New GM for Harbour Towers
Kay Koot has been appointed general manager of the Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites in James Bay. She brings more than 25 years of industry experience, most recently as GM of the Regina Inn Hotel and Conference Centre. “Her strong management skills [and] extensive understanding of the industry will bring a fresh perspective to Harbour Towers,” said Steve Giblin, president and CEO of SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts which manages the 196-room Harbour Towers. Koot first joined SilverBirch in 2006 at the Regina Inn, where she oversaw multiple renovation and refurbishment programs. Harbour Towers bills itself as the largest independent conference hotel in Victoria and includes Vic’s Restaurant and Club 345 Fitness Centre.
Air tanker base gets a makeover
The Campbell River air tanker base is getting a $3.7-million upgrade to improve its efficiency. If all goes smoothly, work should be finished by the start of June, said Bruce Coutanche, forest protection officer for air tanker operations. Air tankers drop supression materials on forest fires and use the runway at the Campbell River Airport. The upgrading project includes redoing and expanding the pavement and concrete areas where tankers taxi, park and load. Existing pavement has been in place since the mid to late 1970s. Improvements to electrical, water and sewer services are included in the project. Bids for the work have closed and are being evaluated. B.C. has 12 air tankers and seven bird-dog aircraft, which guide tanker drops.
Building alerts
Working drawings are underway for Hudson Walk. Vancouver’s Rafii Architecture has been brought on board to help Townline Group with the phased project at 755 Caledonia Ave. The initial phase is a six-storey building with 130 small residential units and commercial, retail and office space on the lower level. That could get underway this summer. Phase 2 is a six- or seven-storey building, possibly for office space ... Two firms have been asked to bid on providing design and support during the construction of upgrading the McPherson Playhouse HVAC system. Stantec and Praxis were shortlisted on the $1.5 million project expected to get underway early next year. The bid closes March 15 ... Don Mann Excavating was the low bidder on the Craigflower Bridge replacement. Don Mann beat out North Vancouver’s Surespan Construction and Nanaimo’s Windley Contracting. Check www.yellowsheet.ca.
