Partnering with growing communities to keep residents safe.
The new 7,000 sq. ft. facility is designed to a post-disaster standard, which includes monitored fire alarms and sprinklers, a backup generator, and low maintenance building materials able to withstand structural, earthquake, snow and wind loads. The facility includes amenities such as: a drive-through garage bay with space to accommodate four ambulances; administration and office spaces; a living area with change rooms, showers, and lockers; and storage for all medical equipment and materials. The township also took care during the planning phase to ensure that all medical supplies, including pharmaceuticals and oxygen tanks, could be stored safely and securely.
The Township of Russell retained Colliers Project Leaders to provide project management services for the new EMS facility from inception through to closeout. Our organization also provided furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) services to outfit the facility for operational use. Through the development of a solid project plan and previous experience with similar projects, our team was able to effectively identify and mitigate risks, keeping the project on budget and in-line with the township’s stated expectations and goals.
Just as the project was nearing completion in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Due to mounting health and safety concerns, there was a push to complete the project. Working in close collaboration with the township and in particular, its Chief Administrative Officer, our team acted quickly to help navigate stop-work orders and ultimately help get the new EMS facility identified as an essential service so construction could continue.
Once the project resumed, our team assisted with the facilitation of onsite provincial health agency regulations to ensure the safety of all contractors. Quick planning and coordination helped mitigate challenges such as new physical distancing requirements that reduced onsite capacity. Respecting the decision of contractors who chose not to return to the site during the height of the pandemic, the resulting labour shortage also required a collaborative solution. All project partners came together to identify and implement new processes and approaches to keep the project on schedule as much as possible. At this stage, the Colliers Project Leaders team reviewed and negotiated change orders at no cost, resulting in both time and cost savings for the township. The effort to have the project deemed an essential service was a key factor in the successful completion of the EMS facility.
Thanks to the quick thinking of the project team and consistent support from the project contractors, further delays were largely avoided. The new EMS facility was delivered under budget in June 2020, and is now fully operational and well-equipped to service the Township of Russell and its surrounding communities.
