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The DUX Grands Prix Gala is a competition that rewards excellence and innovation in Canada’s agri-food industry, and provides a prime showcase for Quebec companies and organizations. We were therefore honoured to be one of the event’s partners on February 21.

For its 12th edition, the DUX gala brought together just over 500 influential players in the agri-food industry for an evening of exchanges, conferences and celebrations of the year’s outstanding achievements.

Our team members were very proud to be among the Quebec companies and institutions involved in creating products and initiatives that contribute to improving the health of the population and the planet.

We had the privilege of discovering and discussing with players in the agri-food sector who are innovating in their field(s) of expertise, whether it’s packaging, the creation of food products or the reduction of waste.

Our participation enables us to keep abreast of new trends in the food processing market. We were greatly inspired by the evening!

It’s official: the SAQ has awarded us the construction management contract for the 200,000 sq. ft. expansion of its Montreal distribution centre.The SAQ has mandated us to supervise the project and ensure that work proceeds smoothly on-site.

Over the next few months, we will complete three different service packages: construction management services, including pre-project consulting, project management on behalf of the SAQ,
construction of the expansion and coordination with the equipment supplier.

The building’s construction features several sustainable development elements, including a green roof covering almost 110,000 sq. ft., a green wall and an electric heating system. To go even further, the
SAQ has joined forces with the City of Montreal to plant over 900 trees and shrubs and nearly 3,000 perennials and grasses.

A project of this scale, with such a strong emphasis on sustainable development, is a source of great pride for our team and reflects the values of Frare Gallant.

Frare Gallant’s specialized design and construction management teams are currently working on transforming and modernizing SAQ’s taming line. Frare Gallant’s extensive expertise in distribution
center management, construction and automation is a major asset in realizing the SAQ’s vision for the future.

“This project will be the fruit of a magnificent team synergy and the professionalism of the various partners involved. Once completed, this major expansion will support the planned growth of all SAQ
customers,” reports Project Manager Dominic Bigras.
Frare Gallant is honoured to use its 45 years of expertise to support and encourage the SAQ’s future objectives.

Site mobilization is already underway and our teams are actively working on the project. Frare Gallant’s construction mandate will extend until 2025.

We are pleased to announce that we have successfully obtained this significant mandate after undergoing a rigorous selection process. Please follow us on all our platforms for updates on the progress of this exciting new project!

You are not unaware that any agri-food product transformation company must comply with the various rules prescribed by the Environmental Quality Act (EQA).

Therefore, whether it is for reasons of technological production changes or for increasing its capacity (including a new plant), it is important that your Ministerial Environmental Authorization (formerly known as the ‘Environmental Authorization Certificate’) accurately reflects reality and is compliant.

A new authorization or a modification to the existing authorization may be necessary for the operation and activities of a company in the following cases:

1. Increase in production volume or capacity (including the new plant).
2. Modification of the production process.
3. Modification or replacement of production equipment.
4. Modification of existing emissions and contaminant treatment systems.

According to Mr. Carl Genois of GKGI, an expert in environmental regulatory compliance, “It is becoming increasingly common to see municipal authorities refuse to issue construction permits until the environmental authorization (provincial authorities) is granted. It is increasingly the case that some municipalities do not even consider the possibility of starting the analysis of the construction permit application until this condition is met.”

Acquiring environmental compliance or authorization documents takes time, specialized resources, and the involvement of company management and operations personnel. Often, it takes several months, or even more than a year. This needs to be planned from the beginning of the project; otherwise, unpleasant and costly surprises can arise.

It is surprising to note, at the end of the complete environmental authorization application process and despite the fact that the company has implemented effective accounting, managerial, and operational measures, that the management and operational staff members discover and understand their operation even better. The exercises of material balances, water balances, energy consumption, atmospheric contaminant dispersion modeling, acoustic propagation, groundwater behavior, and effluent treatment chain analysis provide a high level of knowledge that would not have otherwise been acquired.

According to Mr. Genois, “The Ministerial Environmental Authorization should rightly be considered as an intangible asset for the company.” This legal document offers several advantages when it comes to considering the sale (or acquisition) of the company or financing growth projects. It is increasingly required by legal advisors and other professionals who are consulted during the customary due diligence checks in such transactions.

