Sheila Bautz
Special To The Herald
The Government of Saskatchewan is funding two projects to modernize the elevators at government-owned buildings in the province. This is required by the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK) who is responsible for elevator inspections and licensing in the province.
TSASK enforces the standards for elevating device safety, certification, approval and compliance with safety standards established under the Elevating Devices Inspection & Licensing Acts and Regulations.
Currently, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) elevator upgrades are underway with the Court of King’s Bench in Battleford scheduled to begin this September.
“These upgrades are an important investment in the safety and reliability of our government buildings,” said David Marit, Saskatchewan
Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement. “By modernizing infrastructure, we are ensuring these facilities remain accessible, efficient and ready to serve Saskatchewan people for many years to come.”
The CBC building in Regina is also the historic building containing the Provincial Archives. In 2019, the building’s ownership transferred to the provincial government.
The tender bid for the elevator reparations at the Court of King’s Bench disclosed the areas for funding. It includes elevator repair supplies, the equipment required for the repairs and all labour associated to complete the modernization of the elevator system. Both the CBC and the Court of King’s Bench elevators require repairs as specified by Goodwen Elevator Management.
The Goodwen Elevator Management corporation serves the Central and Western Canadian Construction Industry with expertise in design, operations, maintenance, repair, construction and modernization of elevators. They have experience with various building structures in healthcare, corporate offices, hotels and education facilities, such as the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
“We have been using Goodwen Managements services for several years,” stated George Foufas from USask, “and have found them to be a very valuable resource.”
The safety standards and lifetime of an elevator is between 20 to 25 years before major part replacements and vital operational components are required. According to the tender, the Court of King’s Bench operates a hydraulic elevator. Elevator experts state that hydraulic elevators have a 25-year lifespan while overhead traction elevators last approximately 30 years. Machine room-less (MrL) traction elevators run efficiently for up to 15 years. All elevators require ongoing investments for maintenance and repairs. . . . . . . . . . . . .
“An elevator will only last that long if it is well cared for throughout its operating life,” stated Ryan Hussey with Stanley Elevator Company, Inc, in a written public statement. “That means performing regular elevator maintenance, getting annual inspections and taking overall good care of the elevator.”
The elevator upgrades at the CBC and Court of King’s Bench buildings include various modernizations for compliance to the current codes. The maintenance for the improvements to the existing elevator systems must improve reliability, energy efficiency, safety for occupants and ensure optimum performance of the elevators. Additionally, the elevator maintenance schedule at the two locations includes new interior finishes alongside updated mechanical and electrical components.
The two elevator projects are scheduled for completion before spring in 2026.
