Spring 2008

The biannual newsmagazine of the OSCO Construction Group

StresconStrescon GearsGears UpUp toto UnveilUnveil AtlanticAtlantic ’sCanada’s FirstFirst All-PrecastAll-Precast OfficeOffice BuildingBuilding

Atomic Energy of Canada • New York Presbyterian Hospital • Refinery • Hollywood Slots • Boston Museum of Fine Arts • +more... CONNECTIONS is the biannual magazine of cover image: the OSCO Construction Group, published every Spring and Fall to share news and information Strescon’s with our valued customers and employees. All-Precast Comments and submissions are greatly appreciated and may be sent to the editor: Office Tammy Legacy, c/o OSCO Construction Group 400 Chesley Drive, Saint John, NB • CANADA • E2K 5L6 Building e-mail: [email protected] Saint John, NB OSCO Photo by Peter Horwood (Strescon) construction group

OSCO Construction Group members include: steel OCEAN STEEL & CONSTRUCTION LTD - SJ office & plant What’s 400 Chesley Drive, Saint John, NB • CANADA • E2K 5L6 Fax: (506) 632-7689 • Tel: (506) 632-2600 OCEAN STEEL & CONSTRUCTION LTD - plant 550 Wilsey Road • Fredericton, NB • CANADA • E3B 7K2 Fax: (506) 444-7978 • Tel: (506) 444-7989 OCEAN STEEL CORPORATION - office & plant 53 Shaw Road, Conklin, NY • USA • 13748 Fax: (607) 723-4882 • Tel: (607) 584-7500 Inside... NEW ENGLAND SALES OFFICE 25 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA • USA • 01803 Fax: (781) 221-2155 • Tel: (781) 221-2152 OSCO REBAR SERVICES - office 400 Chesley Drive, Saint John, NB • CANADA • E2K 5L6 Fax: (506) 632-7689 • Tel: (506) 632-2600 YORK STEEL - metal service center 550 Wilsey Road • Fredericton, NB • CANADA • E3B 7K2 what we do Fax: (506) 444-7978 • Tel: (506) 444-7989 Message from the President...... 3 Blue Canoe; 380 Bayside Dr. concrete Strescon Office...... 4-6 Cunningham Lindsay...... 12-13 STRESCON LIMITED - office & plant Atomic Energy of Canada...... 7 Marque Projects...... 14 101 Ashburn Road • Saint John, NB • CANADA • E2L 3W2 Fax: (506) 632-7576 • Tel: (506) 633-8877 Ocean Steel Institutional & Hotel Hollywood Slots...... 15 Profile: NY-Presbyterian; 808 Somerset Square ...... 16-17 STRESCON LIMITED - office & plant 131 Duke Street • Bedford, NS • CANADA • B4A 3Z8 pg.10 Columbus; Mass College of Big Pipe - ...... 18 Fax: (902) 494-7401 • Tel: (902) 494-7400 Pharmacy; Great Wolf Lodge; FCC Heritage Awards...... 20 NEW ENGLAND SALES OFFICE Maine Research Library; Boston Webcams...... 20 25 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA • USA • 01803 Fax: (781) 221-2155 • Tel: (781) 221-2153 Museum Fine Arts; Monmouth FCC Electrical & Cabling...... 21 STRESCON READY-MIX - plant Unv.; Bayside Student Housing; OSCO Rebar Projects...... 22 1212 Berry Mills Road • Moncton, NB • CANADA • E1E 4R8 Emmanuel College...... 8-11 Progress Snapshots...... 22 Fax: (506) 856-5897 • Tel: (506) 858-7110 FCC Renovations Article: 59 King York Metal Service Center ...... 22 SCHURMAN CONCRETE - office & plant 240 MacEwen Road • PO Box 1416 • Summerside, PE Square; ; York Misc Metals...... 23 CANADA • C1N 4K2 Fax: (902) 888-2959 • Tel: (902) 888-4331 SCHURMAN CONCRETE - office & plant 412 Mount Edward Road • Charlottetown, PE CANADA • C1A 7L3 Fax: (902) 566-1169 • Tel: (902) 628-0127 pg.26 how we do it construction Profile: OSCO-SJ Shop ...... 24-25 Group Safety Report ...... 26 FCC CONSTRUCTION - office 2008 OSCORS...... 25 25 Year Club...... 27 400 Chesley Drive • Saint John, NB • CANADA • E2K 5L6 Fax: (506) 632-1108 • Tel: (506) 632-7800

MARQUE CONSTRUCTION - office PO Box 6623 • 400 Chesley Drive • Saint John, NB • CANA- DA • E2L 4S1 Fax: (506) 632-1108 • Tel: (506) 634-1144 who we are KENNEBEC CONSTRUCTION - office 400 Chesley Drive • Saint John, NB • CANADA • E2K 5L6 Group Retirees ...... 27 Curling Bonspiel...... 31 Fax: (506) 632-1108 • Tel: (506) 632-7800 Retirement Lane...... 28-29 Fresh Faces ...... 31 For more information on our companies, Strescon Supports Troops...... 30 Congratulations ...... 31 please check out website at: pg.30 Pte Greenslade Bursary ...... 30 Strescon Flashback ...... Back cover www.oscoconstructiongroup.com CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 what we do Message from the President

Keeping the gears turning in a challenging market

We are looking forward to a busy 2008. Despite the strong Our group services sector has also been very active. Human Canadian dollar we have been successful in building a good backlog resources are working hard to see where we can enhance our of work in Canada and the United States. In our structural steel divi- employee benefits for our office, plant and field employees. sion, we were pleased to receive the award for 8,000 tons of Recently, we have hired an employee benefits consulting firm to structural steel for the $1.6 Billion potash mine expansion near review and recommend how we can make our employee benefits Sussex, New Brunswick. Also, we obtained 3,100 tons of structural package better and more cost-effective. We will be announcing in steel for the Koch Cancer Research building at the Massachusetts the coming weeks some revisions to our medical, dental, life insur- Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA. Another US-based project ance and group RRSP plans which I believe you will be happy to we are working on is the 1,400 ton Eastpier waterfront condomini- hear about. All of our employees need to be properly looked after; um project in Boston. In the mid-Atlantic market, we received a both during times of personal or family setbacks and once they’ve contract for 1,100 tons of steelwork for reached retirement. Information & educa- two academic buildings at Fordham Despite the strong Canadian tion sessions are being scheduled to help University in New York City. dollar we have been successful you take advantage of the enhanced retire- Our precast concrete division will in building a good backlog of ment planning tools that will be available. be filled with activity as well after receiv- work in Canada and the Needless to say, the economic climate ing two large awards; a 2,300 car United States. continues to provide surprises to every- parking garage at the Halifax one; both business and consumers alike. International Airport in and a design build federal The demand for resource commodities, such as iron ore, potash, prison in Berlin, New Hampshire. oil & gas and just about any natural resource you can think of con- Our ready mix, steel service center, reinforcing steel and con- tinues unabated. At the same time, some manufacturers are crete pipe divisions also expect to have a busy year in Atlantic experiencing difficult times with the rapid appreciation of the Canada. Canadian dollar against our biggest trading partner, the United In our construction division, we are participating in the pre- States. Here in New Brunswick, we seem to have a mixture of both construction management of the Sussex potash mine expansion I trends, with energy-based and resource-based projects leading referred to earlier. Presently, we are working with Cementation future growth prospects while forest products-manufacturing busi- Canada Inc., who are designing and building the new sinking pro- nesses have been forced to make cutbacks. duction and service shafts at the mine for the Owner, Potash In the United States, the ongoing depressed housing market Corporation of Saskatchewan. and the tight credit markets pose challenges for the immediate Our electrical, instrumentation and mechanical divisions are future. Nevertheless, companies that are diversified in their product also working diligently to finish their existing projects and have base, customer base and geographic markets will always find obtained additional work. opportunities somewhere. Our plans are to continue to be one of In 2007 our Group sales revenue had a healthy split with about those companies. So let’s keep the gears turning and enjoy the sum- 60% in Canada and 40% in the USA. We expect that this year will mer season with our friends & families at the same time !! be a similar split with about 65% of our work based in Canada. At the same time, we have budgeted to increase our sales volume in almost all of our business units. Hans O. Klohn President, OSCO Construction Group

CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 3 what we do companies involved: Strescon

4 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 what we do

photos by Peter Horwood (Strescon) “Like Giant Lego® Blocks” All-Precast Office Building Erects Like a Dream During Worst Winter in Years

What better way to showcase great products than to use them tion; less delays; smoother processes; lower costs; and faster ten- yourselves? Strescon is currently getting ready to unveil their new ant occupation? All-precast residential and office building provide corporate office - the first all-precast office building in Atlantic all that and more. Canada. Although a common building practice in Europe, all-pre- cast construction is just starting to catch on in Canada. Developers SAFETY AND COMFORT have been taking advantage of the technology for all-precast park- While quicker erection can get tenants into buildings faster, ing garages for many years now, but a revolution is poised to the security of all-precast concrete can also keep them there. erupt, as owners and designers discover that the same advantages Precast concrete construction provides high fire, wind and sound gained by using all precast in a parking garage, can be replicated ratings, keeping tenants safe and comfortable. in many other applications as well, including residential and office structures. DISTINCTIVE APPEARANCE & UNLIMITED OPTIONS In addition to being faster and more cost effective, all-precast FAST, ALL-WEATHER ERECTION construction provides designers an unlimited variety of exterior This past winter provided an ideal example for the advantages finishes to choose from. With the simple addition of pigments, off all-precast construction. As projects utilizing tradition construc- aggregates, or molds, precast concrete can evoke the look of any- tion methods floundered under the heavy snowfall of a harsh thing from an old castle; to granite blocks; to brickwork. And all at Atlantic Canadian winter, Strescon’s 16,300 square foot, all-precast a fraction of the cost of the real thing, without compromising qual- office building went up like a breeze, from foundations to weather- ity. With precast concrete, each individual piece is manufactured tight in slightly over two weeks. Erection began November 21st, in a controlled environment, quality certified plant, then shipped 2007, with the last piece put into place on December 6th, 2007. At to the job site for erection. an average of 15 pieces per day erected, this speed is unmatchable for any other construction method. Modular, all-precast construc- EASIER ON THE ENVIRONMENT tion is erected so smoothly, it’s commonly compared to clicking How many wooden building get torn down every year and dis- together Lego® building blocks. While other projects got put on placed to our landfills? Sustainable, precast concrete is made to hold until spring, tradespeople were able to quickly move into the endure. In fact, precast concrete is one of the most environmental- Strescon office to begin interior work. In an industry where time is ly friendly building products in existence. Designers and money, what developer doesn’t want to save both? Quicker erec- responsible developers are increasingly turning to precast in their CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 5 what we do companies involved: Strescon

efforts to build greener buildings. According to the Canadian insulation, and membrane, allowing plenty of room for HVAC and Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI), precast concrete electrical services hidden by a hung tile ceiling. The exterior walls components can help reach as many as 23 of the 26 points needed are 9” thick, load-bearing architectural panels. The interior of the to achieve “Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design” (LEED) panels were then covered with an R-20 spray-on insulation. certification on new buildings. Dividing the building at centerline is a lunchroom, copy center, washroom and reception area. A CLOSER LOOK AT STRESCON’S CORPORATE OFFICE. The flexible layout provided by the long precast spans will Strescon’s all precast concrete office was constructed assem- allow Strescon to change and adapt their office space easily in the bling 170 pieces of concrete, much like you would using a set of years to come. Just that versatility alone, is a great reason to build Legos. The main floor has 13,000 square feet of usable office with all-precast. Strescon’s employees are eagerly anticipating space. A small basement area of 3250 square feet at one end is moving into their new home later this spring. used for storage. The main floor has only three interior columns, allowing the owner and designer freedom when choosing their preferred choice of office locations and work stations to suit specific needs. They started with basically two 40’ clean span bays, approximately 160’ long. Many partitioned offices are placed around the perime- ter walls with the center core using a flexible cubicle wall system. The slender roof system is comprised of 12” Strescon planks,

