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BUILD MANITOBA     winnipegconstruction.ca
says Wallace. “You really try to practice 
the just-in-time delivery of any material 
and equipment on that site … keeping 
in mind that the public interface and 
the safety of the public is equally as 
important as the safety of the workers.”
The challenge is compounded by 
the fact that operating entities and 
businesses within the centre block 
– such as Prairie Theatre Exchange – 
will remain open during construction, 
making coordination even more intricate. 
“We’re trying to be mindful of them, 
support them and make sure  
that everybody knows that they’re 
still open during the redevelopment,” 
confirms Johnstone.
In fact, every effort has been made to 
minimize disruption to existing entities, 
with the Pihtikwé Skatepark serving as 
a prime example. “We don’t want to be 
counterproductive to what’s already in 
place,” stresses Johnstone. “Fortunately, 
we’ve been able to work with Access 
Credit Union and the province to find 
an interim location that satisfies a 
temporary need for the skate park. 
We’re so happy that we were able to 
work with Dan McRorie, their executive 
director, to find a temporary spot 
because they are servicing an amazing 
community there. It was never our 
intention or desire to displace entities, 
organizations or groups, and where 
we’ve been able to feasibly help out in 
that area, we’ve tried to do so.”
Productivity gains are increasingly 
being pursued through prefabricated 
systems that include reusable formwork 
and a high-efficiency, triple-glazed 
panelized curtain wall. “If you’re loose-
forming every floor, your production 
isn’t as high,” says Wallace. “Whereas 
if you’re cycling every floor using a 
prefabricated system, your production 
rates are higher.”
As of this writing, the project remains 
on schedule and is expected to 
continue to progress in line with 
publicly communicated timelines, with 
completion set for 2028. The only real 
question marks that could affect that 
plan are good old prairie weather and 
labour availability.
On that front, Wallace says planning 
is crucial. The on-site workforce for 
Portage Place is expected to peak 
as high as 400 people – and the 
Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s 
Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project 
across the street will require a similar 
number of workers.
“We’re doing a lot of demo, but it’s not all going 
to the landfill – a great deal is either being 
recycled or reused.”
Kelly Wallace, Winnipeg Vice President and 
District Manager, PCL Construction
Photos courtesy of PCL.

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