Wesley to Miekle Transmission Project

Construct 82 km of 230-kV double-circuit transmission line and two-bundle Hawk ACSR. Valard overcame a short timeline and logistical difficulties to successfully construct 55 km of the line over an 84-day winter work window. This portion of the project went through environmentally sensitive areas, where Valard took extra measures to mitigate any negative impacts. The balance of the line was completed with a smaller crew follow a two-month hiatus for spring break-up.

This project was successfully completed on budget, on time and without incident as a joint venture with the Woodland Cree First Nation.

Client: ATCO Electric
Location: Peace River, Alberta
Dates: January to September 2010
Services: Construction

BP Noel

Design, procure and construct 67 km of 138-kV single-circuit transmission line on wood pole structures. The scope included all engineering, procurement, construction, planning and scheduling, surveying, labour, materials, equipment, supervision, tools, transportation and supplies.

The project was built over watersheds, rivers and through environmentally sensitive areas. Two major river crossings were completed with helicopter construction techniques. Helicopter construction was also required for other challenging terrain.

The project was completed within budget and to schedule without incident.

Client: BP Canada
Location: Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Dates: March 2009 to April 2010

Services: EPC

Herblet to Ralls Island Line

Construct 168 km of 230-kV single-circuit transmission line in Manitoba. This involved the construction of access, foundations, tower assembly and erection and stringing of the conductor.

Weather was not on the side of the project and provided unpredictable difficulties. A very mild winter during the first construction season caused a weak freeze-up that did not last long. By mid-winter, crews were facing major melts that caused considerable problems with right of way access and equipment. Then, severe blizzards hit and buried access roads, equipment and materials in deep snow.

Other challenges related to the terrain of the project. The length of the line spanned over wetland and Canadian Shield rock. Access proved difficult, as there were swamps in some areas that ran up to 12 km long and 60 ft deep. This required a combination of challenging foundations and specialized foundation equipment to get through the swamp and drill into the rock bed below. In addition, Valard set 145 structures by helicopter over the Canadian Shield terrain in order to successfully meet a tight schedule.

The project was completed in the short duration of the schedule, on budget and without incident.

Client: Manitoba Hydro
Location: The Pas, Manitoba
Dates: December to March 2009 and 2010
Services: Construction