Massive facility reflects lodge’s growth, fulfills needs
LIKE THE OIL sands region where most of its members work, Local 146 in Edmonton, Alberta, has seen substantial growth in recent years — and with that growth has come the need for expanded administration and training facilities.
On June 14, the local cut the ribbon to formally open its new Boilermaker Apprenticeship and Mechanical Training Centre, located adjacent to its union hall. The event coincided with the lodge’s annual barbecue, which was held on the grounds of the centre.
Local 146 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Arnie Stadnick led the ceremonies. International officers attending included IVP Joe Maloney, Western Canada; IVP Ed Power, Eastern Canada (since retired); and IST Bill Creeden. Also attending were Executive Director for Construction Sector Operations Kyle Evenson, Canadian National Training Director Grant Jacobs, Alberta Building Trades Executive Director Warren Fraleigh, and Boilermaker Contractors’ Association board member Marty Albright.
L-146 member Darwin Leitch, who served as construction manager on the project, received high praise from speakers at the ribbon cutting.
“Darwin poured into this building his heart and soul and passion,” said Stadnick. “We’re lucky to have had him involved in the construction of this building.”
Fraleigh, who preceded Stadnick as L-146 BM-ST and played an early role in the centre’s development, thanked Leitch for “his exemplary project leadership skills and execution skills. I can assure you that nowhere else in North America would you find... such a state-of-the-art, world-class facility, where you can hone your skills and practice your craft at no cost or expense.”
L-146 member j’Amey Holyrod, Director of Apprenticeship and Education, who joined BM-ST Stadnick in cutting the ribbon, will head the training centre. She stated, “I would like to acknowledge the contributions of our dedicated members and their families, who have persevered with determination and heart to build the Boilermaker organization, a strong Alberta, and a strong Canada.” She said the new training centre “represents many things,” among them “dedication to lifelong learning and continuous improvement.”
The facility includes 8,500 square feet of classrooms, lunch rooms, an amphitheater, and administration offices. The 56,000-sq.-ft. training area is covered for year-round operation and will accommodate a multi-story boiler structure for realistic training.
