Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) Modular Fourplex

Williams Engineering (WE) was retained by Freeport Industries to provide multi-disciplinary engineering consulting services for the proposed modular fourplex development  located on Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) lands near Vernon, British Columbia.  The OKIB belongs to the Okanagan Nation, a First Nations Tribal Council in British Columbia comprising of several bands of First Nations also including Upper Nicola Indian Band, Westbank First Nation, Penticton Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Upper Similkameen Indian Band and Osoyoos Indian Band. Currently, the OKIB has approximately 2,030 members, with roughly half of the members residing on reserve land.

WE provided mechanical, electrical, building envelope and energy modelling services for this residential development. With a total gross floor area of 1,182 m2 and 16 dwelling units, this project is located on two separate sites, with two wood-framed, two-storey modular fourplexes and one eight compartment storage shed on each site. The fourplexes feature covered exterior decks on the second level and each building is equipped with fire sprinkler systems.  As multi-disciplinary subconsultants for this new construction, WE designed the mechanical and electrical systems for both sites including plumbing, HVAC as well as the on-site and landscape lighting system design to comply with NBC Energy requirements.   WE performed thorough reviews of the roofing design and building envelope, providing marked-up drawings with specifications where required and performing site reviews during construction. The buildings are targeting compliance with Step 4 of the British Columbia Energy Step Code for BC Housing funding.

Construction of this development is currently underway. WE is looking forward to the completion of this project that will provide inclusive and resilient housing for members of the Okanagan Indian Band.