PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
“This project fits in our wheelhouse.
We have an in-house design capability
that brought our client’s ideas to life. In
fact, the design and finished product are
almost exact,” he said, remarking that
the construction went well with only a
few challenges that their crews were able
to overcome.
For example, the teepee-style roofline
required a deft touch to get the framing
just right. Another challenge was a wet
spring. “There was a lot of water and we
had a drainage plan. However, we were
onsite and in construction before the plan
could be fully implemented. Mercifully,
the weather cooperated. We were able to
work on a bit of an island to get the job
done,” he said, adding that it helps to have
longstanding relationships with trades
and subcontractors that are highly skilled.
It also helps to work with key suppliers
that have your back. According to Keller,
companies such as KOHLTECH Windows
and James Hardie Siding, as well as local
contractors like Able Eavestroughing and
Amped Electric were all instrumental in
getting this project completed.
After input from several
organizations and local groups,
the plans were ready in February
of this year and shovels hit the
ground that month.
Keller says the company is CORTM-certified
and safety plays an important part
of every day on the job. The Sioux Valley
Community Centre is a good case-in-point.
He says that standard practices were
in play during construction, including an
overarching safety plan for the project
right down to morning toolbox meetings
when hazards were discussed. The upshot
was that over the months of construction,
no injuries occurred.
COVID-19 was another concern
during construction. Manitoba First
Nation communities have been extra
vigilant during the pandemic and Keller
Developments’ crews were able to work
within the confines of the community’s
regulations. “For a while, the community
was closed to outside traffic. But, they
were able to accommodate us and let
us in to get the job completed,” said
Keller, adding that crews did not change
personnel so that the same people each
day would be the ones coming into the
community. “Also, there was no crossover
at the jobsite between local workers and
those from outside. We kept our distance
in the community.”
Challenges aside, the new
community centre was all in a day’s
work for Keller Developments and its
affiliated companies. n
BUILDING RURAL MANITOBA | 43