Developing a Zero Emissions Integration Strategy Part 2: Design & Construction Phase Scenarios for a New Build and Retrofit of Existing Transit Facility
Starting with the outcomes of the planning work carried out by the Regional Municipality of York and York Region Transit (YRT), our panel of industry professionals discuss the evolution of the design for the Expansion and Retrofit of the YRT Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Now that the project is in the construction phase, our panelists discuss how the project vision – incorporating a phased approach to fleet electrification and the achievement, ultimately, of a facility having a “Net Zero” carbon footprint – is being delivered.
Delivering an effective and efficient zero-emissions fleet transition plan during the design phase requires an understanding of both current and future needs that are to be accommodated at the maintenance and storage facility. During the planning and research phases, transit agencies and fleet owners determine whether to modify an existing facility or to build a new facility, and then articulate a project vision to be carried forward into design and construction. Oftentimes, the project vision itself evolves through the course of the design phase as new information becomes available, particularly given the rapidly advancing nature of ZEV technology and societal desires for a ‘greener’ environment.
In addition, there are budget/ funding and other practical constraints that mean a full zero-emissions fleet transition must be completed in stages, rather than all at once. However, with advance planning and a clear, well-articulated project vision, such details can be successfully finalized during the design phase.
Starting with the outcomes of the planning work carried out by the Regional Municipality of York and York Region Transit (YRT), our panel of industry professionals discuss the evolution of the design for the Expansion and Retrofit of the YRT Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Now that the project is in the construction phase, our panelists discuss how the project vision – incorporating a phased approach to fleet electrification and the achievement, ultimately, of a facility having a “Net Zero” carbon footprint – is being delivered.
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Presenters:
Edward Wong, B.Arch., OAA, PMP, Manager, Capital and Special Projects, York Region
Edward is the Manager of Capital and Special Projects with York Region. He is a licensed Architect with PMP certification and has worked in both private and public sectors in Canada and overseas. Ed worked in Regional Government over the last 20 years, leading project management teams in delivering high profile projects which include Regional headquarter buildings, Peel Heritage Archive and Museum complex, Paramedic headquarter and stations, transit buildings and various non profit housing projects. Most of the projects are LEED certified with one housing project at Peel achieving LEED platinum certification..
Shawn Strasman, OAA, AAA, AIBC, MRAIC, Principal, Strasman Architects Inc. (SAI)
A Principal of SAI, Shawn is one of the firm’s design leaders for transit, operations, and maintenance facilities, having designed and managed some of SAI’s most prominent projects. A graduate of the University of Toronto, and licenced in Ontario, Alberta and BC, Shawn draws on nearly thirty years’ experience and expertise in this specialized project type to guide his innovation design solutions and collaborative approach to project delivery. Working with transit agencies in Toronto, throughout Ontario, and across Canada to deliver rail and bus stations, vehicle storage and maintenance facilities, and transit hubs, Shawn is recognized across the industry for his expertise and ability to create exceptionally designed, technically complex facilities that connect and enhance the surrounding site, exceeding client expectations.
Shawn leads the Architectural scope of the YRT Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility Expansion & Retrofit project. He has worked with the design team from schematic design through to construction and he ensures that the Regions’ programming, operational and sustainability goals are achieved.
Stephen Jones, B.A.Sc. (Mech Eng.), P.Eng., LEED® AP, Principal, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Morrison Hershfield
Stephen is a Senior Mechanical Engineer and Department Manager of the Buildings & Facilities Engineering Division at Morrison Hershfield and a LEED® Professional. He has over 21 years of experience in designing of mechanical systems for institutional buildings, laboratories and healthcare facilities. Stephen’s proven experience in leading and delivering sustainable campus environments, particularly in occupied buildings, is a great value to project stakeholders. Stephen is the Senior Project Manager for MH on the York Regional Transit Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility Expansion project which is now in construction.
Duncan Pringle (Facilitator) – Director, Business Development – Transit, Morrison Hershfield
Duncan is a Principal of Morrison Hershfield, where he is the Director of Business Development – Transit. He has worked in the consulting engineering industry for more than 40 years and has 35 years’ experience in the delivery of multidiscipline assignments for transit clients across Canada, spanning the full spectrum of transit modes and infrastructure.
Based in the firms’ Markham Ontario head office, Duncan has been involved with the procurement and delivery of numerous bus operations, storage and maintenance facility projects for major Canadian transit clients, including BC Transit, TransLink, Calgary Transit, Edmonton Transit, Grand River Transit, Metrolinx, the Toronto Transit Commission and York Region Transit – often serving as Corporate Sponsor on these inherently complex projects.