Ops Talk Magazine Spring 2005

Mission Statement: To provide support and recognition to our members who work in partnership with leaders in education in the province of British Columbia.

“CHARTING OUR COURSE” 41st Annual Facilities Conference & Trade Show Agenda June 6 - 10, 2005 Penticton Trade & Convention Center Penticton, British Columbia

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School Plant Officials Association of B.C.

An Official Publication of the School Plant Officials Association of British Columbia

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CONTENTS

Published By:

DEL

Communications Inc.

Del Communications Inc. 211 Hespeler Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R2L 0L5 Phone: (204) 254-6418 Fax: (204) 668-4641 Publisher David Langstaff david@delcommunications.com

Editor’s Message ~ by Paddy O’Toole .................................................................5 President’s Message ~ by Ernie Lambert..............................................................6 Busy Hands Equals Busy Minds The Renaissance of Art in the Classroom......................................................8 Zentra Computer Technologies Inc. Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s of information technology in education .......................................................11 Vandalism is a Crime ~ Some New Solutions ....................................................12

Editor Paddy O’Toole

RCABC Protects Members With Insurance Package..........................................14

Advertising Sales Manager Jason Stefanik

Building Your School Community ......................................................................16

Advertising Sales Chevy Alexander Debbie Angers Ross James Dayna Oulion Daryan Ranson

Production Services Provided by: S.G. Bennett Marketing Services Unit 7 - 414 Westmount Drive Winnipeg, Manitoba Shawn Bennett shawn@sgbennett.com Layout & Design Kathy Cable Advertising Art Eric Bailey

An Advanced Degree from the School of Life ...................................................19 SPOA/SPOSA Joint Certification Program.........................................................21 “New” RGC Ten (10) Year Guarantee Program .................................................21 Fun for Generations ~ The growth of Blue Imp mirrors the growth of the playground industry............................................22 SPOA 41st Convention Agenda .....................................................................24-27 A Safer Paint for the Environment ......................................................................28 Library Project Turns Into Multi-School Renovation Project.............................31 New Products to Reduce Building Maintenance Costs ......................................35 Jazz Up Your Playground With New Climbers...................................................38 Meeting HVAC/R Needs Across Western Canada ..............................................39

©Copyright 2005. School Plant Officials of B.C. All rights reserved.

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Publications mail agreement #40934510 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Del Communications Inc. 211 Hespeler Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2L 0L5 Email: david@delcommunications.com

Rollshutter Solutions for Every Situation ...........................................................41 Installing Energy-Efficient Products Earns Top Marks.......................................42

Mission Statement:

To provide support and recognition to our members who work in partnership with leaders in education in the province of British Columbia.

School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 3

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We welcome your comments and feedback, or if you have an idea for a story or profile in an up-coming edition, please send it to: comments.storyideas@mts.net.

Please include the name of the magazine or association in your email header or subject line.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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Editor’s Note

Welcome to the School Plant Officials Association of British Columbia’s pre-conference issue of Ops Talk. The 41st Annual Facilities Conference and Trade Show, which takes place June 6th - 10th at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, will be a “must attend” event, with over 115 exhibitor displays, numerous sessions on subjects ranging from Harassment—what you need to know, to Sports Field Renovation, Making Sense of HVAC Control Systems, and Power Outage Restoration, just to name a few. Besides the many informational presentations, there will also be breakfasts, dinners, a golf tournament, and of course the requisite “Hospitality Suite”- a good place to end a hard day’s work and relax. Please take a look at the schedule and registration information. The Conference theme is “Charting Our Course”, and we look forward to seeing you all there!

Also contained in this issue are a number of excellent informational pieces, including vandalism prevention, classroom equipment grants, succession planning strategies, new developments in playground design and equipment, computer and server upgrades for schools, and research initiatives in roofing design and maintenance. Thanks to all for their contributions.

Special mention goes out to President Ernie Lambert, for his help in co-ordinating this project, as well as to Lisa Johnston for her assistance in gathering material and keeping us on schedule, Brian Hoffer for his substantial contributions, and especially John Bonnet, who produced an incredible article on Custodial Injuries and their prevention on a short deadline, and despite a very busy schedule. Thanks, John!

It has been my pleasure to assist in the completion of this magazine. I hope you all find it entertaining and informative, and we look forward to seeing all of you in Penticton June 6th - 10th! ‫ﱦﱥﱤ‬

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President’s Message

Ernie Lambert

Are we really alone?

A

As a child, I’m sure many of you remember lying on your back staring up at the sky, watching the stars, wondering if we really are alone. All those billions of stars, what are the odds? We can’t possibly be alone.

The reality is that many are alone.

There is your elderly neighbor who gingerly steps down her icy walkway.

There is the young child whose single mother works nights and can’t afford child care. These are the obvious ones.

What about the teacher who comes to work way too early, and leaves way too late, because there is nothing else in their life? What about your work mate, who seems so well adjusted but sticks to themselves? The new person in your office, the new student in your class?

There is a great deal of truth to the saying, “Alone in the crowd.”

Tragedy brings out the best in peo-

6 Ops Talk

ple. The recent tsunami has generated countless acts of kindness to provide support to those affected. Will people continue to help once the disaster leaves the headlines? Will people still provide help at home? Will they support the local food bank, service groups, or their neighbor? I believe they will. People will help if they know it is needed. Often times, it is the ones who are the least able to help that help the most. Usually this is because at sometime they were helped, and understand the importance.

Tragedy and help can come in many forms, and is not always readily apparent to everyone. You may be oblivious to someone else’s tragedy that is standing in front of you. Help can be something as simple as a kind word or a listening ear.

Most of us have seen individuals continue to push on till they reach the breaking point, but were not aware of it until it was too late. In many instances, we find out from someone else, and we think we should have seen it coming.

We wish we had done something. But, by the same token, many of us have been fortunate enough to have been there to support someone in their time of need. So, don’t get down on yourself, just be aware.

Probably the most difficult thing to understand is when you need help. It is always the other person. You feel that you should be there for everyone else, but neglect to seek assistance for yourself. You have a job to do, family responsibilities, volunteer work ... and then all of a sudden something hits, and you feel completely overwhelmed.

You have vacation time coming, but now is not a good time; you have too much to do. Everyone, especially you, have high expectations of you.

Recently I have had the privilege of experiencing this. You might ask how this could possibly be interpreted as a privilege. Well, they say the things you survive make you stronger, and in this case much wiser. I found myself in a place where I continued to strive for excellence, but felt that I was just spinning my wheels. Eventually, I was simply stuck. I needed to stop, and get traction so I could start to move again.

While I was doing this, I was humbled by the support I was given. My employer chipped in and shared the load. My co-workers shared genuine comfort and caring. The Executive of our Association took the load, and never missed a beat. Most importantly, my family never wavered, even though I did. Their love, support and understanding was instrumental to my success.

Today I lay on my back, and look at the stars, and know that I am not alone. Neither are you. Remember this! Be there for others, but most importantly be there for yourself. The support is there. It does not need to be tragic.

Our Association has a long history of supporting each other in most aspects of life, not just in the performance of our jobs. Take advantage of this, sometimes it helps just to talk.

Don’t hesitate to ask, because I know you would be there if some one else asked.

As my term as President comes to a close, I continue to have tremendous respect for our Association. I want to thank the current Executive for their unwavering support, and their constant efforts to achieve excellence. This Association will continue to grow stronger and remain recognized as an affiliate of educational professionals. ‫ﱦﱥﱤ‬

BUSY HANDS EQUALS BUSY MINDS

f o e c n a s s i a n e R The m o o r s s a l C e h t n i Art

By Kim Fjordbotten BFA

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“Art makes you smart and it inspires creative thinking.

Studies show kids who make art do better at school than those who don’t do any kind of art at all,” proclaimed a press release by Crayola in 2001. As a visual artist, I took these words to heart. Art is more than a pretty picture. Art is more important than just a crafty seasonal project. Art encourages an explorative thought process; it is learning by trial and experimentation rather than repetition and copying.

There are not enough subjects in school where “doing” is about intuitive experimentation. I would like to offer words of inspiration regarding the importance of visual arts in schools, and provide hints for creating a more dynamic art room.

When art is fully integrated into the curriculum it can be a powerful edge in the resourceful teaching of creative minds. We know the three main ways we learn and retain knowledge is by seeing, hearing and doing. A well thought out art project can provide the tactile experience for other subjects. Math, social studies, music, language arts and science can all be enhanced by an accompanying art project.

Visual literacy is becoming a relevant inclusion in art curriculums. Cultural, historical, political and ethnic themes provide a rich area for discussion and further exploration.

Studying the art of the era can enrich topics in social studies. Language arts can further the understanding and use of symbolism and metaphor in art. Art can then be critiqued on higher levels of content.

Art can be used to improve complex reasoning skills.

Ideas and materials must be gathered, sorted and edited for

Nancy Corrigan, artist in residence, worked with students at Driftpile First Nations School in Alberta. She invited an elder of the area to help mentor the students through the process and symbolism.

compositions to be arranged. Then concentration and patience are needed to complete a painting, drawing or other works of art. Art teachers can design projects that require additional steps before creating a final artwork. A simple project might require a student to collect 10 or more drawings in a sketchbook, and then create a larger finished composition based on their sketches.

Many educators find themselves teaching art with very little art background, and feel intimidated and overwhelmed. Take heart - there are a number of resources to help get you started. Crystal Productions has published a number of resources to help educators. Their posters, videos The mural is at Clive School in rural Alberta.

“The Artist in Residency Program at Clive School was a real learning experience for both staff and students and an infusion of “ART” into our school community. The Junior High students who had the opportunity to be directly involved in the creation of the mural all walked away with a bank of memories of the experience. For some students it was an opportunity to uncover hidden talents and for others it was a time to showcase their skills. In all, the students worked well together and the end result is a lasting piece of art that hundreds of hands participated in creating.”

