Pennecon Talk Vol. 1 Issue 5 - October 2008

Pennecon Real Estate employees keeping busy with
Octagon residential and commercial development.
Chinchaga Bridge Progressing
as Planned
The Chinchaga River Bridge Project in northwestern Alberta is progressing
as planned, thanks to a hard working Pennecon Heavy Civil crew and well
managed sub-contractors. The $8.1 million bridge project involves the
construction of a 3 span 140m steel girder bridge on a concrete
substructure. The two-season project got underway in July 2008 and is
expected to conclude in September 2009. Construction work in 2008
includes the completion of the substructure and installation of the
structural steel girders. The 2009 work, which will start in the spring, will
see the completion of the bridge deck.
Recently, the bridge piles for both abutments and pier #2 were installed to
their design elevations and the final touches, including placement of
concrete in the pipe piles on pier #2, is currently being completed. The first
batch of concrete was poured in August in abutment #2. The pipe piles for
Heavy Civil Team in BC
Continues to Grow
Pennecon’s Heavy Civil team in British Columbia keeps getting stronger.
Two new individuals recently joined the team in the Vancouver office. Blair
Smith is the new Construction Manager, while William Puranen has
assumed the role of Estimator.
Blair comes to Pennecon with over 15 years of experience in civil
construction focused around excavation, road building, bridges and
pipeline work. He was recently the excavation manager on the Canada
(L-R) Blair Smith and William Puranen.
Along with the smooth performance of the Pennecon crew for this project,
led by manager John Murphy, it is important to point out that Mother
Nature has also been on Pennecon’s side. She has been providing mainly
sunny days and keeping the river between the banks!
There is still a lot of work to do in preparation for the erection of the steel
girders which will arrive in the fall; however, a huge project milestone will
be reached once the pier #1 pipe piles are out of the ground. Hard work
and long hours will continue for the next few months. The crew is looking
forward to the challenge.
Line project in Vancouver, where ABC Precast and Ready Mix Ltd. supplied
all of the precast concrete tunnel sections. In his role with Pennecon, Blair
will be responsible for overall management of all heavy civil projects in BC
with an overlap into Alberta where applicable. He is currently managing the
Chinchaga River Bridge project in northwestern Alberta, and the start-up
phase of the Foothills Subdivision in Nanaimo, BC.
William Puranen joins Pennecon from Coronado Concrete and Capriatti
Construction out of Las Vegas where he was an estimator/project manager
on several large scale commercial concrete projects. Prior to that, he was
involved with various public works projects, including sewer and water
installation and earth moving projects. William will be responsible for
estimating all projects bid out of the Vancouver office and will also be
available to assist the St John’s office.
Crystal Young and Heather Lee of
NewFab Industries Ltd participated
in the annual 720 golf tournament
in Edmonton, AB again this year.
The tournament was held at the
Ranch Golf Course in June. (L-R:
Collin Daniels, Local 771; Heather
Lee; Crystal Young; Bert Royer BA,
Local 771)
Pennecon Limited was host to 117 golfers at the first annual Bob
Rice Memorial Golf Tournament at The Wilds in Salmonier on July
11, 2008. Formerly named the Southern Shore Shamrock Classic,
this event has been a fundraiser for Mobile Central High School
for several years. Pennecon felt it appropriate to rename the
tournament in honour of a dear friend and colleague, the late Bob
Rice, who loved a good game of golf. And, indeed, a good game of
golf is what the tournament turned out to be, complete with
contests, prizes and a hot delicious dinner. The damp weather
certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the participants. All reports
indicate that everyone had a great time and we look forward to a
repeat for 2009!
(L-R) Wayne White, Ken Beaulieu, Blair
Williams, Paul Coombs, Spence McLean.
pier #1 should be installed in the ground by the end of August, and the
remaining concrete work will also continue until its scheduled October
completion date.
A Successful Bob Rice
Memorial Golf Tournament
Benefiting from the
Housing Market Boom
Louise Rice (left), widow of the late Bob Rice, and her friend Cynthia Mills
participate in Pennecon’s annual golf tournament held in her
husband’s honour.
“We have being waiting for years for this to happen and we were ready,” said
Hedley Blundon, VP of Pennecon. Rick Legge said: “We are presently
developing three residential areas and Octagon Industrial Park in the Paradise
area. We are continuously looking at new areas for growth for the future and
are ready to take on new challenges.”
“We have been building our reputation with quality construction and the right
location for over a decade. Now it is time to benefit from our hard work,” said
Al Spurrell, who added they have an unbeatable team.
The team consists of site supervisor, Selwyn Loveless, who coordinates and
liaisons work with the many sub trades, and lead carpenter Glenn Bishop, along
with Gordon Rose and Lyman Reid. Two apprentice carpenters recently joined
us – Dylan Penney and Trent Wilson from Nanaimo BC. Surveying and
excavation is handled by Dave Halley, Gary Crotty, Leo Denine, Chris Noonan
and James Rideout.
Staying in front of the growing real estate market has been a challenge and it is
clear that this industry will continue to move forward for the next five years.
Higher labor and material costs along with a shortage of skilled trades people
has added to this year’s challenge for Octagon. “Recognizing these challenges
and meeting them head on has prepared us for this new growth and
development,” added Spurrell.
The Real Estate Division is determined to continue planned growth and
expansion, while also recognizing the volatility in the residential market and
not over-extending its position.
Vol 1, Issue 5 - October 2008
Pennecon Applauds
Hebron Agreement
Ches Penney, Chairman of the Board of
Pennecon Limited, applauded all players in the
recent signing of the Hebron-Ben Nevis offshore
development agreement.
Octagon Development Corporation of Pennecon’s Real Estate Division has
positioned itself for the boom now being experienced in the St. John’s
residential housing market. The division is managed by Rick Legge who is
responsible for residential and commercial property development and Al
Spurrell who manages new home construction.
Octagon has over 500 potential lots in inventory. It recently sold the 40 lots in
phases 19 and 20 in Elizabeth Park (its premier subdivision) and is 60 per cent
sold out in phase 21, with phase 22 ready to start. The boom in the housing
market is directly related to the resource sector industries and the migration of
families moving to the St. John’s area to take advantage of this new economic
environment.
Pennecon Limited Newsletter
(L-R) Janice Byrne, Robert Rose, Tracey Dobson and Stephen Lewis
participate in the first annual Bob Rice Memorial Golf Tournament.
Your Comments are Welcome!
