A by-the-numbers look at the newly opened FortisBC Operations Centre in Castlegar

FortisBC has completed a major facility upgrade in the Kootenays

FortisBC's new facility, based in Castlegar, will replace the aging infrastructure of those buildings, centralize operations, and provide long-term, cost-effective benefits to the company and its customers. — Keith Powell photo

FortisBC has completed a major facility upgrade in the Kootenays. As its $23-million operations centre comes to completion in Castlegar, here are some of the benefits and features of the new facility.

The new facility, based in Castlegar, will replace the aging infrastructure of those buildings, centralize operations, and provide long-term, cost-effective benefits to the company and its customers.

By the numbers:

• Number of employees housed: 100 – 160
• Facility size: 30,000 square feet, plus 11,000 square feet of operational support space
• Estimated capital cost: $16 million
• Site: 10 acres in Oostichenia (east Castlegar)
• Overall project cost: $23 million (includes land, construction, equipment etc.)
• Estimated rate impact 0.2%
• 16 month construction schedule
• General Contractor: Vic Van Isle Construction Group – Revelstoke

Project benefits:

• Improved communications and project co-ordination
• Reduced travel time to gather equipment and supplies
• Improved safety
• Centralized warehouse
• Reduce operational costs
• Increased material storage, staging and crew space
• State of the art emergency operations centre
• E-Car charging station