Georgetown Harbour Planning & Reconstruction
Location: Georgetown, PEI
Client: Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Timeframe: 2018-2024
Key Staff: Greg MacDonald, Ron Keefe, Justin Campbell, Calvin MacAulay
Project Description
Georgetown Harbour wharf is a Class B fishing wharf located in the eastern town of Georgetown in Kings County, PEI. The existing wharf consists of a main pier running in the north south direction and a ‘F’ shaped branch off the east side. Harbourside Engineering Consultants was hired by DFO Small Craft Harbours to design a replacement structure for half of the pier and a new containment cell to place all the excavated sediments form under the structure footprint. The project’s design phase was complete in 2018, and construction was completed in 2024. Furthermore, Harbourside was hired to look at a new harbour plan and provide a detailed design for the first phase of this new harbour plan. The design was completed but the project never went to tender.
Harbourside’s Role
Initial Inspection and Investigation
For this project, Harbourside was engaged as the prime consultant to complete the design of a replacement structure for half of the main pier. In addition, we needed to update the lighting and electrical systems at this facility (by Richardson and Associates) and consider the coastal processes in the area during the harbour planning phase of the project. Our scope for this project included pre-design services, which included a site investigation and assessment of the existing conditions. Next, we completed concept designs by developing options analysis of the potential wharf structures. Such options included a tied-back berlin wall structure, a steel sheet pile wall structure, and a pile supported wharf.
Detailed Engineering Design
In the next phase of the project, we completed the detailed design of the steel sheet pile, which was the recommended option. Harbourside presided over the development and review of the construction documents (drawings, specifications, and capital cost estimates) at 50%, 99% and 100% completion of the tender package. Part of the detailed design phase also included coordinating and reviewing the recommendations and deliverables submitted by our sub-contractors. These deliverables included drawings, specifications and capital cost estimates for the electrical work and advice and constructability support from our geotechnical division. Prior to submitting these deliverables to our client, all sub-contractor work was reviewed and approved by the project manager.
Tender and Construction Phase
After the construction documents were 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, we aided in the review and analysis of the submitted bids. During construction, Harbourside provided contract administration and technical services for the project. All shop drawing submissions were reviewed by Harbourside Engineering, and we provided support and technical advice for RFI’s, change orders and claims. Dealing with the contractor on a day-to-day basis and providing inspection services were also routine tasks. Finally, Harbourside was responsible for schedule review and progress claims and closeout procedures. The project was completed in the Spring of 2024.
In addition, as part of this project, Harbourside was involved in supporting DFO SCH with developing their submissions to obtain the environmental permits.
Unique Challenges
At this facility, we were required to design a new wharf for several commercial fishing boats. One challenge was the change in structure type from a pier-span type structure to a bulkhead wall structure. This made construction difficult as the contractor had to construct a work trestle while keeping the crib structures intact. Furthermore, there was a substantial quantity of rock fill required. Harbourside had to work with the contractor to find adequate storage for these materials so they could be available when they needed them. The project required the construction of a containment cell to contain the excavated materials. The cell was built on DFO property but is located in the middle of the community. Harbourside helped DFO with their consultations with the community for this part of the project.
Social Impact
Small craft harbours play an important role in coastal communities. The economic impact of this reconstruction may seem small on grand scale, but the effect will be resounding for the people of Georgetown. Although the second phase was never tendered, there is still room for growth and improvement within the small harbour. This means that as need requires, and as funding becomes available, there is already a restructured, growth minded design ready and waiting to be executed.