Please forward your suggestions, comments and questions to Sonia
Glover via email to [email protected], or by post to:
Sonia Glover, Editor
PenneconTalk Newsletter
PO Box 13305, Stn. A
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4B7
“The Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador, Chevron Canada, ExxonMobil Canada,
Petro-Canada and StatoilHydro Canada are to
be commended for working cooperatively and
diligently to reach the historical agreement,”
said Penney. “This is an exciting and significant
time for our province and our growing offshore
oil and gas industry, in which Pennecon Limited
is proud to be a major player.”
Penney said moving the Hebron project forward
will not only mean a substantive boost to the
local supply and service sector, it will create
significant employment for our highly skilled
and professional Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians through extensive engineering
work and construction activity.
“The Hebron project agreement, which includes
an equity position for the province, is the
beginning of a new era in our offshore oil and
gas sector and for the future development of
our natural resources,”
noted Penney.
“Indeed, Pennecon is
pleased to be part of
our province’s oil and
gas industry during
this exciting time. We
look forward to
supporting the
development of the
Hebron project
through our diverse
service offerings.”
Pennecon Part of Historical
Wuskwatim Project
Pennecon’s Heavy Civil Division is working diligently on phase 1 of the Wuskwatim Generating
Station project in Manitoba. The project is being developed by Wuskwatim Power Limited
Partnership, a legal entity involving Manitoba Hydro and the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.
Phase 1 of the Wuskwatim project involves excavation and aggregate manufacturing and is valued
at approximately $25 million. Pennecon’s work consists of drilling, blasting and excavating solid
bedrock for the powerhouse, tailrace, spillway dam and spillway channel, installation of rockbolts
and rockfall netting, as well as the production of the concrete aggregates.
Work on phase 1 began in June and is scheduled to be completed in November 2008. Pennecon has
also pre-qualified with three other bidders for phase 2, which will be awarded in the fall 2008.
Pennecon is excited to be involved in this historical project. The Wuskwatim Generating Station
marks the first time a First Nation and Manitoba Hydro have entered into a formal partnership
arrangement to develop a hydroelectric project. The project is located on the Burntwood River,
37 km southeast of Nelson House, Manitoba and 48 km southwest of Thompson. It is a four-year
project valued at approximately $1.6 billion.
Inside
This Issue
Pumping concrete into Abutment #2.
• Pennecon Praised for Work on Travers Inlet Project
• Pennecon Helps Make Community Centre a Reality
• Chinchaga Bridge Progressing as Planned
• A Successful Bob Rice Memorial Golf Tournament
Pennecon Real Estate employees keeping busy with
Octagon residential and commercial development.
Chinchaga Bridge Progressing
as Planned
The Chinchaga River Bridge Project in northwestern Alberta is progressing
as planned, thanks to a hard working Pennecon Heavy Civil crew and well
managed sub-contractors. The $8.1 million bridge project involves the
construction of a 3 span 140m steel girder bridge on a concrete
substructure. The two-season project got underway in July 2008 and is
expected to conclude in September 2009. Construction work in 2008
includes the completion of the substructure and installation of the
structural steel girders. The 2009 work, which will start in the spring, will
see the completion of the bridge deck.
Recently, the bridge piles for both abutments and pier #2 were installed to
their design elevations and the final touches, including placement of
concrete in the pipe piles on pier #2, is currently being completed. The first
batch of concrete was poured in August in abutment #2. The pipe piles for
Heavy Civil Team in BC
Continues to Grow
Pennecon’s Heavy Civil team in British Columbia keeps getting stronger.
Two new individuals recently joined the team in the Vancouver office. Blair
Smith is the new Construction Manager, while William Puranen has
assumed the role of Estimator.
Blair comes to Pennecon with over 15 years of experience in civil
construction focused around excavation, road building, bridges and
pipeline work. He was recently the excavation manager on the Canada
(L-R) Blair Smith and William Puranen.
Along with the smooth performance of the Pennecon crew for this project,
led by manager John Murphy, it is important to point out that Mother
Nature has also been on Pennecon’s side. She has been providing mainly
sunny days and keeping the river between the banks!
There is still a lot of work to do in preparation for the erection of the steel
girders which will arrive in the fall; however, a huge project milestone will
be reached once the pier #1 pipe piles are out of the ground. Hard work
and long hours will continue for the next few months. The crew is looking
forward to the challenge.
Line project in Vancouver, where ABC Precast and Ready Mix Ltd. supplied
all of the precast concrete tunnel sections. In his role with Pennecon, Blair
will be responsible for overall management of all heavy civil projects in BC
with an overlap into Alberta where applicable. He is currently managing the
Chinchaga River Bridge project in northwestern Alberta, and the start-up
phase of the Foothills Subdivision in Nanaimo, BC.
William Puranen joins Pennecon from Coronado Concrete and Capriatti
Construction out of Las Vegas where he was an estimator/project manager
on several large scale commercial concrete projects. Prior to that, he was
involved with various public works projects, including sewer and water
installation and earth moving projects. William will be responsible for
estimating all projects bid out of the Vancouver office and will also be
available to assist the St John’s office.
Crystal Young and Heather Lee of
NewFab Industries Ltd participated
in the annual 720 golf tournament
in Edmonton, AB again this year.
The tournament was held at the
Ranch Golf Course in June. (L-R:
Collin Daniels, Local 771; Heather
Lee; Crystal Young; Bert Royer BA,
Local 771)
Pennecon Limited was host to 117 golfers at the first annual Bob
Rice Memorial Golf Tournament at The Wilds in Salmonier on July
11, 2008. Formerly named the Southern Shore Shamrock Classic,
this event has been a fundraiser for Mobile Central High School
for several years. Pennecon felt it appropriate to rename the
tournament in honour of a dear friend and colleague, the late Bob
Rice, who loved a good game of golf. And, indeed, a good game of
golf is what the tournament turned out to be, complete with
contests, prizes and a hot delicious dinner. The damp weather
certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the participants. All reports
indicate that everyone had a great time and we look forward to a
repeat for 2009!
(L-R) Wayne White, Ken Beaulieu, Blair
Williams, Paul Coombs, Spence McLean.
pier #1 should be installed in the ground by the end of August, and the
remaining concrete work will also continue until its scheduled October
completion date.
A Successful Bob Rice
Memorial Golf Tournament
Benefiting from the
Housing Market Boom
Louise Rice (left), widow of the late Bob Rice, and her friend Cynthia Mills
participate in Pennecon’s annual golf tournament held in her
husband’s honour.
