a scale an invaluable resource by providing And while the stark natural beauty strips. Each landing strip was built by a heart of it all was the supply chain that hesitation and inability to financially comparable to a major military operation. 80,000 aerial photographs. In most of the Arctic was ever present, the journey small construction crew using supplies powered the entire project, located at an contribute to the project. This stance Thousands of skilled personnel were sectors, these photos were supplemented was fraught with challenges. Since that were airdropped to the isolated air base in the Northwest Territories. The was, however, quickly overridden by transported to the Arctic region, housed, by on-the-spot surveys, and many sites movement in the Arctic is heavily restricted locations. Unfortunately, even this Frobisher Bay Air Base became a focal the prospect of a unilateral American fed and supplied with the equipment and weren’t even surveyed until the arrival by weather, the armada often encountered tried-and-true wartime tactic wasn’t staging point with on-site storehouses construction project in the Canadian materials required to see the project of advance construction parties. dense fog and rough sea conditions without its flaws. Sometimes, due brimming with inventory. The base North. Far worse than the proposed through. Everything from sacks of In the summer of 1955, a sealift created by warmer airflow patterns. to freezing, parachutes would simply hosted large numbers of transport economic burden of such a massive potatoes down to the smallest nut and was organized on both the west and east Suffice it to say, when the weather failed fail to open. On two such occasions, aircraft and naval ships on a daily basis project was the threat of the U.S. bolt had to be delivered to this remote coasts. From Halifax, Nova Scotia, a vast to cooperate, the team shifted to airlifting bulldozers made an unrehearsed as they swooped in to deliver all vital exercising military control over northern location. armada of ships slowly made their way wherever possible to reduce risk and free drop from 250 metres, plunging components for this unparalleled project.
20 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 21 // distant early warning (dew) line
ON AVERAGE, ONE TONNE OF MAIL PER DAY TONNES OF MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT PASSED THROUGH THE FOUNDATION COMPANY SHIPPED TO THE ARCTIC BY AIR 81,000 OF CANADA’S MONTREAL OFFICE, WHICH ACTED AS A SUB-POST OFFICE FOR BOTH OFFICIAL AND PERSONAL DEW LINE MAIL. THAT’S COMPARABLE TONNES SHIPPED BY SEA TO AN ENORMOUS MOUND OF MORE THAN 65,000 96,000 STANDARD POSTAGE LETTERS.
TONNES OF FOOD REQUIRED TO 11,400 PROVIDE 8,000,000 MEALS
In an open letter addressed to on July 31, 1957, when the DEW Line MILLION LITRES OF DIESEL AND AVIATION The Foundation Company penned became fully operable. GASOLINE CONSUMED 64 before his return home in 1957, a As time marched on, portions of contractor by the name of Georges the DEW Line were upgraded and, in J. DesRosiers credits Foundation for 1985, replaced by a transitional project making possible the “near impossible” called the North Warning System (NWS). task of managing the copious amounts In essence, the NWS project upgraded of required inventory. strategic DEW Line stations to keep up “Some of us came here with past with new and emerging threats. With storekeeping experience, [the] majority the end of the Cold War and dissolution [of us] with none,” he notes in his of the Soviet Union in 1991, however, typed letter. “But for my part, I can the DEW Line was deemed obsolete. say that even with my past experience American flags were lowered along I have learned more from Foundation’s the Canadian portion of the DEW Line, storekeeping procedures than I have and the U.S. withdrew its personnel, from other construction companies. relinquishing to Canada full operational In this country, Foundation has applied control of the occupied stations. a system that could easily work, even The cultural impact left behind by with the hard climate, even with all the DEW Line is undeniable in its the delay caused by bad weather or significance to Canadian heritage. inexperienced personnel. To conclude, Through its advanced technology of may I state that I appreciate the words the day, the DEW Line figuratively spoken by Mr. Shaw, the Vice President opened the doors on our country’s of The Foundation Company of Canada, Inuit communities, raising awareness ‘It can be done.’” and strengthening connections for the For two long years, inventory first time, as Canadians learned more frantically moved through the project’s about life in the Far North. respective storehouses; contractors The construction and operation of battled darkness, blizzards and sub- the DEW Line also spurred economic zero temperatures; concrete was development in the Canadian Arctic poured in the middle of frigid winters; and provided momentum for further buildings were constructed; electricity, growth in the areas of research and heat and water were supplied to telecommunications. the sites; and massive steel antenna Aecon is proud of its connection towers were erected. A full gamut to The Foundation Company of Canada of radar and communications equipment and to this monumental project that was installed shortly thereafter, followed played such a vital role in the history by comprehensive, time-consuming of our country. facility testing. Finally, after more than two-and-a-half years, the everyday hustle and bustle subsided
A ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY (RCN) FROGMAN PREPARING DEPTH CHARGES TO CLEAR ICE IN THE 22 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WAY OF SUPPLY TRANSPORTS WINTER 2015 23 PROJECT MATTERS CLOSE QUARTERS
ENBRIDGE SOUTH EDMONTON TERMINAL TANK FARM EXPANSION
It’s one thing to process crude oil pulled from the earth, but it’s quite another to safely store it. Impressed by the level of expertise at its Hardisty Merchant Tank Farm in 2009, Enbridge selected Aecon to help expand its existing facility at the South Edmonton Terminal (SET) Tank Farm in Strathcona County, Alberta. The work is routine for Aecon’s Industrial West group, but the soccer-field-sized work area has brought new meaning to the idea of rubbing shoulders with the best in the business.
