Vancouver, BC - Norland Limited

Fifteen Fifteen Alberni

11 August 202320 September 2024
by Kaelan

BelPacific Excavating & Shoring and Pacific Demolition have been appointed for the complex tasks of demolishing the existing parkade and conducting the necessary excavation work for the new build, demonstrating confidence in our ability to execute intricate projects efficiently, safely, and economically.

Scope of Work

The project kicked off with the demolition of the existing parking garage, which required an intricate shoring system to facilitate safe and effective demolition. An air-track drill was utilized to install wall anchors, ensuring structural integrity during the demolition process. The drill’s light weight made it possible to secure the site without overloading the existing structures. The demolition was meticulously planned and executed, removing each floor over a three-day cycle, allowing for reinforcement and testing of the stability of each newly exposed area.

Challenges

The project posed considerable challenges, especially in ensuring safety during the demolition phase. The sheer complexity of ensuring the stability of the structures while the work was ongoing was a significant task. Weight restrictions and the need for thorough testing for safety compliance added to the challenge. In addition, space restrictions due to neighbouring development projects and permitting delays also contributed to the complexity of the work. Despite these hurdles, the team is proactively seeking solutions to expedite the process and remains committed to delivering the project on time and on budget.

Overall Impact

The Fifteen Fifteen Alberni project showcases NorLand’s expertise in handling complex projects and reinforces our commitment to building enduring communities. It offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the deepest dig in Vancouver’s history. The overall impact of this project will be profound as it helps meet the growing demand for housing and further enhances Vancouver’s skyline. Our team looks forward to continuing work on this groundbreaking project, learning throughout the process, and contributing to our goal of helping build enduring communities, together.

Reconciliation Pole Raising

14 March 20232 October 2024
by main_admin

Scope of Work

Collaborating closely with Pro-Tech Industrial Movers, the teams engineered a mechanism that enabled the totem pole to be raised using the traditional method of pulling on ropes. This was particularly challenging given the sheer scale and weight of the pole. During the ceremony, a staggering force of 32,000 lbs was needed to lift the totem pole to its vertical position. This force was generated by hundreds of community members pulling on more than 3,500 feet of rope. Once the pole was upright, which took roughly 10 minutes, BEL Contracting moved swiftly to secure the ropes and complete the backfilling to ensure the totem pole would stand firmly in place. Through these various stages, the teams not only provided technical expertise but also demonstrated a deep respect for the cultural and historical significance of the project.

BEL Contracting was responsible for the initial site preparation, which involved excavating a hole to serve as the base for the totem pole. This also included laying out piles of gravel and rocks, which were later used in the traditional Haida ceremony for raising the pole.

Unique Features and Challenges

What set this project apart were its unique features and challenges. The totem pole was not just a piece of art but a symbol laden with historical and emotional weight. It featured 6,000 copper nails, each hammered into the wood by survivors of residential schools, volunteers, and school children. These nails served as a memorial to Indigenous children who died in residential schools between 1890 and 1996. The project was more than just a technical exercise; it was a community and culturally driven endeavor, bringing hundreds of people together to contribute to the physical work required to erect the pole.

In successfully completing this project, Pro-Tech Industrial Movers and BEL Contracting did more than just execute a construction job; they participated in creating a lasting monument to Canada’s history and a step forward in the path toward reconciliation.