Great-West Life Daycare
KGS Group was retained by Prairie Architects to help turn the historic Milner House into a new childcare facility. To address the need for childcare within both the company and the community, Great-West Life initiated the adaptive re-use of the vacant 2-1/2 storey house.
KGS provided geotechnical, mechanical and electrical consulting services for the design, construction, and commissioning of the new daycare building which was designed with a highly sustainable approach. In fact, the facility achieved LEED platinum, the highest level of LEED certification possible. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Key sustainable features integrated into the facility’s design include: energy efficient geothermal heating and cooling, LED lighting, water use reduction, displacement ventilation and low to zero emitting materials for healthy indoor air quality.
The result is a safe, resilient and welcoming environment that demonstrates how heritage renewal can serve the community.
Project Highlights
- Adaptive reuse of the two and a half‑storey Milner House
- LEED Platinum certification
- Geothermal heating/cooling, LED lighting and displacement ventilation
- Water use reduction, low/zero‑emitting materials and healthier indoor air
- First heritage building in Manitoba converted to a childcare facility
- Second heritage building to achieve LEED certification
- Great‑West Life’s first LEED‑certified building in Manitoba
- Among Winnipeg’s largest daycare facilities
Calabogie Generating Station Redevelopment
KGS Group served as owner’s engineer to redevelop Calabogie Generating Station, extending its life and increasing its output to 11 MW. We guided the project through feasibility, design and execution phases. The project included constructing a new powerhouse, expanding intake and tailrace channels, rebuilding the forebay dam and adding a new substation and fish habitat compensation features.
In 2006, KGS Group completed a feasibility study to explore options for the site’s refurbishment and redevelopment and was consequently awarded the role of owner’s engineer in 2017. We presented the client with a list of new turbine vendors, developed user requirements and preliminary specifications, supported environmental assessments and assisted with stakeholder consultations, including engagement with Indigenous groups.
Our team then assisted in procuring the contractor for the project who completed the final optimization, design and construction. Key design refinements included a more compact powerhouse, a redesigned forebay dam and a reworked intake channel supported by hydraulic modelling and a physical model. The project also included measures to make the site ready for eel passage and to facilitate future downstream passage.
KGS Group provided oversight, in collaboration with the resident engineer, throughout the project including full-time inspection services, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance, while mitigating risks and following safety standards. We helped complete commissioning and turnover of the project providing consistency and project knowledge from feasibility design to close out.
Project Highlights
- New powerhouse with expanded intake and tailrace channels and a rebuilt forebay dam
- New substation with fish habitat compensation features and a site ready for eel passage and future downstream passage
- Environmental assessments and stakeholder consultations
- Supported contractor procurement, optimized hydraulic and physical modelling
- 3D digital design for multi‑discipline coordination and field execution
- 11 MW output, extended asset life, improved reliability and operability
Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels
Following severe flooding events in 2011 and 2014, the Province of Manitoba retained KGS Group for the design of the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project. The outlet channels will serve as new, permanent flood control infrastructure for both lakes.
Completed under tight schedule restrictions, the conceptual design work involved:
- Remote field investigations
- Extensive review and analysis of the various channel configurations
- Preparation of concept designs, cost estimates and constructability reviews
- Identification, assessment and screening of potential environmental and socio-economic impacts
The diverse range of design components and unique site conditions resulted in a challenging engineering undertaking that was successfully managed by the multidisciplinary team of experienced engineers, GIS technicians and support staff assembled by KGS Group.
KGS Group subsequently completed the preliminary, final design and tender preparation for the outlet channel from Lake St. Martin to Lake Winnipeg. The project includes roughly 23 km of channel excavation, multiple drop structures, and construction of a water control structure near the channel inlet complete with gates, hoists, bridge deck and ancillary buildings. The total estimated budget for this portion of the project is over $300 million. The construction phase of the project is pending regulatory approval.
Once constructed, the outlet channels are projected to maintain both lakes below flood stage over 99 per cent of the time. They will provide the ability to better regulate the lakes and reduce the impact of future floods, benefiting residents and businesses in the area.
