Award

FEBRUA RY 2018 | 77 Thunder Bay Fire Management Headquarters/Provincial Logistics Centre PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY INFRASTRUCTURE ONTARIO Thunder Bay Fire Management Headquarters/ Provincial Logistics Centre by NATALIE BRUCKNER-MENCHELLI F or more than 40 years the Thunder Bay Fire Management Headquarters/Provincial Logistics Centre (FMH/PLC) in Ontario has been the base for the brave crews who consistently protect residents, wild- life, and the natural environment. It has also acted as the operational and supply base for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's (MNRF) forest fire fighting activities in Northwestern Ontario. It's importance goes without question. However, developments such as advanced program requirements, a changing workforce in terms of gen- der ratio, and the service delivery at this facility resulted in a building that, despite various upgrades, no longer supported MNRF's growing needs. "A comprehensive review and study of the program delivery and operational function of the facility, which was commissioned for MNRF by Infrastructure Ontario [IO] in the fall of 2004, found that the headquar- ters had numerous circulation and adjacency conflicts that negatively impacted the quality of service deliv- ery. In addition there was inadequate space for common or shared areas; and the electrical and mechanical systems were found to be past their effective lifecycle," explains Dave Cleaveley, response and operations manager, Northwest Region. With the Thunder Bay FMH/PLC at its limit, the province announced in 2015 that it would provide $25 million in funding toward extensive renovations and additions that would better support today's fire management practices. "In addition to renovations and addi- tions to the main FMH/PLC building, the work would include demolition of other existing buildings, construction of a new aviation building, various new storage buildings, and significant site development on the existing govern- ment-owned land to improve efficiencies of work and traffic flows, and to create a high-quality work environment for employees," says Frank Bisignano at Finn Way General Contractor. In order to complete the project with minimal impact on operations, it was to be conducted in phases. "The first phase involved additions and ren- ovations to the main administration building in order to maintain opera- tions of the MNRF. This was followed by the renovations of the warehouse and construction of the tent drying building to a number of seven build- ings," says Bisignano. When it came to the design of the project, FORM Architecture's intent was to create a highly coherent series of buildings that reflect the MNRF's profes- sionalism in its approach to firefighting. "Upgrading the exterior envelope and creating a cohesive design esthetic across the existing and new construc- tion on the site were key elements in the choice of exterior cladding for the new aviation, maintenance and cold storage/ tent drying buildings, and the reclad- ding of the existing six bay cold storage building," says Kim McKee from FORM Architecture. "Low maintenance, dura- ble metal cladding was cost effective and suitable to the typology of the build- ings on the site, and was installed over rigid insulation, which was installed outboard of existing and new struc- ture on offset girts to minimize thermal bridging through the envelope." Bisignano adds that materials were chosen to combat the northern climate and for their durability, and re-used finishes and new natural wood help complement the MNRF concept. "There was a mixture of pre-finished metals, wood, and the incorporation of exist- ing materials that were salvaged and reused. The unique colours in addition to the materials make the building really look like it is an MNRF facility," he adds. The project was designed for LEED Silver certification and therefore great emphasis was placed on sus- tainability. "MNRF, IO and the project team worked hand-in-hand to create a program that was sustainable but also manageable from an operational standpoint," says Kerry Tom, senior project manager, IO. Cleaveley adds, "A rainwater and roof run-off system was incorporated into the facility consisting of a drainage piping system with an exterior holding tank that captures and utilizes non- potable water to supply toilets within the facility." Inside, the buildings feature metal stud walls throughout the office areas, masonry washroom walls, acoustic ceilings, vinyl floors, and a combination of wood and metal doors. Bisignano adds that there is also exten- sive concrete slab cutting and patching throughout the administration build- ing renovations for newly routed plumbing systems. Wood was used at the public inter- face locations with glulams at the entrance, and a wood finish at the reception and waiting area, and in the office areas the carpet is made from recycled nylon fishing nets; another nod to sustainability practices. The project also features a number of unique elements, as McKee explains: "The drinking fountain with the water bottle filling station is a popular element. There is an indicator on the fountain that shows the number of plastic water bot- tles that have been kept out of landfill by using the bottle refill station." In addition to a rainwater harvest- ing system used to flush toilets, the mechanical and electrical systems chosen are also a nod to the latest in energy savings. "Modern energy efficient HVAC systems were installed to greatly improve air quality and balance with the latest energy auto- mation," says Cleaveley. "Lighting automation with LED technology has been incorporated throughout the facility, providing the most efficient and comfortable workspaces for staff." Mike Noonan of AG Engineering explains that a Encelium networked light management system was installed that allows for maximum flexibility in how occupants control the lights, the scheduling of lights, and automatic dimming features. "Basically every single light fixture is fully addressable and can be individu- ally controlled," he says. Outside, Noonan adds that electri- cal vehicle charging stations were also installed in the parking lot. For a project of this scale, it may be quite surprising to learn that it was completed three to four months early, and came under budget. The team attri- butes this to good supervision, planning, scheduling, and communications. In conclusion, Cleaveley says: "I am extremely proud of how well planned the facility is, utilizing interior and exterior spaces to their maximum potential, and delivering the highest level of safety and workflow efficien- cies to meet the ever-changing needs of fire response within the Thunder Bay District and Northwest Region." A LOCATION 1580 Arthur Street West, Thunder Bay, Ontario OWNER/DEVELOPER Infrastructure Ontario / Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry PROJECT MANAGER CBRE Limited ARCHITECT/ STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT FORM Architecture GENERAL CONTRACTOR Finn Way General Contractor Inc. MECHANICAL CONSULTANT Cuthbertson Engineering ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT AG Engineering TOTAL SIZE 41,732 square feet of renovations 4,812 square feet of additions 14,818 square feet of new construction TOTAL COST $25 million 10:53 AM 3:10 PM 10:54 AM 11:30 AM

• Cover