School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 7

Students keep busy at Clive School in rural Alberta.

and study guides cover both basic and advanced art concepts. One of my favourites is a book called “Bridging the Curriculum Through Art: Lessons in Interdisciplinary Connections” by Pamela Stephens and Nancy Walkup. It sounds dry, but it’s revolutionary. Every subject is linked to art projects. Imagine math concepts in geometry enhanced

by Escher’s tessellations, or understanding oriental cultures through block printing. Language arts projects require illustrating a scene from a story or creating a visual poem.

Challenge your students’ observation skill by asking them to include a botanical illustration for a science project, or create a visual presentation of animal habitats as part of their biology report. Encourage your students to work from real objects, landscapes, and figures as often as possible.

Working from nature gets you researching and thinking about your environment. Creating a piece of art requires observation skills to see details and recognize patterns. Da Vinci optimized the combination of art and science during the renaissance era. I also highly recommend the book “How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci” by Michael J. Gelb.

The other hurdle for teachers is that there is often little or no money set aside for visual arts in schools. There are many ways to economize. Careful paint distribution, and teaching proper colour mixing techniques will greatly reduce your paint budget. A solid art program is not expensive, but don’t be fooled into purchasing the cheapest materials either. Quality products will last longer and provide

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f The Renaissansscreooom Art in the Cla better results. Brushes are not disposable, and shouldn’t fall apart after one use; there are easy tips for making them last longer. One trick to restore a brush, hardened with tempera or acrylic paint, is to soak it in an ammonia window cleaner for a few minutes before combing out the dried paint.

Never discard any artwork; reuse the painted paper for collage or card making. Invest in good watercolour paper for final projects; it is a pleasure to paint on and it will encourage students to spend more time on their artwork. Contact The Paint Spot for more tips for stretching an art budget.

Simple art projects, well displayed, are the best way to increase student pride in accomplishment and impress both parents and school officials to invest more in an art curriculum. Found objects and recycled materials make excellent collages and painted assemblages. Last fall, I saw the most impressive display of painted sculptures at a teachers’ convention. It was a coat hanger attached to a rectangular wooden base, and then bent into a curvy abstract shape.

Nylon hosiery was pulled over the wire sculpture, painted with acrylic, and the base was painted black. This simple sculpture became an eloquent study of basic form. The teacher then asked the students to draw their sculpture seen from different views and different light sources.

Need more project ideas? Speedball Art Company provides a website of free lesson plans written by teachers for teachers. Visit www.speedballart.com for projects and lesson plans on block printing and screen printing. Start an art book collection with Betty Edwards. She is the author of two popular books recommended by art teachers called “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” and “Color”.

Keep yourself inspired by attending as many art sessions as possible during professional development days and at teachers’ conventions. Search out local art talent and bring artists to your classroom. Some provinces offer artist-in-residency programs to bring in artists to work with students for a specific project or time period.

Creating a school or community mural is a popular art

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Nancy Corrigan, artist in residence, working with students.

project, and one that would benefit by inviting an artist to mentor students. There are many steps to creating a mural, and it is an excellent opportunity to teach the perseverance needed for complex tasks. The pride of completing a large project, and understanding all the steps it took to get there, is the key for teaching young adults that the reward of a true accomplishment is found in process as well as the outcome.

Plus, the school gains a colourful addition to its surroundings.

“Adults and children who start art find freedom in expression. Art lets you experiment. It is risk free! Just express yourself, play and have fun,” says Crayola. I say, don’t worry about doing it perfect to start. Don’t be intimated. We all started somewhere. The important part is to start.

The mind is a wonderful resource; so tap into your imagination. It is like a muscle - the more you use it the stronger it becomes. _______________ Kim Fjordbotten has a BFA in Art and Design and enjoys helping teachers build exciting art programs on limited budgets. She owns and operates an art materials store called The Paint Spot in Edmonton Alberta. Contact info@paintspot for more tips on mural preparation, paint coverage, and varnishing as well as price quotes on the proper paints for indoor and outdoor legacy murals. ‫ﱦﱥﱤ‬

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Reducing Custodial Injuries and the Organization of Work

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In school districts, custodians represent about 10 to 15% of the workforce. However, on even a casual examination of injury or absentee data, it quickly becomes obvious that this group of employees is overrepresented in both areas. One set of data provided by the Workers Compensation Board of BC (WCB) revealed that custodians account for 50% of all injuries and 60% of all compensation costs in school districts.

Considering all types of employment in BC school districts, the average risk of injury is 2.1. This is simply a ratio that indicates the number of injuries among 100 full time employees each year. Another way this ratio can be expressed is in terms how many years a person can expect to work without injury, almost 50 years in school districts. This low rate of injury explains why school districts have the benefit of a WCB assessment rate that is about 30% of what all industry pays. However, the data also shows that school districts could halve the assessment rate by eliminating custodial injuries. In fact, the assessment rate in community colleges and universities is less than 50% of that paid by school districts. With only a few exceptions, colleges and universities contract out custodial services. Consequently, the cost of injuries is not charged to the institution but to the firm who has won the cleaning contract. However we consider the issue of custodial injuries, it becomes apparent that relative to other occupations in school districts, custodians represent high risk employment. The risk of injury among custodians is about 3 to 4 times higher than other occupations. While eliminating injuries entirely among this group is not feasible, there are changes that can be made that can significantly contribute to a reduction in the number of injuries.

For facilities and operations management, the custodial area demands a lot of time and attention. High injury rates brings with it a need to hire, orient, and place replacement workers, attend to administrative issues surrounding WCB requirements in reporting accidents, investigating accidents, managing the claim, facilitating return to work arrangements, and communicating with schools and staff. Other reasons that demand time be spent in this area are related to structural, organization and, again, regulatory issues.

Custodial work assignments are frequently based on some assumptions of the capacity of a single worker. Each custodian is typically assigned an area. Some areas can be considered more desirable than other areas. When this happens, allocating space to individual custodians can be subject to labour relations and collective agreement considerations.

Work assignments based on area become individual posi10 Ops Talk

Submitted by John Bonnet tions, and bring with it a sense of ownership limiting communications with other workers. It is not unusual to find that in large schools, several custodians work in the same building but have no contact with each other during their shift.

This style of organization, each worker working on their own, attracts the attention of "the regulators", be they WCB or other government agency inspectors. In BC, there are regulations that apply specifically to lone workers, and regulations that call for greater attention to the work being done by lone workers. Regulations on lone workers will limit the tasks that can be undertaken, and require extensive attention to communication issues.

Training in violence prevention can also be a critical issue. Some years ago, a review of WCB claims that were attributed to violent incidents showed that custodians were the most likely group to encounter the most violent incidents.

The review found that custodians were the group to most likely encounter group violence as well as serious and wilful criminal activity in their school. In BC, regulations on violence prevention will identify custodians as a group requiring training, and in some cases, changes to both the building facility and how the work is done.

A third regulatory area that presents significant challenges to employers is the issue of ergonomics. The regulations in BC require that the employer have in place a formal program to identify and reduce risks of "activity related soft tissue disorders". This kind of injury can include bursitis, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and just plain old sprains and strains to almost any part of the body including the back. In another study of WCB claims among custodians, it was found that 60% of all custodial claims can be broadly assigned to this category of injury. The regulations require the employer to assess the magnitude of the physical effort required to perform a task, the amount of time it takes to perform the task, and the duration of the work involving the previous two factors. The ability to perform this kind of assessment, and then develop appropriate remedial measures with any effectiveness, is a skill difficult to acquire and time intensive to complete.

In 2003, for all of these reasons, the BC School Safety Association, with some assistance from the Industry and Labour Services personnel at the WCB, decided to investigate the high number of injuries among custodians to determine what could be done to improve the chances of a custodian going home at night healthy. Working with two professors (specialists in ergonomics and epidemiology) from the

staff at the University of BC, representatives from school districts and the WCB met, and over the course of several months found that how the work is organized is perhaps the single most important issue behind the present high injury rate. This panel of people found that when school districts were able to design work in a team format, the injury experience almost always declined dramatically. However, this decline was not experienced in every instance.

In examining these different results, the panel was able to conclude that a changeover to team work must be supported with worker involvement, some training in ergonomics, and support for sickness and vacation time. Where this was done, the district experienced: a) fewer WCB claims, b) improved morale among the workers, c) reduced absenteeism for all reasons, 3) improvements in work methods from a sharing of knowledge, and e) an increase in quality standards leading to improved relations with school staff.

Another gain was reduced energy costs from the new ability to close schools that had no summer activity. Another advantage, difficult to quantify, was the replacement of an interventionist style of supervision with a more supportive, consistent style that is less likely to raise labour relations issues.

The panel found that school districts making the change to team work need to:

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explain to employees the reasons for the change involve the employees in the change process carefully consider the most effective size of the work crew select crew leaders who will be supportive of the change consider ramifications to the collective agreement and whether change is required f) provide basic training in ergonomics and team work dynamics g) allow for time to organize the work h) compensate for absenteeism and vacation time in the work crews i) gather critical data to measure improvements in absenteeism and standards, and j) periodically debrief with the workers to assess success and recognize problems.

While these changes require planning and resources, these additions will be more than offset by reductions in time spent on regulatory issues and the decreases in injuries.

The complete report can be found at: http://www.bcpsea.bc.ca/public/publications/ohsissues/exper tpanel1.pdf _______________ John Bonnet is the Provincial Co-ordinator of Occupational Health and Safety for the B.C.Public School Employers Association. ‫ﱦﱥﱤ‬

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M S I L A D N VA E M I R C A IS some new solutions

V

Vandalism costs are very high, and combating the problem creates undue stress on an already ‘much stressed’ system.

Budgets are not bottomless pits, where funds can be pulled at will to be directed towards the ‘fight’ against vandalism.