24 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 25 // close quarters
PROJECT FILE
Enbridge South Edmonton Terminal Tank Farm Expansion
CLIENT: Enbridge
LOCATION: Edmonton, Alberta
AECON GROUP: Aecon Industrial West
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Cost Reimbursable with Fixed Fee
TIMING: October 2013 – August 2015
CONTRACT VALUE: $60 million UNDERSTANDING THE LEVEL OF COORDINATION REQUIRED TO SEE THIS PROJECT THROUGH, SUMMARIZED SCOPE: // Building trades AECON INDUSTRIAL WEST (AIW) PROJECT // Installation of booster pumps and prover MANAGER BRENT FIELD SAYS KEEPING // Installation and fabrication of 48-inch-, EVERYONE PRODUCTIVE ON SITE HAS BEEN 40-inch- and 36-inch-diameter bore piping AN EXERCISE IN CAREFUL CONSIDERATION. // Installation of cable tray racks, bridges, pipe racks, pipe supports // Scaffold support for all on-site trades
AECON EMPLOYEES ON SITE: 100 (at peak)
KEY EMPLOYEES: Brent Field, Project Manager Matt Westfall, Assistant Project Manager Dion Gillam, Safety Lead Charlene McCleary, Quality Lead Tom Farrow, General Superintendent
Ray Snow, Structural Superintendent
Shawn Haggerty, Senior Piping General Foreman
o call the greenfield work area across all fronts,” notes Field, QUANTITIES: Twhere the South Edmonton Terminal stressing the importance of keeping // Pipe – 7,280 metres (SET) Tank Farm expansion is taking the work flowing. “For example, // 48-inch underground pipe – 1,939 metres place a tight fit would be putting it lightly. work cannot safely take place within // Structural steel – 886.4 tonnes Safely coordinating the daily actions of all 30 metres of an active pile driver, 10 on-site construction companies, each which means any contractor within with its own scope and schedule, has that area needs to be reassigned required expert planning and execution work to accommodate.” to keep everyone productive in the limited Everything is scheduled during 60 metre by 100 metre footprint. the site’s three-week look ahead Where one contractor needs to pile, and daily coordination meetings. another may need to lay pipe. Where one A site-wide EHS meeting takes needs to erect scaffolding, another may place every day, which gives the need to excavate. Understanding the safety leads from each company level of coordination required to see this the opportunity to discuss concerns project through, Aecon Industrial West and issues surrounding the project. (AIW) Project Manager Brent Field says This meeting works in conjunction keeping everyone productive on site has with the needs raised during the been an exercise in careful consideration. contractor coordination meeting. “The work area can become very To date, the team’s combined efforts busy and congested in such a confined have created a safe and efficient work space, so safely coordinating everyone’s environment, keeping all on track with daily actions requires a lot of effort the project schedule.
26 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 27 // close quarters WE’VE SAFELY COMPLETED 112,000 MAN-HOURS WITHOUT A SINGLE LOST-TIME INJURY.
—MARC NOEL, TRADE SUPERINTENDENT
BUSINESS AS USUAL to the site. At the same time, work The fabrication (fab) shop formed and the team was able to bolt the two In addition to the main trade work supplied by Strathcona County – With a $60 million contract and its on a large underground valve manifold welded manageable chunks of piping – modules together to form a single of mechanical piping and structural to create the required pressure. Once first engineering work package in hand, station was under way, connecting in known as pipe spooling – that were then metering unit. “We achieved the exact steel erection, Aecon is providing the pressure reached 428 pounds per AIW began staging the greenfield site line with the pipeline. The manifold itself passed on to the modular (mod) yard. same end product as we would have scaffold support to all site contractors. square inch, the pipeline was thoroughly for underground pipe work in October is an intricate pipeline switch used to The mod yard then assembled the two if everything was assembled on site.” Notes Field, “Even though scaffold is not inspected for any cracks and leaks over 2013. In coordination with the site’s regulate the oil flow into and out of skids into their largest transportable size, With the AIW fab and mod part of the permanent material, it is one the course of the test period. Without civil contractor (Sureway Construction), the storage tanks. To complete the paying close attention to the intricately shops running at full speed, AIW of the more crucial activities performed. a single issue, the new piping system trenches were excavated for the underground work, the trenches were designed configurations. When the two subcontracted WF Welding to fabricate Without the scaffold support, many successfully passed the test and was 2,000 metres of 40-inch-diameter backfilled to set the tank piping in place. skids were completed in June 2014, all the structural steel required for tasks wouldn’t be completed safely and given the seal of approval. piping required to carry a portion of The tank pipeline reached completion they were brought in on truck beds piping and pipe rack componentry. productively. In my opinion, scaffolding “With 40 per cent of our scope the Fort McMurray-inbound processed earlier this year in January (2014) and and crane-lifted into position. Aecon was also charged with is a truly underappreciated task.” complete, we’re on schedule for oil to and from the five new on-site the manifold by the month of May. “Assembling the skids into a fabricating and piecing together all With the mostly 48-inch pipeline, completion by early summer of 2015,” six-storey storage tanks. To measure the flow of oil at the facility, modularized structure off site saved of the piping associated with the manifold and metering unit firmly in place, reports Field. “We’re doing top-quality Pipeline skids – consisting mostly AIW had to install six large meters. These us from bringing the equipment and on-site pipe racks. Booster pumps testing the integrity of the build was work for Enbridge, as proven by our of 48-inch piping – were laid out at meters are built in two large modular bodies needed to perform the work needed to pump the oil to pipeline next on the agenda. By the close of better-than-average weld repair rate of grade, then welded, coated internally sections, each weighing approximately into an already congested workspace,” pump stations elsewhere in the summer 2014, AIW had reached a major 2.3 per cent and, considering the limited and externally, and lowered into the 70 tonnes. To get the job done, AIW explains Field. “It also saves us a lot Enbridge terminal and fire protection milestone as the team launched its first workspace, we’ve safely completed trench. The pipe spools used in the enlisted two of its internal groups for of time when we’re able to fabricate piping for the tanks themselves also 15-hour hydro test. The pipeline was 112,000 man-hours without a single construction were fabricated off site fabrication of two modularized skids that and weld the pipes off site.” Once the fall under Aecon’s umbrella. filled with 3,500 cubic metres of city lost-time injury. That’s something everyone by AIW’s fabrication shop and delivered could be placed in line with the pipework. crane placed the skids, he notes, water – that’s 350 truckloads of water at the SET job site can be proud of.”
28 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 29 MEET:
PEOPLE MATTER On the job site since the age of 11, Carlos Travassos knows how to put in a full day’s work. He’s been getting his hands dirty digging deep into utility CARLOS work for more years than he can count and yet, even at 62 years old, he can still safely work circles around team TRAVASSOS members many times his junior. FOREMAN AECON UTILITIES
When you were young, too young to actually lay bricks, what led you into your so I was responsible for mixing construction career? the cement for the masters. I was born in Portugal and, I did that job for two years, after four years of basic and then most of my family schooling, everyone went to came to Canada. work. I was 11 years old when I had my first job. That’s how Why Canada? things were in those days. My One of my sisters encouraged first job was carrying dirt, and us to come over. She was it paid about as much as dirt already married and living is worth. Fifty-one years ago, in Toronto at the time. There the job paid a few [Portuguese] was also little opportunity in escudos, which would have Portugal. Not all of us came been a couple of cents back though. A few of my siblings then – carrying dirt for pennies. went to the United States to pursue various careers. That must have been hard A lot of us ended up in at such a young age. construction. One of my My father passed away when brothers used to work for we were young, and my the Banister Foundation mother was a homemaker. I Company (BFC) until he have a pretty big family, and retired a few years back. everyone did their part to help. My older brothers brought So you’ve landed in Canada. what money they could into What happened next? the house to support the family I picked up a job with a and, eventually, I began doing company repairing basements. the same. All seven of us – five I spent a lot of my time digging boys and two girls – worked around houses to access the various jobs to put food on basement foundation. Then the table. I would go around filling and fixing any cracks that were For how long were you causing leaks or could be at your first job? potentially dangerous if left I worked my first job for three alone. After that job, I came to years and, when I was 14, Cliffside (an Aecon predecessor I started helping the local company) in 1972, where bricklayers. At the time, I was I learned about utility work.
