First phase of the Dawe Centre revitalization complete

July 25, 2008

(Red Deer, Alberta) – Demolition of the G.H. Dawe Community Centre will get underway next week after The City received a clearance report that confirms the hazardous materials removal phase of the project is complete.

“The hazardous materials removal is all about isolating work areas, protecting workers, minimizing the release of asbestos fibres and ensuring adequate cleanup and decontamination,” said Jeff Graves, Project Superintendent.

The provincial government recommends building surveys be conducted on public and commercial buildings constructed before 1980 to test for hazardous building materials such as asbestos, lead, PCB’s and mould before renovation or demolition occurs. If asbestos-containing material is identified, and there is potential for people to be exposed during renovation or demolition, provincial law states it must be removed and disposed by an acceptable method such as burial in an approved disposal site.

“Hazardous materials removal was a necessary first step to ensure all unsafe substances were removed from the facility before workers moved forward with demolition and reconstruction. The facility now meets current environmental standards and we are ready to move forward with the next phase of the project,” said Graves.

Part of the hazardous materials removal included installation of fencing to define work areas and public areas. Trees that were in the construction zone were either relocated or recycled as mulch and firewood if they couldn’t be removed without damaging them.

“We are committed to building a sustainable facility, and this includes ensuring environmentally-friendly landscape management practices as part of the project,” said Graves. “Only trees that couldn’t be safely removed from the ground were used for mulch and firewood.”

The City anticipates the demolition phase will get underway this week with the project expected to wrap up in spring 2010. A designated page has been set up on the website to provide regular updates and photo tours of the project as it unfolds. Residents are encouraged to visit www.reddeer.ca/dawe to see images and find out more about the hazardous materials removal process.

The G.H. Dawe Community Centre Revitalization is part of The City’s broader vision and plans to upgrade its aging infrastructure and respond to Red Deer’s growing population needs.

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For more information about the G.H. Dawe Community Centre Revitalization please contact:

Jeff Graves
Project Superintendent
The City of Red Deer
403-356-8912

or

Tara Shand
Communications Officer
The City of Red Deer
403-309-8594