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Renovation project for the Pointe-Claire Public Works building: a vision for the future

The expansion of the Pointe-Claire Public Works building is essential for improving services to the community. This project will modernize aging facilities to better meet the current and future needs of our city, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the work environment for employees. Started in 2022 and set to continue until the end of 2025, the construction work promises to boost the efficiency of services provided by our internal teams to all residents.

An obsolete building

Built in 1978, the building no longer meets the needs of the municipality. Originally designed for a population of 26,000 with fewer than 100 employees and 75 heavy vehicles, the structure has not evolved in tandem with the demographic and technological growth of the city. Today, Pointe-Claire is home to over 34,000 residents, has more than 200 public works employees, and possesses 150 heavy vehicles and machines to meet the increase in essential municipal services and its various missions. This significant growth has placed immense pressure on the existing facilities.

Since its construction, the building has undergone a few minor modifications, such as the expansion of the garage space in 2001 and the renovation of some office areas. However, no changes have been made to the mechanical workshop, which remains, to this day, in its original configuration. This stagnation has led to various compliance and safety issues, highlighted in reports by CNESST. It should be noted that the technology and the dimensions of the equipment used have also undergone radical transformations. The current facilities have reached their limits, with vehicles that cannot even be lifted for repairs due to lack of suitable capabilities.

In addition to structural and safety deficiencies, the current building faces challenges related to operational efficiency. Managing space has become a logistical puzzle that was temporarily solved by adding trailers to provide workspace for employees.

A necessary evolution

Given the limitations of the current building, the redevelopment project became essential. This evolution aims to adapt the infrastructure to modern requirements for safety, efficiency, and environmental respect while looking ahead to the future needs of the community.

The project includes an extension of the existing building, which will accommodate workshops on two levels. This extension will create an enlarged and accessible main entrance, thus meeting contemporary standards for universal accessibility and enhanced functionality.

With these improvements, Pointe-Claire will be able to better manage its vehicle fleet, reduce maintenance costs through more in-house interventions, and respond more effectively to emergency situations that require 24/7 operation of the Public Works building.

Improved service

The modernization of the public works building will benefit the entire community.

One of the main improvements is the ability to perform a larger portion of necessary repairs on municipal vehicles in-house. Currently, the building’s limited capacity forces the city to outsource 75% of these tasks, resulting in higher costs and longer response times in emergencies. With the new facilities, the city plans to reduce these outsourced tasks to only 5%, resulting in significant annual savings of over $1.15 million and increased vehicle availability for rapid response.

Moreover, the project embraces sustainable development measures such as installing white roofs, triple-glazed windows, and using local materials, which not only enhance the building’s energy efficiency but also contribute to environmental conservation. The addition of electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle racks also promotes sustainable mobility among employees and citizens.

Schedule

The expansion project of the Pointe-Claire Public Works building is structured into several key phases, each designed to minimize the impact on current services while effectively preparing for the future of municipal infrastructure.

  • Spring and Summer 2022: Relocation of the Public Works parking to free up space needed for future building extensions, in response to new environmental and accessibility requirements.
  • 2023: Launch of the tender for the expansion work, ensuring the adoption of the best practices and technologies available, while respecting the budget and established timelines.
  • 2024 to 2025: Execution of the expansion work, including the necessary extensions and installation of new infrastructure, while maintaining essential services to the population.
  • End of 2025: Completion of the expansion work, allowing the renovated building to operate at full capacity and offer more efficient services to the community, ensuring a smooth transition to the new facilities.

Our meticulous planning ensures that each phase of the project adheres to the highest standards, while actively contributing to the improvement of services and enhancing the quality of life for all.

In summary, the redevelopment project of the Public Works building is a crucial step for the teams of the City of Pointe-Claire to continue responding effectively to the needs of its population while optimizing its resources and preparing the city for the challenges of tomorrow.

 

Public Works
514 630-1230, tp@pointe-claire.ca