30 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 31 EMPLOYEE FILE
I got hands-on experience successful in their roles. working with sewers and I try to teach them that it’s IT’S UP TO US, AS A TEAM, CARLOS TRAVASSOS water treatment facilities, sometimes as simple as TO INSTILL THESE SAFE POSITION: Foreman, Aecon Utilities which is the type of work keeping your eyes and ears I’ve spent most of my open: Pay attention to where PRACTICES IN THE PEOPLE DIVISION: Aecon Utilities life doing. I started out you are and what you’re WHO WILL BE THE FUTURE YEARS SERVED: 42 jackhammering and digging doing. Many of the new OF THE CONSTRUCTION up roads for repair work, workers have more education IN DUSTRY. EXPERIENCE: general labour-type stuff, than I do, but they have no 1972 Cliffside Pipelayers and then just worked my hands-on experience. It’s —CARLOS TRAVASSOS, Truck Driver, Pipeman, Foreman way through various jobs. up to us, as a team, to instill FOREMAN, AECON UTILITIES I’ve been a Pipeman, which these safe practices in the 1978 Banister Foundation Company is laying pipe for storm and people who will be the future Pipeline Division, Foreman sanitation sewers, drains and of the construction industry. 2011 Aecon Group Inc. water mains. Somewhere Foreman along the way, I eventually What are some made Foreman with Cliffside, “lessons learned” BORN: 1952 and I’ve been in that role that you’ve gained BIRTHPLACE: Portugal ever since. over your long career? I learn new things every CURRENT HOME: Pickering, Ontario What do you do as day. That’s the nature of the FAMILY: Ana (spouse), Tammy (daughter), Gary (son) a Foreman? construction business. It’s I pretty much do a bit of important to realize there’s AECON FAMILY CONNECTIONS: Gary Travassos (son), everything. I look after all of always something new to Victor Travassos Sr. (brother), Victor Travassos Jr. the utility work that happens learn and to never assume (nephew) on site, keep things on you know it all. One of the schedule and make sure most recent things I’ve been everything is done as safely learning about is working as possible. There’s no greater with gas. I’ve never really responsibility than safety. worked with it until recently. When we dig the ground up, I find it a nice change of we need to be constantly pace. Even though a lot of aware of dangerous situations. the components are similar, The ground could cave in, walls the practices used to fit and could collapse, gas could build piece everything together up from a leak, etc. It’s up to are different. It’s all all of us to be conscious of fascinating to me. each other’s safety, so I make it a point to keep it at the What do you make forefront of everyone’s mind. of your life in the construction industry? How do you train co- Even though I’ve been with workers who are still “wet quite a few companies over behind the ears”? the years, I’m really proud Aecon has a lot of safety to be working for Aecon. measures in place to really Aecon puts safety first, and ensure green workers can that meshes really well with learn, work safe and be how I like to run my sites.
32 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 33 BUSINESS MATTERS
HIGHWAY 407 INTERCHANGE AND BROCK ROAD REALIGNMENT
Since 1997, Ontario’s Highway 407 ETR, the world’s first all electronic-toll highway, has been offering motorists an alternative route across the top of the traffic-congested Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Throughout the years, Aecon A DEFINING has been a key player in the highway’s formation and its sustained growth. Now the toll route is expanding again, and Aecon has been called upon to fulfill yet another important role in the road’s legacy: to successfully link the existing east end of the toll route in Pickering, Ontario, to the brand new Highway 407 East, RELATIONSHIP under construction just down the road.
34 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 35 // a defining relationship
PROJECT FILE
Highway 407 Interchange and Brock Road Realignment
CLIENTS: 407 ETR Concession Company Ltd. and Ministry of Transportation Ontario
LOCATION: Pickering, Ontario
AECON GROUPS: Aecon Construction and Materials Limited (ACML), Yellowline Asphalt Products Ltd. Subcontracted: Aecon Materials Engineering (AME), AGI Traffic Technology (AGITT)
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Bid-Build
TIMING: April 2013–November 2015 (projected end date)
CONTRACT VALUE: $83.5 million
SUMMARIZED SCOPE: // 3 kilometres of road // Interchange connecting Highway 407, Highway 7 and Brock Road // Highway 7 and Brock Road realignment // Highway 407 road extension // 10 bridge structures, including one post-tension bridge
// Rehabilitation of several creeks and tributaries
AECON EMPLOYEES ON SITE: 100 (at peak) eginning at the Freeman involved the construction of an original KEY EMPLOYEES: BInterchange along the Queen Elizabeth 69-kilometre stretch of multi-lane concrete Shane Fuller, Project Superintendent Way (QEW) west of Toronto in highway (equating to 560 lane kilometres) Brent McIntosh, Contract Manager Burlington, Ontario, the 407 Express with a scope of work that included 125 Michael Ferguson, Project Coordinator Toll Route (407 ETR) travels 108 bridges and 20 interchanges. Aecon also Ashley Walker, Project Administrator kilometres eastward along the top delivered the electronic toll systems, Gary Kmith, Senior Superintendent (Grading) corridor of the GTA, the province’s high mast highway lighting and complete Angelo Cornacchia, Senior Superintendent most populated urban centre. When highway signage. Over the years, more (Structures) the toll highway first opened in 1997, than 10 other multi-million-dollar contracts Giuliano Covassin, Senior Superintendent (Structures) much of its route was still rural. Fast- have been awarded to Aecon to upgrade, Everett McIntyre, Senior Advisor forward 17 years, and the countryside extend and/or widen the 407 ETR. is still evident in some sections, but With an average 400,000 vehicle QUANTITIES: there’s no denying the city’s growth. trips along its east-west corridor every // Earth excavation – 1.2 million cubic metres And along with it, have come increasing day, the toll route has been clocking // Granular – 600,000 tonnes congestion and snarled traffic on the numbers for some time that underscore // Asphalt – 130,000 tonnes very route that was originally designed the need to further expand the cross- // Concrete – approximately 17,000 cubic metres as a northern bypass. regional highway. Despite its user-fee Aecon has enjoyed a long and framework, the toll route continues to successful history with the 407 ETR be a draw for harried daily commuters as one of the original partners in its and province-wide drivers looking to development, design, construction avoid Toronto’s congested core. And and operation. From a transportation perhaps nowhere is the need to extend perspective, successive 407 ETR more evident than the Pickering section contracts have continued to highlight of the highway.For years, the 407 ETR Aecon’s capabilities in safely delivering has come to a rather abrupt stop in complex projects, on schedule, within Pickering, Ontario, as three lanes of the framework of strategic partnerships. Aecon’s initial 407 ETR contract
36 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 37 // a defining relationship
WHEN YOU’RE PERFORMING CONSTRUCTION ON A SCHEDULE-DRIVEN PROJECT WITH 407 ETR, IT’S ALL ABOUT MAINTAINING THE SCHEDULE. USUALLY, WHEN YOU’RE AWARDED THE CONTRACT, YOU MIGHT HAVE A MONTH AND A BIT TO MOBILIZE YOUR CREWS AND EQUIPMENT. BECAUSE OF THE TIGHT ENVIRONMENTAL WINDOWS FOR THIS PROJECT, WE NEEDED TO PACK UP AND HEAD FOR THE DOOR AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
— BRENT MCINTOSH, ACML CONTRACTS MANAGER