“We have being waiting for years for this to happen and we were ready,” said
Hedley Blundon, VP of Pennecon. Rick Legge said: “We are presently
developing three residential areas and Octagon Industrial Park in the Paradise
area. We are continuously looking at new areas for growth for the future and
are ready to take on new challenges.”
“We have been building our reputation with quality construction and the right
location for over a decade. Now it is time to benefit from our hard work,” said
Al Spurrell, who added they have an unbeatable team.
The team consists of site supervisor, Selwyn Loveless, who coordinates and
liaisons work with the many sub trades, and lead carpenter Glenn Bishop, along
with Gordon Rose and Lyman Reid. Two apprentice carpenters recently joined
us – Dylan Penney and Trent Wilson from Nanaimo BC. Surveying and
excavation is handled by Dave Halley, Gary Crotty, Leo Denine, Chris Noonan
and James Rideout.
Staying in front of the growing real estate market has been a challenge and it is
clear that this industry will continue to move forward for the next five years.
Higher labor and material costs along with a shortage of skilled trades people
has added to this year’s challenge for Octagon. “Recognizing these challenges
and meeting them head on has prepared us for this new growth and
development,” added Spurrell.
The Real Estate Division is determined to continue planned growth and
expansion, while also recognizing the volatility in the residential market and
not over-extending its position.
Vol 1, Issue 5 - October 2008
Pennecon Applauds
Hebron Agreement
Ches Penney, Chairman of the Board of
Pennecon Limited, applauded all players in the
recent signing of the Hebron-Ben Nevis offshore
development agreement.
Octagon Development Corporation of Pennecon’s Real Estate Division has
positioned itself for the boom now being experienced in the St. John’s
residential housing market. The division is managed by Rick Legge who is
responsible for residential and commercial property development and Al
Spurrell who manages new home construction.
Octagon has over 500 potential lots in inventory. It recently sold the 40 lots in
phases 19 and 20 in Elizabeth Park (its premier subdivision) and is 60 per cent
sold out in phase 21, with phase 22 ready to start. The boom in the housing
market is directly related to the resource sector industries and the migration of
families moving to the St. John’s area to take advantage of this new economic
environment.
Pennecon Limited Newsletter
(L-R) Janice Byrne, Robert Rose, Tracey Dobson and Stephen Lewis
participate in the first annual Bob Rice Memorial Golf Tournament.
Your Comments are Welcome!
Please forward your suggestions, comments and questions to Sonia
Glover via email to [email protected], or by post to:
Sonia Glover, Editor
PenneconTalk Newsletter
PO Box 13305, Stn. A
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4B7
“The Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador, Chevron Canada, ExxonMobil Canada,
Petro-Canada and StatoilHydro Canada are to
be commended for working cooperatively and
diligently to reach the historical agreement,”
said Penney. “This is an exciting and significant
time for our province and our growing offshore
oil and gas industry, in which Pennecon Limited
is proud to be a major player.”
Penney said moving the Hebron project forward
will not only mean a substantive boost to the
local supply and service sector, it will create
significant employment for our highly skilled
and professional Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians through extensive engineering
work and construction activity.
“The Hebron project agreement, which includes
an equity position for the province, is the
beginning of a new era in our offshore oil and
gas sector and for the future development of
our natural resources,”
noted Penney.
“Indeed, Pennecon is
pleased to be part of
our province’s oil and
gas industry during
this exciting time. We
look forward to
supporting the
development of the
Hebron project
through our diverse
service offerings.”
Pennecon Part of Historical
Wuskwatim Project
Pennecon’s Heavy Civil Division is working diligently on phase 1 of the Wuskwatim Generating
Station project in Manitoba. The project is being developed by Wuskwatim Power Limited
Partnership, a legal entity involving Manitoba Hydro and the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.
Phase 1 of the Wuskwatim project involves excavation and aggregate manufacturing and is valued
at approximately $25 million. Pennecon’s work consists of drilling, blasting and excavating solid
bedrock for the powerhouse, tailrace, spillway dam and spillway channel, installation of rockbolts
and rockfall netting, as well as the production of the concrete aggregates.
Work on phase 1 began in June and is scheduled to be completed in November 2008. Pennecon has
also pre-qualified with three other bidders for phase 2, which will be awarded in the fall 2008.
Pennecon is excited to be involved in this historical project. The Wuskwatim Generating Station
marks the first time a First Nation and Manitoba Hydro have entered into a formal partnership
arrangement to develop a hydroelectric project. The project is located on the Burntwood River,
37 km southeast of Nelson House, Manitoba and 48 km southwest of Thompson. It is a four-year
project valued at approximately $1.6 billion.
Inside
This Issue
Pumping concrete into Abutment #2.
• Pennecon Praised for Work on Travers Inlet Project
• Pennecon Helps Make Community Centre a Reality
• Chinchaga Bridge Progressing as Planned
• A Successful Bob Rice Memorial Golf Tournament
Busy Times for ABC
Precast and Ready Mix Ltd
Pennecon Helps Make
Community Centre a Reality
The Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre is now a reality, thanks
to a major contribution and involvement by Pennecon Limited.
With Pennecon’s cash donation of $75,000 and Board Chair Ches Penney
leading a fundraising team that collected over $500,000, along with
Pennecon VP Hedley Blundon leading the construction team, the youth and
community centre was able to officially open on June 5, 2008.
“Pennecon has a long history in the Town of Paradise and indeed we are
committed to reinvesting in the community. We are more than pleased to
help see the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre come to
fruition,” said Hedley.
During his remarks at the official opening, Paradise Mayor Ralph Wiseman
spoke highly of Hedley’s contribution to the project. “Of all the people
involved in this project, there is one person that Council feels deserves
special mention. While many are to be commended for their efforts and we
owe them immeasurable gratitude, one person was involved more than
anyone else. He was the driving force behind the fundraising and
construction of this building. When something needed to be done he
grabbed the bull by the horns and made it happen. He is a doer, a resident,
and a great friend of the Town of Paradise. I am talking about Hedley
Blundon,” said the mayor.
The new facility is approximately 22,000 sq. ft. and includes a
gymnatorium, fitness room, resource centre, kitchen, indoor skateboard
park and a youth centre. In recognition of Pennecon’s involvement, the
Town of Paradise named the gymnatorium after Hedley.
The mayor presented Hedley with a certificate which states, ‘In special
recognition of the contribution made by Mr. Hedley Blundon towards making
the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre a reality, this gymnatorium
will be known as the Hedley Blundon Gymnatorium’.
