b'JOURNEY TO THE TOPQ&A with 300 Mains towercrane operatorBy Twila DriedgerClarence Anderson is in search of high-risk pursuits in both his downtime and professional career. When hes not climbing a wind-whipped ladder to work 425 ft. in the air as a tower crane operator, hes finding other adventures, like going on the Insanity, Las Vegass best thrill ride, and hanging 1,100 ft. over the edge of the building. But Anderson hasnt always had his sights set on working in the sky. He was a member of the Operating Engineers 987 when an opportunity arose for an apprenticeship as a tower crane operator. Now, he has been getting his daily dose of adrenaline for 17 years. Currently, Anderson is operating the tower crane for Clarence Anderson, Marwest Construction Ltd. on Tower Crane Operator,the 300 Main projectsoon to Marwest be Winnipegs tallest downtown Construction Ltd. apartment tower.Anderson showed us around his jobsite and explained what its like to work at the highest elevation in the city. Photos by Carman Tang, WCAWHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING ON 300 MAIN?WHAT DOES YOUR WORK ONVery exciting and rewarding to be able to say, IveTHIS PROJECT ENTAIL? been instrumental in building the tallest structure inHoisting miscellaneous materials, hollow core, steel Winnipeg. Ive never dreaded a day of work since Istructures, windows and balconies.started. Its never felt like work. And Marwest has beenWHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? very good to me. The morning climb, which takes approximately half an WHAT OTHER PROJECTS HAVE YOU WORKED ON?hour, as well as working in windy conditions.Bell MTS Place, Manitoba Hydro Building, Alt Hotel,WHAT IS THE COOLEST PART ABOUT YOUR JOB? Glasshouse, Womens Hospital at Health Sciences Centre,Hoisting up a steel column that weighs 20,000 lbs. and Fort McMurray oil sands, Lower Mattagami Hydro Damvarious heavy lifts. As well, the cool scenery.Project, Wuskwatim Generating Station, Pointe du Bois Generating Station and Keeyask Generating Station. WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DOES IT TAKEHOW HIGH UP ARE YOU CURRENTLY TO PERFORM A JOB LIKE THIS? WORKING ON THIS PROJECT?You must be extremely alert and focused at all times. 425 ft., and an additional 75 ft. yet to climb. Also, punctuality and attendance are strong character traits one must have. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN AFRAID OF HEIGHTS?HOW FAR CAN YOU SEE? Never. I can literally see for milesthe Red River, the Forks, HOW DO YOU GET TO THE CAB OF YOUR CRANE?Shaw Park, the airport, Disraeli and Norwood Bridges, I I climb sections of ladders.can see down Portage Avenue, Nairn Bridge, down north Main Street and Henderson Hwy. 38 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'