fast-moving highway suddenly will extend the toll route a further 22 contract also included the construction of converge at a traffic light. From there, kilometres east. Phases 2 and 3 will 10 bridge structures and the rehabilitation motorists have traditionally had two continue the extension through the of several environmentally sensitive choices to continue their journey communities of Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, areas within the project area limits. eastward: keep moving along the Oshawa and Clarington, ultimately After a successful bid, Aecon’s ACML slower, two-laned Highway 7 or detour reaching Highway 115 at the was awarded the $83.5 million contract south along Brock Road, through the easternmost edge of Durham Region. on March 20, 2013. ACML Project town of Pickering and, ultimately, From there, motorists will be able Superintendent Shane Fuller and his crew reconnect to Highway 401. It is at this to quickly and easily travel north scarcely had a chance to turn around bottlenecked eastern end of the 407 to cottage country or south to Highway before they were called into action. ETR that Aecon Construction and 401. The new Highway 407 East will “When you’re performing construction Materials Limited (ACML) has been also accommodate the massive on a schedule-driven project with called into action. Here the Aecon population growth that’s expected to 407 ETR, it’s all about maintaining the project team is hard at work continue in this region east of Toronto schedule,” notes Fuller. “Usually, when constructing a three-kilometre and provide much-needed emergency you’re awarded the contract, you might interchange that will link the existing detour routes for area residents. have a month and a bit to mobilize your 407 ETR to its new extension, Highway crews and equipment. Because of the 407 East, which has been designed TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE tight environmental windows for this to alleviate congestion and keep this In early 2013, 407 ETR Concession project, we needed to pack up and eastern end of the region moving. Company Ltd., owners of the 407 ETR head for the door as quickly as possible.” Highway 407 East is a multi-phased, following its privatization in 1998, With not even a second to lose and multi-lane highway that will begin to tendered a contract for the construction less than a month after receiving the offer congestion relief when the first of the three-kilometre 407 Interchange contract, ACML hit the ground running phase, opens in late 2015. Phase 1 and realignment of Brock Road. The in April 2013.
38 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 39 // a defining relationship
MASSIVE BEAMS ARE SAFELY LOWERED ONTO PIERS
Since much of the project schedule Utilizing heavy equipment in in record time, ACML continued piecing that naturally blends into the surroundings. A tie-back is a horizontal rod or wire the creek to design specifications, back is based around several key annual environmentally sensitive areas, such as together the substructure and installing Some 4,000 tonnes of armour stone used to reinforce retaining walls for our equipment out of that area and flood environmental windows, ACML began creeks and tributaries, is forbidden and support girders, while another crew were required to accomplish the task. stability and to prevent the wall from the creek,” recounts Fuller. “During clearing and grubbing as much of the closely monitored outside of designated rehabilitated the creek below. Each stone weighed about two-and-a- moving. With one end of the tie-back the planning stages, there was a lot of work site as possible in preparation construction windows. For this reason, “All of the rehabilitation designs require half to three tonnes and measured the secured to the wall structure – in this concern about whether or not the scope for its first milestone date. any clearing and grubbing of the ravines us to meticulously reconstruct the size of a chest freezer. One by one, case, each piece of stone – the other regarding the environmentally sensitive “A significant portion of this project and streams had to be done by hand creeks to create ideal spawning habitats the stones were meticulously lifted end must be anchored with sufficient areas was even achievable in such a requires us to do a lot of in-water before heavy equipment could be for the local fish,” notes McIntosh. and placed into position by a backhoe. resistance. On this job, the horizontal short timeframe. If we failed to perform work each year between July 1st brought in for work within the allotted “We worked closely with the contract “It was like putting together a giant rods protruding from the stones were the work, we would lose an entire year and September 15th,” explains Brent construction windows. administrator and the designer’s fluvial puzzle,” recalls Project Superintendent backfilled with granular material to hold on our schedule. I can proudly say McIntosh, ACML Contracts Manager With traffic already redirected around geomorphologist to ensure key Fuller. “Each stone has its own it in place. With a base row installed, our team over-delivered by going above of the two-and-a-half-year contract. the site, ACML began using bypass environmental factors, like rock placement, characteristics, different cuts and curves, Aecon continued linking stones and beyond, completing the work “All of our environmental controls needed pumps in early July (2013) to divert were really expertly reconstructed to so there was a lot of trial and error and backfilling. The two walls were safely and to specification faster than to be in place before the beginning of water from Brougham Creek and its maximize the rehabilitation.” involved as we attempted to fit all the successfully installed and reached anticipated in 2013.” July to properly position ourselves for various tributaries around the work area. A key feature of the creek’s pieces together to form the wall. If one completion ahead of the mid-September the summer construction window and Once the creek was dry, foundation rehabilitation has been the construction piece didn’t link with another, we had schedule deadline. to ensure our tight schedule can be work for each of the bridge structures of two facing armour stone walls. to pull it back out and try another.” “In the two-and-a-half-month maintained. Not maintaining the began, along with the mandate that the The massive stone structures act Once a row was successfully placed, window we were given, our team schedule at any stage would push us substructures be completed before as erosion-prevention retaining walls rods were drilled into the back of each needed to safely erect a bridge on top back well over a year.” mid-September. With the piles installed and offer an aesthetically pleasing design stone to begin the tie-back process. of a protected area, meticulously rebuild
40 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 41 // a defining relationship
CREATING TENSION referred to as tendons. Concrete on its was built to suspend the bridge forms A STAGED PERFORMANCE planning your next move as soon that connects into a much larger body With 2013’s in-water work complete, own can withstand heavy, compressive as the bridge was being constructed. As With the winter months behind them, as you’ve completed your last one.” of water, like a river or lake. Even though ACML continued grading and piecing loads but is actually fairly weak when up the spring thaw came in 2014, concrete ACML began redirecting traffic in early In 2013, ACML completed several this particular tributary does not maintain together several bridges that were against tension-based forces. This means pouring began in accordance with 2014 to close public road access to routes sections of the realignment in preparation a consistent flow of water year-round, concurrently under construction during concrete will crack when forces act to pull installation drawings. needing upgrades. With so many routes for key traffic staging milestones. All of the it is considered a contributing factor to the summer. Of the 10 bridges involved in it apart but not when pushing down on it. As soon as the concrete cured converging on one location along Highway 7 earthworks and grading had to be completed the balance of the area’s natural habitat. the project scope, the post-tension bridge The tendons that weave through the and reached its designated strength, between Brock Road and Sideline 16, well in advance in order to effectively stage It also prevents possible flood damage was to be the largest and most technical, concrete naturally want to return to their the false bridges were taken down connecting an interchange to pre-existing the site for future construction. The ability by acting as a natural drainage system demanding a lot from the project team in original length but are prevented from and reinstalled for the second routes and performing new construction to redirect traffic onto newly built sections in case of heavy rainfall. order to reach completion during the 2013 doing so by their anchorages. Picture a westbound traffic span. Once the within the same area required careful of road creates uninhibited access to By mid-summer (2014), crews winter season. Spanning approximately rubber band being stretched of its slack tendons are eventually stressed, planning and staging to prevent interruption any old infrastructure requiring upgrade. had rerouted the water flow around 210 metres from end to end, the post- and becoming tighter. This method allows they will