Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) High Arctic project creates construction challenges and unique opportunities for community contributions Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature The Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, has been described as what will be “a world-class hub for science and technology in Canada's North that complements and anchors the net- work of smaller regional facilities across the North.” Designed by the joint venture team of Fournier Gersovitz Moss Drolet et associés architects and NFOE et asso- ciés architects, the project is being constructed by EllisDon Corp. in joint venture with NCC Dowland Construc- tion Ltd. As with any major construction project there have been challenges, in this case those normally associated with construction in northern regions, but there have also been opportuni- ties. EllisDon project manager Norm Lauzon says the remote location has no conventional road, nor ice road ac- cess. This means materials must ar- rive by plane if they will fit, or by sea lift. “There is one sea lift in September so all of the materials and equipment needed for the year must arrive at that time.” That means at this time of year much work needs to be done to get procurement in place and fabrication moving so everything is ready to go. Extreme northern winters also mean a fall push to get buildings en- closed so interior work can continue over the winter. “There is really no sig- nificant amount of outside work done from the end of November until the end of March,” he said. 36 – February - March 2015 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report Understanding the influence of cold and inactivity on equipment, even in more southern climates, Lauzon says temporary enclosures are constructed to house equipment through the win- ter. Then, prior to being started up again, time is spent heating the enclo- sures to get the equipment running. Lauzon says those who stay behind to work past November are housed ei- ther in local accommodations or in the work camp that has been constructed adjacent to the project. This particular camp can house up to 100 workers who will arrive in late March or early April when exterior work begins to ramp up again. Beyond the complexities of con- struction, even day-to-day business can be challenging. Parts or service people not on site can take days to ar- rive by plane. Blizzards can shut down