6 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 companies involved: FCC Construction FCC Refits Atomic Energy “CAN DO” of Canada’s New Office POINT LEPREAU for CANDU Building REFURBISHMENT The flagship of the CANDU - with info from Garry Orser, FCC Construction and www.aecl.ca industry, the Point Lepreau Generating Station, is under- Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is es were designed and installed to meet AECL’s going one of the most one of the world’s leading nuclear technology office requirements. important upgrades in the companies, providing services to nuclear utilities Phase One had to open on time to accom- history of CANDU technology. on four continents. Established in 1952, AECL is modate AECL’s rapidly expanding workforce. To the designer and builder of CANDU® technology, ensure this, FCC reacted to AECL requirements As the first CANDU 6 unit to including the CANDU 6, one of the world’s top- on a daily basis, especially during the office be licensed for operation performing reactors. move-in, when workstations were received. and to begin commercial AECL recently set up an office at 380 Power and communications were completed in operation - entering service Bayside Drive in Saint John, NB to serve as its one week. FCC tracked deliveries and installa- in 1983 - it will now become home base for the current refurbishment of the tions weekly in order to make the tight schedule. the first CANDU 6 to undergo Point Lepreau CANDU 6 reactor in Point Two thirds of the $2.15 million budget was full refurbishment. It is the Lepreau, NB. spent in phase one within a 7 week duration. only nuclear plant in Atlantic FCC Construction was awarded the contract PHASE TWO Canada. to manage the 30,000 sf office renovation for the New exterior windows and a front entrance And Atomic Energy of Canada existing vacant two level building owned by with metal lucabond panels and glass curtain- Limited (AECL), its original Bayside Realty. Involved from day one, FCC was wall is currently being constructed in phase two designer 25 years ago, is able to participate in all aspects of the renova- to enhance the curb appeal. once again playing a primary tion: from the design co-ordination; to role, as general contractor, budgeting; to construction and move-in. FCC The renovations began in early January of and will be ensuring the suc- Electrical was contracted to undertake the elec- 2008, with move-in at the end of March. The cessful completion of the trical and communications cabling portions of new offices can accommodate over 200 engi- life-extension project. the project. neering and support personnel for AECL. PHASE ONE AECL is managing and exe- AECL Project Team: Kent Warren, Roger cuting all of the fieldwork The building interior, mechanical and elec- Kennedy, Peter Kinsella and is responsible for three trical systems were completed demolished and FCC Project Team: Garry Orser, Mike aspects of the project: removed down to the wood frame structure. New McNaughton, Pat Bagley, Ron interior walls, ceilings, M&E systems and finish- Rathje, Jason Johnson • Retubing in which all 380 fuel channels and associat- ed feeder tubes will be removed and replaced • Construction of a Solid Waste Management Facility at the site to store removed radioactive material such as the pressure tubes from the reactor core and, • Refurbishment, where aging components and out- dated technology will be removed and upgraded

CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 7 what we do

NY-Presbyterian Hospital (photo by Bernie Blakely (OSCO)

Profile on Institutional Ocean Steel & Hotel Projects

NY-PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL NewYork-Presbyterian was formed in 1998 following the amalgama- NEW YORK, NY tion of the New York Hospital (founded in 1771) and the Presbyterian Hospital (founded in 1868). It is currently one of the world's most The commercial and residential real estate construction boom in comprehensive health facilities, with over 13,000 employees and New York City in the last several years is being mirrored by a 2,200 patient beds. With its two affiliated medical schools, NewYork- record-setting expansion in the city's health care sector, with bil- Presbyterian combines the best clinical and administrative practices of lions of dollars pouring into the construction of new hospital and all its departments and is recognized as one of the foremost integrated research facilities around the region. academic health centers in the world. The NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is one such facility undergoing Customer: Cornell & Company various capital construction projects. Ocean Steel recently com- Engineer: Thorton Tomasetti Engineers pleted 1120 tons for the Inpatient Services - Greenberg Building, Architect: Ballinger and the Advanced Therapeutic Services Center Technology Building Tons:1120 NYPH Weill/Cornell on the upper east side. OSCO Project Manager: Theresa Leblanc

8 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 what we do

companies involved: Ocean Steel: Saint John, Fredericton and Conklin plants

808 COLUMBUS AVENUE Steel Project Manager: Richard Heckel NEW YORK, NY Steel Construction Manager: Cliff Williams

Ocean Steel’s Conklin, NY plant and Saint John, NB plant shared MASS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY the fabrication of this project, to cut the fabrication time in half BOSTON, MA and meet an aggressive construction schedule. Founded in 1823, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Gotham Construction, Inc. is managing the construction of this Sciences is a private, coeducational college offering graduate, pro- residential/retail building project, which is both structural steel fessional and undergraduate degrees in the health sciences. The and concrete construction. Both plants fabricated a total of 1815 College has campuses in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts and tons of structural steel for different areas of the building. Saint Manchester, New Hampshire. John fabricated a total of 861 tons of structural steel for Building Ocean Steel fabricated and erected 550 tons in the summer of “A”, plus 14 tons of plate girders for Building “B”. Conklin fabri- 2007 for the Huntington Avenue academic building in Boston. The cated the remainder of Building “B” and Building “C’, which six-story building will contain nearly 50,000 square feet of class- totaled 940 tons. rooms, faculty and staff offices, teaching laboratories, a technology Ocean Steel subcontractors for this project were: Pro Draft Inc. center, a 230 seat auditorium and a multi-function room on the who carried out the detailing portion; and A. J. McNulty & Co. Inc. top floor. The new structure will house the College’s School of who carried out the steel erection. Nursing, School of Physician Assistant Studies, Office of Institutional Advancement and the Office of College Relations and Working as a team, the two Ocean Steel’s plants excelled in their Communications. efforts to provide a quality product in a timely manner. This is a positive reflection on our company while meeting the needs of the The building is scheduled to be ready for occupancy in Jan. 2009. customer. The joint efforts of Ocean Steel-Conklin and Ocean Steel Customer: Bond Brothers -Saint John made this project a success! Engineer: Souza, True, and Partners General Contractor: Gotham Construction Inc. Architect: Steffian Bradley Architects Engineer: WSP Cantor Seinuk Tonnage: 550 Architect: Costas Kondylis and Partners LLP OSCO Project Manager: Jeff Keith Tonnage: 1815

Mass College of Pharmacy (rendering provided by Bond Brothers Inc.)

808 Columbus (with above) (Pictures taken by Cliff Williams - OSCO)

CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 9 what we do GREAT WOLF LODGE CONCORD, NC Great Wolf Lodge will be a first-class, full- service family destination resort designed to capture the atmosphere and adventure of the northwoods. The $100+ million development is situated on a 36-acre site and will feature 402 all-suite guest rooms in a four-story resort with a three-story grand atrium and both indoor and out- door water parks. The resort will also include a Conference Center. Ocean Steel’s Conklin plant fabricated structural steel for the Conference Center and the Lodge, while the Saint John plant fabricated the steel for the Water Park and trusses. General Contractor – Kraemer Brothers Architect: Architectural Design Consultants Inc. Engineer: Pierce Engineers, Inc. Structural Steel: 414 Tons Detailing: Hache Technical Services Ltd and Ocean Steel Detailing OSCO Project Manager: Theresa LeBlanc

This rendering & one above: Maine Research Library MAINE RESEARCH (provided by Schwartz/Silver Architects) LIBRARY PORTLAND, ME

In the Spring of 2008 Ocean Steel com- menced erection of the Maine Research Library expansion in Portland, ME.

Since 1822, Maine Historical Society has been collecting materials about Maine including books, manuscripts, maps, pho- Rendering of tographs, etc, and the collections are used Boston Museum by historians, writers, educators, students of Fine Arts and genealogists. The renovation will update and transform the Library into a state-of-the-art research facility, and will lead to better care of the collections. The new wing will provide much needed additional storage space. Construction on the $9 million project is underway and is expected to take sixteen months, with anticipated completion in the spring of 2009.