The project was a joint effort between Pennecon, the Town of Paradise and
the Rotary Club of Avalon Northeast. After being talked about for several
years, the centre became a reality when Pennecon put its collective
resources behind the project.
Construction activities on the Travers Inlet project.
Pennecon Praised
for Work on Travers
Inlet Project
Despite challenging weather conditions in May and June and an
aggressive work schedule, construction work on the Traverse Inlet Spillway
project in southeastern Alberta is on schedule to be substantially
completed in early December.
Pennecon’s Heavy Civil Division was awarded the contract by Alberta
Transportation to construct a new Spillway Structure at the north end of
the Travers Reservoir in April 2008. The project is valued at approximately
$13 million.
Excavation crews were mobilized to the site in early May and the mass
excavation was completed in early August. With the excavation completed,
structural concrete crews will be working until late November to ensure
completion of the concrete spillway, allowing it to go into operation in mid
to late April 2009.
The heavy civil team has received tremendous praise from the Alberta
government for its top-notch work on such a fast-paced project. Brian
Paradise Mayor Ralph Wiseman (left) presents
certificate to Hedley Blundon.
Wind Farm Construction
in Full Swing
Soutar, Director of the Major Capital Projects Branch, spoke of the
professionalism of the heavy civil team in a recent email to Pennecon: “As
you are aware, our Project Review Board visited the construction site on
Wednesday. These four seasoned engineers have seen a lot of construction
in their time and are not easily impressed. However, each of them
commented to us on how well organized and controlled your site is, and
that it was a pleasure to see it. In all the years of working with these
experts, I can’t recall such consistently positive statements”. Brian Soutar
also added: “…In our experience the contractor seldom comes to the
pre-construction meeting as prepared as you all were; the same goes for
weekly progress meetings. Your team really understands the issues and
plans accordingly…”
Construction work is in full swing by Pennecon Limited on the Fermeuse
Wind Farm Project, which is being developed by Skypower of Toronto, ON
and will be Newfoundland and Labrador’s second commercial wind farm
operation. Pennecon’s Heavy Civil Division is building nine concrete
foundations as a sub-contractor to Atcon Constuction Inc. of
Miramichi, NB.
This Spillway Structure is located approximately 175 kilometres southeast
of Calgary and is an integral component of the Careseland-Bow River
Headworks System. It will be operated by Alberta’s Environment
Department upon completion and supply irrigation water to farmers
throughout Southern Alberta.
The project is expected to last approximately 12 weeks. Work should wrap
up around the end of September.
The 3,000 cubic meters of concrete needed for the project is being
supplied by Capital Ready Mix from a portable batch plant set up in the
community of Fermeuse on Newfoundland’s southern shore. The 360
tonnes of reinforcing steel that is required is being supplied and installed
by Allstar Rebar.
The wind turbines are Vestas V-90’s with an 80m tower, which are the
same units installed at the St. Lawrence Wind Project that is currently
nearing completion by Pennecon’s Heavy Civil crew as well. The turbines and
towers for the Fermeuse wind farm are currently being stored at Pennecon’s
Bay Bulls Marine Terminal.
Building concrete foundations for the
Fermeuse Wind Farm.
ABC Precast and Ready Mix Ltd. of Pennecon’s Heavy Civil Divison
continues to experience busy times and is making a big impact on
Vancouver Island, BC. It was recently awarded the contract to
supply ready mix concrete for a major condo development to be
constructed in downtown Nanaimo by Willow Spring Constuction
Ltd of Coquitlam. The four-story condo development, called Studio
NA, also includes underground parking. This project will see ABC
Precast supply ready mix concrete that will include footings, walls,
slab on grade, as well as a suspended slab. Demolition for the
project is underway. ABC Precast expects to start its concrete work
around mid-October with a finish date in mid-February 2009.
Meanwhile, busy times have resulted in a growing truck fleet.
ABC’s latest addition is a 2008 tandem/tandem Sterling truck. It
now has a total of eight ready mix trucks.
Ozark Boosts Technical
Services
Ozark Services Limited of Pennecon’s Energy Division is growing
its technology offering in the high voltage area of its field services.
The company recently added a technical services division that will
boost its offerings to clients. Ozark’s new technical service group
can now provide customers with the best troubleshooting,
diagnostics and proactive services available for their power and
distribution equipment right on site! The new division consists of
highly trained and experienced service technologists known for
their commitment to customer service and excellence – they
include Dave Trask, Neal Budgell, George Sturge and Elmo Hibbs.
New services offered include: HV cable testing, doble testing,
project management, transformer services, switchgear services,
protective relays and co-ordination packages, high voltage testing
and system troubleshooting, large motors and generators,
engineering services, start up and commissioning services, and
control system trouble shooting/repairs.
Ozark Technical Service Representative Dave Trask testing and
commissioning an oil-filled transformer at the new wind farm
in St. Lawrence, NL.
Employee Profile: Menzel Rideout
How long have you been with Pennecon
Limited and what positions have you held
during that time?
I started to work with C.B.S. Concrete in May
1984 as a ready mix concrete truck driver. I
became an employee of Capital Ready Mix as a
ready mix truck driver when the two concrete
companies merged in 1985.
Where did you get your start in the
business?
I got my start in the business when I began
working for Ledrew Lumber as a truck driver.
Shortly after, I began my career with C.B.S.
Concrete, now known as Capital Ready Mix in
Pennecon’s Concrete Division.
Where were you educated?
I attended Queen Elizabeth Regional High in
Foxtrap, NL.
What do you like most about working at Pennecon?
What I like most about working for Pennecon is the great group of people I work
with. Over the years, I met and worked with a lot of great hard working people.
What is your fondest or funniest memory about your time at Pennecon?
After working with Pennecon for more than 24 years, I have many great
memories. My memories start from pouring a family’s new home to a large hotel
complex. My favorite memory is pouring concrete for the Canadian Coast Guard.
At this job site, they used a helicopter and bucket to reach the lighthouse in
Ferryland, NL.
What do you think is the most important value of any organization?
I think the most important thing for any organization is enforcing a safe work
environment. Another important value within a company is communication
among all employees. Both of these aspects are the foundation of any successful
company, such as Pennecon.
What inspires you?
What inspires me is seeing a six truck ready mix plant grow into an over 30 truck
operation today! I’m lucky to have been a part of the transformation over the
years and I look forward to seeing what the company will become in the future.
Do you have any hobbies?