When these monies are moved to cover this type of cost, something else will suffer. With ‘status quo’ operating budgets for the past number of years, material costs that have increased year by year at 6% to 12% (and this past year by over 45% for some products), there is little left. We need to do more to combat this societal epidemic. But what can we do?

Finding out on a Monday morning that one of our schools has 25 broken windows can create a lot of stress.

Forces have to be mustered to respond. New sealed units are ordered and installed as soon as they are available. In the meantime, the broken glass is cleaned up, and windows boarded with plywood. Reports come in from three other schools in different regions of the school district, all reporting gross graffiti. More manpower has to be sent right away, to remove or paint over the foul language splayed across the walls before it can offend and worry students and staff.

Whatever type of vandalism it is, we must respond to effect repairs. When we do this we are taking manpower and other funds away from schools. We are using labor and materials that would otherwise be used to assist teachers, or

make the classroom more comfortable to learn in. In some cases it seems to be an unending cycle. We are not alone.

What we are experiencing is being felt by school districts all across this province, in some form or another. It is being felt in the United States, England, Australia and many other countries in the world. It is costing all of the citizens of these countries, hundreds of millions of dollars.

The National Crime Prevention Council in the U.S. suggests, “Some vandals work in groups. You may even know some of the teens doing the damage - there’s no one “type” of teen who vandalizes. He or she might be the smartest kid in school, or the kid who’s always in trouble.

Most vandals are young people - from grade schoolers to teens to young adults - who vandalize out of bordom, anger, revenge, defiance or association with friends.

Most officials involved tell us that prompt ‘reaction’ to vandalism does help to reduce its frequency. There is quite a lot that we can and should be doing in this fight to lessen the occurrence and type of vandalism against school district property. So what is it?

A number of simple and cost effective methods that actually work should be done first. These are the following: — Turn off ALL EXTERIOR lighting after midnight.

Contrary to popular belief, when the lights are out around a school, the frequency of vandalism against that

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Most officials involved tell us that prompt ‘reaction’ to vandalism does help to reduce its frequency.

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building does diminish. It has been noted that 99% of graffiti would take place during the day when school was not in, or at dusk when there was still some light available. Studies that prompt us to leave lighting on overlook the fact that it is a different culture we deal with when it comes to vandalism against schools. What may work around your home or business, does not necessarily work on a campus or school.

Remove material around the building that could be used to break windows.

Use plants to discourage people from hiding behind them. There are many that have large thorns on them, and stay green most of the year. Placed correctly, these plants can add beauty to the facility, not pose a danger to children as they play, and deter vandals at the same time.

Clear or trim unnecessary shrubs and limbs, to provide a clear line of sight. This would also eliminate hiding places for people.

When replacing glazing, think about using laminated glass, as it will prevent the spread of shards when someone tries to smash it.

In certain situations one can use clear seismic film on the inside pane to hold shards together, and possibly slow down or prevent entry.

For those windows that are continually smashed, con-

sider a wire mesh type of screen that is fastened over the window. It can be powder coated to match the window trim, thereby appearing nearly invisible from the street.

— In vulnerable areas near entries, motion lights can be installed.

— Keep all gates closed and locked when school is not in session. You will find this keeps some people off the property.

There are many things that can be done to assist you in your fight against vandalism. These are only a few suggestions. School District 42 has embarked on a major fight that is multi-pronged and involves nearly every aspect of the community. In fact, they are hosting a major AntiVandalism Conference on April 25, bringing together police, the public, school administrators and others from around the province.

The best thing we can do as a first response is to remove graffiti, and repair or replace things that have been broken. If these acts of vandalism are left alone they will allow the facility to look derelict, and that will lead to further acts of destruction. Experience has shown that repeatedly removing graffiti can force the vandal to move to a different location.

Have a look around at the facilities you are responsible for. What do you need to do right now?

School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 13

RCABC PROTECTS MEMBERS

WITH INSURANCE PACKAGE

A

An insurance chill has swept through the $13 billion British Columbia construction industry, forcing some architects, contractors and engineers to the sidelines during the biggest building boom in the province’s history.

But, taking the initiative that has defined the organization since its founding in 1958, the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia is now offering self insurance to its members, the first such organization in Canada able do so. RCABC incorporated its own captive insurance company with the help of insurance manager Lowndes Lambert Group (Canada), and three underwriters.

The Langley-based RCABC, whose members handle most of the large government and commercial roofing contracts in the province, began the process of creating a Special Purpose Insurance Corporation by surveying it’s members, hiring an independent actuary, developing a business plan and presenting it to the re-insurance market.

14 Ops Talk

By Frank O’Brien Known as the Roofing Contractors Association Indemnity Corporation (RCAIC), the insurance corporation is wholly owned by members of the RCABC and licensed and regulated by the Financial Institutions Commission, the provincial regulatory body that oversees licensing of insurance companies in British Columbia. The RCAIC policy offers members $5 million in liability insurance. RCAIC began writing policies in December 2004. At the end of February 2005, 1/3 of the RCABC Members have switched to the new insurance corporation.

RCA Indemnity marks the first time that a trade association has been able to meet FICOM’s rigorous regulatory criteria, according to Brian Hofler, RCABC executive vicepresident. Hofler added that a long-standing Association warranty on its member’s work, its highly rated training programs and tough standards for membership, convinced the underwriters that a captive insurance program would

RCA Indemnity marks the first time that a trade association has been able to meet FICOM’s rigorous regulatory criteria work for members of RCABC. According to Hofler, RCABC members, even those without claims against them, have seen their insurance coverage skyrocket in recent years, some by as much as 500 per cent. As a result, smaller roofers could pay annual premiums ranging from $50,000 to as much as $350,000 for general liability coverage, he explained.

Canadian insurance companies reported record profits of $4.2 billion in 2004 - a figure the Consumers Association of Canada called “obscene.” The industry’s 206 companies

also reported record return on equity of 20.6 per cent last year. Since the RCABC began providing members coverage at lower cost, “some insurance companies have begun offering lower renewal rates.” But, Hofler wondered, “Why were these offers not on the table prior to the formation of RCAIC? He noted that his group’s members benefit from needed stability. And as more firms join up, rates will likely come down, he added.

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School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 15

BUILDING YOUR

School Community

By Scott Sancton

S

So, you’re probably asking, what is an article about Student My personal experience comes from my involvement Leadership and School Spirit doing in SPOA? It’s a good with Sights and Sounds Productions, Canada’s largest in question, and an easy answer. There is a strong tie between a school Entertainment Company. We provide entertainment in good school community, and those using it respecting their the form of over 600 dances coast to coast every year, at 300+ surrounding and environschools nation wide. ment.

Sights and Sounds has By ensuring a strong always been very school community within involved with Student your educational instituLeadership, and I have tion, you’re going to cut personally run workdown on the disrespect shops at student leaderthat may be shown to the ship conferences in property. If a person is every province. One of proud to be a member of the issues I stress when the community, there is a speaking to student leadsignificant smaller ers, is the concept of chance that they are building a strong comgoing to do something to munity within the harm that community. school, and incorporatOne of Sights and Sounds great events Next question, what is ing all those involved. this School community he’s talking about? Well, the school For example, in order to put on an after - school event, many community is often reflected in school spirit, involvement people are involved. Administration must approve the event, with sports teams, as well as extra-curricular activities. High Staff must be willing to come in after hours and act as chaplevels of Participation in these show that participants who are erones, Janitorial Staff may have to stay later then usual, as involved in the school “community”, are proud to be. By the event may not end until late at night, and of course the stuestablishing a difference between a school being just a builddent body must want to participate, so that it is cost effective ing, and its’ being a living community, a fun and enjoyable for the school to have the event. place to go, causes a new level of respect to be instilled withFrom experience I have learned that schools that hold a in members of that community. lot of such events, not only limited to Dances, but also pep

Sight & Sound 1/8 with story

16 Ops Talk

Spec Dec Printers 1/8

masses are enjoying their school experience, then individuals rallies, winter Carnivals, lots of Grad Events, and other spewill as well. cial presentations, also have the best maintained buildings, One of the most common comments I hear, is “Our and respectful student body. More times than not, if a school school is very small, not that many students”. That doesn’t does not have a strong community, they are faced with issues mean that you still can’t have a solid school community; in such as alcohol problems within the student body, and stemfact, if developed properly, it will end up being even stronger ming from that a disrespect for the building, leading to vandue to the fact that it’s a smaller group. There are many dalism, theft and other issues. options of ways to still work with a smaller school.

If this sounds like your school, maybe it is worth investigating what measures If this article has gotten are in place to try and you thinking about your build a strong communischools situation, but you ty. Does your school have don’t know how to start, a student government? the best way is to get inAre they supported and volved! Look into the encouraged by adminisdifferent organizations tration and staff memaround that you can be a bers? If not, maybe this is member of, and get a good way to start dealresources from your ing with some of the largpeers. The British Coler issues. umbia Association of This is not to say, of Student Activity Advicourse, that by having a sors (www.bcasaa.bc.ca) strong student governis a great place to start. ment in place, all issues will be resolved overA great school community night. It will take time, possibly even a year or two, for the pride in the school to Scott Sancton is General Manager of Sights West based out of catch on. But as much as peer pressure can be a negative sitCoquitlam, and National Sales Manager of Sights and Sounds uation, it can also be a positive one. While there will always Productions.

be a few bad apples, and there is really no avoiding that, if the

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School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 17

An advanced degree from the

H

School of Life

His casual sweater, spectacles and accommodating yet confident manner have graduate student written all over him.

In fact, Jon Green is a high school graduate who now counts his former High School, McNair Senior Secondary in Richmond, BC, as one of many customers in his fast growing furniture supply business, Jonathan Morgan & Company (JM&C). He agrees it’s somewhat ironic that most of his clients are schools.