Customer: Consigli Construction Engineer: Becker Structural Engineers Architect: Schwartz/Silver Architects Structural Steel: 60 tons Steel Project Mgr: Mario LeBouthillier 10 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 what we do BOSTON MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS BAYSIDE STUDENT HOUSING BOSTON, MA PORTLAND, ME

This project is said to be the largest museum extension undertak- Ocean Steel finished the erection of Bayside Student Housing – en. At its completion, the Museum will be about 28% larger - an Portland, ME in the Fall of 2007. This independent apartment style additional 133,500 square feet - roughly the size of two and a half student living center is a joint venture of Southern Maine Student football fields. Most of the space will be consumed by a spectacu- Housing LLC and Lexvest Partners LLC and is accessible to several lar new wing for Art of the Americas, but the project will also colleges in the local area. consist of: renovations to European and Ancient World galleries; Customer: Pizzagalli Construction generous new space for Contemporary and Modern art; Engineer: Becker Structural Engineers redesigned and expanded Museum Learning facilities; the dramatic Architect: CWS Architects glass-enclosed Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Family Courtyard; a larger Structural Steel: 370 tons and more centrally located Sharf Visitor Center; a new central OSCO Project Manager: Jason Presley location for the Graham Gund Gallery for special exhibitions; state- of-the-art conservation equipment and work spaces; and newly EMMANUEL COLLEGE ACADEMIC redesigned main entrances at both Huntington and Fenway. SCIENCE BUILDING The design features exposed trusses and boxed columns. BOSTON, MA Fabrication is being done by Ocean Steel’s Saint John Plant, with delivery expected to commence in early May 2008. Erection will Emmanuel College is a coed, residential Catholic liberal arts and require both a tower crane and a mobile crane. sciences college in Boston. It has over 2300 students. Owner: Boston Museum of Fine Arts Ocean Steel supplied 520 tons of steel this spring, for Emmanuel’s GC: John Moriarty & Associates new four-floor, 47,500 square-foot, Academic Science building. Architect: Norman Foster - Foster and Partners, London. The topping off ceremony taking place on April 17th, 2008 and the Engineer: Weidlinger Associates building is scheduled to open in 2009. Erector: J.F. Stearns Company Inc GC: Walsh Brothers, Inc. Steel: 2380 Tons structural + 144,100 SF deck Architect: Goody Clancy OSCO Project Manager: Jason Presley Engineer: LeMessurier Consultants Structural Steel 520 Tons (Fredericton & Saint John plants) MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY Erector - James F. Stearns Company, Inc. ATHLETIC CENTER OSCO Project Manager: Theresa LeBlanc WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ

Monmouth is a private, moderate-sized, coeducational, comprehensive University founded in 1933. The 156- acre campus features 55 buildings, including historic landmarks and state-of-the-art facilities. In the Spring of 2008 Ocean Steel Corporation com- menced erection of 1350 tons for the new Multipurpose Activity Center at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. The 153,200 square feet facility will include a multipur- pose gymnasium and 6-lane indoor track, as well as integrate a University Bookstore, Hall of Fame, locker rooms, educational and administrative areas, and varsity club and student fitness center. The facility is designed mainly to serve as the venue for athletic events, and is Pictures in this grouping: Emmanuel college expected to hold nearly 5,000 spectators Construction steel and topping off ceremony should take approximately 24 months and be completed in 2009. Customer: Torcon Architect: Ewing Cole Engineer: Ewing Cole Structural Steel: 1350 tons OSCO Project Manager: Jason Presley

CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 11 what we do company involved: FCC Construction

Preserving the Past & Planning for the Future - Contributed by Molly Knorr, Abbey Duguay, Dick Babcock, Dan Fox & Garry Orser, FCC Construction

In recent years, FCC Construction has evolved in the refinery to accommodate their growth and into a one-stop shop for all sizes and types of con- development; as well as in the relocation & redefini- struction projects. In addition to managing new-build tion of Irving Oil’s vision for their office spaces. projects such as Somerset Place (see page 16), FCC FCC’s expertise has grown along with the has also become an expert on renovating and retro- demand from our Clients; to the point where we pro- fitting existing buildings. vide a full-service product, beyond typical new In most cases, renovations take much more construction and specification bid work. knowledge and organization than new-builds. Our work starts early in the process, working Refitting buildings can require knowledge of histori- with clients within a team environment to determine cal building practices, such as with the not only budgets, but timelines, designs, scopes and award-winning Centerbeam Place project (see page standards before the work begins. Our clients have 20); or can require exacting coordination to reno- grown to value our integrity and commitment to vate without disrupting occupants as they carry on projects. Maintaining this relationship has not only their duties around you. expanded our business base and bottom-line, but Perhaps in anticipation of the boom forecasted what we represent to our clients and to the industry for our area, FCC has seen a rise in renovation proj- on a whole. ects for some time now. FCC has been taking on, and Being “in the loop” early allows us to offer been successful in, renovating these existing spaces “value engineering” on client projects, by providing & buildings to accommodate new people, new equip- valuable insight and possible options to save both ment, new technologies and new businesses. time and money during the construction period. We now see renovation and its accompanying FCC has also established direct lines of communi- revitalization everywhere; the new life breathed into cation between the client, and FCC office & site staff. Saint John’s downtown core with the development of This free flow of information is key to ensuring that Centerbeam Place; the refurbishment of spaces with- timely decisions can be made, to expedite projects.

- Contributed by Abbey Duguay Irving Oil Limited continues to improve personnel facilities at the Saint John Refinery. Recent upgrades completed Irving Oil include the Administration Building Levels 1 and 2, RCC Entrance Lobby and East Process Satellite Building. FCC’s Civil, Electrical and Communications Divisions worked together with Irving Oil to complete these projects on time and within budget. The level of finish achieved has been recognized by Irving Oil as the standard to which future Refinery projects will be measured. Architectural and interior design services were provided by TOSS Solutions Inc. ADMINISTRATION BUILDING: The upgrade in the Administration Building was completed in three phas- Facility es. Construction required the temporary relocation of personnel, furniture and equipment to allow demolition and rebuilding within an enclosed area. Phase 1 required the replacement of exterior aluminum windows and the installation of new insulation to the interior face of the precast wall panels. Upgrades: The reliability areas on level 1 were upgraded with new acoustical ceiling systems, light fixtures, exterior window sills and repainting of all walls. The challenge for these areas was accessing the ceiling system without removal of the existing 12 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 & Planning for the Future

A few of our recent renovation projects are highlighted below: 59 KING SQUARE 380 BAYSIDE DRIVE OFFICE RENOVATIONS Renovation to existing office space, upgrade to office living space Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, 30,000 sf office renovation of / comfort and functionality. an existing vacant two level building. New offices to accommo- IOL Project Team: JC Besner, Deb Merritt and Suellen date over 200 engineering and support personnel for AECL Sherwood. working on the Point Lepreau Nuclear Refurbishment project and FCC Project Team: Molly Knorr, Mike McNaughton, Morrell other World CANDU Refurbishments. Ouellette and Ron Rathje AECL Project Team: Kent Warren, Roger Kennedy, Peter ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AT IRVING OIL REFINERY Kinsella Upgrade of existing office space to provide brighter open concept FCC Project Team: Garry Orser, Mike McNaughton, Pat office areas supplemented with a Blue Canoe Lunch Area com- Bagley, Ron Rathje plete with new appliances and coffee station. CUNNINGHAM LINDSAY IOL Project Team: Al Campbell, Les Donahue, Suellen Ground Level of 19 / 21 Canterbury, off the Courtyard in Sherwood and Deb Merritt Centerbeam Place, currently under construction, and slated for FCC Project Team: Abbey Duguay, Jim Cosman, Peter Lavigne turn over this month. Relocating the office / it’s personnel and and Shonda Burgess some of the construction materials / components has it’s chal- GARDEN STREET BLUE CANOE & SUBWAY lenges. Renovation of the Garden Street Bluecanoe, completed in early CPL / CL Team: Peter Milan, Bridgett Gaudet & Peter December 2007. FCC completed the demolition of the car wash, con- Gormley struction of a new subway area, and renovations. FCC Project Team: Dan Fox, Rob Murphy, Paul Watson, Heather Wilen, Adam Sarchfield IOL Project Team: Marc Cormier, Vanessa Coles FCC Project Team: Dick Babcock, Rob Murphy, Sherri Mackie, Adam Sarchfield

furniture. Personnel were relocated and a working access platform was installed. of a water fountain, closing in the underside of the main stairs to level 2, new stone wall treatment Phase 2 included the Human Resources area, where personnel, furniture and equipment were of the north wall, new quarry tile flooring, and furniture. Recessed glass shelving suspended on metal temporarily relocated to allow the upgrade work to proceed. Replacement of the exterior walls was cables was built into the wall closing in the lower section of the stairs. required again due to the lack of perimeter insulation. EAST SATELLITE PROCESS BUILDING: Following several years of water infil- Phase 3 included the former main building entrance on the West side, the main stairwell to tration issues, FCC was requested to investigate and rectify the situation. Following this, interior level 2 and the corridor running east west. The former entry was removed, curtain wall section damages were repaired. The demolition and replacement were completed in stages to allow the con- replaced and the entry area enlarged. A new Blue Canoe lunch area was installed complete with new tinued operation of the facility with minimal disruption. appliances, furniture and coffee station. Decorative wall panels were installed on the east wall of the Irving Oil continues with their commitment to a high standard in employee facilities. New develop- stairwell and also used to create a curved partition wall between the lunch area and the corridor. ment plans are in progress for other improvement initiatives. FCC is proud to have contributed in this Panels selected for use included 3Form panels, tempered glass panels with frosted film and maple process and look forward to working with Irving Oil on the successful completion of the upcoming projects. veneer panels in random combinations. RCC ENTRANCE LOBBY: Renovations to the RCC Entrance Lobby involved the removal CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 13 what we do Projects in the Pipeline Marque Construction Project Updates - Contributed by Candace Galbraith & Enrique P Barahona-Espinosa, Marque Construction