produce a compressive force of local traffic. Redirecting traffic was key as the project’s the work area and demolished the tension bridge had been designed to take construction to become possible in that counteracts the tensile force “Since Highway 7 and Brock Road July 2014 environmental window loomed pre-existing bridge at Highway 7, the traffic on the older, smaller Highway 7 situations where it would otherwise be generated by anything travelling are well-travelled routes, staging is really on the horizon, and in-water work again which crossed Brougham Creek. After up and over two new 407 ETR bridges, impossible due to either site constraints across the bridge, such as vehicles or important,” notes Fuller, adding there have needed to be performed without interruption. the demolition, crews meticulously one bridge for travelling east and the or architectural requirements. pedestrians. This immense compressive been five key traffic stages required to After successfully redirecting traffic onto cleaned the creek, carefully removing other west, which were both under The tendons were laid out with force supplies a significant increase to keep this project on schedule. “Our the newly built lanes and bridge crossing the fallen debris from the isolated construction directly below the Aecon precision within the concrete forms as the concrete’s load-carrying capacity. goal has been to keep traffic moving as at Brougham Creek, ACML hopped back tributary as they built a new bridge team’s post-tension bridge work site. construction continued through the winter Bridge completion is currently smoothly as possible while performing the into Brougham Creek to perform in-water above. The scope was again performed Post-tensioning is a method of season into 2014. In order to give support on schedule and expected to be necessary upgrades and reconfigurations work in a different portion of the tributary beyond environmental standards, and strengthening concrete with high- to the unformed bridge components, completed by 2015. to the existing infrastructure around it. It’s vital to the area’s sustainability. A tributary the team finished well before their strength steel strands or bars, also a false bridge, called a high-load system, a lot like a game of chess, whereby you’re is considered a small river or stream September 15 deadline.
42 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 43 // a defining relationship
IT WAS LIKE PUTTING TOGETHER A GIANT PUZZLE. EACH STONE HAS ITS OWN CHARACTERISTICS, DIFFERENT CUTS AND CURVES, SO THERE WAS A LOT OF TRIAL AND ERROR INVOLVED AS WE ATTEMPTED TO FIT ALL THE PIECES TOGETHER TO FORM THE WALL.
— SHANE FULLER, ACML PROJECT SUPERINTENDENT
A TEAM EFFORT – ONE AECON All of these services are required for creation of paving asphalt, purchasing involved with the process and time END IN SIGHT the last of the paving and electrical work For Aecon, linking the two 407 routes the new interchange and extending those the asphalt from Yellowline has ensured wasted if we were sitting around As the team heads into yet another will be completed and the interchange goes much deeper than kilometres services for contractors handling the a steady flow of material from the plants. waiting for these materials from an winter, ACML’s attentions will shift back will be close to ready to tie into the east of road. Highway 407 East construction. “This is a staged project, so churning out outside supplier.” to completing the currently built bridge and west highway segments. Aecon’s AGI Traffic Technology Inc. Keeping ACML adequately supplied asphalt on a continual basis isn’t feasible,” To improve the overall quality of the structures and preparing the post-tension By the end of 2015, motorists will (AGITT) has been hard at work tapping with its core roadbuilding needs is explains McIntosh. “Having our own asphalt mix, Aecon Materials Engineering bridge for its final stages. With its eye get their first chance to explore the into the highway’s pre-existing electrical Yellowline Asphalt Products Limited, asphalt plant on site gives us a distinct (AME) has been on deck conducting firmly placed on the all too familiar new extension when the interchange components to accommodate new traffic an Aecon joint venture company with advantage when paving in staggered extensive materials testing. Working environmental construction window, connecting Highway 7, Brock Road, lights, high mast lighting, tolling and Dufferin Construction. Yellowline has stages. We have the ability to create closely with ACML, AME has been which now takes them into 2015, the 407 ETR and 407 East seamlessly advanced traffic management system been providing the tar-like binding agent asphalt on demand and deliver it directly performing compaction testing on the team will stay focused on conducting opens to traffic. (ATMS). AGITT is also extending those known as asphalt cement (a.k.a. bitumen) to where it’s needed relatively quickly. earth, granular and asphalt placed on its last go-round of in-water work and components eastward to give contractors to ACML’s portable on-site asphalt plant. “Not only is it a cost savings, it also the entire project, ensuring all work is final piece of the post-tension bridge. working on the 407 East an electrical Since asphalt cement (commonly referred improves our production rates by completed to the specifications outlined And, as the project winds down to its access point to tie into. to as AC) is an essential ingredient in the decreasing the amount of downtime in the project’s contract documents. fourth quarter 2015 completion date,
44 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 45 MEET: Currently a fourth-year Carpenter Apprentice, PEOPLE MATTER Brandon Alpine is one of the many talented tradespeople who have helped shape Aecon’s massive Waneta Power Plant project in British Columbia. Hungry for experience, he takes on each job with pride. Whether it’s building forms for a bridge or supporting a structure with shoring, Brandon BRANDON knows his work will affect the lives of Canadians around ALPINE the country for generations to come. CARPENTER FOURTH-YEAR APPRENTICE
Cranbrook, British people can say they had a Waneta Dam project. Since Columbia, is a fairly remote hand in building something a lot of us were from out area. Before becoming that will last for decades and of town looking for steady a Carpenter, how did you potentially affect thousands, work, he ended up recruiting go about finding work? if not millions, of people’s quite a few of us. I told him It’s hard to be picky in such lives? It’s very satisfying. my availability and made sure a remote location. You pretty he knew that working away much take work where you When work dried up in from home wasn’t a problem can find it. I managed to find Alberta, where did your for me. I also was in touch work in the Alberta oilfields path lead you next? with a representative at on a mobile drilling rig. I went straight into a six- the Ktunaxa Nation Council, During the spring, when the month carpentry foundation Marion Eunson, who ground is too soft for heavy course at College of the planted a bug in the ear equipment, labourers were Rockies in my hometown of Joe Stagliano, an Aecon needed during a six-week of Cranbrook. I completed Project Manager on the shutdown. That’s when I the course and earned some Waneta Dam project. I think went out and bought my first hours toward my eventual that really helped seal the tool pouch, to swing hammer apprenticeship. Once that deal. So I went home after in Alberta. was over, I wasn’t really the coal mill job, kept my pointed in any particular bags packed and waited for Did working in Alberta put direction. I did some the phone call. Before I knew you on your career path? investigating and eventually it, I was on site at Waneta In 2009, Alberta had the ended up at the carpenters with Aecon. most opportunity and the union. They told me to send wages I was looking for. in my first-year union dues What was your scope I wanted to be on site for and, shortly after, I received of work on the Waneta 10 hours a day and work an acceptance letter in the Dam project? overtime if I wanted it. The mail stating that they would I was installing fly forms only industry offering that up take me on. that were fabricated on was the trades. I was making site for the dam’s tailrace. good money in Alberta for How long did it take before They would truck them in a time for someone not you had your first gig? and move them into place having any kind of ticket. As soon as I was accepted with a crane. From there, into the union, I was told we would piece them What attracted you during a phone call to pack together and make sure to working in this my bags because I would they were plumb. I also particular trade? be getting calls soon. A week did shoring for suspended I just like the satisfaction of or two later, I was working slabs and some renovation building things that make a at a coal mill, and shortly work. I was on site for difference in people’s lives. thereafter a union business about 11 months before It’s something I can look at agent visited the site looking moving on to my next job. and be proud of. How many to recruit tradesmen for the