“I guess I was kind of typical, not very motivated at school — I sometimes wish I could go back and do it over,” he says. He enjoyed Shop, especially woodworking, but admits he wasn’t academically inclined. His favourite subject was Art. He also liked playing Chess, and there is a Chess set in his office.

“This is where I calculate my next business moves,” he jokes.

The truth is, he has no time for either Art or Chess. Now 31, married and with two young sons, he’s an extremely busy man leading his company to compete successfully against much larger suppliers.

He was a mere lad of 16 when he began working for his grandfather, who owned an Industrial Supply company. By the time Green was in his early twenties, he was supervising 15 employees. At age 27, he was ready for something new.

He entered the extremely competitive furniture supply business because several of his relatives in other parts of the globe were already doing well in it. They encouraged him to make his move.

“I’ve only been doing this for four years, but I actually have thirty years of family business experience behind me,” he says. Keeping things in the family works well, he says; his secretary, Megan Burrowes, is a distant relative, so when he needs advice, he knows where to find it.

Even so, he faced serious obstacles from the beginning.

Perhaps the most daunting was that due to provincial budget cutting, the educational market wasn’t exactly awash in cash.

His competitors were telling him bluntly that it was a bad time to get into this sector.

Green saw it differently. His experience with the industrial supply business had taught him something about working with customers in tough times with tight budgets.

“I first got involved with management during the depressed “eighties”, when everybody was having cash flow problems. What we did was work with our clients, and focus on what we could do to help them out, really be of service and offer better value.”

He says that cutbacks are an opportunity to focus on serv-

By Monika Ullmann

Green stays on the phone until a deal is reached.

Green and Megan Burrowes, his secretary.

Jon Green in his office, getting ready to meet a client.

School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 19

School of Life School of Life School of Life ice and building strong relationships; he has made this the heart of his business approach.

“There’s really a massive hole in the market when it comes to service.

And I also like the aspect that I can be of service to the community-I have kids in school and I can do something positive there.”

He’ll even mediate on prices and quotes between clients and furniture manufacturers whose lines he carries.

The Oak Bay Kiwanis in Victoria needed some chairs for their facility, but found that the manufacturer was charging them for making minor changes to the design. Green made a couple of calls and persuaded the manufacturer to give the client what they needed to complete the deal. Or if it’s a question of persuading the manufacturer to change a colour, Green does his best to get everyone on the same page. “It can take some time and effort, but it’s always worth it in the end,” he says.

Green’s sales people are equally committed to this strong service ethic.

Randy Oui has been with JMC for only a year, but he used to have his own company and knows what it takes to keep clients happy. Rob Wills, member of the Building Committee spearheading construction of a new Parish Centre and Gymnasium for Immaculate Conception School in Vancouver, says that the service he’s getting is exactly right for his needs.

“Randy satisfies us at our pace; he gets us the data to make the right decisions. He’ll check in with us every couple of days, just a friendly call, and that keeps me focused, too. We had a big job to do, and with the Gymnasium we needed some special folding chairs and pull-out bleachers. Randy came in with some very good quotes and he got us exactly what we wanted. It really is one stop shopping; they have great diversity.”

Other customers are not shy about singing his praises either. The Business Assistant at McNair Senior Secondary, Sandi, says she is one of Green’s first customers and sees no reason to go elsewhere.

“We had some other quotes, of course, but he was very price competi20 Ops Talk

tive from the start. And they were very accommodating; service is just excellent. There are never any problems or hassles-it’s all in how it’s handled,” she says. She says she loves her job because it means she gets to meet a lot of nice people.

And being ‘nice people’ is the real bottom line for Jon Green. He grew up in a religious household, and the values he learned at church have stood him in good stead in business as well.

He doesn’t make a big deal out of it, but he credits his belief as one of the

foundations of his success.

“Our business values derive from our belief in community service, honesty and integrity. That’s the whole root of our success.” _______________ Monica Ullman is a freelance writer working in Vancouver, BC. She has published numerous feature articles on health, the environment, high technology and the arts. She enjoys writing marketing materials for several clients, and in her off hours she is working on a children’s book and her mother’s memoirs.

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w w w . b c h a r d w o o d . c o m

SPOA/SPOSA Joint Certification Program

By Ernie Lambert, SPOA President The response to the joint certification program has been amazing; by the conclusion of last year’s conference we had 9 members certified, in November of this year 10 additional members were interviewed, and 18 additional applications were received before the December 31, 2004 deadline, which have yet to be processed.

In Alberta, SPOSA is nearly complete in processing close to 50 applicants. I can tell you that it has been a privilege to be part of this process. The opportunity to interview and learn from

some of the most knowledgeable individuals in our Association has been the best professional development possible.

The first requests for certification are starting to appear in job postings in both provinces, which will provide additional credibility to the process.

For those who were not eligible for grandfathering, or missed the deadline, the electronic examination process is almost finished. The whole system is on line and user friendly. It may require some fine tuning but it is really

exciting.

We will be meeting with our counterparts in Alberta to determine the next phase. It is likely that we will continue to explore the required enhancements to develop this into an official professional designation.

This program is something we can all be very proud of. Both of our associations have put a tremendous amount of resources into this, and it has been successful so far. Let’s work together to allow it to grow.

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Fun for Generations — The growth of Blue Imp mirrors the growth of the playground industry

I

In the beginning, there was steel.

Yes, it’s a fact. The first playground equipment ever built was built of steel.

And Blue Imp was one of the first - if not the first - to build it. Blue Imp Recreational Products of Canada Ltd. got its start in 1917 when Simon F. Scott founded S.F. Scott Manufacturing Ltd. in Medicine Hat. Now in its fourth generation, this familyowned Canadian company has become a leader in the playground industry, and is widely regarded as North

22 Ops Talk

By Don Scott America’s most trusted playground manufacturer.

“Designing for safety and low maintenance are pre-eminent concerns,” says company president Don Scott. In the early years, S.F. Scott found success as a manufacturer of quality steel farm implements under the trade name Blue Implement. A remarkable ingenuity, and an intricate knowledge of steel, enabled Scott to adapt the company’s product lines to meet the needs of everchanging markets.

The company built its first swing set in 1936, almost 70 years ago. With materials hard to come by in the depression years, equipment was built using boiler tubing salvaged from decommissioned steam locomotives. It was in the 1950s, with the baby boom generation, that the playground industry really began to take off. People finally had time and money to devote to leisure activities.

When a local Lion’s Club contracted S. F. Scott to build playground equip-

“Steel playgrounds stand up to rough weather and tough play. They are virtually vandal-proof and require very little maintenance,” says Don Scott, president of Blue Imp Recreational Products.

Now in its fourth generation, this family-owned Canadian company has become a leader in the playground industry and is widely regarded as North America’s most trusted playground manufacturer.

ment for city parks, a new line was born. Manufacturing high quality playground products became the company’s primary focus; Blue Implement became Blue Imp. At that time Blue Imp manufactured playground pieces kids still love: swings, slides, see-saws and merry-go-rounds.

Several of the original pieces are still in place today, still entertaining kids generations after being installed. “We have always chosen to build with durable materials that stand up to wear and tear,” states Scott.

In the 1970s, consumer preference began to change. Freestanding steel equipment was out; modular wood playgrounds were in. As Blue Imp turned to manufacturing wood playgrounds, the company’s knowledge of steel and desire for quality once again resulted in a superior product. “We used galvanized steel pipe to reinforce the platforms and achieve the strongest possible connections,” comments Scott.

It wasn’t long, however, before the interest in wood began to wane. Wood simply didn’t wear well. It didn’t stand up to harsh weather and rough play as compared to steel, and it was much more difficult and costly to maintain.

“We were very relieved when the trend returned to steel,” says Scott. “Steel is and always has been our medium. It’s

what we do best.”

As the trend began to move back to steel, the playground industry, along with everything else, went high tech, and so did Blue Imp. The company has embraced each progression in the industry, and continues to invest in new in-house technologies in order to manufacture the best possible product.

Ultra-creative, computer-aided design.

Super durable polyester powder coatings. Computer-driven machines generating custom-routed panels, perforated steel and vinyl-coated components.

Heavy-duty vinyl-coated decks and components. Hammerlocks. IPEMA, ISO, ASTM, CSA, CPSC. The list goes on.

Blue Imp now carries out virtually every aspect of production at its plant in Medicine Hat, manufacturing more than 95% of the products it sells.

“Performing almost all the manufacturing ourselves gives us more control over the final product, and allows for greater versatility and flexibility. That means we can serve our customers better,” comments Stuart Scott, the fourth generation of Scotts to be involved in the enterprise.

The company’s most recent challenge has come from the world of plastic. To meet consumer demand, Blue Imp offers a wide selection of high quality plastic products, including slides, panels and roofs. However, many consumers have come to realize that steel has clear advantages over plastic. “Steel stands up to rough weather and tough play. It’s virtually vandal-proof and it’s much easier to maintain,” says Scott. For those reasons, some municipalities have now banned the installation of plastic playground equipment. Steel, with its longlasting durability, is once again becoming the material of choice.

As the playground industry evolves, of one thing there is no doubt. Blue Imp will keep pace, continuing to grow and change, continuing to build fun for generations. ______________ Don Scott, President of Blue Imp Recreational Products of Canada, is also the grand-son of the founder of S.F.Scott Manufacturing Ltd, the parent company of Blue Imp.

School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 23

S.P.O.A. .P.O.A

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School Plant Officials Association of B.C.

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“CHARTING OUR COURSE” 41st Annual Facilities Conference & Trade Show A conference designed for all Facilities Professionals who work in education including Maintenance, Grounds, Custodial, Project Management and Health & Safety “Come network and learn with your counterparts from across the province.”

Visit the Trade Show floor and explore over 115 exhibitor displays.

