IH building taking shape

Construction of the new Interior Health building is reportedly on schedule and moving along well, as work continues on the building's foundation.

This week, rebar is being placed above the first concrete pour from last week, as the building slowly takes shape over the next year and a half.

“Construction is on schedule,” says Tony Astles, executive vice-president of real estate services with Bentall Kennedy, a partner in the design, build and lease of the new building.

“We have completed the rezoning and development permit work with the city, and we are finalizing the balance of the permits.”

He says after the rebar is complete in coming days, another large raft slab of concrete will be poured in to finish the first level of the building.

After that, residents can expect to see a small perimeter wall put in place, followed by bases for some of the future columns for stairways and elevators inside the building.

“It will be a progressive process ... parts of it will look slow, parts of it will look fast, but it is a normal process and it is going well. We are pleased with the way it is going and we are pleased with the work between the parties. Between the architects and contractor and Interior Health Authority, so it is good,” explains Astles.

In a brief projected timeline, Astles says edge forms will be up this spring, while tilt-up panels will appear in the summer, followed by metal decking in the fall and windows and building enclosures through 2016.

“It is ongoing, it is a progressive thing. It is a bit like watching grass grow for a while,” jokes Astles.

The building is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

Photo: Carmen Weld