Project updates: Hatch, Parsons, IBI, LEA, WSP, Peto MacCallum, B.R. Thorson, WSP

Hatch is doing design and development for the world’s largest new diamond project in northern Canada. The Gahcho Kué mine is located 280 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, and is the third diamond mine in Canada owned by De Beers. De Beers owns the mine jointly with Mountain Province Diamonds. Land access for transporting equipment to the site is only available for two months of the year, in February and March, by a 420-kilometre long ice road. Hatch began working on the project in 2010, did studies in 2013 with JDS Mining, and was awarded a full contract in January 2014 to implement the project. John Bryant is senior project manager with Hatch.

Parsons is a partner in the consortium selected to design and build the Regina Bypass Project, which is the largest transportation project in Saskatchewan’s history and its first done as a public-private partnership. The project consits of 58 kilometres of four-lane highway, 11 interchanges and new flyovers and service roads. Parsons is part of the Regina Bypass Design Builders joint venture, which includes Graham Infrastructure, Carmacks and VINCI.

IBI Group, along with LEA Consulting, WSP and Peto MacCallum are the design team for EDCO which was recently selected to design, build and finance a 12-kilometre new section of the dedicated York Viva Bus Rapid Transit line. EDCO is a joint venture of EllisDon and Coco Paving. The transit corridor runs east-west along Highway 7 in Vaughan and Richmond Hill, north of Toronto. The project extends from Helen Street to Interchange Way (first segment) and Bowes Road to Yonge Street (second segment). It includes 12 kilometres of rapidways, 10 new stations, bridge widenings, culvert extensions and enhanced boulevards. Metrolinx and York Region Rapid Transit Corporation are the clients.

B.R. Thorson Consulting is consulting engineer on the new BMO Theatre Centre in Vancouver. The 250-seat theatre is the new home of the Arts Club and Bard on the Beach, and is located in an existing building next tot he former Vancouver Olympic Village in False Creek.

WSP Canada is part of the Access Prairies Partnership selected to build the new Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford provincial psychiatric facility. The 188-bed complex will incorporate a 96-room correctional centre. Access Prairies Partnership includes Kasian, Graham, Carillion, Gracorp and WSP.