June 6 - 10, 2005 Penticton Trade & Convention Center Penticton, British Columbia SPOA, in conjunction with the B.C. School Safety Association 24 Ops Talk

The 2005 School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Tuesday, June 7 (9:00 am – 4:00pm) PROFESIONAL DEVELOPMENT BCRPA Basic Playground Safety Awareness Diploma for attendance will be granted.

Course fee $150.00 Advance registration required.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION (2:00pm – 7:00pm) Registration is in the South Lobby of the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre.

GOLF TOURNAMENT (4:00pm) SPOA’s 9th Annual Golf Tournament is at Skaha Meadows Golf Course.

Shot Gun Start @ 4:15 pm.

Pre-registration required PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION (8:30pm – 11:00pm) Delegates, Exhibitors and Partners are welcome to our complimentary Wine & Cheese at the Convention Center. Come renew old friendships and make some new ones as well!

HOSPITALITY SUITE (10:30pm - 12:00am)

Wednesday, June 8

Wednesday, June 8

REGISTRATION

LUNCHEON

(7:30am – 8:30am) Conference Center

(12:30pm – 2:30pm)

ZONE MEETINGS

• • • • • •

(7:30am – 8:30am) Zone 1 - Room 1 Zone 2 - Room 2 Zone 3 - Room 3 Zone 4 - Room 4 Zone 5 - Room 5 Zone 6 - Room 8

Sean Watson Master of Magic and Illusion

OPENING CEREMONIES THE MAGIC SHOW

(8:30am – 9:00am) Conference center

TRADE SHOW OPENS (9:00am – 10:30am) With over 115 Exhibitor displays showing off their wares, you are sure to find something that attracts your attention and you can use.

Technological advances are breaking barriers everyday.

Perhaps your favourite item has been re-invented!

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

Sean Watson brings over 15 years of Magical experience in truly entertaining audiences with his close-up-andpersonal magic. Sean’s quick sleight of hand enables him to mystify and amaze audiences by making objects vanish and reappear immediately before their eyes. His appeal comes from his very affable personality and superb sleight of hand magic that enables him to fit in with any crowd in any setting.

TRADE SHOW OPEN

(9:00am – 9:30am) MINISTRY UPDATE (10:30am – 12:30pm) A spokesperson from the Ministry of Education will be on hand to provide the Ministry Update to all of us.

This is typically an informative part of the day and allows those present to learn more about where things are headed and what, if any, impact it will have on our Districts.

(2:30pm – 4:00pm) Take some time to drop in again and pick up where you left off in the morning. There is a lot to see and more to learn as you browse the inventory on display.

PARTNER’S PROGRAM This program provides a full range of activities for both Delegate’s and Exhibitor’s Spouses/Partners to enjoy while the conference is in session. Program provided with conference package.

Ramada Courtyard Inn Penticton School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 25

Wednesday, June 8

Wednesday, June 8

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Session-5:

(4:00pm - 5:30pm) Session-1: BCSSA Expert Panel Reports John Bonnet, Collette O’Reilly, Mary Campbell A review of expert panel reports on Communicable Diseases in Schools, Preventing Slips and Falls and Organizing Custodial Workloads.

School Protection Program Ed McGuigan Senior Risk Management Consultant Introduction of changes to the SPP for the upcoming year.

Ed reviews what is covered and when to call SPP.

(5:30 pm – 6:15 pm)

EXHIBITORS HOSTED EVENING (6:30pm – 10:00pm)

Vince Chrysler Langara College Review of the top ten things you should know regarding CAN/CSA - Z614 - 03 CSA standard relating to children’s play spaces and equipment.

Session-3: Custodial Round Table ¾ ¾

Advantages and disadvantages of single source supply contracts Micro-fiber cleaning products

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (8:30am - 11:00am) All members are encouraged to attend the AGM. Come join us for breakfast and find out where your Association is headed. Annual elections will be held.

OPEN TRADE SHOW (9:30am - 1:00pm)

BCSSA GENERAL MEETING

Session-2: You and the New CSA Playground Standard

Thursday, June 9

“SAIL THE HIGH SEAS” Join delegates and exhibitors in the exhibition hall for an evening with a Nautical theme and games. Prizes for best costume will be awarded, so be sure to come in costume ‘sailor’! A light dinner is provided.

HOSPITALITY SUITE

Over 115 Exhibitors will be displaying an array of products. Send your staff to check out the latest offerings and see what new information they discover. No admission cost for open trade show.

EXHIBITORS HOSTED LUNCH (11:00am - 1:00pm) Browse the Trade Show while munching on a light lunch provided by the exhibitors.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (1:00pm - 2:30pm) Session-1

(10:00pm-12:00am) Tools For Schools – OH&S Ramada Courtyard Inn Penticton An excellent time to network with exhibitors and delegates Thursday, June 9

John Bonnet, BCPSEA Frank Marasco, SD# 83 A collaborative approach to IAQ issues in schools that empowers school staff with the responsibility for their IAQ.

Session-4: Electrical Distribution and System Optimization Steve Ireland, BC Hydro Learn innovative and updated methods that will save money by fine tuning your facilities transformers.

SPOA MEMBERS

BREAKFAST

Session-2 Making Sense of HVAC Control Systems

(7:30am-8:30am) Registration desk is open.

Rod Giltaca Distech Controls Defining open systems Separating fact from fiction

Thursday, June 9

Thursday, June 9

Session-3

Session-3

Effective Playground Layout and Design

Panel Discussion Building Envelope Product and Design Selection

Jeff Musson & Dave Warner Habitat Systems

An open panel discussion on capital cost decisions and how they affect long-term building envelope performance.

Session-4

Session-4

Maintenance RoundTable

Health & Safety Round Table

¾

Strategies for retaining Trades and Apprentices in a competitive market Preventative Maintenance

Collette O’Reilly, VSB Successful intervention strategies for injury prevention.

Session-5 Session-5

Sustainable Cleaning for Health Brent Bourne Servitech Consultants An in-depth examination of cleaning for health principles, new equipment and systems.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (2:30pm – 4:30pm) Session-1 Harassment - What You Need to Know Sherida Harris, Employee Relations Specialist, BCPSEA Session-2 Power Outage Restoration Brian McDonald, BC Hydro

“What to do when the lights go out”

CONCURRENT SESSIONS Session-1 9:00 am – 12:00pm

Ron Schwenger EuroLine Windows

Informative session on designing playgrounds for age appropriateness and effective play flows.

Layout requirements for CSA.

¾

Friday, June 10

Sports Field Renovation and Regeneration Chris Foxon, VSB Rod Turkington, VSB

Enterprise Wide Risk Management Jim MacLeod, CGI Risk Management Services Institutional Hazards and the Need for a Risk Management Process.

Session-2 9:00am – 12:00pm Process Cleaning Rex Morrison, Washoe County SD, Reno Nevada Rex is back to review the advantages of process cleaning.

Session-3 9:00am – 11:00am Preparing For Retirement Jeremv Harris, Landmark III insurance and financial services

New methods for getting your fields ready on time and on budget.

Session-4 9:00am – 11:00am Planners & Project Managers Round Table

2005 Conference Banquet and Dance ¾ Diner Theater and Dance (6:00pm -12:30am) This is an excellent time to partake in a wonderful first class dinner followed by a short dinner theater performance, dancing and fellowship at the Convention Center.

The 41st Annual SPOA Conference promises to have something for everyone. The support we receive from the Membership is what makes this a success!

Designing maintainable spaces for education.

Session-5a 9:00am – 10:30 am Disability Management Ken Emmons, SD # 23 Return to work programs that save costs and really work.

Session-5b 10:30 am – 12:00 pm New Hire Orientation Robert Lawrence, SD # 60 Safety orientation program requirements for new employees.

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Interior Horizon has a VOC content of less than 1 gram/litre, and Exterior Horizon has low VOC’s that meet

Green Seal certification standards.

Horizon is a new generation of enviro-friendly coatings that have eliminated the harmful and odour causing ingredients without compromising the performance characteristics of the paint.

Superior Performance Horizon is a high-performance paint with excellent hiding power and washability. It is enhanced with antimicrobial agents to provide continuous protection against bacteria, mold and mildew that cause stains and odours on the dried film. You can

expect equal or better flow and leveling to Cloverdale’s best interior and exterior paint.

To find out more about Horizon Coatings, contact Vince Smith at (604868-8406, visit the Cloverdale Paint website at www.cloverdalepaint.com or drop in to your local Cloverdale Paint store. _______________

Cloverdale Paint Inc. is Western Canadian owned and operated with locations throughout Western Canada.

Serving Alberta and British Columbia for over 20 years.

SALES & SERVICE OF ALL OUR EQUIPMENT. • Thermal Solutions “Evolution” High Efficiency Non-Condensing Boilers • Atlas High Efficiency Condensing Boilers • Lattner Steam & Hot Water Boilers • Ace Domestic Water Boilers & Storage Tanks & Heat-Exchangers • Unilux Hot Water & Steam Bent Watertube Boilers • Flo-Fab Pumps, Expansion Tanks, CBV’s and other Hot Water Specialties • ISTEC ~ BTU Meters for all applications

EMONA SALES LTD. #110 - 11538, 132 A Street Surrey, B.C. V3R 7S2 P: 604.580.1188 • F: 604.580.0459 Toll Free AB & B.C. 1.800.775.3611 #1212 - 20 Harvest Rose Park, N.E. Calgary, Alberta T3K 4Z1 P: 403.244.1188 • F: 403.806.0166 School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 29

30 Ops Talk

LIBRARY PROJECT TURNS INTO

Multi-School Renovation Project

Project Skaneateles Middle and High School Renovation Skaneateles, NY Owner Skaneateles Central School District Skaneateles, NY Architect Beardsley Design Associates Auburn, NY Roofing Contractor Diamond Roofing Syracuse, NY Roofing Systems • Sarnafil Décor Roof System in White • EnergySmart 60-mil adhered G410 membrane in White Project Size 65,900 sq. ft Completed November 2003

A

At the northern end of Skaneateles Lake, one of New York’s Finger Lakes, sits a campus that includes two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school, all surrounding a common athletic field.