MARQUE PIPING SUMMARY bution switchgear. tal operational issues. This system has Marque Piping has being very busy for The Thermal Plant is expecting to be been up and running since the end of the last couple months between the April running by the end of June. January 2008. shut down at , and LAKE UTOPIA PAPER AIR LIQUIDE the dressing up of the new boiler at Irving CENTRIFUGE - SLUDGE Marque Construction has been per- Paper. DEWATERING BUILDING forming electrical and instrumentation The IPP shut down consisted of a total maintenance in the Irving Oil Refinery of twenty different jobs around the recov- This extensive project is part of Lake Hydrogen Recovery Unit, which is managed ery boiler area, where time constraints and Utopia’s Paper’s environmental treatment by Air Liquide. Air Liquide supplies oxygen, manpower were the major issues. Although process. The new building houses a per- nitrogen, hydrogen and many other gases the total time for the shut down was ten manent centrifuge which will allow Lake and services to numerous industries. Their days, the area Marque did their work had Utopia Paper to dewater approximately 10 innovative solutions improve their cus- a window of only four. One of the jobs was tonnes per day of sludge to 30% dry on a tomers’ industrial performance, while the installation of an amine system to continual basis. The removed water is helping to protect the environment. improve the quality of the mixture for the reused in the treatment system, while the Marque continues to provide support paper machines, which had to be complet- sludge is trucked to a nearby composting to Air Liquide as it is required. ed in twenty-eight hours. facility in Claredon. Historically, the sec- The dressing up job at Irving Paper ondary sludge was pumped into holding IPP SPRING SHUTDOWN ponds and periodically dewatered by a required preparing their new boiler for the Marque’s electrical division was also contractor. installation of the ancillary equipment need involved in the spring shutdown at Irving Marque Industrial provided the instal- for operation. Coordination with other Pulp and Paper; meeting the electrical lation of electrical building services, construction companies and the mill per- infrastructure requirements on various including: a motor control center; variable sonnel to guarantee smooth continuity on jobs. A large component of this included frequency drive units; uninterrupted power the job was imperative to minimize lost work for Layboy#1 and Layboy#2. The supply; and fire alarm system components. time and interruptions on the stretched Layboys are IPP paper machines requiring Marque also installed interior and exterior schedule for this job. modernization which could only be per- lighting and controls, including: emer- In addition to the mill jobs, the pres- formed during a shutdown. IPP eliminated gency lighting; electrical panels; ence of experienced Marque Piping relays in favour of more modern program- transformer; cable trays; cables; under- personnel at Moosehead Breweries is still mable logic controllers (PLC). Marque ground conduits; and power and welding an important ongoing component of our installed the new PLC and replaced cabling outlets. Other installed components includ- division. to the machines. ed: unit heaters; overhead door controls; Marque also provided a crew of elec- IRVING PAPER INC. grounding of the building steel; and co- tricians to assist IPP in the actual An addition is underway at Irving ordination and tie-in to existing operating shutdown of equipment, as well as per- Paper for a new Thermal Plant. Irving power system to minimize interruption of forming various instrumentation work Paper is currently installing a new 250000 treatment system processes. Marque also during the shutdown. In preparation for lbs/hr boiler in the Thermal Plant to sup- installed some pneumatic lines to valves the instrumentation work, Marque was plement the future steam requirements of and instrumentation. busy pulling lots of cable during the pre- the mill. The Sludge Dewatering Building also shutdown period, so that instruments Marque’s Industrial Division is work- has 2 truck loading bays which are loaded could be quickly connected during the ing on this project, installing: a 13.8kv by a conveyor system. This new dewatering shutdown itself. Marque worked produc- feed supply for power; 2500kva mcc; 500 system is expected to reduce operational tively in this fast paced environment, h.p. variable frequency drive; high voltage cost and it will assist in other environmen- always keeping safety in mind. switch; transformer; and 3 section distri-

14 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 what we do

company involved: Strescon-NB Precast Division

Hollywood Slots Complex The Details: 1500 Car Parking Garage and Racino Prepares to Open Owner/Customer: Penn National Gaming Gregory P. Luth & Associates Sometimes it’s hard to visualize the large scope of a project without seeing a Engineer: Urban Design Group/INC photo. The aerial of the Hollywood Slots racino and parking garage above, leaves no Architect: WRBC doubt that a 1500 car parking garage is not a small project. Assoc. Architect: Derek R. Millar Located in Bangor, Maine, the parking garage is part of a $65 million dollar racino Strescon Project Manager: project that will include a gaming facility with 1000 slot machines; and a luxurious 152- Strescon supplied: a total of 920 Precast Units room hotel with a business center, fitness facility, and wireless internet. The top-notch • 509 Double Tees complex will feature the longest salad bar East of Las Vegas, that will include everything • 60 Columns from brick ovens; to chilled seafood stations; to chocolate fountains. Live entertainment • 69 Load Bearing Spandrels • 33 Non Load Bearing Spandrels will also be available in the lounge area. • 20 Miscellaneous Panels Strescon designed and produced shop drawings the winter of 2006-2007, before • 57 Ledger Beams beginning production on the 1,500 car parking garage last spring. Erection commenced • 28 Shearwalls last August 27th and was completed by December 11th, with a total of 920 precast units • 71 Litewalls supplied and 865 units erected. • 12 Stairs The Grand Opening of Bangor’s first and only casino is anticipated for early July of • 55 Bollards (Supply Only) 2008 and will create approximately 500 new jobs for the city. • 6 pieces of 8” plank

CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 15 what we do

“Topping Out” Somerset Square SAINT JOHN MAKES HISTORY WITH FIRST LEED GOLD CERTIFIED BUILDING

Federal, provincial and local politicians gathered this past inum in all of . So here we are setting another first March 31st, at the official “Topping Out” ceremony of Saint John for , right here in Saint John, Atlantic Canada’s first New Brunswick's first LEED Gold Certified building, located at commercial office building to be a candidate for Gold certification. Somerset Square, in the city’s North End. This building will be good for the tenants, good for the neighbor- New Brunswick Supply and Services Minister Roly MacIntyre, hood and good for the environment.” In his comments to the MLA for Saint John East and Minister responsible for the Regional crowd, Saint John Mayor Norm McFarlane praised the new build- Development Corporation; Trevor Holder, MLA for Saint John ing, along with its owners and future tenants. “I’d like to Portland; and Saint John Mayor Norm McFarlane, were in atten- commend the Irvings for bringing yet another new building to dance to sign the official steel beam for the “Topping Out” of the Saint John. It’s great to see and is hopefully a sign of many more building, due for completion this summer. good things to come.” Confirmed tenants, Kevin Hogarth of “We are delighted to be able to construct this building on a Jacques Whitford and Ron Outerbridge of Coast Tire both site that had been long underutilized. We hope it will be well used expressed excitement at being part of the historic LEED building. and a positive force for development in this part of the North End “It’s the way of the future... we’re thrilled to be a part of it.” said of Saint John." said John Irving, President of Commercial Mr. Outerbridge. Properties. Mr. Irving went on to explain the significance of Somerset Square will incorporate 25,000 square feet of office Somerset Square’s green building status... “As of the 8th of March space on two floors. Lead tenants; Jacques Whitford will occupy there were only 36 completed Gold projects in Canada and of over 50% of the complex, with Coast Tire occupying the balance. these, only one was in Atlantic Canada, in fact, there are only 3 Members of the design and construction team include: FCC LEED certified buildings of all levels, certified, silver, gold or plat- Construction; Architecture 2000; Hoadley Engineering (mechani-

16 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 what we do INTERESTING LEED ASPECTS INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN OF SOMERSET SQUARE: • A rainwater collection system which will funnel rainwater to holding tanks in the buildings basement.The water will then be used to operate the facilities toilets. • Materials selection considering recycled content and locally manufactured preference. • Introducing a High Solar Reflective roofing system to reduce thermal gradient differences. • Maximize indoor air quality through use of low VOC car- pets, adhesives, and other materials as well as a ventilation system designed to monitor and provide maxi- WHAT IS “TOPPING OUT”? mum outdoor air. Topping out is a ceremony done when the last steel beam is placed at the top of a new building. It is one of the construction industry’s oldest customs, WHAT IS LEED? common in Northern Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. LEED is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Its origins are obscure, and predate the use of steel, but mythology has it Design Green Building Rating System. LEED is a voluntary, originating in ancient Scandinavia. When humans began constructing their shelters market-based rating system for defining what elements with wood, they would first formally address the forest, asking the forest to grant make a building “green” and to quantify how “green” a use of a tree for construction of their home. When the house was complete, the topmost leafy branch of the tree used was set atop the roof so that the tree’s building is in comparison to another building. spirit would not be rendered homeless. The gesture was supposed to convince The system rates and scores a project on everything the tree spirit of the sincere appreciation of those building the home. Today, the from site selection to building systems and energy efficiency, practice has evolved to it’s current form of painting the last steel beam of a large from material selection to construction practices. Upon structure white and having it signed by all the workmen involved. It is then hoist- project completion, an independent Review Committee eval- ed and installed, typically with a flag and a small tree attached. The ceremony is akin to the practice of placing a newspaper, coins etc. under the foundation stone uates the project and based on the number of points of a building, and is also similar to ship naming and launching. It symbolizes growth achieved, a project becomes LEED Certified, LEED Certified and good luck, by placating the gods and shielding the building from harm. Silver, Gold, or Platinum.

cal); Maricor (Electrical); and RA Lawrence (Structural). The structural steel was fabricated and erected by Ocean Steel, while the rebar was supplied and installed by OSCO Rebar, and the ready-mix concrete was supplied by Strescon. The building will be owned and managed by Commercial Properties.

Somerset Square E: JECT FIL HE PRO T ties l Proper mercia 0 ER: Com e 200 nical) OWN itectur (Mecha T: Arch ering CHITEC ngine AR adley E ERS: Ho trical) NGINE r (Elec ) E Marico uctural NS: nce (Str IBUTIO A Lawre CONTR R GROUP CTION r NSTRU Manage SCO CO Project orr O CTION: lly Kn NSTRU R: Mo bling CC CO ANAGE ns Ca F JECT M nicatio CC PRO Commu 000 F trical & mately 1 AL: Elec proxi ECTRIC lied ap C EL X: supp FC DY-MI l N REA y-mix uctura TRESCO of read of str S metres . 93 tons of deck square approx sq. ft. upplied 28,000 r TEEL: s ts, and thillie CEAN S of jois eBou O 20 tons Mario L steel, AGER: ons of T MAN x. 62 t ROJEC appro STEEL P d placed plied an esh AR: sup t. of m nger CO REB 00 sq. f ne Béla OS and 15,0 Stépha rebar AGER: T MAN ROJEC CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 17 REBAR P what we do - Contributed by Darren Briggs, Strescon

How Aging Infrastructure Brought a Small Maine Community Together Big Pipe Saves the Day

The small town of Solon in Maine is nestled along the they did. Kennebec River north of Skowhegan on Route 201, the major thor- The following spring, Darren Briggs from Strescon, was speak- oughfare from Maine to , P.Q. The traffic is eerily similar to ing at a conference in Waterville, to a group of over 200 public Route 9 in that it is travelled heavily by the Canadian population as works officials regarding technological advances in precast con- they conduct business in the states. crete and responsible infrastructure development. Following the It like many small towns in the state is struggling to find its meeting’s question and answer period, a man approached Darren identity in a contemporary economy fraught with many complexities and introduced himself as Ronald Giguere, the Public Works and challenges. Most of its citizens are all faced with significant Director for Solon. They spoke several times over the ensuing commutes each day as the local industries have all but disappeared weeks and Darren visited the scene and met with town officials to and they must travel to find employment. get a first hand understanding of the challenges they were faced The Parkman Hill Road is an unpaved road minimally main- with. tained by the town. While only a few houses reside along it, the The town needed to replace an old 10-foot diameter, corrugat- majority of people who live northeast of the town use it regularly to ed metal pipe in the most cost-effective manner, without adversely save time getting to town as it eliminates many miles. The hills are impacting the surrounding environment. After considering all the significant and even in the summer the road can be challenging to options, including HDPE plastic pipe, corrugated metal and even navigate with significant wash-boarding, potholes and drainage slip-lining the existing culvert, it was decided to proceed with 120” problems. Class III Reinforced Concrete Pipe. All agreed that concrete offered One wintry day in 2005, a teenage girl travelling along this the best value in terms of: service life; strength; efficiency; adapt- stretch of road almost became a tragic victim of the deteriorating ability; low-cost; ease of maintenance; and value to the community conditions, when her vehicle left the road and plunged down a at large. bank, landing upside down in the stream. Luckily, the girl survived. The 120” diameter was deemed adequate to handle the flow Following the accident, the Town’s citizens came together to during spring runoff and in addition, the smooth bore of the RCP discuss the near-tragedy and it was decided that the time had come would actually increase the hydraulic efficiency and flow by nearly to assert themselves to not only repair the old road but to evaluate 25%. Since flow and efficiency would be enhanced, it was deter- their overall road program regarding reconstruction and mainte- mined that the installation of fish weirs could be utilized to modify nance. With a shrinking budget and growing needs, the small town the water’s velocity and facilitate an easier upstream migration for needed to come up with some big ideas and that is exactly what marine life, without adversely changing the flow characteristics of