Project Highlights
- Design for 23 km of channel excavation with defined sections and earthworks quantities
- Design of multiple drop structures sized for hydraulic control and energy dissipation
- Water control structure near the channel inlet for operational regulation
Pointe du Bois Spillway Replacement
The Pointe du Bois Generating Station is the oldest operating hydroelectric plant in Manitoba. Despite extensive upgrades and ongoing maintenance over the years, the original spillway required replacement. The Pointe du Bois Spillway Replacement project included the design and construction of a new remotely operated 7-bay spillway and a new 1km long zoned earthfill dam, complete with an ancillary support building for electrical switch gear and control systems, a backup diesel generator, and other related infrastructure.
As the prime consultant, KGS Group worked collaboratively with Manitoba Hydro as the designer in an early contractor involvement project delivery process. KGS also provided full-time technical support and quality assurance assistance through construction, commissioning and close-out activities.
The final design was carried out entirely within a 3D digital environment, and was paramount for the successful execution of all stages of the project. This innovative approach gave the team the ability to visualize the end product at the design stage and enabled harmonious advancement of the project across multiple disciplines.
The several hundred-million-dollar project was successfully completed without any interruptions to the ongoing operation of the plant, while protecting and preserving established lake sturgeon habitat and restoring the natural landscape in this environmentally sensitive provincial park setting.
Project Highlights
- New remotely operated seven bay spillway, support building and backup diesel generator
- New 1km long zoned earthfill embankment dam
- 3D digital design environment
- The several hundred‑million‑dollar capital program was completed without operational interruptions
- Enhanced safety and control, extended asset life and a more reliable discharge capacity
- Lake sturgeon habitat protected and the landscape in the provincial park was restored
Cote First Nation Solid Waste Transfer Station
Cote First Nation had been experiencing significant solid waste management challenges including inconsistent collection services and unmanned and non-engineered dump sites throughout the Reserve. Additionally, the main landfill site was note engineered which posed a significant risks to the surrounding soil and groundwater.
To ensure waste was being managed in a sustainable manner, Cote First Nation engaged KGS Group to review their waste management practices and design and oversee the construction of a new solid waste transfer station. We also supported community engagement events to share the importance of transfer stations and responsible waste management practices.
During construction, nearly 2,000 hours were completed by Cote First Nation members, and the total value of purchased material, worker wages and equipment rentals from the Nation was approximately $126,500. This project also presented on-the-job training and mentorship opportunities for members of Cote First Nation and was seen as a community-driven process that was mutually beneficial to everyone.
The positive effects of the project will be evident through the waste diverted from unmanned dump sites, the protected soil and groundwater, and the sense of empowerment felt across Cote First Nation to continue with responsible waste management practices.
Project Highlights
- Design and oversaw construction of a new solid waste transfer station
- 2,000 hours contributed by Cote First Nation members to complete the project and $126,500 spent on local materials, wages and rentals
- Improved protection of soil and groundwater with waste diverted from unmanned landfills
- On‑the‑job training and mentorship for Cote First Nation members
Boundary Dam Spillway Upgrade
Boundary Dam Reservoir serves as a source of cooling water for the Boundary Dam Power Station, SaskPower’s largest generating station. KGS Group was retained to perform a dam safety assessment of the Boundary Dam structures.
The dam safety review identified a number of concerns, the most critical of which were insufficient spillway capacity and deficiencies with the condition of the existing spillway. Our team was then retained to design spillway upgrades to extend the life of the 50+ year old structure and to double the discharge capacity of the spillway. We performed preliminary and final design for complete replacement of the spillway chute and basin, while maintaining the reservoir at full supply level. The work also included the installation of over 400, +30-metre-long anchors.
The team overcame complex foundation issues with bentonite seams, coal layers and high groundwater. Another critical site challenge was to design and complete each year’s construction such that the spillway could potentially pass spring flood flows. Despite many challenges, the project was completed on schedule and near budget.