In the late 1990s the Skaneateles Central School District (SCSD) wanted to update its campus to reflect the newest technology — a project that entailed adding a new library to each school. However, when New York State offered a one-time incentive to update schools, the scope of the project increased significantly to include a renovation of each school and the addition of energy-saving building materials like Sarnafil roof membranes.

Sarnafil Perfect for Design “When we started actually taking pieces of the old building down and replacing the shell, we knew we needed to get a roofing supplier involved,” said Wayne La France, senior architect at Beardsley Design Associates. “We had a lot of roof to replace.”

The project included adding a new building connecting the middle school with the high school and housing the gymnasium, cafeteria, and locker rooms, as well as a large common area specially designed for community use. New roofs were to be installed on the middle school, high school, and portions of the elementary schools.

The most interesting part of the new building roofing project included four curved roofs that provide the appearance of a seamless, monolithic white sail. “Because the schools are located on the Finger Lakes, we wanted to reference sailing,” said La School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 31

Fox Run, Sylvan Lake Alberta

Both the high school and Waterman Elementary School have won recognition as United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.

France. “And because they are located in upstate New York and have long winters, we wanted to make it warm and inviting, full of natural daylight.

So, by stepping the roofs, we allowed a clear story of glazing to occur at each of the steps and on the edge of the barrel roof system. It makes the roof appear as if it were floating over the common areas.”

Beardsley Design Associates have a long history of working with Sarnafil roofing systems and knew the membrane would be perfect for the projectincluding the sail design-for aesthetics and long-term durability. “We were very pleased with its performance on past projects and liked the fact that the membrane is part of the ENERGY STARB Program,” said La France.

“That’s why we decided to spec towards a Sarnafil EnergySmart membrane.”

Installation Challenges Prove Rewarding Diamond Roofing of Syracuse, New York was selected for the roof 32 Ops Talk

installation, which included 65,000 sq. ft. of Sarnafil membrane and Décor Profiles on the sail portion. Décor Profiles are extruded ribs that are hotair welded to the membrane to provide the appearance of a standing-seam metal roof. In this case, the Décor Profiles gave the sail architectural dimension.

“The sail design was difficult to achieve with the curved roofs due to the shape of the structure and roofing system design,” said Don DeStefano, president of Diamond Roofing. “We worked with the architect and Sarnafil’s technical staff to refine the edge condition details in order to achieve a seamless appearance on the curved rake and exposed eave faces.

“The curved areas were designed using a special acoustical control metal deck system that also served as the finished ceiling on the interior,” said DeStefano. “We had to be careful to fasten the tapered insulation and membrane out of sight in the high ribs of the metal deck.”

The monolithic, seamless appear-

ance was achieved by using Sarnaclad metal (sheets of galvanized metal with factoryapplied Sarnafil membrane hotair welded to it) to cap the top and bottom of the plywood substrate at both the rakes and eaves. From there, Sarnafil’s white, highly reflective, singleply membrane was adhered to the plywood substrate and continuously welded to the Sarnaclad metal flashings.

A Dramatic Statement For overcoming installation and site challenges on the complex roof system, Diamond Roofing won Third Place in Sarnafil’s 2003 Project of the Year competition. Diamond Roofing had to work on a tight site, borrow practice fields for staging areas, and work quietly during school hours to complete the roof. Best of all, the renovated Skaneateles schools are operating with improved energy efficiency, thanks in no small part to Sarnafil EnergySmart membrane.

Residents and visitors often stop to look at the unique sail roof on the new Skaneateles High School building. “In

the evening when the lights are on you can look at the school from the football fields or from below the school and it appears to be sailing in the sky, lit from beneath. The effect is pretty interesting. And, the Décor Profile ribs really enhance the look of the four curved roofs,” said La France.

School gets an A+ Both the high school and Water-

man Elementary School have won recognition as United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. The district was recognized as a Governor’s Award winner in the New York State Empire State Advantage Program.

For overcoming installation and site challenges on the complex roof system, Diamond Roofing won Third Place in Sarnafil’s 2003 Project of the

Year competition. Diamond Roofing had to work on a tight site, borrow practice fields for staging areas, and work quietly during school hours to complete the roof.

Best of all, the renovated Skaneateles schools are operating with improved energy efficiency, thanks in no small part to Sarnafil’s EnergySmart membrane.

Wishbone 1/3 H

School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 33

NEW PRODUCTS TO REDUCE BUILDING MAINTENANCE COSTS

Founded in 1990 by President Charles Yoder, Parkland plastics is based in Middlebury, IN. Mr. Yoder oversees building product development from market needs, and works to help facility managers cope with shrinking budgets and staffing.

Submitted by Charles Yoder

M

Maintenance staffs are stretched thin and operating monies are in short supply in many educational institutions and health care facilities. Specializing in waterproof wall panels and ceiling tiles, Parkland Plastics addresses these constraints with cost-saving, low-maintenance building products.

SpectraTile ceiling tiles.

Waterproofing Interior Walls, Ceilings Water damage is the leading cause of degradation and deterioration in building materials. Annual costs for repair and maintenance average almost 10% of a building’s value.

Furthermore, the presence of moisture fosters microbial growth that supports development of harmful fungi or bacteria.

Whereas waterproofing an existing building material fills in the pores over the surface with a wax or silicone

coating, the protection lasts only for a limited time. Instead, a completely waterproof material is impermeable and pemanently unaffected by water.

• Non-absorbent - liquids and fluids will not attack and soak into material • No swelling - material will not bulge or become engorged with water molecules • No browning - water will not permanently stain or alter surface color • Does not attract nor support bacterial or fungal growth no food for colonies to grow and spread • Does not attract insects - no cellulose for bugs to eat • Washable - to maintain sanitary conditions and the “clean-look” appeal Resisting Mould, Mildew, Bacteria Mold and its fungal family cause billions of dollars in facility damage each year. Wherever moisture is present, mold is not far away. Once mold is established in building materials, the building is susceptible to suffer from structural decay. Subsequent outbreaks reappear faster and with greater detriment.

Moreover, some molds and bacteria produce harmful toxins that can cause respiratory dysfunctions and may lead to further health ailments. The best way to prevent mold, mildew, and bacterial problems is to build using completely waterproof materials.

• No rotting - no organic material that will decompose • No odor - no putrid smells or rancid stenches from unventilated dampness School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 35

NEW PRODUCTS TO REDUCE BUILDING MAINTENANCE COSTS • Does not attract insects - no musky odor to draw hungry bugs • Remains sanitary - cleaning is minimized • Hygienic durability - health concerns are reduced • Mold growth does not spread - no penetration to underlying and supporting materials • Does not promote regrowth - mold is not likely to germinate again after sanitization Building Green Green building protects ecosystems, conserves natural resources, and reduces solid waste and pollution. Environmental benefits include cleaner air and water, and better overall quality of life. Using recycled/ recyclable goods saves landfills and minimizes the mining of virgin materials. Economic reimbursements from more efficient building result in lower operating costs from repairs and maintenance over the life of the building. In the long run, not only are you helping to save the environment, you are saving more money.

• Environmentally friendly - preserving nature and its natural resources while reducing solid waste • Reusable material - products that can be remanufactured into a good • Permanently recycled material - durable goods made from recycled material • Recyclable material - perpetuate recycling programs • Tax deductions - receive credit from your state for qualifying environmentally-friendly designs and construction • Energy conservation - reduce bills with better thermal insulation and cost efficient lighting .

Permanently Solving Moisture Problems SpectraTile lay-in panels eliminate the most common ceiling tile problem: water-stained fiber-based tiles resulting in sanitation and health issues. These are the only tiles 100 percent guaranteed not to water spot. SpectraTile has a Class-A fire rating and is lab-proven with the highest possible score of resistance to mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. Expensive replacement and mold remediation costs are virtually eliminated. To keep clean, just wash SpectraTile because they are waterproof. Permanently replace tiles in restrooms, gyms, locker rooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, and natatoriums.

DuroBase protects Tuff Sheet, a hammer-resistant fire36 Ops Talk

Wal-Mart base boards.

rated wall covering. This waterproof system extends paneling life from normal wear-and-tear to withstand against violent vandalism. For the past eight years, Durobase has been used in Wal-Mart stores to protect walls from shopping carts, pallets and fork lift damage because of its indestructible nature. Tuff Sheet is the most cost-effective wall panel for use in schools and hospitals. Similar more expensive products have been specified for years, but no comprehensive system has ever been developed until now.

PLAS-TEX® is Parkland Plastics’ proprietary technology of recycling plastic scrap and extruding fiberglass-free sheet. A USDA/CFIA compliant building material and approved alternative to FRP, expect to save money and build green with products like 0.060” PolyWall and 0.090” NRP, as well as 5/8” DuroBase.

Distributing Nationally Visit www.WaterProofPanels.com for complete product information or call toll-free at 800-835-4110 for personal assistance to receive additional information, free samples and literature, help with a construction project, or more technical data.

Jazz Up Your Playground With New Climbers

I

In any given year about 10% of elementary schools go through the process of designing and installing an entirely new playground. For kids at these schools, the anticipation is almost palpable as they await the arrival of the new equipment.But that does not mean that the other 90% of the kids need to be left out of the fun.

Landscape Structures estimates that each year another 25% of schools are adding new independent or integrated play events to their existing playgrounds thereby creating new play experiences and a fresh new look.

This also serves to reinvigorate the playground and keep it exciting for kids.

In 2005, climbing events are proving to be the most popular addition to existing school playgrounds.

