(By Frank Laxshimalla, Lead Electrical Engineer at Integrated Sustainability)
We have just successfully finished the construction portion of a project out in Manitoba building a Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment Plant. At any given time in the last six months, at least one of three individuals from Integrated Sustainability wore the construction management hat and kept things moving smoothly.
We began our construction journey in the depths of one of the worst winters in Manitoban history. With frigid temperatures reaching -40°C and howling winds slapping our faces, we carried on with smiles.
Regardless of the weather, our entire crew was determined to tough it out and work towards getting the plants up and running – whatever it took. We pitched in whenever we could.
Once the buildings for the plant were erected, we were able to move indoors and continue our project with the installation of the mechanical equipment that would run the treatment processes. The electrical work began shortly thereafter, and we had no less than 20 – 30 people working in one building at a time.
It was a fantastic experience for all of those involved, and amidst the fun and challenging work, the folks at site found a few minutes to take in the wonderful surroundings of where they were. If you can picture a construction site surrounded by lush green forests and dense green vegetation with endless blue skies above, than you can imagine how lovely it was to drive into the site and how big our grins were as we got out of our truck and walked towards our trailer.
The days went by fast. Most days we were helping our contractors out, coordinating, testing, and commissioning. When we did get a break, we couldn’t help but take a look around and marvel at where we were. Yes, there was the occasional mighty bouts of rain and the biting bitter cold of one of the worst winters in Manitoba, but when the sun chose to show itself, the area lit up and we were quickly reminded about how much fun we were having.
Like any construction project, challenges presented themselves. The schedule was tight and this project contained a lot of moving pieces to juggle and coordinate. There were some tough days, but more often than not there were rewarding days. When all was said and done and we looked at the finished project, we can happily say that it was all worth it! So long, Manitoba!
