Colonel Fell Armoury

Building Envelope Renewal

Comprehensive exterior rehabilitation at an active federal facility

General Contractor

Department of National Defence (DND)

Project Type

Building Envelope Renewal / Institutional Facility

Location

North Vancouver BC

Timeline

June 2018 – October 2018

Project Overview

Spectrum Painting was engaged by the Department of National Defence to complete a full exterior building envelope renewal at the Colonel Fell Armoury in North Vancouver. The project involved coordinated repair, renewal, and repainting of exterior surfaces and elements while the facility remained fully occupied and operational, requiring strict adherence to federal safety, security, and quality standards.

Scope

  • Repainting of exterior building surfaces
  • Concrete patching and localized concrete repairs
  • Brick and CMU masonry repairs, repointing, and resealing
  • Removal and replacement of exterior sealants at joints, windows, and transitions
  • Repair and repainting of exterior doors, ramps, and stairs
  • Supply and installation of new guardrails and handrails
  • Lead-based paint abatement and regulated surface preparation
  • Protection of occupied areas and coordination with ongoing facility operations
  • Final cleaning, documentation, and closeout submissions

Key Areas Included

  • Concrete, brick, and CMU exterior elevations
  • Exterior doors, ramps, stairs, and guardrails
  • Sealant joints distributed around the full building perimeter
  • Entrances, service areas, and circulation routes

Institutional Building Envelope Renewal at Scale

This project represents a comprehensive exterior rehabilitation rather than isolated repairs. Spectrum renewed the full building envelope across multiple elevations, entrances, and service areas, restoring durability and performance appropriate for a long-term federal institutional facility.

The work was executed systematically by area to maintain control, consistency, and predictable progress throughout the project.

Execution Within a Secure, Occupied Facility

All work was completed while the armoury remained occupied and operational. Execution required careful coordination to maintain security protocols, fire access, and daily operations while complying with DND safety, environmental, and access requirements.

Work was phased and sequenced in close coordination with DND and project representatives to minimize disruption and maintain uninterrupted facility use.

Hazardous Materials & Surface Preparation Control

The scope included lead-based paint abatement in regulated areas, requiring controlled surface preparation, worker protection, and environmental safeguards. These activities were integrated into the broader envelope renewal program to maintain schedule continuity and compliance with federal requirements.

Surface preparation and repair methods were selected to support long-term adhesion, durability, and envelope performance across varied substrates.

Consistency Across a Complex Exterior Scope

Consistency across all elevations was achieved through standardized preparation, repair, and application methods, along with the use of approved materials throughout the project. Work was reviewed regularly with project representatives to ensure uniform appearance, performance, and compliance with contract documents.

This repeatable approach supported reliable results across concrete, masonry, metal elements, and sealant transitions.

Quality Control & Federal Compliance

Work was completed in accordance with federal specifications, National Building Code requirements, and DND standards. Quality control included consultant and DCC inspections, verification of approved materials and methods, and confirmation that all work met contract requirements prior to acceptance.

The project achieved clean closeout with no outstanding deficiencies.

Durability & Long-Term Performance

The renewal scope was designed to extend the service life of the building envelope, reduce future maintenance needs, and restore the exterior to a durable, serviceable condition suitable for long-term institutional use. Material selection and detailing were focused on weather resistance, movement accommodation, and ongoing operational demands.

What This Project Represents

The Colonel Fell Armoury project reflects Spectrum Painting’s disciplined, reliable approach to building envelope renewal in high-requirement institutional environments. Through careful planning, secure execution, and close coordination with client representatives, Spectrum delivers consistent, compliant results on occupied facilities where safety, durability, and accountability are critical.

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