These run the gamut from the latest class of new rock-like structures to high-tech climbing walls and intricate CableCore climbers.

The Rock and The Ridge from Landscape Structures are two extremely versatile climbers that can be used in a variety of ways to bring a natural climbing experience and a new look to a playground. Constructed from glass-fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) over a rugged steel frame, the Rock and The Ridge look and climb like real rock. Each event can be installed as an independent climbing event, or paired together for a dramatic addition to any playground. The Ridge can even be linked to a 72” deck on an existing playstructure.

The GFRC surface of both climbers is incredibly strong and able to withstand 1,500 psi in tension and more than 5,000 psi in compression.

38 Ops Talk

Moreover, the material gets harder with age and will withstand the frostiest winters and the hottest summers.

If you’re looking for an integrated climbing experience that is both colorful and challenging, then the Conical Climber and the Corner Climber may be just what your kids need. These climbers feature large climbing-gym style handholds mounted on flexible reinforced PVC material. The movement of the flexible material within its tubular steel frame provides an added challenge to climbers as they make their way to the top. Each climber can be mounted to a range of deck heights making this a simple yet compelling addition to your playground.

SpaceCableTM climbing cable is a nylon-wrapped, six-stranded galvanized steel cable that does not get too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter. And with a tensile strength of 225,000 psi and a breaking strength of 8000 pounds, it has all the characteristics of a perfect climbing material.

That’s why Landscape Structures used SpaceCable climbing cable to create the Manta Ray, SpaceLink, Slingshot, and SpaceWalk climbers.

The newest member of the Space-

• Fiberock Abuse Resistant and VHI • Fiberock Brand Sheathing AQUA-TOUGH • Fiberock Brand AQUA-TOUGH Interior Brand Panel

Tel: (604) 881-8000 www.cgcinc.com Booth #35

Cable family, the Star Seeker, is a ladder-like climber that gives kids the feeling of climbing the rigging of a sailing ship. Star Seeker can attach to any 72” deck.

Two other climbers that are wildly popular with kids are the Fish Net Climber and Spider Web Climber.

Both of these independent events are created from brilliantly colored CableCore climbing cable - a Landscape Structures exclusive. CableCore is easy to grip and tender on kids hands. It has a polyurethane coating surrounding a super-strong aircraft grade galvanized steel core, and it will not fray, chip or crack. Many kids can play on these events at one time, and the Spider Web Climber can even be used to span between two decks.

So, even though your school may be years away from getting a brand new playground, you can still give your kids an exciting new play experience with the addition of a challenging new climber.

Take your playground to a higher level. Call your Landscape Structures representative today!

1-888-4FUNLSI www.playlsi.com ‫ﱦﱥﱤ‬

CGC’s Fiberock® Brand Panels help Projects Meet LEED Requirements • Installs and finishes like traditional drywall • Outperforms paper-faced and glass-mat products • Abuse, mould and moisture-resistant • Fire-resistant (5/8” Type “X”) • Contains 95% recycled materials

MEETING HVAC/R NEEDS ACROSS WESTERN CANADA

R

Refrigerative Supply is Western Canada’s largest independent wholesaler with their head office located in Burnaby, British Columbia. Refrigerative Supply was founded by Jack and Elizabeth Gibbs who acquired their first location in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1945. From this modest beginning, the company now has a total of 12 branches that serve the HVAC/R industry from Vancouver Island to Thunder Bay. Refrigerative Supply is a leading distributor of refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning equipment and controls.

Some of the product lines they carry are Copeland Refrigeration, York Heating and Air Conditioning, Hoshizaki ice machines, Sanyo, Belimo Air Controls, Honeywell, and DuPont. RSES, ARWI, ASHRAE and

HRAI are associations that Refrigerative Supply is proud to be members of.

Their many milestones include a first catalogue being published in 1955, becoming a Copeland authorized wholesaler in 1973, and the launch of their website in 1999 (www.rsl.ca).

Upcoming events include their annual golf tournaments that are held in Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Winnipeg. Committed to education, Refrigerative Supply conducts numerous evening product seminars at their various branches and sponsors Copeland training courses. Please contact the branch nearest you for an update on future seminars. ‫ﱦﱥﱤ‬

School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 39

K&F

Rollshutter Mfg. WARM IN WINTER COOL IN SUMMER SECURITY ALL YEAR LONG 7911-25 St.

440-1934

www.rollshutter.ca

Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s of information technology in education

Z

What Zentra Computer Technologies Inc. does for the education market

Zentra has been focused on the education sector in British Columbia for the past 15 years, continuing to facilitate technology enhancements into the education experience. Their success in the public and private market place has been from the focus they place on their customers, and their ability to service and support those clients.

With many key manufacturer partnerships, it allows them to deliver a wide variety of hardware platforms, such as storage, desktops, notebooks, servers, printers, scanners, and peripherals. Zentra also has a very deep skill set in data backup and protection solutions, including SAN, NAS, iSCSI, Near line, and tape technologies. Comments Yvan Ah-Yu, Project Manager, Learning & IT for the Vancouver School Board,” Their partnership with numerous manufacturers in storage technology has helped School District # 39 in its’ implementation of a Storage Area Network using IBM, Q-logic hardware, and Datacore software. Zentra has been the exclusive supplier of IBM systems to S.D. # 39 for the past 15 years, and we’ve been very pleased with the solutions, choices, and services they have provided.”

Zentra’s skilled service department deploys large-scale desktop projects that include image development, remote deployment, delivery, setup, software updates, patches, and ongoing management of the desktops until end of life. As part of this process, Zentra is able to identify technologies that are cost effective, easily managed, have longevity, and offer the highest support levels. Lynn Korrella, Ph.D., Director of Information Technology & Planning for the Greater Victoria School District agrees. “The District acknowledges, and I appreciate, the after sales service which your company has rendered. No problem has been

too small to command your attention, and solutions have been forthcoming to the satisfaction of all. You have consistently served the District over the past 3 years, and we have benefited from your tight relationship with IBM in resolving issues and expediting deliveries.”

Zentra’s notebook products have various complementary solutions such as those that deal with security and theft prevention. These are cost effective methods to increase security and retain valuable assets, without costly replacements.

With their long history in the data management and protection market, proven solutions are implemented to ensure important data and applications such as email are protected at all times, and are available to its users 24/7.

Email is mission critical. Zentra can design and implement email archiving and spam filtering solutions for Windows, Lotus Notes and Send Mail environments. No project is too large, or too small for their experienced staff. “Our last rollout of technology to schools, with almost 400 IBM computer systems, illustrates their services on our behalf,” continues Dr. Korella.” Zentra’s ability to provide the District with imaging service, together with delivery and setup at a location, has been a value-added benefit, and has reduced service requirements within our Department.”

Zentra Computer Technologies Inc. was founded in Calgary, Alberta in 1991, and now has offices from Vancouver to Toronto, employing over 40 people nationwide. For more information on their products and services, please visit www.zentra.com, or contact Tony Davis at (604) 415-9933 Ext. 329. ‫ﱦﱥﱤ‬

School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 41

Installing Energy-Efficient Products

T

EARNS TOP MARKS

Two years ago, School District 27 (Williams Lake) was looking for ways to reduce operating costs and improve the energy efficiency of its facilities. With assistance from BC Hydro, SD 27 hired an energy manager, who conducted energy audits of all 34 schools and identified the district-wide energy savings potential of different types of upgrades.

The school district then decided to focus on lighting.

“That’s where the greatest savings are,” says Doug Gorcak, Mechanical Leadhand.” As a public institution with an obligation to be fiscally responsible, we need to find savings wherever possible. Lighting presented an excellent opportunity.”

Gorcak heard that BC Hydro had a program that provided financial incentives to organizations to replace energyinefficient products with efficient technologies. School District 27 applied to the Power Smart Product Incentive Program to replace T12 fluorescent lamps with more energyefficient T8s in several schools, and its projects were

approved. The district has so far completed five schools and is noticing significant electricity cost reductions each month.

One particular example of success is Mountview Elementary School. “We saw a big difference in this school because we put in a dropped ceiling at the same time,” Gorcak explains. “So in addition to the energy savings, the school is brighter and has better lighting quality.”

Based on the results so far, Gorcak adds, School District 27 is looking forward to retrofitting the lighting in its remaining 15 to 20 district buildings.

Energy-efficient upgrades a smart move As School District 27 - and many other districts across the province - have found out, it makes good business sense to replace old or inefficient products with energy-efficient technologies. By using less electricity, energy-efficient products reduce operating expenses - and that’s good news for districts that must constantly balance tight budgets against

Energize your bottom line with LED exit signs

SCHOOLS ARE BECOMING MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT.

LED (light-emitting diode) exit signs are up to 90% more efficient than incandescent signs and can last up to 10 years. Since exit signs are always on, the energy and maintenance savings add up quickly. Plus switching to LEDs is simple, which makes this an easy way to start saving energy and money.

LED exit signs are just one of the many energy-efficient products that are eligible for financial assistance through the Power Smart Product Incentive Program.

To find out how much you can save through the Power Smart Product Incentive Program, visit www.bchydro.com/incentives or call 604 522- 4713 in the Lower Mainland, 1 866 522- 4713 elsewhere.

JUST LOOK AT THE SIGNS. A04-395

42 Ops Talk

increasing demands and costs. Energyefficient technologies also improve the comfort of the indoor environment and provide more flexibility in building operation.

Incentives can help BC Hydro’s Product Incentive Program offers financial incentives to organizations that replace inefficient products with energy-efficient tech-

nologies, or who add products to existing systems to make them more efficient. The incentives bring down the installation costs, improving payback and return on investment. By saving money on energy, school districts can focus more of their resources on their core mission - delivering quality education to B.C. students.

School districts across B.C. are seizing the opportunity to trim operating costs while improving efficiency.

