The New Algoma Manor is scheduled to be complete by late summer. Tulloch Engineering has provided Building Code review and inspection services on behalf of the Town of Thessalon.

The 12 million dollar 96 bed Seniors Residence started construction in July 2010 and was originally scheduled for completion in November 2011. The General Contractor Sal Dan Construction and their sub trades have performed well and the project is now scheduled to be complete in August.

The building is technically 3 buildings in one. By the use of three fire walls, the building is allowed to be constructed using combustible construction materials to most of the building (wood frame construction). This provided for substantial cost savings and allowed the project to proceed. The building is fully sprinklered so safety is not compromised.

Ron LeBlanc, CET, of Tulloch Engineering, is Deputy Chief Building for the Town of Thessalon and has provided Ontario Building Code plan review services prior to construction start. Ron also has provided site inspection services during construction. The site inspections started in July 2010, for foundations followed by wood frame inspections. Sanitary sewer lines inspections for layout and pressure testing were conducted from August 2010 to April 2011. Fire separation quality control inspections have been carried out over the spring.

Ron guided the local fire Departments on a tour of the Building in May of this year. The Fire Alarm contractor will have the Fire Department representatives present when staff training takes place, on the operation of the Fire Alarm system.

As the building nears completion Ron will be doing inspections to ensure that all fire safety items are in place and operational. These will include fire alarm bells, fire alarm pull stations, detectors, fire extinguishers and sprinkler heads.

The Algoma Manor residence and staff are looking forward to their new building, and we trust they will have many years in the new facility.