In my spare time, I enjoy brewing my own wines. I also enjoy the outdoors, such
as moose hunting with my brothers and fishing while I’m at my cabin.
If you won the lottery today, what would you do tomorrow?
If I won the lottery I would retire early and ensure that my two children were
looked after financially. Then, I would love to do some traveling with my wife.
Busy Times for ABC
Precast and Ready Mix Ltd
Pennecon Helps Make
Community Centre a Reality
The Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre is now a reality, thanks
to a major contribution and involvement by Pennecon Limited.
With Pennecon’s cash donation of $75,000 and Board Chair Ches Penney
leading a fundraising team that collected over $500,000, along with
Pennecon VP Hedley Blundon leading the construction team, the youth and
community centre was able to officially open on June 5, 2008.
“Pennecon has a long history in the Town of Paradise and indeed we are
committed to reinvesting in the community. We are more than pleased to
help see the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre come to
fruition,” said Hedley.
During his remarks at the official opening, Paradise Mayor Ralph Wiseman
spoke highly of Hedley’s contribution to the project. “Of all the people
involved in this project, there is one person that Council feels deserves
special mention. While many are to be commended for their efforts and we
owe them immeasurable gratitude, one person was involved more than
anyone else. He was the driving force behind the fundraising and
construction of this building. When something needed to be done he
grabbed the bull by the horns and made it happen. He is a doer, a resident,
and a great friend of the Town of Paradise. I am talking about Hedley
Blundon,” said the mayor.
The new facility is approximately 22,000 sq. ft. and includes a
gymnatorium, fitness room, resource centre, kitchen, indoor skateboard
park and a youth centre. In recognition of Pennecon’s involvement, the
Town of Paradise named the gymnatorium after Hedley.
The mayor presented Hedley with a certificate which states, ‘In special
recognition of the contribution made by Mr. Hedley Blundon towards making
the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre a reality, this gymnatorium
will be known as the Hedley Blundon Gymnatorium’.
The project was a joint effort between Pennecon, the Town of Paradise and
the Rotary Club of Avalon Northeast. After being talked about for several
years, the centre became a reality when Pennecon put its collective
resources behind the project.
Construction activities on the Travers Inlet project.
Pennecon Praised
for Work on Travers
Inlet Project
Despite challenging weather conditions in May and June and an
aggressive work schedule, construction work on the Traverse Inlet Spillway
project in southeastern Alberta is on schedule to be substantially
completed in early December.
Pennecon’s Heavy Civil Division was awarded the contract by Alberta
Transportation to construct a new Spillway Structure at the north end of
the Travers Reservoir in April 2008. The project is valued at approximately
$13 million.
Excavation crews were mobilized to the site in early May and the mass
excavation was completed in early August. With the excavation completed,
structural concrete crews will be working until late November to ensure
completion of the concrete spillway, allowing it to go into operation in mid
to late April 2009.
The heavy civil team has received tremendous praise from the Alberta
government for its top-notch work on such a fast-paced project. Brian
Paradise Mayor Ralph Wiseman (left) presents
certificate to Hedley Blundon.
Wind Farm Construction
in Full Swing
Soutar, Director of the Major Capital Projects Branch, spoke of the
professionalism of the heavy civil team in a recent email to Pennecon: “As
you are aware, our Project Review Board visited the construction site on
Wednesday. These four seasoned engineers have seen a lot of construction
in their time and are not easily impressed. However, each of them
commented to us on how well organized and controlled your site is, and
that it was a pleasure to see it. In all the years of working with these
experts, I can’t recall such consistently positive statements”. Brian Soutar
also added: “…In our experience the contractor seldom comes to the
pre-construction meeting as prepared as you all were; the same goes for
weekly progress meetings. Your team really understands the issues and
plans accordingly…”
Construction work is in full swing by Pennecon Limited on the Fermeuse
Wind Farm Project, which is being developed by Skypower of Toronto, ON
and will be Newfoundland and Labrador’s second commercial wind farm
operation. Pennecon’s Heavy Civil Division is building nine concrete
foundations as a sub-contractor to Atcon Constuction Inc. of
Miramichi, NB.
This Spillway Structure is located approximately 175 kilometres southeast
of Calgary and is an integral component of the Careseland-Bow River
Headworks System. It will be operated by Alberta’s Environment
Department upon completion and supply irrigation water to farmers
throughout Southern Alberta.
The project is expected to last approximately 12 weeks. Work should wrap
up around the end of September.
The 3,000 cubic meters of concrete needed for the project is being
supplied by Capital Ready Mix from a portable batch plant set up in the
community of Fermeuse on Newfoundland’s southern shore. The 360
tonnes of reinforcing steel that is required is being supplied and installed
by Allstar Rebar.
The wind turbines are Vestas V-90’s with an 80m tower, which are the
same units installed at the St. Lawrence Wind Project that is currently
nearing completion by Pennecon’s Heavy Civil crew as well. The turbines and
towers for the Fermeuse wind farm are currently being stored at Pennecon’s
Bay Bulls Marine Terminal.
Building concrete foundations for the
Fermeuse Wind Farm.
ABC Precast and Ready Mix Ltd. of Pennecon’s Heavy Civil Divison
continues to experience busy times and is making a big impact on
Vancouver Island, BC. It was recently awarded the contract to
supply ready mix concrete for a major condo development to be
constructed in downtown Nanaimo by Willow Spring Constuction
Ltd of Coquitlam. The four-story condo development, called Studio
NA, also includes underground parking. This project will see ABC
Precast supply ready mix concrete that will include footings, walls,
slab on grade, as well as a suspended slab. Demolition for the
project is underway. ABC Precast expects to start its concrete work
around mid-October with a finish date in mid-February 2009.
Meanwhile, busy times have resulted in a growing truck fleet.
ABC’s latest addition is a 2008 tandem/tandem Sterling truck. It
now has a total of eight ready mix trucks.
Ozark Boosts Technical
Services
Ozark Services Limited of Pennecon’s Energy Division is growing
its technology offering in the high voltage area of its field services.
The company recently added a technical services division that will
boost its offerings to clients. Ozark’s new technical service group
can now provide customers with the best troubleshooting,
diagnostics and proactive services available for their power and
distribution equipment right on site! The new division consists of
highly trained and experienced service technologists known for
their commitment to customer service and excellence – they
include Dave Trask, Neal Budgell, George Sturge and Elmo Hibbs.
