Moving People

 

Jean Pelland, Director of Project Management in Facilities Management, understands the challenge he faces in keeping traffic moving while entirely renovating the Concordia's Hall Building escalator system.

“We’ve broken the project down to six phases and we are going to be testing and refining our procedures as we move from the top of the building down. The first step will be the three escalators that connect the ninth to twelfth floors. We plan to do the lobby and mezzanine section during the summer period when the traffic is slowest.”

There are two approaches to the work that are currently in the tender process. One technology allows for escalators to be installed by assembling pieces on site, while the other involves removal of part of the building facade.

“The primary consideration in evaluating these bids will be quality. Of course we will be looking at cost, but we want to be sure that we install the best and latest technology with the least disruption of service,” says Pelland.

 

What can users of the Hall Building look forward to?

“Much more natural light and a more attractive architecture, two escalators and a new staircase in the high-traffic lobby mezzanine corridor and escalators that function 100% of the time,” says Pelland.

“The new escalators will be closely monitored and will be managed on site. All the escalators will also be reversible, if needed. This is the latest in escalator technology – it’s reliable, effective and safe,” concludes Pelland.

Work is slated to begin before the end of the year.