UBC Millwright Local 2736 British Columbia Celebrates Milestone Achievement at Site C Dam Project
Fort Saint John, BC, August 30, 2023 – UBC Millwright Local 2736 British Columbia is proud to announce a significant milestone achieved at the Site C Dam project, where they have been working in collaboration with contractor AFDE Aecon Flatiron Dragados EBC since late 2019. The project involved the meticulous installation of 42 operating gates and guides, utilizing state-of-the-art laser tracker and piano wire alignment methods to achieve critical tolerances.
What began as a modest crew of 6 millwrights has now grown to an impressive team of over 80 highly skilled millwrights, showcasing the dedication and commitment of UBC Millwright Local 2736 members. The project's scope and complexity have continuously expanded, and the collective effort of these professionals has been crucial in ensuring its success.
“By partnering with UBC Millwright Local 2736, you have direct access to the most highly skilled millwrights in the industry. Our values, culture, training and safety standards consistently ensure dependable Millwrights, regardless of your location or industry specialization.” said Mark Beardsworth, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Millwright Regional Council - Canada
With the anticipated flooding of the new Dam scheduled for the fall of 2023, this achievement marks close to 4 years of continuous precision alignment work. UBC Millwright Local 2736 acknowledges and appreciates the unwavering support provided by all the millwrights who have contributed to this remarkable project.
Two exemplary members stand out among the contributors:
Jason Modde joined the project as a journeyperson in September 2021, benefitting from the local hire provision under the Project Labour Agreement (PLA). Through diligence and dedication, Jason's work ethic and professionalism caught the attention of supervisors. His continuous commitment led to his elevation to the role of General Foreperson. Jason's efforts have not only advanced his career but have also fostered a positive working culture for all millwrights on the project.
Chantelle Parlee, a determined young mother of two from Prince George, faced the challenge of relocating her family to Fort Saint John during the pandemic in July 2020. Undeterred by the circumstances, Chantelle displayed remarkable tenacity, contributing to the project while actively working on her apprenticeship. Over the course of 2.5 years, she achieved her red-seal millwright certification, overcoming various obstacles along the way. Chantelle's dedication was evident in her rise to becoming a foreperson on the alignment crew, playing a vital role in the project's success.
“These two stories exemplify the dedication, perseverance, and professionalism of Millwrights Local 2736 members throughout the Site C Dam project” said Miro Maras, Business Manager at Millwright Local 2736. “Every member involved has their unique journey and contribution, and we are proud of the professionalism exhibited day in and day out, embodying the spirit of excellence and dedication that defines the millwright trade”.
About the Millwright Regional Council – Canada (MRC)
The Millwright Regional Council – Canada (MRC) is composed of thirteen affiliated Local Unions of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) across Canada.
We represent thousands of women and men working as progressive cross-trained construction and maintenance professionals with exceptional skills to install, maintain, diagnose, and repair precision machinery.
UBC millwrights are vital partners in industries as diverse as energy, automotive, aerospace, food processing, pharmaceuticals and more.
For more information about UBC Millwright Local 2736, Millwright Regional Council – Canada, and our construction projects across Canada, please contact:
Andrew Bredin
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Millwright Regional Council – Canada