18 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 what we do

simply “complete,” and has since become a model for FEMA offi- cials to use when dealing with infrastructure reconstruction and educating communities about the grant-writing process. Fast forward to July of 2007. Seasonal low-water and marine life activity was at its lowest point for the year. Reinforced Concrete Pipe of this diameter is rather heavy…weighing over 20 tons! To complete this job would require the skills and equipment of an experienced contractor. The town secured the services of Bruce Manzer, Inc., of North Anson. Headed by Bruce himself, several trips to the project prior to construction allowed for the creation of the most effective plan. The road was shut down for several days to thru-traffic and Bruce constructed a cofferdam to temporarily redi- rect the stream while the old culvert was removed and disposed of. A new pipe bed was created and a staging area constructed that would allow for the setting up of one the state’s largest and most agile cranes. Cote Crane and Rigging of Auburn brought in a 300- ton hydraulic crane that would be necessary to unload the pipe and place them in ordered sequence. Darren worked with Allan Mctaggart, in charge of shipping the pipe, to secure double-drop trailers that would be needed to the system as a whole. transport the pipe from Saint John to Solon. The pipe while on the The culvert crossing would be extended by an additional 16’ to trailer was at 14’ high, which is 6” higher than a typical load’s max- allow for an expanded shoulder and more desirable ditch line and imum allowable height, so special routing provisions and slope. With the expanded shoulder, a new guardrail system could experienced operators were necessary to ensure that the pipe be installed, mitigating potential tragedy in the future. With the new arrived undamaged and alone . . . without wires or bridges catch- upgrades, it is very likely that this installation will last for many ing a ride or hanging on to it! Darren escorted all the trucks decades to come with only minor maintenance and expense to the through the winding hills getting them turned and positioned under town. RCP is often touted for having the greatest service life of all the crane. At that point, the units were safely rigged using the stormwater products today, with proven installations and serv- Strescon’s system of Dayton shackles that allow for a positive and ice life of over 100 years! safe lift from the truck and into its final position within the Once the design was in place, the town had all the information pipeline. Bruce and his crew did a first-rate job installing the pipe necessary to apply for a special federal grant that would help defray and getting the road back in service with minimal delays and cost some of the costs for the reconstruction. Some of the money for the to the community and its citizens. In fact, Bruce installed the entire project came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency run at a rate rivaling some of the larger contractors with dedicated (FEMA). This road, while unpaved and remote, provided much pipe crews. A testament to Bruce and his crew but also to the ease needed access to an area that would be isolated from the rest of the of handling and installation of RCP…even 10’ RCP! community should it be discontinued or subject to an ultimate fail- In the end, The Town of Solon with its forward-thinking people ure. By the time the grant was approved and the funds committed, wrote a page in the book for responsible infrastructure develop- it was too late in the fall to begin construction, due to increased ment. It increased its infrastructure value and capabilities by costs and environmental impact. selecting the best pipe available today; and the impact to the public Darren discussed the impending project with Pipe Division during construction was minimal. In addition, the environmental Manager, Gaetan Vaillancourt, and they felt the best course of impact was not only lessened, but improved, due to fewer future action would be to produce the pipe in the winter months, typically repairs; an improved runoff and watershed footprint; and improv- when production slows down. Earlier production would also buffer ing the ability of marine life to return upstream after years of the effects of a weakening US Dollar, and prevent increased cost to declining activity. The risk and liability to the town and its families the small Maine town. In the end, the Hedge strategy paid off and due to traffic mishaps and major tragedies speaks for itself. was a win-win for everyone. Strescon was able to schedule the pipe All told, a project like this involves numerous factors. along with other orders without having to shift production process- Sometimes, a need arises as this one did, out of a near tragedy to a es; the Town of Solon saved several thousand dollars; and FEMA family. It then takes the drive and determination of a select few to now had an example to display about how to most effectively man- understand the circumstances and gather all information pertinent. age and preserve the value of its grant funds. The project scope continues to grow, as more and more people Mr. Giguere was at the forefront of the process, acting as a liai- and their respective levels of expertise, are sought. In the end, the son bringing all the parties together for an informed discussion and community and we as a region, feel a little more connected collective plan. In the end, the Grant application surpassed being because of one snow day in a teenager’s life.

CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 19 what we do

company involved: FCC Construction FCC Projects Take Home Three Heritage Awards

- Contributed by Dan Fox, FCC Construction

Pictured (l-r): John F. Irving, Commercial Properties; Hon. Ed Doherty, MLA Saint John Harbour,; Michelle Hooton, Saint John Deputy Mayor; Dan Fox, FCC Construction; and Kevin Mahar, Coastal Restoration. On February 28th, 2008, the Heritage Gala Awards were held in the old 1878 Post Office Building at 115 Prince William Street in Saint John, NB. The Heritage Gala Awards program provides an annual opportunity for the City of Saint John Common Council and the Heritage Development Board to recog- nize excellence in heritage conservation by owners/developers and their contractors who have completed exemplary heritage projects. Attended not only by local dignitaries and honoured guests, this function included the local trades people whose abilities are so integral to maintaining and recreating historical elements to ensure our past history is not lost. FCC was proud to be the co-recipient of 3 of these awards, for our role as project managers; The first for “Heritage Façade” and the Masonry Restoration and Refurbishment, of 20 King, along with our subcontractor With significant work still underway on the Centerbeam block, Coastal Restoration & Masonry. FCC and their subcontractors remain committed to maintaining The second for “Heritage Storefront” and the Commercial this standard of excellence, under the watchful eye and guidelines Restoration, of 16 King, along with local artisan Roy Kippers. of the Heritage Development Board and Parks Canada. And finally for “Heritage Façade” and the Metal Cornices of 21 It is with great pride that I invite all to walk the block and Canterbury, which was awarded to our subcontractor Fudge Ventilation. reminisce on days gone by ….

Check out the live MAINE RESEARCH LIBRARY: progress of some http://www.mainehistory.org/library_webcam.shtml#webcam of of our current HOLLYWOOD SLOTS: projects online! http://www.bangornews.com/assets/webcam/webcamj.html GREAT WOLF LODGE: http://www.greatwolf.com/locations/concord/construction/

20 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 what we do companies involved: FCC Construction

- Contributed by All Wired Up... Pat Bagley, FCC Construction FCC Electrical & Communication Cabling Updates

Electrical & Commun. Cabling Electrical Communication Cabling Irving Oil Training Irving Oil Refinery Woodside Industries Center Fit-Up Admin. Building FCC communications cabling division Centerbeam Place The extensive renovations to the is far from home as it performs a major Communications/Fiber upgrade at the Adam Sarchfield administration building at the Saint John In February 2008, . Ben Kilpatrick and and his team of electricians began the Irving Oil Refinery are coming to an end as work nears completion. Thanks to Denny Lowe are hard at work re-wiring immense fit up project of approximately the entire Woodside Industries data and 40,000sq ft of office space for Irving Oil at Peter Lavigne and his group of guys who worked diligently for the past 9 voice lines with new CAT6e wiring. Over Centerbeam Place in the heart of the historic 2000 feet of new 12strand and 6strand heritage block downtown Saint John. The months, the renovations will be finished shortly resulting in new office layout armored fiber cable is also being run massive fit up project involves the installation between Woodside Industries and multiple of over 900 light fixtures, over 3,000 ft of spaces for the refinery personnel. Large areas on both floors were completely buildings along the shipyard wharf to con- basket tray, and close to 75,000 ft or 13 nect the new construction site with the miles of branch power cabling. This project retrofitted giving them two new Blue Canoe Areas (one on each floor) new outside world. Several portable office trail- also presents an enormous amount of work ers at the shipyard are also being retrofitted for Ron Rathje and his communications office furniture and new meeting rooms as well as the main entry stairway with new data and voice drops in prepara- cabling team as they prepare to install and tion of future shipbuilding construction terminate over 33 kilometers of communica- entrance was upgraded giving it a more modern building appearance. use. In addition to the new communication tions cabling for approximately 250 new network, FCC has also been contracted by workstations. This work is scheduled for Electrical & Commun. Cabling Chubb Security to install a new CCTV secu- completion by June 2008. Kent Building Supplies rity camera system for the entire new Owner: Commercial Properties FCC Electrical was awarded the elec- construction site. Currently work is well Electrical Consultants: MCW Maricor underway and should be complete by the General Contractor: FCC Civil trical and communication contracts for the new 39,000sq ft Kent Building middle of April. Electrical Supplies store located on the North Side Owner: Halifax Shipyard Best Western Hotels: in Fredericton. This project involved the 14th Floor Brunswick Saint John, Fredericton, Dartmouth installation of a new 600amp 600volt FCC Electrical is very near completion service entrance, new interior and exteri- Square: Remodeling of of the three new Best Western Hotels locat- or power distribution system wiring, new Irving Oil Offices ed in Saint John, Fredericton, and T5 energy efficient lighting for the main FCC communications cabling is high Dartmouth. With multiple changes to the store, display rack power and communi- up on the tower of Brunswick Square original scope of work that were not antici- cations systems as well as Fire Alarm, again. After just finishing the McInnes pated, FCC has shown amazing adaptive CCTV, P.A systems and communications Cooper Law Offices on the 17th floor of skills handling and implementing these networking for the entire new store. Brunswick Square, they are now remod- changes while still staying ahead of con- The extreme weather conditions this eling the 14th floor for Irving Oil. Nick struction schedule. Supervisors Morel past winter lead to delays resulting in a Kilpatrick and Jay Johnson are busy Ouellette, Jari Wilczak, Jim Johnson condensed construction schedule but the with modernizing several workstations as and Tim Schotanus and their teams of team of electricians lead by Delbert Noble well as installing a new Blue Canoe electricians are hard at work on the three have worked extremely hard and long Lunch Area. The office remodeling will hotels which are scheduled for completion hours to insure that the owners opening result in the same stylish look in keeping in April 2008. date of March 29, 2008 would be met. with the latest IOL standards. Electrical Consultant: MCW Maricor Electrical Consultant: MCW Maricor General Contractor: Saulnier Management LTD General Contractor: Marco Maritimes LTD

CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 21 what we do . . INSTITUTIONAL Somerset Square – Saint John, . NB – FCC Const. – 61 Tons of s t Observation Post, Urban rebar, 15,000 SF of mesh Operations Centre – CFB o

Gagetown – Bluestone Contracting Rothesay Place Addition – h

– 11 Tons rebar Saint John, NB – Simpson Cont. – s

23 Tons of rebar – 29,000 SF of p Aquatic Centre – Dieppe, NB –

mesh a Ellis Don – 117 Tons of rebar, 6000 SF of mesh INDUSTRIAL n S

McLaggan Hall Addition – UNB Precast Hardware for Strescon

– Fredericton, NB – Springhill Airport Project – Saint John, NB x Const. – 19 Tons of rebar – York Steel – 138 Tons of rebar i Border Crossing Station – St. BioGas Tank Foundations, M

Stephen, NB – Bird/Rideau Const. – New Annan, -

- 83 Tons of rebar, 45,000 SF of PEI – Acadian Const. – 94 Tons of y

mesh rebar d

COMMERCIAL Thermal Plant Stack a

Foundations, Irving Paper Inc. – e Green Village Market – Dieppe,

Saint John, NB – Gulf Operators R NB – Acadian Const. – 32 Tons of Ltd. – 13 Tons of rebar rebar, 21,000 SF of mesh NTI Building – Saint John, NB – Royal Oaks Golf Clubhouse – Blair Const. – 85 Tons of rebar Moncton, NB – Acadian Const. – 50 Tons of rebar – 13,600 SF of WHARVES & BRIDGES mesh Crib Upgrade – Wood Island, PEI Building A, B & G; Trinity – Leslie & Benn – 18 Tons of rebar The New t est Ad Developments – Fredericton, NB – o Stres ditions Sheet Pile Wharf Repairs - con’s R Bird/Rideau Const. – 72 Tons of eady-M Grand Manaan, NB – Cureggio ix Fleet rebar, 7,700 SF of mesh Const. – 13 Tons of rebar G4S Warehouse – Moncton, NB – Bird/Rideau Const. – 15 Tons of - Contributed by Greg Tims, rebar, 9,200 SF of mesh OSCO Rebar OSCO Rebar METAL SERVICE CENTER

A division of Ocean Steel & Construction Ltd. Customer Projects Halifax Shipyard: Bourque Industrial: Misc:..24 ton Misc:...... 29 & 18 ton Sunny Corner: Misc: ...... 30 ton Bathurst Machine Shop: Fero: Misc: ...... 68 ton Misc ...... 12 ton D R Scrap: ...... 27ton Project: Somerset Place Matrix Service Ind. Misc:...16 ton Skyway: Location: Saint John, NB BNS Paradise:...... 19ton Ready-Mix Supplied: Approx. 1000 Square Metres MQM: AV Nackawic Proj Alpha Misc ...... 53 ton Misc ...... 33 ton O'Brien: Misc: ...... 48 ton

22 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 what we do

ASSORTED PROJECTS: * KING'S LANDING CONVE- * WEST CAPE II ENERGY NIENCE STORE ADDITION, WIND FARM PROJECT, King's Landing, NB, Greenwood Enterprises, 4.0 tons struct. steel Embedment Ring Plates, West * BRIDGE REPAIRS, Chipman & Cape, PEI, Suez Energy Corp., Rusagonis, NB, Prov of NB 35.2 tons of plate (D.O.T.), 5.5 tons of misc. steel * BRIDGE COMPONENTS, CN * HOUSE BEAMS, various Rail, NB, NS & PQ, 31.0 tons of plates & angles to date (year locations in NB, Kent Bldg contract-Dec'07 to Dec'08) Supplies & Gen. Contactors, * 3 TRAIL BRIDGES, in 8.6 tons struct. steel Northern NB area, General * WHEELABRATE CUS- Contractors, 18.5 tons of struct. TOMER'S MATERIAL, steel Mactaquac, NB, Precision Metal * PLATFORMS & STAIRS, Works, 23.7 tons of plate HALIFAX INTL AIRPORT PARKING GARAGE Saint John, NB, Irving Oil * ANCHOR BOLTS, Bedford, Strescon awarded York Steel to fabricate numerous types of Refinery, 5.0 ton of misc. steel NS, Strescon Ltd, 10.0 tons of hardware embedded anchors required for the concrete beams * WEAR PLATES FOR BALER, anchor bolts and columns in the parking garage in Halifax, NS. The picture Fredericton, NB, Fredericton * STRESCON OFFICE BUILD- shown above gives you a sample of the anchors fabricated from Region Solid Waste ING, Steel Stair, Saint John, NB, plate and rebar. There has been more than 6500 anchors fabri- Commission, 3.0 tons of hardox FCC Engineering, 1.6 tons of cated totaling over 175 tons of steel. 400 plate misc steel

TANK TARGETS The Dept. of National Defence purchased another 10 Tank Targets as shown in picture to go along with the two they purchased in Spring 2007. They are used for target practice in their training exercises at CFB Gagetown, NB. The targets were fabricated to resemble a tank like object. Over 80 tons of 1" steel plate was used to fabricate the tanks, measurements are roughly 8'-0" wide by 7'-6" high and 18'-6" long.

- Contributed by Chris Banks, York Misc Metals

CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 23 how we do it

OSCO-SJ Shop Part 3 of 4: PROFILEPROFILE ??Cranes; Welding & Quality Control

Allan Degruchy

- contributed by Gary Cyr, Ocean Steel - SJ

In parts 1 & 2 of OSCO Saint John QUALITY CONTROL Fabrication Shop, we talked about receiv- The Quality Control inspectors, Dave ing material, putting the main member Oliver and Clive Vallis, are responsible to material through the different line ensure equipment calibration and welders’ machines, the detail for the main members qualifications are up to date. They check

Barry McCullough going through the detail machines and then every piece of material that has welding, to to the fitters for final assembly. ensure the welding is in accordance with In part 3 of the profile we will look at the drawings and appropriate codes. After the Crane Operators, The Welders and The the material is checked, it is taken to the Quality Control Department. paint shop if painting is required, or to the shipping yard. They are also the liaison for CRANE OPERATORS the outside inspectors that are used for Various people throughout the shop non destructive testing of welds. have been trained to operate the cranes to help out with the movement of material. In the next issue of Connection Bill Cleghorn George Gray our main crane operator in Magazine we will look at the final stages of center bay has 34 years experience operat- material fabrication, The Paint Shop and ing the cranes. George is responsible for The Shipping Yard. moving material to and from the welders benches and removing material out of main LIST OF WELDERS & EXPERIENCE shop when completed. George is also Fred Brown ...... 37 years responsible for the cambering and straight- Raymond Goguen ...... 37 years ening of beams as required. Pat Oakley ...... 37 years Joseph (Bernie) Caissie . . . . . 32 years Clive Vallis WELDERS Jack Lingley...... 20 years When the material arrives at the Barry McCullough ...... 20 years welders bench, the welder checks the Jason Ward ...... 13 years drawing to determine what size and type of Allan Degruchy ...... 2 years weld is required before any welding is Rick Mortimer ...... 2 years started. Dave Brown...... < 1 year After the material is welded the materi- Bill Cleghorn ...... < 1 year al is inspected by Quality Control. Darren Bradford ...... < 1 year

24 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 Fred Brown

Each year, the OSCO Construction Group holds an employee recognition event to reward employees for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to our organization. In addition to recognizing those with years of service milestones, and celebrating the recent retirements of those who have worked for us in the past, our goal is to recognize employees who have shown considerable effort to make this organization a better place to work. We accomplish this through our OSCOR Performance Awards. In addition to the Management-nominated and selected recipients, two categories are nominated and voted on by employees. This year, nomi- nations were accepted for the CUSTOMER FOCUS and ABOVE & BEYOND AWARDS. Winners will be announced at the OSCORS dinner on May 23rd. George Gray CUSTOMER FOCUS AWARD Jason Ward It is due to the value and quality of service provided to our customers that we are successful. Who does an exceptional job of juggling internal priorities with the needs of the customer? Who deserves recognition for going the extra mile to ensure their customer has everything they need? Who in our Group consistently presents a positive and professional demeanor when in contact with our customers - both external and internal? Below are this year’s nominees: STEEL SECTOR CONCRETE SECTOR Margo Hibbard (Admin. Assistant) Leandrea Dicks (Production Coordinator) Greg Tims (Chief Estimator) David Kierstead (Plant Supervisor) Pat Oakley CONSTRUCTION SERVICES SECTOR CORPORATE SECTOR Candace Galbraith (Admin. Assistant) Anna Cannon (Acct Specialist) Dave Henderson (Site Administrator) Cyndy Clark-Richardson (Acct Specialist) Nancy Maynard (Admin. Assistant) Susan Marshall (Receptionist) Heather Wilen (Admin. Assistant) Neva Murray (Recruiter) Tao (Daisy) Zhang (Acct Specialist) ABOVE & BEYOND AWARD The Above & Beyond Award is presented to individuals who go above and beyond their formal, identified job duties to exceed the needs of the Company. These employees Raymond Goguen exert considerable effort on a daily basis and take ownership for their tasks even in the face of obstacles. They make sacrifices to meet the demands of their job (travel, overtime, etc.) and are key contributors. They positively impact those they work with by being affirmative and constructive; and models rather than critics. Who in our Group routinely performs above and beyond the call of duty? Below are this year’s nominees: STEEL SECTOR CONCRETE SECTOR Rose Carrier (Admin. Assistant) Mike Hazelwood (Project Mgr) Ann Eagles (Detailer) Mike Hillis (Project Mgr) Elaine Ganong (Specialist Buyer) Tracy James (Admin. Assistant) Xianging (Simon) Li (Design Eng.) CONSTRUCTION SECTOR Rebecca Patterson (Contracts Mgr) Dan Fox (Project Manager) Stacey Galbraith (Buyer) CORPORATE SECTOR Dan Griffin (Field Coordinator) Valerie LeBlanc (Acct. Specialist) Sherri Mackie (Admin. Assistant) Neva Murray (Recruiter) Heather Wilen (Admin. Assistant) Joe Rector (Steel Controller) Roger Unger (Acct Specialist) Rick Mortimer 25 how we do it Group Safety- contributed Report by Rob Feltus, OSCO Group Services

STRESCON’S BEDFORD PLANT : 5 YEARS NO LOST TIME ACCIDENTS Strescon Bedford - 5 years no lost time – The Strescon Bedford plant has completed 60 months and over 850,000 hours worked since the last lost time accident. In 1996, they implemented the first comprehensive safety program within the OSCO group of companies. They are now setting the benchmark for the other plants to compete with. Congratulations Bedford!