New services offered include: HV cable testing, doble testing,
project management, transformer services, switchgear services,
protective relays and co-ordination packages, high voltage testing
and system troubleshooting, large motors and generators,
engineering services, start up and commissioning services, and
control system trouble shooting/repairs.
Ozark Technical Service Representative Dave Trask testing and
commissioning an oil-filled transformer at the new wind farm
in St. Lawrence, NL.
Employee Profile: Menzel Rideout
How long have you been with Pennecon
Limited and what positions have you held
during that time?
I started to work with C.B.S. Concrete in May
1984 as a ready mix concrete truck driver. I
became an employee of Capital Ready Mix as a
ready mix truck driver when the two concrete
companies merged in 1985.
Where did you get your start in the
business?
I got my start in the business when I began
working for Ledrew Lumber as a truck driver.
Shortly after, I began my career with C.B.S.
Concrete, now known as Capital Ready Mix in
Pennecon’s Concrete Division.
Where were you educated?
I attended Queen Elizabeth Regional High in
Foxtrap, NL.
What do you like most about working at Pennecon?
What I like most about working for Pennecon is the great group of people I work
with. Over the years, I met and worked with a lot of great hard working people.
What is your fondest or funniest memory about your time at Pennecon?
After working with Pennecon for more than 24 years, I have many great
memories. My memories start from pouring a family’s new home to a large hotel
complex. My favorite memory is pouring concrete for the Canadian Coast Guard.
At this job site, they used a helicopter and bucket to reach the lighthouse in
Ferryland, NL.
What do you think is the most important value of any organization?
I think the most important thing for any organization is enforcing a safe work
environment. Another important value within a company is communication
among all employees. Both of these aspects are the foundation of any successful
company, such as Pennecon.
What inspires you?
What inspires me is seeing a six truck ready mix plant grow into an over 30 truck
operation today! I’m lucky to have been a part of the transformation over the
years and I look forward to seeing what the company will become in the future.
Do you have any hobbies?
In my spare time, I enjoy brewing my own wines. I also enjoy the outdoors, such
as moose hunting with my brothers and fishing while I’m at my cabin.
If you won the lottery today, what would you do tomorrow?
If I won the lottery I would retire early and ensure that my two children were
looked after financially. Then, I would love to do some traveling with my wife.
Busy Times for ABC
Precast and Ready Mix Ltd
Pennecon Helps Make
Community Centre a Reality
The Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre is now a reality, thanks
to a major contribution and involvement by Pennecon Limited.
With Pennecon’s cash donation of $75,000 and Board Chair Ches Penney
leading a fundraising team that collected over $500,000, along with
Pennecon VP Hedley Blundon leading the construction team, the youth and
community centre was able to officially open on June 5, 2008.
“Pennecon has a long history in the Town of Paradise and indeed we are
committed to reinvesting in the community. We are more than pleased to
help see the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre come to
fruition,” said Hedley.
During his remarks at the official opening, Paradise Mayor Ralph Wiseman
spoke highly of Hedley’s contribution to the project. “Of all the people
involved in this project, there is one person that Council feels deserves
special mention. While many are to be commended for their efforts and we
owe them immeasurable gratitude, one person was involved more than
anyone else. He was the driving force behind the fundraising and
construction of this building. When something needed to be done he
grabbed the bull by the horns and made it happen. He is a doer, a resident,
and a great friend of the Town of Paradise. I am talking about Hedley
Blundon,” said the mayor.
The new facility is approximately 22,000 sq. ft. and includes a
gymnatorium, fitness room, resource centre, kitchen, indoor skateboard
park and a youth centre. In recognition of Pennecon’s involvement, the
Town of Paradise named the gymnatorium after Hedley.
The mayor presented Hedley with a certificate which states, ‘In special
recognition of the contribution made by Mr. Hedley Blundon towards making
the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre a reality, this gymnatorium
will be known as the Hedley Blundon Gymnatorium’.
The project was a joint effort between Pennecon, the Town of Paradise and
the Rotary Club of Avalon Northeast. After being talked about for several
years, the centre became a reality when Pennecon put its collective
resources behind the project.
Construction activities on the Travers Inlet project.
Pennecon Praised
for Work on Travers
Inlet Project
Despite challenging weather conditions in May and June and an
aggressive work schedule, construction work on the Traverse Inlet Spillway
project in southeastern Alberta is on schedule to be substantially
completed in early December.
Pennecon’s Heavy Civil Division was awarded the contract by Alberta
Transportation to construct a new Spillway Structure at the north end of
the Travers Reservoir in April 2008. The project is valued at approximately
$13 million.
Excavation crews were mobilized to the site in early May and the mass
excavation was completed in early August. With the excavation completed,
structural concrete crews will be working until late November to ensure
completion of the concrete spillway, allowing it to go into operation in mid
to late April 2009.
The heavy civil team has received tremendous praise from the Alberta
government for its top-notch work on such a fast-paced project. Brian
Paradise Mayor Ralph Wiseman (left) presents
certificate to Hedley Blundon.
Wind Farm Construction
in Full Swing
Soutar, Director of the Major Capital Projects Branch, spoke of the
professionalism of the heavy civil team in a recent email to Pennecon: “As
you are aware, our Project Review Board visited the construction site on
Wednesday. These four seasoned engineers have seen a lot of construction
in their time and are not easily impressed. However, each of them
commented to us on how well organized and controlled your site is, and
that it was a pleasure to see it. In all the years of working with these
experts, I can’t recall such consistently positive statements”. Brian Soutar
also added: “…In our experience the contractor seldom comes to the
pre-construction meeting as prepared as you all were; the same goes for
weekly progress meetings. Your team really understands the issues and
plans accordingly…”
Construction work is in full swing by Pennecon Limited on the Fermeuse
Wind Farm Project, which is being developed by Skypower of Toronto, ON
and will be Newfoundland and Labrador’s second commercial wind farm
operation. Pennecon’s Heavy Civil Division is building nine concrete
foundations as a sub-contractor to Atcon Constuction Inc. of
Miramichi, NB.
This Spillway Structure is located approximately 175 kilometres southeast
of Calgary and is an integral component of the Careseland-Bow River
Headworks System. It will be operated by Alberta’s Environment
Department upon completion and supply irrigation water to farmers
throughout Southern Alberta.
The project is expected to last approximately 12 weeks. Work should wrap
up around the end of September.
The 3,000 cubic meters of concrete needed for the project is being
supplied by Capital Ready Mix from a portable batch plant set up in the
community of Fermeuse on Newfoundland’s southern shore. The 360
tonnes of reinforcing steel that is required is being supplied and installed
by Allstar Rebar.