“An enterprise that holds an up-to-date document of this kind also provides a certain ‘peace of mind’ to the company administrators who are legally and personally responsible for environmental issues that may arise during the course of operation.”

The Ministerial Environmental Authorization represents a snapshot of regulatory compliance at the time it was issued. Contrary to popular belief, the concept of acquired rights is no longer as certain or acquired as it once was. Thus, updating the conditions dictated by this authorization or the risk of encountering environmental non-compliance always remain a possibility for the company.

A good Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) adapted to the conditions established in the authorization, combined with an annual environmental report for the administrators, remains the best tools for evaluating the company’s performance in terms of regulatory compliance. Preventive or corrective actions put in place build the best arguments for responsible conduct (as the popular expression goes, acting like a good father). Let’s not hesitate to document actions here to provide a strong and reasoned basis for the company’s goodwill in doing things correctly. This is about logical foundations and common sense. We never know if or when we will have to discuss it.

It is worth noting that the relationship with specialists, analysts, and administrative officials from the Ministry of the Environment (MELCCFP) is not as painful as some may suggest. Certainly, it is a rigorous exercise, but often, when the relationship with these individuals is cordial, open, and honest, common sense prevails, and the conclusions of the final agreement are not as coercive as initially feared.

It is highly recommended to directly communicate, through a preparatory interview, with MELCCFP analysts to clearly present your project, your methodology for submitting documents and studies in the authorization application procedure to convey your enthusiasm and intention to do things properly. This approach facilitates the review of the file and guides you toward the right actions to take. It often helps to reduce the authorization issuance time.

Our pre-construction department can support you in various activities necessary for environmental authorization requests.

Please do not hesitate to contact our teams, who will ensure that all the bases are covered before starting work on the site.

Luc Cusson, ing. et MBA                     Carl Genois, ing.

Frare Gallant Ltée                               GKGI

(514) 971-9344                                   (418) 952-0697

Since December 2021, all new constructions (new factories or expansions) must comply with the new ‘Building Energy Efficiency’ chapter in the Quebec Building Code, from which few constructions can be exempt.

This chapter, the result of a collaboration between the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) and Transition Énergétique Québec (TEQ), replaces rules that had been in effect since… 1983!

It represents an adaptation of the 2015 National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) to the energy context of Quebec, a province where electricity is more affordable, and there is much less reliance on fossil fuels for heating compared to other parts of the country. The provisions related to the building envelope, lighting, and mechanical systems are much more detailed in this new regulation than in the previous one.

National Energy Code of Canada

Energy codes are recognized worldwide as one of the most effective tools for promoting energy efficiency in buildings. In Canada, the NECB was developed as part of a commitment to improve the energy efficiency of Canadian buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy savings through compliance with the code

Compliance with the NECB requirements during the construction of a building leads to a reduction in energy consumption, cost savings on electricity bills, decreased peak energy demand, and improved indoor quality and comfort.

Compliance with the code is the most cost-effective option.

Incorporating energy efficiency measures from the early stages of building design and construction is the most cost-effective approach. Retrofitting at a later stage is much more expensive, especially regarding the building envelope.

Enhanced Performance

The new requirements are expected to improve the energy performance of new buildings by an average of 27.9% compared to the previous standards (the 1983 requirements are outdated; we are now in 2023), according to the RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec).

TEQ (Transition énergétique Québec) estimates that the increased construction costs due to these new standards result in a simple payback period of nearly 6.8 years.

“It’s clear that there will be impacts on businesses, but we support the societal choice to focus on energy savings,” says Guillaume Houle, spokesperson for the Association de la construction du Québec. Companies in the construction sector will need to train their staff on these new measures and their implications. They will also need to explain to their clients why these new rules lead to increased construction costs.

The NECB focuses on five key design elements:

1. Building envelope – This category includes the energy performance of foundations, walls, doors, windows, and the roof. It specifies air infiltration rates and thermal transmission based on effective values, rather than nominal values as in the past.
2. Lighting – This category considers measures such as reducing lighting power densities, using lighting control systems, and effectively utilizing natural light.
3. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems – These include heat recovery ventilation, insulation of pipes and ducts, as well as control systems and building automation to optimize equipment operation.
4. Service water heating – This category addresses all uses of hot water in the building and sets requirements to limit water flow rates, maximize heat recovery from wastewater, and establish minimum performance standards for water heating equipment.
5. Motors and electrical power systems – This category sets requirements for monitoring electrical distribution network consumption, limits conductor size to minimize voltage drops, and establishes standards for choosing transformers and electric motors.

