The New Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility (NAMHAF) was developed as an addition to the existing Health Sciences Centre. As part of this project, a parking garage with space for just over 1,000 stalls was constructed with a fast turnaround while optimizing the structures’ location to maximize the most parking stalls in the smallest possible footprint while maintaining a simplistic and cost-efficient design. This structure was the first step in the NAMHAF development.

Replacing the Agnes Cowan Hostel, this modern garage is part of the design to make a simple, strong, accessible and direct connection of the HSC’s principal public spines and amenity areas. Utilizing the CANADACAR Parking System, Newton Group delivered a garage that is long-lasting, safe, secure, and user-friendly with transparency and security built in, including no columns in the design.

With only 13 months to complete the turn-key structure of this size, during a pandemic with multiple supply chain setbacks, Newton Group completed the structure not only on time but also within budget. The off-site manufacturing facility, a vital component in this project’s success, was constructed and fully operational in only 3 months, allowing the team to continue production. This P3 turn-key structure was designed, developed and fully operational, and ready for occupancy, meeting all timelines set by the client.

Newton Group Ltd.’s services were attained to provide the design, material production, manufacturing, contractor, sub-contractor management and training while overseeing the full installation of the structure. Newton Group provided all the engineering, designing services and shared on overseeing the scope for the geotechnical survey.

This P3 1,010-stall parking structure was to include a gross floor area of 297,116.22 sq. ft. two stair towers, two elevators with heated and tiled vestibules. This structure also included the installation of 5 EV chargers, with the option of a future expansion of 20 EV chargers, bike storage, and state-of-the-art web automation garage control. This automation allows the owners to monitor heating, electricity, lighting, sprinkler and fire alarm systems remotely.

Hot-dip galvanizing was chosen for the project because of its long-term durability, corrosion protection and low maintenance qualities. The aluminum façade and the slender HDG steel structure of the system is visually stunning and blends into the surroundings seamlessly. This cost-efficient choice allowed for parking to be added without increasing the building footprint and will protect from the sea air and heavy road salt usage that could wreak havoc when using other paint methods. By choosing hot-dip galvanizing, this project will stand the test of time many years down the road and keep maintenance costs down for the college in the years to come.