PCH / Residential Complexes

Norway House Cree Nation Health Centre of Excellence, CD-3 Apartment Building

The Norway House Health Centre is located on the Cree First Nations Reserve in Norway House, Manitoba.

Work on this project consisted of 2 -two story wood construction apartment building, building envelope, interior fit-up, mechanical, electrical and minor site service connections.  The plumbing/heating system were on LG VRF systems.  Work took place on a remote northern site accessible by air and somewhat by land.

Due to the remote location, we had to work with unsure delivery dates, unknown labour pool and the risk of sever weather.  We communicated closely with the General Contractor as to what was required to be completed prior to our next fly in trip. There were daily safety meetings on site and biweekly site plans to track progress. We worked closely with the consultants to ensure that inspections were passed and reworks avoided.   This project took place during the COVID pandemic, we had to ensure all our workers follow protocol set by the Federal, Provincial and Band regulations. 

Holy Family Personal Care Home Building Expansion

This phased project consisted of a 5 story addition to the existing personal care facility with tie-in and renovation to the existing facility in Winnipeg. Mechanical work consisted of plumbing, heat pumps, boilers, RTU’s, AHU’s, MUA, pumps, humidifiers, infloor heating, walfin, radiant panels and reheat coils.

Completion of the building expansion and revitalization makes Holy Family Home the largest stand-alone personal care home in the province.  Work was done to the existing mechanical, new four car garage for the Sister’s Residence, adult day program area, front entrance, rehabilitation clinic, treatment room, staff education room, central locker area chapel and new family dining area.

Challenges on this project included working in an occupied health care facility, the possibility of cost escalation due to the length of the project and co-ordination on a crowded site. Daily meetings were held with the foremen and Holy Family Staff to ensure resident care was not negatively impacted.  Biweekly poll planning was held with all required parties.  Bi-weekly Owner meeting were held with all subtrades present.  Consultant CAD drawings were used to fabricate the entire heat/cool system.

University of Winnipeg Commons (Colony Street Housing Project)

Construction of new 14 story student housing complex at the University of Winnipeg built to LEED standards (Owner opted out of attaining full LEED accreditation). Work involved installation of complete mechanical and HVAC systems including fan coils, heat pumps, condensing units, boilers, makeup air equipment, and associated appurtenances.  The domestic water piping system included copper hot, cold, and recirc risers, copper branch piping on each floor, a duplex domestic water booster package and the supply, install, and testing of backflow preventers.  Copper pipe transitioned to pex at the isolation valves serving each suite runout.

During the initial design phase, Westwood was requested to provide drawing review and budgeting assistance. Clearly defining and understanding the scope of work early on helped flush out potential issues and reduced the potential for costly overruns and unforeseen issues that could result in schedule delays during the construction phase.