46 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 47 EMPLOYEE FILE
I LEARNED SO MUCH ON THE JOB. BRANDON ALPINE IT MADE MY SECOND YEAR FLY BY POSITION: Carpenter, Fourth-Year Apprentice
BECAUSE I ALREADY HAD HANDS- DIVISION: Constructors Canada ON EXPERIENCE WITH A LOT OF TIME WITH AECON: 11 months WHAT WE WERE COVERING IN THE CLASSROOM. BORN: 1982 HOMETOWN: Cranbrook, B.C. — BRANDON ALPINE, CARPENTER, FOURTH-YEAR APPRENTICE FAMILY: Chantelle (spouse), Benjamin and Brandon (sons)
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Camping, hunting, fishing, renovations
What was it like working I could go home on the for a big construction weekends if my work company like Aecon? schedule was open enough. I can tell you one thing: During the winter season, When I left that job, I wasn’t it was a bit more difficult so green anymore. I learned to make the journey home, so much on the job. It so I couldn’t return as made my second year fly often. It wasn’t nearly by because I already had as straightforward as with hands-on experience other jobs, but you make with a lot of what we were the best of it. covering in the classroom, like working with concrete. What are your plans It’s all the things you pick moving forward in up on the job, too, like the your career? lingo, working safe and the Right now, I’m looking little tricks of the trade, like to complete my final using wooden wedges to year of apprenticeship make things as tight as and accumulating the possible, for instance. required hours for my You also learn how to Red Seal certification. work away from home With it, I’ll have completed for long periods of time. something that I can really be proud of. It opens You were stationed just a lot of new doors. far enough from home that you couldn’t return to the What are you currently comfort of your own bed working on? each night. How did you It’s outside of my local area, handle that? but I’m doing some work It was really testing at times, on the Mica Dam, about but you learn to hang in there eight hours away from by looking forward to the home. You take work next time you get to return where you can get it, back to your family. I have right? It was a great a common-law wife with experience working two young ones that I really with Aecon. Hopefully, miss after a day or two. with a little luck, I can I was lucky when I was at land another job swinging Waneta because I only lived my hammer for Aecon about three hours away and again someday soon!
48 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 49 PROJECT MATTERS
NESKANTAGA TRAINING CENTRE
Students looking to take their first step toward a bright future typically Connecting to have multiple options available within a few hours’ drive of their local neighbourhoods. In many remote communities, however, where cellphone reception and Internet connectivity are extremely basic, students must leave the strong social bonds of family and community to travel great distances to seek further education. Now, through a unique and OPPORTUNITY innovative Aecon-led partnership, one remote Aboriginal community has been able to open the doors of opportunity for its residents by closing the distance on education.
50 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 51 // connecting to opportunity
THE AECON ° 360 STRATEGY
first of its kind, the newly At Aecon, our Aboriginal Strategy supports Anamed Neskantaga Training Centre (NTC) the inclusion, engagement and participation in the Matawa First Nation community OVERALL, THIS of Aboriginals across Canada. Aecon of Neskantaga, Ontario, sits on a raised TRAINING CENTRE has developed an extensive network of piece of land overlooking an inspiring partnerships across Canada on the basis of view of Attawapiskat Lake. No more IS A TOOL PROVIDING sustainable and mutually beneficial programs. than a five-minute walk from any post AN OPPORTUNITY Aecon endeavours to be a responsible partner in this 400-resident community, the FOR A BETTER FUTURE, and to build our relationships on respect, remote training centre is a multi-purpose COMMUNITY DEVELOP- understanding and trust; and in this way, modular facility – similar to a site trailer we work cooperatively and collaboratively but twice the size – specifically focused MENT AND LONG-TERM with Aboriginal communities across Canada. on educating and connecting the people SUSTAINABILITY IN of this remote town to a world of REMOTE COMMUNITIES. // Aecon works closely with qualified labour opportunity. It houses a sizable groups and educational institutes that offer classroom, a fully functional kitchen, — BILL CLARKE, VICE PRESIDENT diverse education and training opportunities washroom, office space and enough OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS, AECON for Aboriginal communities. technology to bring curriculum from // Aecon is dedicated to fair and equitable around Canada straight to the doorstep opportunities for participation in of these Aboriginal students. employment associated with Aecon “Because it’s something completely activities and projects. different than anything they’ve seen // Aecon strives to increase capacity within before, the community has been amazed communities by working with local at how high-tech the training centre and skill development and gives youth businesses, suppliers and contractors. really is,” notes Bill Clarke, Aecon’s the ability to successfully make the // Aecon is guided by its formal Corporate Vice President of Aboriginal Affairs. transition to an institute of higher Aboriginal Policy and its Aboriginal “The youth growing up in Neskantaga learning with a much greater success Engagement Program. haven’t been exposed to this type of rate. Overall, this training centre is a tool technology, so you can understand providing an opportunity for a better future, how overwhelming it might be to go community development and long-term from using a land-line telephone to sustainability in remote communities.” having a real-time conversation with Most Aboriginal high school WATCH THE VIDEO someone on a flat-screen television.” graduates who seek the next step Outfitted with state-of-the-art in their educational careers leave technology, including a 70-inch Smart Neskantaga to attend college, university Board, a 70-inch LED HDTV, high-speed or trade school in Thunder Bay. Completely satellite broadband connectivity out of their element and away from and individual laptops, students are their support system, students tend connected to a world where higher to have a difficult time adapting to the learning is at their fingertips. The training speed of life outside of their community. centre directly connects to e-learning With the help of a local facility like the tools and programs from a range of remote training centre, the high rate educational sources, offering students of failure associated with Aboriginal an extensive curriculum that includes students pursuing education and trades See this story, ‘Bringing Education to Rural access to secondary and post-secondary outside of their home environment Canada With Remote Training Centers,‘ on institutions, safety training courses, is expected to decrease. It can also YouTube courtesy of Cisco Canada. trades and technical certifications. become a special place in the community “Our educational offerings support where youth wrap themselves up in Link: http://youtu.be/ASjo4mFVOdQ Aecon’s 360° Sustainability Strategy learning and gain self-confidence as they by offering comprehensive training move forward in life. and education, which, in turn, creates “A training centre like this has the meaningful employment opportunities potential to be a real game-changer for these young people either within for remote communities,” notes Clarke. or close to their community,” explains “From a stewardship perspective, this Clarke. “The strategy helps to build is something everyone involved can BILL CLARKE, AECON’S VICE self-confidence through achievement be immensely proud of.” PRESIDENT OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS, GIVES A SPEECH AT THE GRAND OPENING OF THE NESKANTAGA TRAINING CENTRE IN NESKANTAGA, ONTARIO.