Project Highlights
- Dam safety assessment, spillway upgrade design, construction support
- Complete replacement of spillway chute and basin while maintaining full supply level
- Discharge capacity doubled to improve flood performance and safety
- Installation of 400+ anchors, each over 30 metres in length
- Foundation treatment addressing bentonite seams, coal layers and high groundwater
Royal Canadian Mint Geothermal Process Cooling System
KGS Group partnered with the Royal Canadian Mint to design and oversee construction of a cutting-edge, open‑loop geothermal cooling system for a new coin‑making process – a first for the Mint. The system uses groundwater’s stable temperature to cool equipment, replacing energy‑intensive chillers and cooling towers, nearly eliminating greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional cooling.
Cooling now relies on a single pump and as the water absorbs heat from the equipment, heat pumps capture that free energy to warm the building through space heaters and ventilation systems. The conditioned water is re‑injected to the underground source, providing thermal balance and long service life.
KGS delivered an integrated design, controls coordination and construction oversight to bring the system online safely, with minimal disruption to operations. While this project significantly reduced the Mint’s energy use, the success here is the reduced environmental impact it will have for years to come.
Project Highlights
- Open‑loop geothermal process cooling with groundwater source and reinjection
- Single‑pump cooling loop with heat pumps that recover waste heat for building heating
- Integrated space heaters, ventilation equipment and facility controls
- Reduced energy use and lower operating costs
- Cooling-related GHG emissions nearly eliminated
- Thermal balancing for longevity, reduced environmental impact and reliable year‑round operation
Birds Hill Lake Improvements
KGS Group, with Scatliff + Miller + Murray, delivered a $4.2 million program to expand Birds Hill Provincial Park’s lake and beachfront and modernize supporting infrastructure improving the public’s experience at one of Manitoba’s most popular recreational destinations. KGS Group rehabilitated the lake bed to improve water quality and added roughly one‑third more lake and beach-front area.
To support the lake expansion, several elements of the park’s infrastructure were also improved with the goal of increasing the reliability, safety and efficiency of existing systems. Improvements included expanding and repairing the active transportation network, upgrading dated sewage systems, improving the east and west parking lots as well as repurposing existing assets to serve new, innovative functions within the park.
Our multidisciplinary team provided integrated design and construction support, coordinating work within an active, high‑use park to protect visitors, maintain access and deliver efficient sequencing. The result is a larger, cleaner lake, safer and more reliable park systems, and amenities that better serve hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Project Highlights
- Multidisciplinary design and landscape architecture and construction support
- Roughly 33% more lake and beach-front area, east and west parking lots improved, active transportation routes expanded and repaired, sewage systems upgraded
- Lake‑bed rehabilitation to improve water quality
- Increased capacity and accessibility, higher reliability, safety, and efficiency, enhanced visitor experience for hundreds of thousands annually
Seven Oaks School Division Learning and Service Centre
Seven Oaks School Division needed an upgraded bus service facility. Seeing this as an opportunity to bring a larger vision to life, they acquired a 50-acre parcel of land for development of an all-encompassing Learning and Service Centre. This new centre would not only meet current service needs but would also serve as a multi-use space where students, parents and the broader community could come together for land-based learning and play.
KGS Group collaborated with PCL and Prairie Architects to achieve the aggressive project schedule, providing mechanical, electrical, civil and structural engineering services as well as construction administration services. Integrated design and collaboration among the project team were key to keeping costs within the school division’s budget while maintaining the project vision.
A modern space was created to house the school division’s transportation, operations and maintenance departments as well as conference rooms and vocational trades classrooms. Incorporating a combination of Indigenous and western perspectives, KGS worked with the project team to bring the client’s vision to life.
Project Highlights
- An agricultural learning centre providing unique opportunities for hands-on learning and service space for garden and greenhouse produce
- Three kilometers of granular walking trails
- A toboggan hill
- Naturalized storm water retention pond
- Wawiyia’kiti’gahn (circle garden), used as an outdoor teaching area
- A naturalized landscape and planned agricultural plots for community vegetable gardens
Ceridian Office Space Development
When Ceridian was moving into their new home at True North Square, KGS was engaged to engineer the mechanical and electrical components. The 24,000 square foot project included complete development of shell space within a new office tower in downtown Winnipeg. Our team provided engineering services for all of the mechanical and electrical systems in the beautiful, new space.
