Case Study
Protected Species Infestation – Balcarres, Saskatchewan, Canada
Client Industry: Canada Post Corporation
Challenge:
The Balcarres, SK Canada Post Office faced multiple issues:
Hazardous workplace due to years of bat infestation in the roof
Regular flooding from a leaking foundation
Initial plan to replace the roof and waterproof the foundation was complicated by the discovery that the bats were protected under the Saskatchewan Wildlife Act
Suspicion of endangered bat species, potentially invoking stricter requirements under the Species at Risk Act (SARA)
- Regular post office operations could not be disrupted, and the complete setup of a temporary location was required (temporary electrical grid, connection, office trailer, etc.)
Solution:
I ordered acoustical and thermal image testing by senior biologists from Pinchin West Ltd. and Environment Canada to identify bat species
I confirmed no endangered bats were present, but still the bats still required careful evacuation
The client decided to demolish the entire building and replace it with a new modular structure
I had two bat houses constructed on-site to provide new homes for the bats
Contractors performed demolition after dusk to minimize impact on bat population
I engaged a senior wildlife biologist to ensure bat safety during demolition
Contractors backfilled and prepared the site for the new modular post office
Results:
Successfully resolved the bat infestation issue
Eliminated the foundation leaking problem
Provided a safe working environment for employees in the new post office
Ensured protection of the bat population in compliance with wildlife regulations
Completed the project while adhering to all relevant environmental and wildlife protection laws
Key Takeaways:
- Adaptive problem-solving: Initial renovation plan evolved into a full building replacement
- Compliance with wildlife protection laws: Balanced infrastructure needs with environmental responsibilities
- Multi-stakeholder collaboration: Involved wildlife experts, government agencies, and construction teams
- Long-term solution: Addressed immediate issues while providing a sustainable workplace for the future
This case study demonstrates my ability to handle complex renovations involving protected wildlife, balancing infrastructure needs with environmental responsibilities, and delivering a comprehensive solution that addresses multiple challenges simultaneously.
Available worldwide, wherever problems need solving.
Available worldwide,
wherever problems need solving.
Meet Chad
I solve problems.
Sometimes, I use the skills I developed as a project manager in commercial real estate. Other times, I write long-form SEO articles that hit page one on Google. I may be dealing with building permits one day and handling purchasing the next. Or setting up temporary offices. Or acting as a fill-in sound engineer for a venue.
But whether I have experience with your problem or not is irrelevant.
It’s about my intuitive ability to understand what it will take to solve it without tying you up in the process.
That’s why my clients choose to work with me.