Examples:

Insulation and Thermal Bridges

The required thermal resistance for walls, roofs, floors, and slabs (see table below) nearly doubles. This is primarily a catch-up in Part 11, “Energy Efficiency,” of the Building chapter of the Quebec Building Code.

If we settle for an RSI of 3.6 (R20.4) for wall insulation, it’s because the focus is now on total effective resistance rather than nominal thermal resistance, as mentioned earlier. “We consider both the best value of the wall, that of the insulation, and the worst value, that of the framing,” explains Simon Lortie, Coordinator of Regulation and Standardization at TEQ.

Rather than imposing additional insulation thickness in walls, the new regulation demands better material assemblies to insulate thermal bridges, whether it’s a fire-rated wall, a structural beam, a projection, or a balcony slab.

Doors and Windows

The new regulation now sets the overall thermal transmittance coefficient for windows and doors with windows at 2.0. Products that achieve this coefficient are already widely available in the market and do not need to be Energy Star certified.

Openings cannot account for more than 40% of the envelope. This requirement poses a challenge for buildings with large curtain wall areas.

“These buildings will have to comply by simulating [the building’s energy performance by computer], warns Nathalie Lessard, an architect at RBQ who was involved in drafting the regulation. Designers will need to propose performances that go beyond the Code’s requirements, thanks, for example, to better building mechanics or renewable energy production. Many changes have been made to minimize loopholes that would not achieve the desired efficiency.”

Indoor and Outdoor Lighting

To reduce total electricity consumption for lighting, the new regulation specifies maximum lighting power densities for each type of room. Additionally, devices such as timers or photocells must be installed to limit electricity consumption in this area. It will not be necessary to use advanced technologies or LED lights everywhere to meet the required efficiency, as emphasized by Simon Lortie.

In fact, compliance with the requirements can also be achieved through alternative solutions. In this case, proposals will be based on the total energy consumption rather than the power density of each lighting device.

Heat Recovery

The new chapter raises the heat recovery thresholds for ventilation, heating, and air conditioning installations. The regulations also cover pools, refrigeration equipment, and commercial hoods. Equipment that meets these thresholds is already available on the market, and the return on investment is typically quite short.

Questions… about a possible upcoming project!

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about the implications of this update on your future expansion and new construction projects. Our ‘Pre-Construction’ team, in collaboration with our various partners, will be delighted to guide you in project development!

By Luc Cusson, VP Engineering and DDA

Frare Gallant Ltd.

Sources:

Website of the Order of Architects of Quebec

Website of the Government of Canada – Natural Resources Ministry”

For a city with a history as long as Montreal’s, one might think that everything that needed to be built on the island had already been done, but even a short walk or drive through the city and its immediate surroundings would indicate otherwise. Construction is booming in the city in all sectors – residential, commercial, and industrial – and now more than ever, it’s important for potential investors to find the best industrial construction company in Montreal.

For over 40 years, Frare Gallant has been providing the city’s investors with its considerable knowledge, techniques, and expertise in industrial construction, helping turn their commercial dreams into reality. With a proven mastery of various construction methods offered at competitive costs, the evidence of Frare Gallant’s efficiency and effectiveness can be seen in the numerous businesses whose projects have benefited from their services. Here are some examples!

Construction Project Management – The BuzzFit Workout Project

Frare Gallant prides itself on adopting a flexible approach when collaborating with our clients: we aim to adapt to each of your needs and working styles. This philosophy is reflected in our approach to construction project management, in which we establish an open, participatory, and collaborative partnership, allowing clients who wish to be involved at every stage of the project to have direct contact with us.

This is the approach we took with Buzzfit, which commissioned the construction of several fitness centers throughout the city. Our project manager worked closely with the Buzzfit team, involving them in all decisions and giving them the opportunity to adjust elements at any time, which, for complex projects requiring great flexibility, is the ideal solution. The result has been the magnificent fitness facilities you can see scattered throughout the city, and Frare Gallant is proud to be Buzzfit’s contractor of choice!