52 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 53 // connecting to opportunity
WALL PANEL SECTIONS ARRIVE PREFABRICATED, READY FOR ASSEMBLY.
FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY training centre’s networking equipment. dreams of Aboriginal youth.” Five years ago, Bill Clarke met privately Next, Clarke drummed up excitement at As pieces began falling into place, with Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Bell Canada, which provided the broadband Clarke realized that a building of modular Assembly of First Nations, to discuss the connectivity required to connect the construction, packaged flat like an IKEA interface between industry and Aboriginal training centre to the digital world. Together, product, would be much easier to transport communities as it pertained to training with Aecon as constructor, the triumvirate in a small plane than would a full-sized, capacity. Clarke empathetically listened partnership developed a cost-effective pre-constructed trailer. Aecon reached to Fontaine passionately speak of his budget that could be presented to the out to ATCO Structures and Logistics for people. Moved by what he heard, Clarke provincial government for funding. the creation of a workable design for a initiated a brainstorming process he now Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment modularized facility. After the project refers to as a “blue ocean strategy.” and Training (KKETS) – an organization design was confirmed in August 2013, “I came away from that meeting aimed at helping Matawa First Nation the site was selected and approved by knowing there was a role for us here, members develop their skills through Chief Peter Moonias and his council. that we could assist and support these education and training – completed the Working together, the partnership began Aboriginal communities while establishing necessary applications to secure the building the necessary components a foundation of trust,” notes Clarke. funding through the Ontario Ministry (i.e., insulated wall panels averaging four “I figured there had to be a way to of Training, Colleges and Universities feet wide, 10 feet high and 10 inches thick) reintroduce education directly into remote (MTCU). Once the funding was granted and packaging them for shipment to areas in a robust manner that would keep on March 26, 2013, the partnership set Neskantaga via cargo plane. everyone’s attention and prepare students the project in motion. At the same time, Clarke continued for their future. That’s when I had the “This project is very close to our hearts,” partnering with those who could continue idea to outfit a construction trailer with all notes Aecon Business Analyst Rachel to breathe life into the project, such as the necessary tools and place it directly Pattimore, who works closely with Clarke the ATCO Group and Galaxy Broadband. within these communities, marketing it as on a daily basis. “Bill saw an opportunity to Galaxy graciously supplied a robust satellite a complete package known as an Aecon do something significant that would impact system and worked closely with Cisco Remote Training Centre (ARTC).” these remote communities for generations, and Bell during construction to produce Acting as the catalyst, Clarke began and he moved forward to make it happen. a one-megabyte upload and download searching his contacts list for potential All of the contributing team members have connection, essentially eliminating latency partners. The first step was to reach been thrilled to be a part of this important issues notoriously associated with out to Cisco Systems to supply all of the project that supports the success and servicing remote locations.
54 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 55 // connecting to opportunity
WE’RE REALLY HAPPY WITH THE END PRODUCT. IT WAS SUCH A REWARDING EXPERIENCE TO SEE THE TRAINING CENTRE IN OPERATION A MONTH AFTER WE TURNED IT OVER. I FEEL VERY PRIVILEGED TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF SUCH AN IMPORTANT AECON INITIATIVE PROJECT.
— JUSTIN FRENCH, AECON PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
TERI MCKIBBON, PROVINCIAL ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS MINISTER DAVID ZIMMER AND LOCAL 793 AND OETIO MEMBERS JOINED PETER MOONIAS (SEATED RIGHT) AND ATTENDEES VIA SATELLITE FEED FOR THE NTC’S GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION.