With function, efficiency and aesthetics top of mind, we connected new plumbing systems to the existing while minimizing disruption to other tenants, developed the HVAC systems including installation of multiple hydronic fan coil units (systems also feature demand control ventilation using CO2 monitoring) and coordinated the sprinkler systems to suit complex architectural ceiling requirements. We also completed the distribution for both general and emergency power, lighting systems and controls, fire alarm and security systems, and telecommunication systems, including data outlets and extending the base building services.
The result is a cohesive, high‑performing environment with reliable building services, flexible power and data and intuitive controls that reflects Ceridian’s brand and supports day‑to‑day productivity.
Project Highlights
- Engineering services for all mechanical and electrical systems, designed to reduce disruption to other tenants during construction
- Integration of services into the blank canvas while keeping function, efficiency and aesthetics at the forefront
SaskTel Facility Electrical Modernization
SaskTel’s Lorne Street facilities house critical telecommunications equipment serving all of Saskatchewan and provide office space for 400+ employees. Aging electrical infrastructure posed a significant reliability risk for a utility that requires uninterrupted, maintainable and highly reliable power. KGS Group was engaged to modernize the electrical system that would integrate seamlessly with a broader building renovation with minimal disruption to operations.
KGS Group was the electrical design consultant for all areas of design and construction for both the electrical modernization and the building renovation. Extensive pre-design and planning included electrical layouts, cutover planning and sequencing of the work to minimize outages, prevent unplanned service interruptions and minimize impacts to staff.
The electrical modernization involved the replacement or refurbishment of all major electrical systems in these facilities including new UPS systems, new main switchgear lineups and extensive downstream power distribution and controls improvements. This work was integrated into a larger building renovation that also included electrical design services for the replacement of the exterior of one building and extensive interior renovations to office areas, customer spaces and data centre space. Lighting, fire alarm, power and security upgrades were engineered to meet the highest building design standards.
KGS worked collaboratively with the owner, construction manager and other consultants, and applied extensive expertise with critical power systems and building renovation projects to deliver a new, highly reliable, modern electrical system on-time and on-budget. This project increased energy efficiency, reliability, maintainability and power capacity to ensure the facilities would support their needs long-term.
Project Highlights
- Installed new systems to provide resilient, clean power to critical telecom loads
- Replaced main switchgear lineups and upgraded primary distribution for capacity and reliability
- Upgraded downstream power distribution and controls
- Engineered staged cutovers and sequenced tie‑ins to minimize outages and avoid service interruptions
- Delivered electrical design for building exterior replacement
- Completed electrical design for interior renovations across office, customer and data centre areas
- Installed lighting upgrades to meet high performance and efficiency standards
City of Portage la Prairie Utility and Maintenance Facility
KGS Group led a multidisciplinary team to design and construct a state‑of‑the‑art Utility and Maintenance Facility for the City of Portage la Prairie’s public works and utilities departments. With a focus on sustainable design, the new facility exemplifies the hand-in-hand relationship between the health and comfort of those who will use the building and Mother Nature.
After the City was informed their current facility was unavailable long-term, KGS Group delivered a solution that seamlessly integrated an innovative horizontal closed-loop geothermal system, water-source heat pumps and high-efficiency HVAC heat recovery technologies that will withstand Manitoba’s harsh climate. The final result is a new facility 25 times more efficient at reducing greenhouse gas emissions than the standard building in Manitoba.
Project Highlights
- Closed‑loop geothermal wellfield to serve the building’s heating and cooling loads
- Water‑source heat pumps for space conditioning and energy‑efficient distribution
- High‑efficiency HVAC heat recovery technologies integrated into ventilation systems
- Building systems to verify performance and optimize operational settings