School District 54 (Smithers) and School District 91 (Vanderhoof) are just two that are in the process of carrying out lighting upgrades under the Product Incentive Program.

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TOTAL WATER CONSERVATION BETTER HYGIENE REDUCED MAINTENANCE DRAMATIC COST SAVINGS LEED APPLICABLE FOR GREEN BUILDINGS ~ CSA APPROVED

For an information package Canadian En gineered Pro ducts and Sales 6 – 7449 Hume Av e. Delta, B.C. V4G 1C3 PH: (604) 940-8188 FAX: (604 ) 940-8189 www .cannep p.com

www.can-aqua.com Canadian Aqualine Sales Alberta 403.243.3387 B.C. 604.946.4811 School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 43

EARNS TOP MARKS More products, more incentives The Product Incentive Program has recently expanded to offer incentives on a wider range of products, and several are ideal for educational facilities: • T8 fluorescent lamps produce more light per watt than conventional T12 fluorescent lighting. They’re also 25 to 35 per cent more efficient than T12s, which translates to lower energy costs for school districts.

• Compact fluorescent lamps use 75 per cent less electricity to produce the same amount of light as incandescent lamps.

They also last up to 8 times longer than incandescents, reducing maintenance costs and the presence of unsightly burned-out bulbs. Brighter light at lower wattage contributes to a more comfortable environment for students, teachers and staff.

• Light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs are 90 per cent more energy-efficient than incandescent exit signs. LEDs use less than three watts, compared with 15 to 20 watts for incandescents. LEDs last up to 25 years, which means significant savings in energy, labour and replacement costs.

• Occupancy sensors turn on lights only when a room is occupied, resulting in lower electricity costs. As well, using lights less helps keep the room cooler, which reduces air conditioning loads and saves even more money. Occupancy sensors are ideal for areas such as washrooms, gymnasiums and storage rooms that don’t need to be lit all the time.

• Photocells with timers provide greater control over outdoor lighting, for example, in parking lots, by adjusting lighting levels to available daylight. The product can be set to turn off lights throughout the night, leaving only selected lights on. Automatically turning off unneeded lights will help reduce energy and maintenance costs.

School lighting upgrades In School District 42 (Maple Ridge), Maintenance Manager Marvin Rogers took the lead in implementing a

Quality Stage Draperies Ltd. Stage Drapery Hospital Cubicle Curtains Gymnasium Divider Curtains Portable Staging Specialty Curtains

44 Ops Talk

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Free Estimates 1-800-661-5649 1-800-661-5649

lighting upgrade at Davie Jones Elementary School through the Product Incentive Program. The school retrofitted 83 T12 fluorescent fixtures with T8 lamps and installed 384 electronic ballasts. As a result, the school is saving over $4,100 worth of electricity each year, plus $2,100 in reduced maintenance costs as a result of longer-lasting technologies, for total annual savings of $6,200.

Abbotsford is another jurisdiction that has taken advantage of Power Smart incentives to carry out lighting upgrades.

School District 34 had metal halide lighting in school gymnasiums, which did not allow the flexibility to shut off lights when gyms were unoccupied because of metal halide’s long start-up time. With incentives from the Product Incentive Program, Abbotsford converted the gym lighting in nine schools to energy-efficient T5 and T8 fluorescent lights. To enable the lighting systems to operate as efficiently as possible, Abbotsford installed occupancy sensors in some gyms and made direct digital control enhancements in others, which minimize the run time of the lights.

“Our gymnasiums are now brighter, and we’re seeing substantial energy savings resulting from lights being on only when they’re needed,” says Dale Churchill, Director of Facilities and Transportation for School District 34.

Super Save 1/4

EARNS TOP MARKS Convenience for busy officials The Product Incentive Program offers flexibility when it comes to product installation. Products may be installed by members of the Power Smart Alliance - a network of qualified, independent contractors who specialize in energy-efficient installations - or by school district employees or preferred contractors, provided they are qualified to do energy-efficient installations.

Williams Lake’s Doug Gorcak echoes the point. “The Product Incentive Program was a very easy program to deal with. We simply filled out our application online, sent it in, got it approved and implemented our projects. Soon after, we received our incentive cheque.”

Get started now Enroll in the Product Incentive Program today.

Visit www.bchydro.com/incentives or call 604-522-4713 in the Lower Mainland or 1-866-522-4713 in other areas. ‫ﱦﱥﱤ‬

Torvik 1/8 V

THE SAVINGS ADD UP Here are examples of the electricity savings that can be achieved by replacing inefficient products with energy-efficient ones.

REPLACE

WITH

ELECTRICITYBY HYDRO SAVINGS INCENTIVE

50, T12 fluorescent lamps with magnetic ballast?*

50, T8 fluorescent lamps with electronic ballast**

$210 per year in electricity savings

$6 per luminaire (lamps and ballast) = $300

50, 100-watt incandescent lamps

50, 25-watt screw-in compact fluorescent lamps

$670 per year in electricity savings + $320 per year in maintenance savings

$100

20, 30-watt incandescent exit signs

20, 3-watt LED exit signs

$237 per year in electricity savings + $467 per year in maintenance savings

$200

Manual control on 6, 100watt lamps

1 occupancy sensor

$24 per year

$12 per sensor

Manual control on 3, 75-watt exterior lamps

1 photocell with timers

$9 per year

$6.50 per sensor

*Assume 4’ 2-lamp T12 with magnetic ballast **Assume 4’ 2-lamp Energy Saver T8 with High Efficiency Instant Start Ballast School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 45

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Allmar International B.C. Hardwood Floor Co. Ltd. B.C. Hydro - Power Smart Bevanda Architecture B.G.E. Service & Supply Ltd. Blue Imp Recreational Products Canadian Aqualine Sales Canadian Engineering Products and Sales Chairlines Clearzone Services Inc. 1996 Cloverdale Paint Comac Corporation Inc. Cora Bike Rack (1995) Ltd. Crossley Carpets / Tandus Emona Sales Ltd. Erv Parent Group Fabricmate Systems Fiberock / CGC Inc. Flag Shop, The Interior Turf Equipment Ltd. Jonathon Morgan & Company K&F Rollshutter Mfg. Landscape Structures Matrix Planning Associates Omega Communications Ltd. Panaroma Technologies Ltd. Parkland Plastics Pomeroy Engineering Limited Power Suction Services Co. Ltd. Premier Levaque / Spider Safety Systems The Paint Spot Quality Stage Draperies Ltd. Refrigerative Supply Roofing Contractors of B.C. (RCABC) Sarnafil Shanahan’s Manufacturing Ltd. Sight & Sound Spec Dec Printers Super Save Talius Security Rollshutters Terasen Gas Torvik Industries Inc. Western Campus Resources Western Library Services Western Natural Gas Winners Awards Wishbone Industries Zentra

46 Ops Talk

5 20 42 4 12 22 43 43 12 4 28 15 6 17 29 20 7 38 13 6 18 40 IBC 13 4 5 34 15 10 17 9 44 39 14 30 7 16 16 44 IFC 37 45 4 10 46 43 33 OBC

EARTHQUAKE ACTUATED AUTOMATIC GAS SHUT-OFF VALVES Horizontal Installation KOSO Reliability-No False tripping to worry about or gas fitter callbacks.

O Lifetime warranty O Earthquake Valves-From 3/4” Residential, to 6” Commercial/Industrial.

O Check Valve design ensures valve remains closed through earthquake and aftershocks.

O Visual window shows “on” or “off” (eliminates unnecessary callbacks).

O Manual reset.

O

Vertical Installation Safe T Quake

O O

1/2" - 2" Threaded 7" w.c. - 60 PSI Rating O

O O

Lifetime Warranty Level Indicator

Easily reset without Tools

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#8 – 13015 84th Avenue, Surrey, B.C. Canada. V3W 1B3 tel: 604-599-1900 • fax: 604-599-1404 email: info@wngp.com • web site: www.wngp.com

First to imagine, last to compromise

For over 35 years, Landscape Structures has been the leader in the playground industry. In fact, we have installed over 20,000 innovative and durable playgrounds in schools all across North America.

What makes us different, is that every playground features a completely fresh, personalized design that is perfect for your site, your budget and your kids. No off-the-shelf, cookie-cutter, same-old designs here!

Our global network of representatives are locally-based, and will personally work with you from beginning to end to ensure that your project is on-time, on-budget and hassle-free.

Whether you’re building a new school or looking to revitalize your existing playground, partner with Landscape Structures to build a playground that you’ll be equally proud of.

To find out more about Landscape Structures playgrounds call 888-4FUNLSI today or go to www.playlsi.com.

IT i’s Dotting the

and crossing the

of Information in

t’s

Technology

Education.

Zentra has focused on the education sector for the past fifteen years.

We understand the important role that technology plays in the development of students in the twenty-first century.

Today’s students are demanding users and will continue to be as they develop into their career paths.

Zentra offers the value of choice, in the design, implementation and support of IT infrastructure.

Zentra has many key manufacturer partnerships offering hardware platforms, such as: storage, desktops, notebooks, servers, printers, scanners, and peripherals. The benefit of these partnerships is the choice it provides our customers.

Our solutions are unbiased and based upon your requirements, creating the opportunity for cost savings, and multi-level support options.

Zentra also has a very deep skill set in the data backup and protection solutions including SAN, NAS, iSCSI, Near line, and tape technologies.

ZenDesk is your helpdesk solution. ZenDesk uses a combination of software and technical assistance from Zentra personnel. Depend on Zentra for mission critical deployment, and management of your IT infrastructure.

“...the District has benefitted from Zentra’s tight relationship with IBM...”

- Greater Victoria School District

“We have been very pleased with the solutions, choices and services provided by Zentra.”

- Vancouver School Board

Call Tony at Zentra Today!

(604) 415-9933 Ext 329 www.zentra.com