We turned an infrastructure replacement project into an opportunity for sustainable design and community enhancement
After we completed an assessment of the existing Canada Way Receiving Power Substation on the north end of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Burnaby Campus, there were some concerns. The existing electrical system was at critical risk of failure, and most of the nearby unit substations were approaching the end of their expected useful life.
The recommendation? Immediate replacement for the Canada Way substation and associated electrical infrastructure. However, there was a silver lining—the electrical infrastructure upgrade scope also had space for some civil upgrade work, including new watermain, sanitary sewer, and storm systems. Our job was to provide design services for both the electrical and civil upgrade works, collaborating as part of an integrated design team with PCL Constructors Westcoast and R.F. Binnie & Associates.
The project, discretely phased to limit impacts to the active campus, mitigated the risk of electrical service disruption, introduced a modern distribution system, upgraded existing utility infrastructure, and included new cycling paths along Carey Avenue. There also meant additional pedestrian-oriented spaces on campus and more covered outdoor spaces where students could sit, eat, and socialize. Additional parking was dedicated to car share vehicles. This project has been recognized for its sustainable design excellence by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.
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