The wind turbines are Vestas V-90’s with an 80m tower, which are the
same units installed at the St. Lawrence Wind Project that is currently
nearing completion by Pennecon’s Heavy Civil crew as well. The turbines and
towers for the Fermeuse wind farm are currently being stored at Pennecon’s
Bay Bulls Marine Terminal.
Building concrete foundations for the
Fermeuse Wind Farm.
ABC Precast and Ready Mix Ltd. of Pennecon’s Heavy Civil Divison
continues to experience busy times and is making a big impact on
Vancouver Island, BC. It was recently awarded the contract to
supply ready mix concrete for a major condo development to be
constructed in downtown Nanaimo by Willow Spring Constuction
Ltd of Coquitlam. The four-story condo development, called Studio
NA, also includes underground parking. This project will see ABC
Precast supply ready mix concrete that will include footings, walls,
slab on grade, as well as a suspended slab. Demolition for the
project is underway. ABC Precast expects to start its concrete work
around mid-October with a finish date in mid-February 2009.
Meanwhile, busy times have resulted in a growing truck fleet.
ABC’s latest addition is a 2008 tandem/tandem Sterling truck. It
now has a total of eight ready mix trucks.
Ozark Boosts Technical
Services
Ozark Services Limited of Pennecon’s Energy Division is growing
its technology offering in the high voltage area of its field services.
The company recently added a technical services division that will
boost its offerings to clients. Ozark’s new technical service group
can now provide customers with the best troubleshooting,
diagnostics and proactive services available for their power and
distribution equipment right on site! The new division consists of
highly trained and experienced service technologists known for
their commitment to customer service and excellence – they
include Dave Trask, Neal Budgell, George Sturge and Elmo Hibbs.
New services offered include: HV cable testing, doble testing,
project management, transformer services, switchgear services,
protective relays and co-ordination packages, high voltage testing
and system troubleshooting, large motors and generators,
engineering services, start up and commissioning services, and
control system trouble shooting/repairs.
Ozark Technical Service Representative Dave Trask testing and
commissioning an oil-filled transformer at the new wind farm
in St. Lawrence, NL.
Employee Profile: Menzel Rideout
How long have you been with Pennecon
Limited and what positions have you held
during that time?
I started to work with C.B.S. Concrete in May
1984 as a ready mix concrete truck driver. I
became an employee of Capital Ready Mix as a
ready mix truck driver when the two concrete
companies merged in 1985.
Where did you get your start in the
business?
I got my start in the business when I began
working for Ledrew Lumber as a truck driver.
Shortly after, I began my career with C.B.S.
Concrete, now known as Capital Ready Mix in
Pennecon’s Concrete Division.
Where were you educated?
I attended Queen Elizabeth Regional High in
Foxtrap, NL.
What do you like most about working at Pennecon?
What I like most about working for Pennecon is the great group of people I work
with. Over the years, I met and worked with a lot of great hard working people.
What is your fondest or funniest memory about your time at Pennecon?
After working with Pennecon for more than 24 years, I have many great
memories. My memories start from pouring a family’s new home to a large hotel
complex. My favorite memory is pouring concrete for the Canadian Coast Guard.
At this job site, they used a helicopter and bucket to reach the lighthouse in
Ferryland, NL.
What do you think is the most important value of any organization?
I think the most important thing for any organization is enforcing a safe work
environment. Another important value within a company is communication
among all employees. Both of these aspects are the foundation of any successful
company, such as Pennecon.
What inspires you?
What inspires me is seeing a six truck ready mix plant grow into an over 30 truck
operation today! I’m lucky to have been a part of the transformation over the
years and I look forward to seeing what the company will become in the future.
Do you have any hobbies?
In my spare time, I enjoy brewing my own wines. I also enjoy the outdoors, such
as moose hunting with my brothers and fishing while I’m at my cabin.
If you won the lottery today, what would you do tomorrow?
If I won the lottery I would retire early and ensure that my two children were
looked after financially. Then, I would love to do some traveling with my wife.
Pennecon Real Estate employees keeping busy with
Octagon residential and commercial development.
Chinchaga Bridge Progressing
as Planned
The Chinchaga River Bridge Project in northwestern Alberta is progressing
as planned, thanks to a hard working Pennecon Heavy Civil crew and well
managed sub-contractors. The $8.1 million bridge project involves the
construction of a 3 span 140m steel girder bridge on a concrete
substructure. The two-season project got underway in July 2008 and is
expected to conclude in September 2009. Construction work in 2008
includes the completion of the substructure and installation of the
structural steel girders. The 2009 work, which will start in the spring, will
see the completion of the bridge deck.
Recently, the bridge piles for both abutments and pier #2 were installed to
their design elevations and the final touches, including placement of
concrete in the pipe piles on pier #2, is currently being completed. The first
batch of concrete was poured in August in abutment #2. The pipe piles for
Heavy Civil Team in BC
Continues to Grow
Pennecon’s Heavy Civil team in British Columbia keeps getting stronger.
Two new individuals recently joined the team in the Vancouver office. Blair
Smith is the new Construction Manager, while William Puranen has
assumed the role of Estimator.
Blair comes to Pennecon with over 15 years of experience in civil
construction focused around excavation, road building, bridges and
pipeline work. He was recently the excavation manager on the Canada
(L-R) Blair Smith and William Puranen.
Along with the smooth performance of the Pennecon crew for this project,
led by manager John Murphy, it is important to point out that Mother
Nature has also been on Pennecon’s side. She has been providing mainly
sunny days and keeping the river between the banks!
There is still a lot of work to do in preparation for the erection of the steel
girders which will arrive in the fall; however, a huge project milestone will
be reached once the pier #1 pipe piles are out of the ground. Hard work
and long hours will continue for the next few months. The crew is looking
forward to the challenge.
Line project in Vancouver, where ABC Precast and Ready Mix Ltd. supplied
all of the precast concrete tunnel sections. In his role with Pennecon, Blair
will be responsible for overall management of all heavy civil projects in BC
with an overlap into Alberta where applicable. He is currently managing the
Chinchaga River Bridge project in northwestern Alberta, and the start-up
phase of the Foothills Subdivision in Nanaimo, BC.
William Puranen joins Pennecon from Coronado Concrete and Capriatti
Construction out of Las Vegas where he was an estimator/project manager
on several large scale commercial concrete projects. Prior to that, he was
involved with various public works projects, including sewer and water
installation and earth moving projects. William will be responsible for
estimating all projects bid out of the Vancouver office and will also be
available to assist the St John’s office.