Confederation College in Thunder Bay On November 15, 2013, five years after A BRIGHTER FUTURE Now owned and solely operated by minutes away, students of all ages can When Aecon is working in hard-to-reach and the Operating Engineers Training its initial conception, Aecon’s first remote On August 19, 2014, the grand opening the KKETS educational division of the now take their first proud step toward locations across Canada, a remote training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) also joined training centre was ready to open its doors of the first ARTC was officially celebrated Matawa First Nations, the facility houses building a successful career. This noble centre could travel and be redeployed on the initiative to supply the educational to serve the surrounding community. and renamed to the Neskantaga Training educational and training programs that goal also marks the beginning of what will site as projects are finished. Stocked with offerings and curriculum required to make “The logistics involved with building Centre. Key players in the creation of the have been designed and structured by make the ARTC project a major success the same robust technology as the NTC, this project a success. this project were extremely challenging centre were in attendance, both in person KKETS for maximum success within the across Canada not only within Aboriginal it would increase the communication All packed and ready to go, the structural given how remote Neskantaga is,” notes and virtually, through the facility’s newly Aboriginal population. Since KKETS has communities, but within a magnitude capabilities that aren’t normally present components were flown in from Pickle Justin French, Aecon Programs Director, installed video conferencing system. been developing strategies for potential of other applications. in such remote locations. Lake, Ontario, on October 13, 2013, to who is credited for quarterbacking the In addressing the audience, Aecon employment opportunities with the area’s “The First Nations have really taken Clarke says the ARTC’s potential Neskantaga. Upon arrival, Aecon began coordination among the partners. President and CEO Teri McKibbon said mining industry and, in particular, Northern ownership over the training centre since is limitless, making it an attractive piecing the building together beside “From designing a building that could the development of such an innovative Ontario’s Ring of Fire and Arch of Fire, it opened, which is reflected in the level alternative to building larger structures. the community’s picturesque lake. be transported by cargo plane to labour concept as the remote training centre much of the training hosted at the NTC of engagement within the Neskantaga He envisions the training centre Simultaneously, all of the networking, logistics, this project kept everyone was made possible only through the will revolve around these core interests. community so far,” notes Clarke. serving multiple purposes as it can be electronics and services were brought in, involved on their toes. We’re really happy collaboration and contributions from Currently, KKETS is looking to acquire “Our partners and Aecon have brought customized for any number of situations, assembled on site and hooked up to the with the end product though. It was best-in-class companies and organizations two more training centres to place together the equipment and end points such as a health triage centre in times training centre. such a rewarding experience to see the “that share the combined objective in other remote locations within the needed to build a successful tool that will of crisis or as a gathering place where From start to finish, the Neskantaga training centre in operation a month after of creating a sustainable solution for Ring of Fire, specifically in communities be utilized for years to come. Pioneering families can enjoy movies together. Training Centre was fully operational we turned it over. I feel very privileged training in remote communities. lacking road access. the way for what will become a national With the ARTC partnership ready to put in less than four weeks. All told, the to have been a part of such an important “Training and education are keys Of the 24 desks that fill the Neskantaga program has given us invaluable another one together, Clarke says several completed ARTC has 1,056 square feet Aecon initiative.” to success,” he added, “and we are Training Centre’s classroom, 18 have experience and insight in preparation parties across the globe have shown of space – measuring 7.3 metres by very proud to be a part of bringing already been occupied with eager minds for repackaging the centre for similar interest in the remote training centre 13.4 metres – and comes equipped with these opportunities to Matawa First thirsty for knowledge in classes hosted projects and using it within our own and how it could elevate their current a kitchenette, washroom and office space. Nations communities.” earlier this year. With their home only job sites across Canada.” and future business.
56 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 57 SAFETY MATTERS
THE AECON SAFETY OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM By Mike Archambault Senior Vice President, Chief Safety Officer
AECON EMPLOYEES COMPLETING AN ELECTRONIC SAFETY OPPORTUNITY REPORT
Have you ever looked back on a past When you are completing the Safety Opportunity Report, you must detail 2014 STATS – WHERE COMMON ON-SITE SAFETY OPPORTUNITIES OCCUR opportunity and wish you had acted, the cause of the safety opportunity and not just the outcome. This is or reacted, differently? important because whenever there is 22% ENVIRONMENT a safety opportunity, or even an injury, 25% HARDWARE / TOOLS & EQUIPMENT corrective actions need to be focused on the causes of the incident to devise 33% PEOPLE the best possible solution for prevention. 20% PROCESS / PROCEDURES Perhaps when it came to a family Every one of us encounters safety before an actual injury has occurred. At Aecon, we group causal factors into matter or a financial decision, you opportunities on a daily basis. When In some cases, you can include these five main categories or buckets. When NOTE: THE DATA IS A SAMPLE FOR A SPECIFIC PERIOD OF TIME AND MAY CHANGE. wish in retrospect that you had you say to yourself, “That was close” opportunities as part of the chain you are identifying the cause, you need taken the opportunity to approach or “Somebody’s going to get hurt,” of events or underlying causes of to be asking yourself if the cause of the the decision differently or changed chances are you’re witnessing a safety an actual incident; these are the safety opportunity is related to: it altogether. opportunity where you can make opportunities for which we must • Equipment, tools or personal WHY ARE SAFETY that 33 per cent of safety opportunities At Aecon, we have initiated a a difference. Once you’ve identified all be on the lookout. protective equipment (PPE) used OPPORTUNITIES IMPORTANT? occur because of the behaviours or “Safety Opportunity Program” to a safety opportunity, you must take • Behaviours or actions of the Safety opportunities are exactly that, actions of the people involved in the capture as many safety opportunities every opportunity to report and fix it HOW TO REPORT people involved opportunities. If we take action on situation. Knowing this, we can dig as possible so that we can analyze and before someone is hurt. If you have SAFETY OPPORTUNITIES • Process or procedure used all of our opportunities, not only are deeper into understanding the changes use these scenarios to enhance overall experienced a safety opportunity Reporting safety opportunities takes • Working environment we actively living our “Safety First” required to correct these behaviours. safety awareness and drive a more on site, odds are you are not the first only a few moments but can have a • Other factors, such as the public, core value, we also have the ability to These changes could take place with positive safety culture in our workplace. to come across it. Remember: The major impact in preventing an accident. vehicle use, etc. prevent potentially dangerous situations. our training programs or by offering These opportunities are the close opportunity is lost if you choose not Firstly, when faced with a safety Most safety systems are reactive, additional mentorship and coaching. calls and near misses where something to proactively find a safe solution. opportunity, correct the issue if it is HOW TO ACCESS THE ELECTRONIC looking back after the damage has This approach has enabled Aecon to in our workplace could have been Every Aecon employee is responsible within your ability to do so. Secondly, SAFETY OPPORTUNITY REPORT occurred. We must be proactive achieve one of the best years on record damaged or, even worse, an injury for reporting safety opportunities to inform your supervisor and complete 1. To access the electronic Safety and utilize an opportunity to prevent from a safety perspective. No matter could have occurred. By understanding their supervisor to ensure appropriate a Safety Opportunity Report or simply Opportunity Report, simply go to the a future injury or worse. how large or small the opportunity why these near misses occurred corrective action is implemented enter the information on the electronic Aecon Intranet page and select the When all safety opportunities are is, changes can take place only when in the first place, we can effectively to prevent future unsafe acts or Safety Opportunity Report form for Safety Opportunity Program image link. reported, we’re able to identify trends the situation is brought forward and change our environment to eliminate conditions. To put this into perspective, your division. This program is designed 2. Select the correct link for your division. and develop intervention programs recognized as a safety opportunity. the possibility of such scenarios studies have shown that thousands to allow anyone to report these events 3. Complete the required info onscreen. that we can launch across the entire Please take a moment to report your turning into real events. of at-risk behaviours and hundreds through their computer, tablet or phone 4. Click “Submit”. organization. For example, with the safety opportunities to underscore of close calls have taken place and to send immediate notification data collected to date, we’ve identified that Safety Matters … Most. to the EHS department.
58 ONE – THE MAGAZINE OF AECON GROUP WINTER 2015 59 Aecon East Headquarters Aecon West Headquarters 20 Carlson Court, Suite 800 110 9th Avenue SW, Suite 300 Toronto, Ontario Calgary, Alberta Canada M9W 7K6 Canada T2P 0T1
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