Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1535861
J U N E 2 0 2 5 | 69 Nanaimo Correctional Centre Replacement it to move from the primary system to the backup system. Now we digi- tized and virtualized all the servers and virtualized all the networks so that the recovery time became sec- onds as opposed to up to a week." Bird Construction project man- ager Denis Malinowski says a lot of collaboration took place to ensure the secure areas were completed to stan- dards required, but the designs also incorporated human-centred compo- nents such as windows that opened for fresh air for lower security levels. "The installation of showers in the individual cells was an important com- ponent to help calm the residents when needed," he explains. One of the big challenges for the NCC build involved the timing of COVID's arrival. "We had two major buildings made of steel and the rest were wood, so when delivery times were stalled it was difficult, particu- larly with the primary generator we wanted, which was going to take 18 to 20 months for delivery. Our engineers had to design everything around the generators so everyone on the proj- ect – from the designers to the trades – understood the situation. When the generator finally arrived, we put it in place and everything worked." He notes that, over the four-and-a-half years the project progressed, 725,000 worker hours were clocked with over 100 subtrades and 160 vendors. In addition to several unique program buildings, the new centre features a state-of-the-art health- care unit and new purpose-built structures to support NCC's innova- tive Guthrie Therapeutic Community, which combines work, addictions treatment, and counselling. A LOCATION 3945 Briggs Road, Nanaimo, B.C. OWNER /DEVELOPER Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General ARCHITECT/ TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT Arcadis GENER AL CONTR ACTOR Bird Construction STRUCTUR AL CONSULTANT Bush, Bohlman & Partners MECHANICAL /ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT MCW Group CIVIL CONSULTANT Aplin Martin L ANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Perry + Associates TOTAL SIZE 181,975 square feet TOTAL COST $176 million P H OTO G R A P H Y BY S E A N S T E WA RT/CO U RT E S Y B C CO R R EC T I O N S Durante Kreuk.indd 1 Durante Kreuk.indd 1 2025-05-12 12:48 2025-05-12 12:48 Aplin Martin.indd 1 Aplin Martin.indd 1 2025-05-07 3:34 2025-05-07 3:34