Extreme temperatures and a 50 hour disposal round trip on Canadian contract.
Next time you’re tempted to gripe about that slightly chilly site that you’re working on or that “difficult” 30 minute drive to the site, spare a thought for those working in Canada’s Northern Territory.
During the demolition of the Sir Alexander Mackenzie school, temperatures dropped to -30 degrees Celsius (equivalent to -47 degrees with the wind chill). That alone would be enough to sort the men from the boys, but that was just part of the challenge facing contractor Cleraview Grinding.
In keeping with regulations in the Northern Territories, disposal of any materials contaminated with lead paint was strictly forbidden. Instead, waste materials had to be hauled south, on ice roads and across frozen rivers. The round trip took a staggering 50 hours!
So when winter rolls around and you have to put on an extra sweater, remember: By comparison, you’ve got it good.
