Graham is proud to announce the successful completion of the Mainwaring Substation in Vancouver, BC. This new facility represents a significant milestone for BC Hydro, enhancing the reliability of electricity supply to meet growing demand within the Vancouver service area.
Construction began in July 2023 on the $20+ million project, which features a two-storey concrete and steel composite structure. Key elements include electrical distribution duct banks, civil utilities, a concrete retaining wall, asphalt driveways, insulated metal panels, and a Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) building envelope.
The success of this project is rooted in the strong, collaborative relationship between Graham and BC Hydro—an ongoing partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals, which began with the Capilano Substation project.
Throughout construction, Graham and BC Hydro worked closely to address challenges and deliver the project on time and within budget. While awaiting utility permit approvals from the City of Vancouver, Graham self-performed earthworks to re-sequence the construction schedule, minimizing potential delays and costs. With BC Hydro’s support, Graham also revised the site staging plan to enable on-site trucking and equipment access, facilitating the efficient haul of over 35,000 metric tonnes of backfill and disposal material with minimal disruption to the surrounding community.
To maximize safety on the constrained site, trade teams were scheduled in staggered shifts, significantly reducing risk and contributing to an impressive 125,000 manhours without a single lost-time injury.
In addition, Graham implemented a sequential handover system that allowed BC Hydro to review documentation as scopes were completed, streamlining final turnover and reducing administrative load at project close.
The Mainwaring Substation underscores Graham’s commitment to delivering high-quality, community-serving infrastructure. We look forward to continuing our valued partnership with BC Hydro to help power communities across British Columbia.
