Transition to new depot almost complete
The transition into the new consolidated works depot seen here under construction in April, is set to be completed by next month.
By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express
The completion of one of the largest and most contentious projects in the city’s history is just around the corner, as construction and the transition of staff to the new consolidated operations depot are slated for the end of August.
Staff began the move to the new facility earlier this year when construction on the main facility was near completion.
Now, the fleet department remains the only group left to make the move to their new facility. The transition is set to begin this week and be ongoing for a couple more.
“We’re going to transition the fleet over a couple weeks and there’s just a few things that we need to get addressed before we can actually move in,” says Glen Simmonds, the city’s director of operations.
While other departments have made the shift without much issue, the fleet poses a particular issue as their operations cannot be stalled as they operate on a daily basis and generally run late into the night.
“It’s not easy to shut the operation down,” says Mark Robinson, director of facilities management.
“Office staff are generally a bit easier and we moved them over a weekend,” Robinson says. “Operations is proving to be a little more challenging.”
According to Simmonds and Robinson, the majority of construction on the facility is now complete. The construction of the salt brine building on the site remains in the works, with a completion date set for the end of August.
However, moving into a new facility has not been without a few hiccups, or “construction related issues” Simmonds explains.
“There’s still issues that haven’t been addressed by the contractor or we’re still finishing off work,” he says.
Staff have been working with management to identify particular issues, such as doors not operating properly or other kinks in the new facility.
“They’ve been very accommodating, and understanding and cooperative,” Simmonds says. “It’s been, in general, a very positive experience.”
With final completion and grand opening of the facility set for September, Simmonds says the end can’t come soon enough.
“It can’t come fast enough, as far as I’m concerned. It’s really been a long process to get everybody in here, but I’m enjoying it now,” he says. “I can see some really good opportunities coming out of this once we’re all here and working together.”