Beban Park Electrical Distribution Upgrade
Project Overview
The electrical distribution system at Beban Park in Nanaimo underwent a significant upgrade in 2020.
This project was a critical component of the City of Nanaimo’s comprehensive natural disaster response plan. By undertaking this electrical upgrade, the city effectively enhanced its disaster management capabilities.
This development ensures that two major facilities can remain fully operational around the clock, if necessary, serving as a lifeline for the community during times of crisis.
The project aimed to enhance the park’s electrical infrastructure to better serve its facilities and visitors. In addition to immediate benefits, this upgrade also incorporated an adaptable infrastructure to accommodate future growth and expansion.
Sasco managed this project involving comprehensive oversight of all facets. Responsibilities encompassed ensuring site safety, coordinating with a variety of sub-contractors specializing in concrete, paving, excavation, fencing, crane operations, mechanical tasks, and industrial moving. Additionally, Sasco took charge of all communications with consultants, city representatives, and local utilities.
The electrical portion of the project involved removing outdated equipment in the Frank Crane Arena and the Social Centre, and replacing them with new, modern units. This upgrade ensures a reliable power supply to both facilities, as well as the potential for future upgrades at the Cliff McNab Arena. Paving and fencing enhancements were also implemented in the affected areas.
Additionally, the project included the installation of a new high-capacity generator and the relocation of an existing generator for improved efficiency. Electrical distribution systems were upgraded with the introduction of new transformers and distribution setups in the Frank Crane Arena and the Social Centre, reinforcing the power infrastructure of these crucial community facilities.
The project required precise coordination, advanced safety planning, and the use of specialized equipment to ensure the successful and safe installation of the busbar system in a live high-voltage environment.
The challenges faced in this project were met with innovative solutions and effective collaboration. Handling the materials and equipment presented significant difficulties due to their physical size and the limited space available. To overcome this, the project utilized the expertise of industrial movers and mobile cranes, enabling efficient handling and movement of the components.
Despite facing staffing challenges arising from the unique nature of the installation tasks, the Sasco team showcased exceptional resilience and resourcefulness. We pooled diverse ideas and approaches, meticulously attending to every detail while maintaining an unwavering focus on success.
Furthermore, an additional environmental hurdle presented itself in the form of a scorching heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius. Undeterred by these extreme weather conditions, our dedicated Sasco team persisted in their outdoor efforts, deftly overcoming this obstacle along the way.
With 3,784 labour hours worked on this project, one minor incident with no time loss due to injury.
Collaboration
The success of this project was dependent on the essential element of cooperation among all stakeholders involved. Sasco, in conjunction with the City of Nanaimo, consultants, and facility managers, engaged in meticulous coordination at a detailed level.
This collaborative effort was crucial for navigating the installation process within a complex environment that encompassed an active ice hockey arena, a public swimming pool, and, at one point, a COVID vaccination centre.
Responsible Material Control
As part of our commitment to responsible material control, we implemented various measures during the project. This included recycling materials from two substation units, utilizing industrial movers for eco-friendly equipment transportation, and employing cranes for efficient and secure handling. To ensure environmental compliance, we conducted rigorous testing for PCB contamination, with all results returning negative. These initiatives exemplify our dedication to sustainability and responsible practices.
We worked closely with our supply partners, Wesco and Prime Engineering, both of whom have robust responsible material control policies.
Uninterrupted Excellence
One of the notable achievements of this project was our seamless execution, ensuring zero outages or disruptions to the public use of the Beban Park facilities, despite the potential ammonia exposure risk during de-icing. It served as a significant opportunity for Sasco to showcase our capabilities and demonstrate our extensive skill set to the City of Nanaimo. Our attention to detail in scheduling and communication played a vital role in maintaining uninterrupted access for the public.
Conclusion
At Sasco, our unwavering commitment to excellence drives us to surpass expectations. This project not only enhanced our reputation, but also reinforced our expertise and proficiency. By successfully safeguarding the continuous use of the facilities, we solidified our standing in the industry and fostered relationships based on trust and reliability. We take great pride in consistently delivering exceptional results and exceeding the expectations of our clients and the communities we serve.
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