North Lake Wharf Replacement
Location: North Lake, PEI
Client: Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours
Timeframe: 2015-2017
Key Staff: Greg MacDonald, Ron Keefe, Kerry Taylor
Project Description
North Lake has a small craft harbour used primarily for commercial fishing vessels. Harbourside has completed work on several structures at this facility; however, this summary will focus on the replacement of Structure 426P. In 2014, the existing wharf at this facility was considered unsafe for use and Harbourside Engineering Consultants was hired by DFO Small Craft Harbours to design emergency repairs of the existing timber marginal wharf. After the completion of the emergency repairs, Harbourside was then awarded the design of a replacement structure utilizing timber piles, a pre-cast concrete deck and concrete pile caps. The project’s design phase was complete in 2015, and construction completed in 2017.
Harbourside’s Role
For this project, Harbourside was engaged as the prime consultant to complete the design of a replacement structure for North Lake 426P. The project started with an inspection and assessment of the existing wharf structure (formerly structure 417). That inspection determined that the existing wharf was in poor condition and needed to be temporarily repaired prior that fall to ensure the wharf was ready for the spring lobster fishing season. After design and overseeing construction of the emergency repairs, Harbourside started to develop the detailed design of the proposed new structure. The client wanted to maintain a similar structure type utilizing timber piles and timber fendering, however, the timber pile caps, and decking was replaced with cast-in-place concrete pile caps and pre-cast decks. During the design phase, we hosted three meetings with the client and other stakeholders to review the construction documents (drawings, specifications, and capital cost estimates) at 50%, 99% and 100% completion of the tender package.
After the construction documents had been developed, Harbourside provided support during the tender phase by answering technical queries, providing additional information to bidders, and preparing addendums. After the tender had closed, Harbourside completed the contract administration of the project. As the contract administrator, Harbourside was required to provide construction oversight, review and approval of shop drawing submissions, answering technical queries including RFI, CCO’s, CO’s as well as dealing with site issues, overseeing the project schedule, managing the contractor and client’s expectations. In addition to our tasks during construction, Harbourside provided commissioning and post-construction services including warranty inspections, deficiency lists, finalizing as-built drawings, issuing a certificate of substantial completion, sign-off on the final warranty review and the final certificate of completion. The construction phase of this project was completed in 2017 on budget.
As part of this project, Harbourside was involved in supporting DFO SCH with the development if their submissions to obtain the environmental permits. Harbourside also supported DFO SCH with their submissions to Transport Canada to obtain approval to complete the construction of this structure. During construction, Harbourside oversaw the onsite construction work to ensure compliance with the applicable permits.
Unique Challenges
At this facility, bait sheds were situated directly behind the existing structure. Their proximity made design of the drainage plan behind the new structure challenging. In addition, during construction, some bait sheds had to be moved to provide the contractor with access to drive the piles and construct the new wharf. Another design challenge was ensuring that the new pile spacing was offset from the existing piles which were cut off at harbour bottom. All these small issues added to the complexity of the project; however, through proper planning, consultation with the client, the local harbour authority and the contractor, these issues were mitigated.
Social Impact
The importance of small craft harbours during lobster season cannot be understated. As the main livelihood of countless fishers, and as the emblematic cuisine of the Maritimes, seafood is the lifeblood of the Atlantic provinces. Having the North Lake wharf operational in time for lobster season was critical to ensure the safety and wellbeing of fishermen, and the smooth operations of their craft.