Crystal Young and Heather Lee of
NewFab Industries Ltd participated
in the annual 720 golf tournament
in Edmonton, AB again this year.
The tournament was held at the
Ranch Golf Course in June. (L-R:
Collin Daniels, Local 771; Heather
Lee; Crystal Young; Bert Royer BA,
Local 771)
Pennecon Limited was host to 117 golfers at the first annual Bob
Rice Memorial Golf Tournament at The Wilds in Salmonier on July
11, 2008. Formerly named the Southern Shore Shamrock Classic,
this event has been a fundraiser for Mobile Central High School
for several years. Pennecon felt it appropriate to rename the
tournament in honour of a dear friend and colleague, the late Bob
Rice, who loved a good game of golf. And, indeed, a good game of
golf is what the tournament turned out to be, complete with
contests, prizes and a hot delicious dinner. The damp weather
certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the participants. All reports
indicate that everyone had a great time and we look forward to a
repeat for 2009!
(L-R) Wayne White, Ken Beaulieu, Blair
Williams, Paul Coombs, Spence McLean.
pier #1 should be installed in the ground by the end of August, and the
remaining concrete work will also continue until its scheduled October
completion date.
A Successful Bob Rice
Memorial Golf Tournament
Benefiting from the
Housing Market Boom
Louise Rice (left), widow of the late Bob Rice, and her friend Cynthia Mills
participate in Pennecon’s annual golf tournament held in her
husband’s honour.
“We have being waiting for years for this to happen and we were ready,” said
Hedley Blundon, VP of Pennecon. Rick Legge said: “We are presently
developing three residential areas and Octagon Industrial Park in the Paradise
area. We are continuously looking at new areas for growth for the future and
are ready to take on new challenges.”
“We have been building our reputation with quality construction and the right
location for over a decade. Now it is time to benefit from our hard work,” said
Al Spurrell, who added they have an unbeatable team.
The team consists of site supervisor, Selwyn Loveless, who coordinates and
liaisons work with the many sub trades, and lead carpenter Glenn Bishop, along
with Gordon Rose and Lyman Reid. Two apprentice carpenters recently joined
us – Dylan Penney and Trent Wilson from Nanaimo BC. Surveying and
excavation is handled by Dave Halley, Gary Crotty, Leo Denine, Chris Noonan
and James Rideout.
Staying in front of the growing real estate market has been a challenge and it is
clear that this industry will continue to move forward for the next five years.
Higher labor and material costs along with a shortage of skilled trades people
has added to this year’s challenge for Octagon. “Recognizing these challenges
and meeting them head on has prepared us for this new growth and
development,” added Spurrell.
The Real Estate Division is determined to continue planned growth and
expansion, while also recognizing the volatility in the residential market and
not over-extending its position.
Vol 1, Issue 5 - October 2008
Pennecon Applauds
Hebron Agreement
Ches Penney, Chairman of the Board of
Pennecon Limited, applauded all players in the
recent signing of the Hebron-Ben Nevis offshore
development agreement.
Octagon Development Corporation of Pennecon’s Real Estate Division has
positioned itself for the boom now being experienced in the St. John’s
residential housing market. The division is managed by Rick Legge who is
responsible for residential and commercial property development and Al
Spurrell who manages new home construction.
Octagon has over 500 potential lots in inventory. It recently sold the 40 lots in
phases 19 and 20 in Elizabeth Park (its premier subdivision) and is 60 per cent
sold out in phase 21, with phase 22 ready to start. The boom in the housing
market is directly related to the resource sector industries and the migration of
families moving to the St. John’s area to take advantage of this new economic
environment.
Pennecon Limited Newsletter
(L-R) Janice Byrne, Robert Rose, Tracey Dobson and Stephen Lewis
participate in the first annual Bob Rice Memorial Golf Tournament.
Your Comments are Welcome!
Please forward your suggestions, comments and questions to Sonia
Glover via email to [email protected], or by post to:
Sonia Glover, Editor
PenneconTalk Newsletter
PO Box 13305, Stn. A
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4B7
“The Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador, Chevron Canada, ExxonMobil Canada,
Petro-Canada and StatoilHydro Canada are to
be commended for working cooperatively and
diligently to reach the historical agreement,”
said Penney. “This is an exciting and significant
time for our province and our growing offshore
oil and gas industry, in which Pennecon Limited
is proud to be a major player.”
Penney said moving the Hebron project forward
will not only mean a substantive boost to the
local supply and service sector, it will create
significant employment for our highly skilled
and professional Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians through extensive engineering
work and construction activity.
“The Hebron project agreement, which includes
an equity position for the province, is the
beginning of a new era in our offshore oil and
gas sector and for the future development of
our natural resources,”
noted Penney.
“Indeed, Pennecon is
pleased to be part of
our province’s oil and
gas industry during
this exciting time. We
look forward to
supporting the
development of the
Hebron project
through our diverse
service offerings.”
Pennecon Part of Historical
Wuskwatim Project
Pennecon’s Heavy Civil Division is working diligently on phase 1 of the Wuskwatim Generating
Station project in Manitoba. The project is being developed by Wuskwatim Power Limited
Partnership, a legal entity involving Manitoba Hydro and the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.
Phase 1 of the Wuskwatim project involves excavation and aggregate manufacturing and is valued
at approximately $25 million. Pennecon’s work consists of drilling, blasting and excavating solid
bedrock for the powerhouse, tailrace, spillway dam and spillway channel, installation of rockbolts
and rockfall netting, as well as the production of the concrete aggregates.
Work on phase 1 began in June and is scheduled to be completed in November 2008. Pennecon has
also pre-qualified with three other bidders for phase 2, which will be awarded in the fall 2008.
Pennecon is excited to be involved in this historical project. The Wuskwatim Generating Station
marks the first time a First Nation and Manitoba Hydro have entered into a formal partnership
arrangement to develop a hydroelectric project. The project is located on the Burntwood River,
37 km southeast of Nelson House, Manitoba and 48 km southwest of Thompson. It is a four-year
project valued at approximately $1.6 billion.
Inside
This Issue
Pumping concrete into Abutment #2.
• Pennecon Praised for Work on Travers Inlet Project
• Pennecon Helps Make Community Centre a Reality
• Chinchaga Bridge Progressing as Planned
• A Successful Bob Rice Memorial Golf Tournament