OCEAN STEEL’S SAINT JOHN PLANTS: 2 YEARS NO LOST TIME ACCIDENTS Pictured: Strescon-Bedford’s Joint Health & Safety Committee The Saint John Steel Fabrication and Rebar plants have cel- members plus John Hilchey and Robert Feltus ebrated 24 months and over 275,000 hours worked lost time accident-free. Congratulations OSCO Saint John! Architectural Merit for the concrete SCHURMAN RECEIVES APRMCA AWARDS supply on the Jean Canfield Government of Canada Building. This During the annual APRMCA annual meeting and convention award was presented by the held in February, Schurman Concrete Limited was awarded American Concrete Institute (Atlantic the following: Schurman Concrete Charlottetown and Chapter) for the concrete awards Summerside plants were each presented a Plant Safety competition for Atlantic Canada. Award - 2007 for no lost time accidents in Category 3 (over 25,000 m3). Schurman Concrete Charlottetown and SCHURMAN REACHES Summerside was also presented with the 2007 Environment 3.5 YEARS ACCIDENT FREE! Award for recognizing environmental leadership innovation Congratulations to Schurman Concrete, who has currently and achievement for their leadership in dust collecting and worked over 3 1/2 years and over 200,000 hours with no concrete recycling system. Schurman Concrete lost time accidents! Charlottetown was presented with an Honourable Mention

Pictured: Members of Ocean Steel’s Saint John plant celebrating their achievement Pictured: Bill Davis (on left) of Schurman Concrete receving ACA Award.

26 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 who we are 25 Year Club

- contributed by Vivian Chiasson, OSCO Group Services while serving our Country. Everyone then proceeded to the buffet to enjoy a wonderful meal and The OSCO Construction Group held its Annual 25 Year Club Dinner lots of dessert. The members of this group certainly look out for each on Friday, November 23, 2007, with over 170 in attendance, including: 25 other - one member, Jack Rackley (Strescon), was unfortunately unable year club members; Group executive; and a special guest, the Club’s to attend due to illness, but Doug Murphy (Strescon) made sure that newest inductee, Ronnie Basque (Strescon). Jack got a personalized delivery of his 25 year club dinner brought to his The 25 Year Club consists of current and past employees who have hospital room! The members then enjoyed a slideshow, showcasing some worked for our Group for 25 years or more. of the new projects the Group had undertaken We hold a dinner for them each year, where in the past year, before the highlight of the everyone has a chance to catch up with each evening; the induction of new members into the other. Some have moved on to retirement now, group. but still enjoy seeing those old faces they miss! This year, Ron Basque was the only Once again, this year’s event was held at inductee, so it was his night! Ronnie was pre- the Delta Hotel in Saint John. The evening sented with a watch in recognition of his 25 started with a jovial photo session where all years of service, while flowers were presented the members were squished in for the perfect to his wife, Linda. Ronnie began his driving shot. The photographer needed to make one career back when he was 13 years old as a CP last adjustment, asking the gentleman with the Telegraph delivery boy on bicycle, but soon “grey hair” to turn to the left. The confusion realized two wheels were just not enough of a that caused cannot possibly be described! It is challenge! Ron joined Strescon as one of our safe to say many men turned to the left! Tractor Trailer drivers in 1982. The biggest change that Ronnie described The members were welcomed to the evening by Group President, seeing over the years was the growth of Strescon’s fleet of trucks. He Hans O. Klohn, and thanked for their years of service. George Paisley noted, in particular, that one tractor trailer used to be enough to deliver provided the blessing for the meal, and presided over the moment of everything back in the mid 80s, whereas now they presently run 5 trucks. silence for members of the club we lost in the past year: Thomas He recently celebrated his 39th wedding anniversary and has two chil- Woodman; George Chapman; and Fran Oulton; (all of Ocean Steel). dren, Ron Jr. and Tina. Also recognized in our moment of silence was the tragic loss of Private Thank you, Ronnie, for your 25 Years of dedicated service to Greenslade (the young son of Donnie Greenslade, a 25 year Club Strescon, and thank you to all 25 Year Club Members for coming out and Member who works for Strescon). Pte. Greenslade died in Afghanistan making this such an outstanding event each year!

CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 27 who we are

The OSCO Construction Group would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of our retirees from the past year, for their many years of dedication and service. We wish them a happy, healthy retirement, full of blue skies.

VAL CERNJAK (STRESCON-NS) growth in the company, which only had about John, Wil has a 41 year old son who lives in Val, who began his career with Strescon in 40 employees when he joined. Tom’s favorite Saint John. Also, Wil and his wife, Wendy, 1966, was one the of best Masons Strescon has Strescon project that he worked on was a have two children, a son, 29, living in ever had - well known for his craft of blending paper mill. It was a huge challenge and the Alberta; and a daughter, 22, at home. Wil is perfection, to produce or repair brick and largest project that Strescon had ever secured hoping to do some travelling with his wife, stone panels that in the end looked flawless. at the time. Tom and his wife Mona are spend- and he remains active on the Company’s Industry professionals consistently noted Val’s ing their retirement teaching each other how Picnic Planning Committee. perfection in this area, with one Architect on to relax, whether that be in Florida with their the Home Depot in Fredericton, John Chow, trailer, on their woodlot farm in the summer, BILL LINDSAY (STRESCON-SJ) noting quite emphatically that a repair that Val or cruising down the open water in their 32’ Bill worked for Strescon for over 40 years as did on the project “totally amazed” him. It sailboat. a labourer in varying positions, until his was flawless. That perfection has stood us well retirement in December of 2007. His most in the customer’s eye and we great- recent position was working on “the ly appreciate his skills in blending beam”, a position he quite enjoyed. He the imperfections for a perfect fin- Best of Luck never minded the dangerous aspect of ish every time. Val and his wife Gert the beam job and notes the biggest have two children. His son Terry change he’d seen in his great many has actually taken over Val’s role in to all of our years with us was that “everything the company. Val and his wife live Strescon made got bigger and bigger”. in Enfield and Val plans on continu- He recalls 90ft being the longest pipes ing to ride his BMW Motorcycle, do Group and compares that with the 140ft long some golfing, and keep making pipes made at the plant today. Born those trips to Florida with the crew! and bred in Saint John, Bill continues to live in the area, is enjoying his TOM FINDLAY Retirees!! retirement, and really looking forward (OCEAN STEEL-SJ) to fishing. He’s all set, with his gear Tom joined Ocean Steel as a drafts- and fishing license ready to go. Bill man in 1970, and became a Project Manager WIL HATFIELD (STRESCON-SJ) proudly noted that his fishing license only for our Tanks and Plateworks division in 1974. Wil worked steadily for Strescon since 1986, cost him $5.00 (a benefit of turning 65 in the He enjoyed contributing to building industrial as a Ready Mix Driver/Boom Truck last year!). He is just waiting for good weath- items that were shipped all over the world. Operator/Tractor Trailer Driver. Wil fondly er to cast his line. Bill has four grown Tom is originally from Scotland and came to recalls being asked to take a driving position children from a previous marriage, in addi- Canada to offer his family better education for four weeks (which ended up lasting 7 tion to two with his wife, Katherine-Ann, of 27 opportunities. Tom has two daughters, Suzanne years). The biggest change Wil witnessed was years. His youngest is 18. Bill also has several and Kim. He lives in Saint John and enjoys in the trucks... noting that “we were getting grandchildren and great-grandchildren. making things in his workshop, drawing car- decent equipment” in recent years. He also toons, and plans to travel back to Scotland. noted a huge improvement in safety overall HERMAN MORIN (OCEAN STEEL-SJ) TOM CROWLEY (STRESCON-SJ) and commented that he personally felt that Herman’s first job at Ocean Steel was sweeping Tom joined Strescon as an Engineering student there were improved relations between the floor and drilling holes, back in in 1963. He then became a permanent employ- Labour and Management. Wil stated that it September, 1960. A few years later, he met Mr. ee in 1965, taking the role of Plant Engineer. was the people that he’d met while in his Griffith, who saw great potential and encour- He loved his job due to the variety of work, the position that he derived the most pleasure aged him to pursue welding and fitting. constantly changing world of concrete, and the from – the people he worked with and every- Herman subsequently became Lead Hand, simple fact that he was never bored. Since day people he met along his delivery routes, Group Leader, and then Foreman. He starting with us more than 40 years ago, the in coffee shops and in stores that he got to describes himself as a “Master of all trades biggest change he witnessed was the vast know over the years. Born and raised in Saint and Jack of none”. He loved his job and most

