Fire Alarm System Replacement at Canada Place
Project Overview
In 2024, the fire alarm system at Canada Place—a massive multi-use complex in Vancouver, British Columbia—had reached the end of its life. Canada Place consists of a convention center, luxury hotel, cruise terminal, and office spaces, serving millions of visitors and guests annually. To maintain the highest safety standards, the building management team needed to replace its end-of-life Simplex/Tyco fire alarm system with a modern, fully-integrated, and addressable system, without disrupting ongoing operations.
Sasco, specializing in fire alarm systems, was awarded the contract. Our successful execution of the project involved overcoming several challenges: phasing the installation to minimize downtime, integrating the new system with Canada Place’s existing infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with modern fire codes.
Key Project Goals
01
Replace the existing Simplex/Tyco fire alarm system with a state-of-the-art system that could handle the complex needs of Canada Place.
02
Ensure no disruptions to business operations at the hotel, convention center, and cruise terminal.
03
Upgrade the system for compliance with the latest fire safety standards and integration with building management systems (BMS).
04
Train staff on the new system to ensure proper operation and emergency response.
PHASE 1
Pre-Project Planning and Assessment
Sasco began the project by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the existing fire alarm system. This included:
Mapping all devices
The Sasco team cataloged all fire detectors, alarms, strobes, control panels, and wiring pathways throughout the complex.
Assessing existing infrastructure
Sasco’s engineers evaluated the condition of the existing wiring to determine if any of it could be reused to reduce costs.
Determining integration requirements
Canada Place’s fire alarm system had to communicate with the building’s HVAC, emergency lighting, and security systems. Sasco collaborated with these system operators to outline how the new fire alarm system would integrate seamlessly.
Compliance review
Sasco’s compliance experts reviewed British Columbia’s latest fire codes to ensure the new system would meet or exceed all regulatory requirements.
Key deliverables in planning:
- Detailed phased installation schedule to avoid disrupting operations.
- Approval from authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ), ensuring compliance from the project’s outset.
- Selection of a Simplex/JCI (Johnson Controls) system, leveraging existing infrastructure while upgrading critical components.
PHASE 2
Phased Installation Without Disrupting Operations
Given that Canada Place was operational 24/7, Sasco implemented a phased installation strategy that ensured no downtime for the facility’s hotel, cruise terminal, or convention center. Key steps in this phase included:
Zone-Based Replacement
- The facility was divided into fire alarm zones. The replacement of the fire alarm system occurred one zone at a time to maintain fire safety coverage throughout the complex.
- Temporary fire watches were put in place during system outages in each zone to ensure safety with personnel monitoring areas where the fire alarm system was temporarily offline.
Coordination with Facility Staff
- Sasco coordinated with facility management, including the Pan Pacific Hotel and cruise terminal operators, to perform the majority of work during off-peak hours.
- Convention schedules and cruise departures were monitored closely to avoid interfering with major events, ensuring Sasco’s team worked around tight deadlines and busy schedules.
Installation of New Control Panels
- Sasco began by installing the new fire alarm control panels in the central security office and key locations around the complex. These panels were integrated with the existing building management system.
- The team ensured that any emergency notifications, such as HVAC shutdowns or door controls, were compatible with the new system and tested before connecting to live operations.
Retrofitting Detectors and Alarm Devices
- Modern addressable smoke and heat detectors were installed, offering pinpoint accuracy in identifying fire zones and significantly reducing false alarms.
- All alarm strobes and speakers were replaced to ensure they complied with Canadian accessibility regulations.
- Specialized detection and suppression systems were installed in high-risk areas, such as kitchens and server rooms, to ensure comprehensive protection.
PHASE 3
Testing, Commissioning, and Integration
Once the installation was complete in each zone, Sasco conducted extensive testing to ensure every device was functioning correctly. This phase was critical in meeting fire safety standards and ensuring that the system would perform flawlessly in an emergency.
System Testing and Commissioning
- Each zone underwent functionality testing, where smoke detectors, alarms, and control panels were triggered to simulate an emergency response.
- All system components were tested for integration with other safety systems, such as the mass notification system used to broadcast evacuation instructions throughout Canada Place in multiple languages.
- Firefighters and building inspectors conducted final walkthroughs and tests, verifying that the system met all fire code requirements.
Final Approvals
- Once all tests were successfully completed, Sasco coordinated with the Vancouver Fire Department and local AHJ for a final inspection. The system received full approval and certification, confirming it met or exceeded Canadian and local fire safety standards.
PHASE 4
Staff Training and Handover
With the new fire alarm system fully operational, Sasco conducted comprehensive training sessions for Canada Place’s staff, including:
Security Personnel
Learning how to monitor the system from the central control panel, reset alarms, and respond to emergencies.
Hotel and Convention Center Staff
Understanding evacuation procedures, how to recognize fire alarms and strobe signals, and assisting guests during evacuations.
Maintenance Teams
Training on routine maintenance checks and how to troubleshoot basic issues with detectors or control panels.
Outcome and Benefits
Enhanced Fire Safety
The new addressable fire alarm system offers real-time identification of fire locations, significantly improving response times and reducing false alarms.
Compliance with Modern Codes
The new system meets the latest Canadian and local fire codes, ensuring the facility is compliant with current regulations and better prepared for future inspections.
Seamless Integration
The fire alarm system was successfully integrated with other critical building systems, including HVAC, emergency lighting, and security.
Ongoing Support
With an ongoing maintenance contract, Sasco and JCI ensured that Canada Place’s system would continue to perform optimally, with regular inspections and updates as needed.
Conclusion
This successful Sasco project demonstrates how careful planning, expert knowledge, and phased implementation can lead to a seamless fire alarm system replacement, even in one of Vancouver’s most iconic and complex buildings. Canada Place now has a future-proof fire alarm system that ensures the safety of its visitors and staff for years to come.
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