b'COVER STORYconstructing several stick-built housesDelorey says working with anSRMs team dove in head-first to for the new developments.accelerated timeline will enableevery piece of preliminary design with displaced members of Skwlax te Urban Systems, ensuring we thought This project has been very near and dearSecwepemculecw to get back on thethoroughly and consciously about what to our values and hearts, says Philippland far sooner than what is normallywe could confidently construct, what we Gruner, CEO of Paradigm. Gettingseen in a disaster of this nature. Beingneeded to semi-construct to allow for displaced residents back into a homeback on the land is important and after the destruction of a wildfire is agrounding for the members as they feelfine-tuning, changes or final design, and very important cause to work hard for. a deep connection to this land, and youwhat we needed to plan around to allow can really see and feel that interactingsufficient time for design.Having a place you can call home iswith them, he says. It also enables something that is very important foreach of the members who lost theirMoving fast during tough winter ones well-being, agrees Jason Friesen,home to be in the immediate area forconditions posed additional challenges. senior manager of sales & strategictheir permanent rebuild, easing theStill, says Friesen, there were none partnerships with Freeport Industries.burden of this task. that SRM and its partners werent The ability to have families moveprepared to tackle through a genuinely back into homes as quickly as possible,Following an accelerated timeline has especially after such a devastating event,often meant working on pieces of thecollaborative approach: SRMs clear was crucial not only for the familiesproject before they were completelyand frequent communication and affected but the community as a whole. designed. Delorey admits this is notcoordination with us at Freeport for the an ideal strategy in construction, yetsupply of the homes was a large part of Numerous Skwlax entrepreneur-ownednecessary given all the key milestonesthe overall success in being able to have companies are also involved in thethat needed to be met to get Skwlaxsthe homes delivered and installed as project, including Skwlax Aggregatespeople back home. Herein, he adds,quickly as possible.LLP, Greentec Electric and BeaverTooth Resources. Additionally, BC Hydro, TELUS, Kala Geosciences and severalSpecializing in Structural Architectural & Utility Precast Products local companies and service providers have also joined the effort.DELIVERY & CRANE SERVICE NO TIME TO SPARE AVAILABLESRMs team has spared no time getting ManholeSeptic TanksUtility ProductsOil Interceptors Catch BasinsBarriersBox CulvertInlet/Outlet Structuresthe Rapid Housing Project off the Picinic Tables Parking CurbsC.I Frame & GratesLight Pole Bases ground. The first subdivision, namedCable Duct Trenchesthe Dancing Fawn II subdivision, was1161A Chief Louis Way, Kamloops completed months after the projectFax: (250) 382-5786 Email:info@kempconcrete.com Web:www.kempconcrete.comlaunched in December 2023, and its 11 homes began receiving occupants as of March 2024. At this pace, the team is on track to completing all 33 residences by November 2024, capping the ambitious project merely 16 months from the date of evacuation. SICA CONSTRUCTION REVIEWFall 202437'