Silvera is a non-profit organization that has provided safe and affordable housing and enhanced support services for the senior communities across Calgary, Alberta for over sixty years. With a portfolio of twenty-eight independent and supportive care facilities across the city, Silvera offers a range of living accommodations for residents with a variety of needs. The communities by Silvera range from affordable independent living to full-service accommodations with mobility and memory care options. Residents of Silvera’s facilities enjoy dining, housekeeping and maintenance services in addition to regular activities that support their physical and mental health and wellness.
Williams Engineering (WE) provided mechanical, electrical, structural and building science consulting engineering services to complete Building Condition Assessments (BCAs) and Life Cycle Analysis on eight Silvera facilities. These facilities included Aspen Lodge, Beaverdam Lodge, Bow Valley Lodge, Confederation Lodge, Shawnessy Lodge, Shouldice Lodge, Spruce Lodge and Valleyview Lodge. WE’s multi-disciplinary team attended each site to collect data and assess the condition of the building components while minimizing the impact on existing tenants during the visits. WE’s BCA reports described, assessed and provided technical opinions on the existing condition of the various building systems. 30-year life cycle budget costing was included in WE’s reports with a complete summary and immediate priority condition analysis. The site visits were coordinated with the Silvera Management Team over the course of three months. With COVID-19 restrictions, the WE team took special care in coordinating access, being mindful of the occupants, following local protocols and, when needed, reschedule when site access was delayed. This required resiliency in planning and scheduling in addition to very close communication between the client and project team.
The BCAs completed for Silvera’s facilities ensure the building owners and managers can make informed decisions to best prioritize repairs or upgrades that will enhance the quality of life for residents. These reports are critical to maximizing cost savings and allow organizations such as Silvera to continue providing affordable living options to Calgary’s senior community.