28 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 who we are of all enjoyed teaching the new hires. During his Strescon. She loved working with people and most about his job was the people he worked career, he helped developed a Fitter course, each day was a new challenge! The biggest with. The biggest changes he experienced with which is still taught at NBCC Moncton. change she saw throughout the years was the the company were the move to computerized Herman was born and raised in expansion and the growth of the company. Rose drafting and the new OSCO head office building. Saint John and has been is married to Ron Robertson. Their son, Bill; a Ralph was born and raised in Saint John, cur- married to Margaret daughter, Donna; and 5 grand-children keep rently residing in Browns Flat, NB. Ralph and Morin since 1961. Rose plenty busy in retirement! his wife, Linda, have three children; 2 sons – They have 5 sons, two Paul and Mark and a daughter, Karen. They are of which work for DONALD SAVOIE (STRESCON-SJ) also blessed with 6 grand-children, the youngest OSCO. They have 10 A “quiet and dependable” welder, Donald being three years old. Ralph is looking forward grandchildren – 7 worked for Strescon in Saint John and left an to getting some work done around the house boys and 3 girls; and 2 impression of excellence with his supervisors. and utilizing his saw mill to make use of the baby grand-grand children – one boy and one His many years of welding experience acquired wood on his land. girl. When Herman is not spending quality time at the Drydock served Strescon well in his time with his family, he watches documentaries on with the Company. His work was meticulous DENNIS ZIMMER (OCEAN STEEL CORP) the History and Discovery channels. He has and as an employee, he was seen as someone Dennis was one of the original employees when stamp and coin collections and enjoys bird who never missed time and could be depended the Conklin plant opened back in the 1960’s. watching. on to get the job done. Welding remains a way Dennis was an excellent employee who took of life for Donald, who has now returned to his great pride in his work and he diligently worked GEORGE PAISLEY (STRESCON SJ) roots in Neguac NB. He continues to have a little his way to burner, fitter, and then layout. His George joined Strescon in December of 1966 as shop in his garage and keeps active doing small skills were a great asset to the company and his a Carpenter. He was first assigned to the giant T- welding jobs. He and his wife have one daughter expertise will be missed. He retired in April of bed to do work for a job in Wolfville, NS. In the in Quispamsis, and they recently became grand- 2007 and is currently keeping himself busy early eighties, he was promoted to Supervisor parents. enjoying his days of retirement. and Safety Coordinator. When asked what he liked the most about his job, he had no hesita- WILLIS SILLIKER (SCHURMAN) RON KEMMERER (OCEAN STEEL CORP) tion to say the “nice people I worked with” and Willis was hired in 2001 as a Ready Mix Driver Ron was a dedicated and professional welder, noted that Mr. and Mrs. Klohn, in particular, are for Schurman Concrete and held that position who was considered top of his class in the shop. the “nicest people”. The expansion of the NS until his retirement. The part about his job His work quality was of the highest standard, plant was one the biggest changes he saw while which Willis liked the most, was being with his and set a high bar for the younger welders start- working for us. George and his wife, Barbara, coworkers, kindly labeling them as “Good peo- ing out, who learned a lot from his experience. enjoy spending time with their 10 grand-chil- ple”. Willis is from Summerside, PEI where he Retired in March of 2007, Ron is happy in dren. Since he retired, George has been doing lives with his wife, Norma on their race horse retirement and is enjoying each day. work around his house and helping family and farm. They have three children. friends. He also continues to be very involved GEORGE LOGUE (STRESCON-SJ) with his Church. HERB STANLEY (OCEAN STEEL-SJ) Although George worked for the past 12 years as Herb started off in an Instrumentation position a Ready Mix Concrete Driver for Strescon in JOHN PENN (OCEAN STEEL CORP) with Marque Construction in 1974, working on- Saint John, he actually joined the Group in 1960, John Penn worked in our Conklin Plant as a site at the Irving Oil Refinery. He was as a labourer at Ocean Steel, before spending Maintenance Man. He was extremely dedicated transferred “temporarily” to Ocean Steel, again some years with CN and Pt.Lepreau, and eventu- to his job and took pride in keeping the shop working with Instrumentation. That temporary ally making his way back to Strescon. Over the running smoothly. John worked many hours of position lasted well over 25 years! Herb and his years, George considers “everything” changed overtime to keep things moving and ensure wife, Sandy, split their time between their home and the Company just grew as a whole. George there was as little delay in production as possi- in Quispamsis and Florida. enjoyed the people at Strescon in particular. He ble due to equipment failure. At the present They have two grown children: Mike, 35; and was born in Saint John but grew up in Queen’s time, John and his wife have pulled up stakes daughter, Wendy, 34. They also have a three year County. He continues to live in Glen Falls, where and moved to Florida to enjoy his retirement in old grandson, Zachary. he has spent the last thirty years with his “side- the heat. John is no doubt continuing to enjoy kick”, Florence. Florence has built up enough of yard sales and getting some travel in. He retired RALPH WHITTAKER (OCEAN STEEL-SJ) a ‘Honey-Do’ list for George that he claims never in March of 2007. Ralph joined Ocean Steel as a Draftsman, fresh to have been busier than in retirement!! This out of Vocational School in 1964. Although he summer he plans on working on his home and ROSE ROBERTSON (STRESCON-SJ) later did drafting work with other companies, he property. On June 7, 1965, Rose was hired as an returned to Ocean Steel in 1995, where he even- Administrative Assistant for Don Isnor Senior at tually became a Checker. What he liked the

CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 29 who we are

Strescon Sends Their Support to the Canada’s Troops Strescon employees have been showing their colours in support of our together for a photo, which was blown up to poster size and signed. Copies troops each Friday, by wearing red, so this past spring, we gathered them of the poster were sent to our troops in Afghanistan. Way to go, Strescon! Strescon Contributes to Pte David Greenslade Memorial Bursary Strescon is honoured to be the primary donor to an edu- sonable and a respected individual who held a part-time job cational bursary in memory of Private David Robert Greenslade while attending high school. Emphasis will be placed on the of the Royal Canadian Regiment (2RCR) who died on active fact that the recipient be a well rounded student with a good duty with the in Afghanistan on Easter work ethic. This bursary will not be awarded solely on marks. Sunday, April 8, 2007. David was the son of Donald Selection by the School’s Scholarship Committee Greenslade (Strescon-SJ) and his wife, Laurie. (Principal, Members of Administration, Guidance Counselors, The recipient of this annual $1500 bursary will be a grad- Faculty Representatives and Members of the school’s Parent uating student at Private Greenslade’s Alma Matter (2004), School Support Committee) will take place in June of each Saint John High School, attending an accredited post-secondary year. institution the following year. Applicants must also fulfill at least Special thanks are extended to the many generous contrib- one of the following 3 criteria: utors who helped make this bursary possible. In addition to the 1) personal involvement in the Canadian Armed Forces (e.g. primary donor, Strescon Limited, the bursary fund also cadets, reserves, or militia) received donations from: The Saint John Fire Department; Kent 2) pursuing a career in the Canadian Armed Forces Building Supplies; Irving Oil; BLT Foods Ltd - Dairy Queen; T.S. 3) has family members who either served or are presently serv- Simms; Atlantic Windoor; Moosehead Breweries; the employees ing in the Canadian Armed Forces. of Wal-Mart; the employees of Wyndham Worldwide; and the In addition, the candidate should be an enthusiastic, per- people of Greater Saint John.

30 CONNECTIONS • Spring 2008 FRESH FACES who we are Ocean Steel congratulations! Ryan Snodgrass ...... Project Manager Erica Haines...... Document Runner Family Additions Craig Reid Stuart Annis ...... Project Manager (Production Coordinator) - PCI level 1 Joe Rector (OSCO Group Services) Manuel Cierra (Inspector) - ACI level 1 Strescon became a proud grandfather on Nathan Smith (Inspector) - ACI level 1 February 9th, 2008 to 7lb, 15 Oz Brendan Clancy ...... Project Manager (SJ) Kiera Debra Lynn Rector. Parents are Congratulations to members of the Kinnon Bona...... Sales Assistant (SJ) Joe and Andrea Dawne LeGrow ...... Admin Assistant (NS) Strescon-NB Quality Control Department on receiving the following Josh Mishaud (Strescon, NS) and FCC Construction Certifications: Colette Chaplin became proud parents Jason Isnor - PCI Level 1 on July 21, 2007 to son, Cole Jeremy Gary Johnston ...... Warehouse Personnel James Boudreau Chaplin-Mishaud, weighing 7lbs 5oz. - PCI Level 1 Ronald Allan Orchards OSCO Group Services Born with a heart defect, baby Cole - PCI Levels required surgery which took place on 1&2 Kirby Preston...... Field Safety Coordinator July 25, 2007 at the IWK Hospital in Jerry Grassby Adam Reid ..Accounts Receivable Specialist Halifax where he was born. Everything Congratulations to (Strescon-NE) who recently received his Michele Duplisea ...... Data Integrity went perfectly, and Cole was able to go home on Aug. 3/07. Today he is like PCI Certification as a certified Field Deanna Magee...... Safety Admin Assistant any other nine month old; a handful! Auditor for Precast Concrete. Marque Construction Vivian Chaisson (OSCO Group Congratulations to Qing (Elaine) Yao James Legere ...... Junior Estimator Services) and her husband Patrick are (Strescon-SJ) who has just received her pleased to announce the finalization of Professional Engineer designation in their adoption of two year old daughter, New Brunswick. Alexis on April 9th. Congratulations to Nick Kilpatrick CURLING 2008 Nick Kilpatrick (FCC) who received his Electrical jour- (FCC) and Coeby are - contributed by Vivian Chiasson, pleased to announce they are expecting neyman’s license in March 2008. OSCO Group Services their first born this summer. Congratulations to Shop Foreman, Joe This year’s annual Curling Bonspiel, held on Philippe Brideau (Ocean Steel-SJ) is Odo (York Steel) who received his March 28th, was a huge success! Highlights pleased to announce that he and his CWB Welding Supervisor card on Jan included players involved in a fiercely competitive wife Nadia Saulnier-Brideau are expect- 4/08. game of curling; eating pizza; and winning prizes. ing a baby in November!! Donnie Ritchie of Ocean Steel does a wonderful Congratulations to Kale, son of Larry O'Neil job each year in organizing this event, and this Weddings (OSCO Group Services) and Ann-Marie. Kale was recently awarded year was no exception. He takes registration, Ryan Trenholm (FCC) and his new one of the presidents scholarships at organizes the teams, makes arrangements with the wife, Melissa were married on Feb Mount Saint Vincent's in Halifax N.S. facility, draws for prizes and in the end, even 23rd, 2008 The scholarship is worth $36,000 over makes sure he wins the game! Yes, that’s right, four years (or 9,000 per year). He is Donnie’s team was the winner! His team was com- Engagements going to be enrolled in their "Pre Med prised of himself, Joel Harris, Roxanne Walsh, program" enventually leading to a Christine Martin and Peter Dougay. Each member of the winning (Ocean Steel) and Art medical degree from Dalhousie team will receive a new track suit as their prize. Cannon are pleased to announce their University in Halifax N.S. Needless to engagement. They have set a wedding say, his parents are very proud of him. Since safety is a Group priority, some employ- date of February 14, 2009. Lori Li ees ensured that (Ocean Steel) did not Congratulations to Chris Banks, CET suffer head injuries (as she did last year), by out- Certifications & who recently received his 25 year cer- fitting her with a hockey helmet which she proudly Accomplishments tificate for being a CET (Civil (and nervously) wore throughout the game! Engineering Technologist) member of Door Prizes included a Wireless Blue Tooth Congratulations to members of the NBSCETT (New Brunswick Society of Headset, Inn on the Cove Spa Gift Certificate, and a Strescon-NS Quality Control department Certified Engineering Technicians and Digital Camera. A great time was had by all and a on receiving the following Certifications: Technologists) Megan Webber big thanks to Donnie Ritchie for looking after all of (Inspector) - PCI level 2 the organizing.