Williams Engineering (WE) was retained by the Government of Alberta for this urgent project that entailed multi-disciplinary engineering consulting services at several sites. Alongside an architect and cost consultant, WE provided an assessment/test fit for two warehouse locations to determine the best option to accommodate the Vaccine and Antivirals Co-Location Program. The warehouse locations included an ice cream depot in Edmonton and base-building warehouse located in Fort Saskatchewan.
Utilizing the Program of Needs provided by Alberta Infrastructure, along with a site visit to the existing facilities, WE gained a functional understanding of the unique operational requirements of this project. Using this information, WE developed various fit-test scenarios to determine which facility would best suit the Government of Alberta’s needs. Examples of the requirements that WE had to consider included room for future growth, security, specialized equipment, emergency backup power, specific sized meeting and training rooms, storage and barrier-free access.
In addition to providing multiple proposed layouts for each building, WE provided a detailed report for each facility highlighting the architectural, mechanical and electrical overview for compatibility, a list of pros and cons, risks, our recommendations, and a Class 5 Cost Assessment for each scenario…
The second phase of this project included a fit-up of an existing 242 square meter space within a government-owned facility for the COVID-19 vaccine shipments arriving in Alberta. WE was the Prime Consultant and provided mechanical, structural and electrical engineering consulting services for this project, including design, tender and contract administration services. The design and construction for the project were completed within a tight timeframe and budget. WE’s multi-disciplinary teams worked with, and on behalf of, Alberta Infrastructure’s Project Manager to ensure the general contractors followed Alberta Infrastructure’s policies and procedures.
Given the nature of the test-fit reports and fit-up, WE met the accelerated delivery requirements of this project to ensure vaccine shipments had space to be stored safely under the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. WE is thankful and delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute to the accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccines across the province and provide space for essential medicines that help keep Alberta’s communities safe and healthy.