Fixed Price – Keurig Coffee at a Regular Price

Finding an industrial construction company in Montreal that is both transparent, punctual, and not prone to constant cost overruns is at the forefront of every investor’s mind. After all, no one wants to pay more for what should cost them less.

Frare  Gallant fully understands this, as demonstrated by our project with Keurig. During a discovery meeting with Keurig representatives, our experts conceptualized and developed the entire project plans. Keurig then had the choice of selecting the general contractor or entrusting us with the construction project. Through open communication throughout the project and strict adherence to deadlines and budget, Frare Gallant delivered a beautiful office space that is both production-efficient and energy-saving.

Industrial Maintenance – Keeping Time with Kronos

No matter how smoothly your operation runs, there will inevitably be times when your facility and its equipment require repairs. Frare Gallant offers one-time, ongoing, or emergency services to ensure that your production never stops. When Kronos needed a penthouse-style extension on the second floor of its warehouse in Varennes, we quickly constructed a sixty-foot bridge to connect the two buildings. Whatever type of maintenance you require, our team is available at all times: day, night, and weekends.

Veuillez nous CONTACTEZ si vous avez des quetions.

There are many things for which a commercial construction company like Frare Gallant exist in Montreal is renowned, from its busy summer festival scene to the glistening white ski hills of nearby Mont Tremblant. Famously, Montreal is also known for its vibrant restaurant scene, filled with culinary delights from quite literally any cuisine in the world. Infamously, it’s also known for the tedious duration of its road construction season, which is offset by its extensive and active residential, business, and commercial construction industry. 

When it comes to a commercial construction company that marries two of Montreal’s most recognizable characteristics, food, and construction, look no further than Frare Gallant. With decades of experience in construction in the industrial, commercial, and agri-food industries, Frare Gallant has the expertise to ensure your production facility is established quickly and is running efficiently. From small to medium-sized operations to large, grand-scale facilities, Frare Gallant’s long list of notable and satisfied clients stands as a testament to their competence and professionalism. 

THE MCDONALD’S TRIO

If ever you’ve dropped by the McDonald’s next to the Bell Center before or after a Canadiens game for a quick Big Mac trio and marveled at the sleek, contemporary, and clean design and construction, thank the team at Frare Gallant for their efforts! One of the restaurant’s most prestigious locations in the country, the team had to work within accessibility restrictions and other ongoing construction projects in the area to deliver this mid-to-large-sized complex project by the deadline and within the allocated budget.

YOUR DAILY CUP OF JOE

They say money makes the world go round, but it definitely needs a cup of coffee to get it off and running in the morning. The team at Frare Gallant was proud to help GMCR (Keurig) jump-start your day in their new lavish and sprawling business offices. In partnership with Keurig, the team’s attention focused on efficient solutions in the areas of both production and energy savings; going green and taking our planet into account was of vital importance for both companies!

THE HEALTHY OPTION

If you’re looking for a healthier option to snack on, perhaps a nice cup or bowl of yogurt would hit the spot? Frare Gallant used its extensive expertise as a specialized agri-food construction company to complete two massive projects for Liberté. The first was a building expansion that allowed for the installation of new yogurt production equipment and was completed while the rest of the facility remained operational. The second was a brand new installation that was mainly related to food processing of dairy products, refrigerated storage, the delivery and storage of milk, processed water treatment, and the installation of the production equipment.

Without a doubt, if you’ve got a small, medium, or large-sized agri-food construction project looming on the horizon, there’s only one construction company to contact for efficiency, experience, expertise, and excellence: Frare Gallant.

Thanks for reading! If you have any inquiries, Contact Us today!

The construction project has undergone some modifications since 2019 and is being carried out with the financial support of Investissement Québec, Desjardins Entreprises and the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ). The $8 million investment will enable the Laganière brothers to significantly increase their production capacity to meet the Québec market and international demand. Read More

Development and production of yeast and bacteria

Context

Lallemand Health Solutions entrusted FRARE GALLANT with the mandate to participate in the design and construction of Harmonium 2, its brand new probiotics production plant located in Mirabel. This ultramodern facility meets the strictest quality standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines for the production of probiotics for food supplements. This new asset will allow Lallemand Health Solutions to double its capacity in probiotic bacteria.

Industry: Agri-food construction

Type of service: Construction project management

Date: 2020

Size: 118 403 pc (11 000 m²)