Project Overview
Client: Town of Westlock
Location: Westlock, Alberta
Completion Date: 2024
Project Type: Public Infrastructure Facility
Scope of Work: Design-Build, Pre-Engineered Steel Building (Behlen Industries)
The Westlock Public Works Facility was designed to meet the growing operational needs of the Town of Westlock's municipal services. Atkinson Construction took on the role of design-build contractor, delivering a modern, functional facility that supports the town's maintenance operations, administrative functions, and equipment storage needs. The facility was constructed using a pre-engineered steel building system from Behlen Industries, providing durability, efficiency, and long-term operational savings for the municipality.
This multi-purpose facility includes large maintenance bays, administrative offices, and secure storage for public works vehicles and equipment. With a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and community service, the project reflects Atkinson Construction’s commitment to building public infrastructure that stands the test of time.
The facility includes dedicated production spaces, a custom-designed tasting room, and a retail area where visitors can experience and purchase Anohka’s handcrafted whiskey. Atkinson Construction worked closely with the client and design teams to ensure the building captured the essence of the distillery’s brand—luxurious, authentic, and rooted in tradition.
Key Features
Pre-Engineered Steel Building
The facility was constructed using a pre-engineered steel building system from Behlen Industries, chosen for its durability, cost-efficiency, and fast construction timeline. This approach ensured a structurally sound facility that can withstand Alberta’s harsh weather conditions while minimizing ongoing maintenance costs for the town.
Large Maintenance Bays
The facility includes spacious maintenance bays equipped to service a wide range of public works vehicles and equipment. These bays are designed for flexibility, allowing town employees to perform repairs and maintenance tasks efficiently, which helps keep municipal operations running smoothly.
Administrative Offices
The building houses modern administrative offices where staff can oversee public works operations. The office spaces were designed to be both functional and comfortable, with high-quality materials and energy-efficient systems to enhance productivity and minimize operational costs.
Vehicle and Equipment Storage
Secure, climate-controlled storage areas were built to house the town’s fleet of public works vehicles and essential equipment. The facility’s storage solutions ensure that the town’s resources are well-protected, extending the lifespan of valuable equipment and reducing the risk of downtime during maintenance activities.
Sustainable Design Elements
The facility was built with energy efficiency in mind, incorporating features like energy-efficient lighting, heating, and insulation. This reduces the facility’s overall environmental footprint and results in significant long-term operational savings for the town.
Challenges and Solutions
Harsh Weather Conditions
The unpredictable Alberta weather posed potential delays during the construction phase. Atkinson Construction mitigated these risks by implementing a proactive construction schedule and utilizing the pre-engineered steel building system, which allowed for quicker assembly and better protection against inclement weather.
Challenges and Solutions
Sustainability Requirements
Meeting the town’s goal of building an energy-efficient facility required incorporating sustainable construction methods and materials. Atkinson Construction worked closely with engineers and sustainability experts to integrate energy-efficient HVAC systems, high-performance insulation, and sustainable building practices without compromising the budget or timeline.
Challenges and Solutions
Optimizing Space and Functionality
One of the primary challenges was designing a facility that maximized space for vehicle storage and maintenance while also providing sufficient administrative areas. The solution involved creating a flexible, open-layout design for the maintenance bays and strategically planning the office areas to ensure optimal use of space without sacrificing comfort or functionality.
Impact
The Westlock Public Works Facility has transformed how the Town of Westlock manages its municipal services. The new facility provides essential support for the maintenance of public infrastructure, ensuring that town operations run smoothly and efficiently. With state-of-the-art maintenance bays, secure equipment storage, and sustainable design features, the facility is positioned to serve the community for decades to come.
The use of a pre-engineered steel building system enabled a quicker construction timeline, cost savings, and long-term durability, making it a key investment for the town. In addition, the facility’s energy-efficient design contributes to the town’s sustainability goals, reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental impact. Overall, this project reflects Atkinson Construction’s ability to deliver high-quality, functional public infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of local communities.
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