See what we have built.

Finn Way served as the general contractor for the construction of a single-story masonry school building spanning 18,750 square feet. This meticulously crafted structure features a sloped truss roof system, resting on a poured concrete foundation and grade beam system. The entire building boasts reinforced masonry block wall construction and incorporates a ground-loop heating system powered by a geothermal drilled well/heat pump system.

The exterior facade showcases high sloped roofs adorned with shingles, masonry stone, and stucco finishes. Notably, the contract encompassed the demolition of the existing school located merely 30 feet in front of the new building. This vacated space was transformed into a drop-off and parking lot, seamlessly integrating with the new construction.

Key highlights of the building include a spacious gymnasium, a unique learning circle space characterized by curved walls and pronounced roof overhangs, and a shielded main entrance designed to withstand the unpredictable northern weather conditions. A distinctive feature of this project is the construction of an independent fire storage reservoir shed, enhancing water pressure for the life safety system throughout the building.

This project, chosen to showcase Finn Way’s prowess in constructing new buildings in regional areas, underscores the company’s success in school projects. This achievement is grounded in Finn Way’s extensive construction experience in Thunder Bay and the Northwestern region, robust relationships with qualified subcontractors, effective scheduling and communication practices, adaptability to changes, and a profound respect for all project stakeholders.

Through meticulous project scheduling, collaborative weekly planning with subcontractors, and transparent communication with all parties involved, Finn Way completed the project within the stipulated tender timeframe and under budget. The Owner experienced uninterrupted, safe operation and access to the facility. Finn Way facilitated the Owner’s occupancy during the final stages of construction, allowing for the storage of furnishings and equipment, as well as the installation of user equipment after achieving Substantial Performance.

Finn Way provided general contracting services for the construction of a new 460 m² water treatment plant, which will incorporate an in-ground reservoir and advanced water treatment technology. The project involved the installation of a new raw water intake system, mechanical and electrical components, and an expanded water distribution network.

Scope of Work

• Construction of a 460 m² facility to house the new water treatment system and support equipment.
• Integration of an in-ground water storage reservoir for treated water containment.
• Installation of a preselected water treatment process, which includes:
  • Ozone pre-treatment to improve water quality by removing organic contaminants and pathogens.
  • MS Filter slow sand filtration technology for enhanced purification and long-term reliability.
• Structural, architectural, and finishing work to ensure a fully operational and climate-controlled facility.
• Mechanical system installation, including process piping, valves, and pumping systems.

• HVAC system to regulate temperature and ventilation within the facility.
• Electrical and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system to enable remote monitoring and automation of plant operations.
• Standby power generator to ensure uninterrupted water treatment operations during power outages.

• Supply and installation of approximately 1,475 metres of 150 mm diameter watermain to extend and improve the water distribution network.
• Coordination and implementation of a bypass system to maintain existing water flows and ensure uninterrupted service during construction.

This contract encompasses an extensive eight-phase project involving the demolition, renovation, and addition to Atikokan High School in Atikokan, Ontario. A key challenge of the project is maintaining a fully operational and occupied school environment throughout construction, requiring precise planning, stringent safety measures, and seamless communication.
Finn Way General Contractor assumed the role of general contractor, managing the comprehensive retrofit of the existing one-story school building and constructing two new school wings. The project also included the integration of an EarlyON Childcare and Family Center, along with the installation of new site services and a storm drain system, ensuring the school meets modern functionality and accessibility standards.

The project’s success hinges on a phased construction approach, which was designed to minimize disruption and prioritize safety. The detailed phases are as follows:

Phase 1: Preparatory work to support the commencement of Phases 2 and 3.
Phase 2: Construction of the new EarlyON Childcare and Family Center, along with associated site work to create a dedicated and functional space for early childhood programs.
Phase 3: Construction of the new east and west wing additions, along with the renovation of the existing north and south wings, providing expanded learning spaces and improved infrastructure.
Phase 4: Renovation of the multi-use shop area, upgrading the facilities to better accommodate technical and vocational programs.
Phase 5: Renovation of Grayson Hall, enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal for school and community events.
Phase 6: Renovation of the small gymnasium, paired with an additional buildout to improve the school’s athletic facilities.
Phase 7: Renovation of the shop wing and library wing, modernizing these critical learning spaces for current and future needs.
Phase 8: Final phase involving the demolition of the remaining portions of the existing school facility. This phase also includes completing the shop wing corridor, finalizing the vestibule, and installing associated canopies.

Throughout every phase, Finn Way emphasized rigorous adherence to safety protocols, proactive communication with stakeholders, and the execution of a meticulously planned schedule. This approach ensures the project is delivered efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and minimizing disruptions to students, staff, and school operations.

The Dryden MNR Fire Management Headquarters Renovation and Addition project was a significant undertaking that required a great deal of planning and coordination in order to ensure the success of the project. The project area covered a total of 79,416 square meters, and the scope of work involved the demolition and development of various site components, including the construction of new buildings, extensive renovations to existing structures, and various site upgrades such as helipads, roads, parking lots, utilities and services, landscaping, storm water management, signage, security, and air side control fencing.

One of the key objectives of this project was to maintain the full operational capability of the MNR management facility throughout the construction process. To achieve this, the project team had to maintain a constant line of communication with the MNR staff and carefully plan each aspect of the construction process to minimize any disruptions to their daily operations.

The construction of three new buildings, including a 1,386 square meter LSEF building, a 267m2 Fuel Storage Building, and a 67 m2 Hangar Cold Storage Building, was a major part of this project. Additionally, two significant renovation and improvement projects were carried out on the existing main management building, which involved a 1,687 m2 addition and 4,052 m2 of interior renovations.

In conclusion, the Dryden MNR Fire Management Headquarters Renovation and Addition project was a complex and challenging project that required careful planning and coordination in order to achieve its objectives. Through effective communication and collaboration with the MNR staff, the project team was able to maintain the full operational capability of the facility throughout the construction process, ensuring that the daily operations of the MNR were not disrupted.

The construction of a new 131 square meter visitor center on Highway 11/17 in Schreiber, Ontario was a major project that aimed to provide an engaging and informative experience for visitors to the area. The building was designed with a wood frame construction and a cast-in-place concrete foundation, ensuring that it was sturdy and durable. The roof of the building was a free-standing steel frame canopy, providing protection from the elements.

As part of the project, three rail cars were relocated to the site and connected to the new building by a deck. One of the rail cars underwent interior renovations to create an interactive visitor experience, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the area in a unique and engaging way.

In addition to the construction of the building, the project also involved the development of the site itself. This included the installation of building services, the creation of parking areas, landscaping, a pedestrian bridge, and a railbed for the relocated rail cars. These additions helped to create a complete and well-rounded visitor experience, providing visitors with everything they needed to make their visit to the center both enjoyable and informative.

In conclusion, the construction of the new 131 square meter visitor center in Schreiber, Ontario was a comprehensive project that aimed to provide visitors with an engaging and educational experience. The combination of the well-designed building, the relocation and renovation of the rail cars, and the development of the site itself, ensured that visitors would have a memorable and enjoyable visit to the center.

Finn Way provided general contractor services for the complete renovation of the interior of an existing two storey (1,014.6 m2) building and the construction of a new 1,103 m2 two storey building addition on the Lakehead University campus. The work included a bridge link to the existing adjacent library building, site works and extensive site service work, all in the centre of the fully operational university campus.

Stage one consisted of the complete interior demolition and renovation of a two storey building including new roofing, fall protection anchors and complete with the installation of mechanically sophisticated laboratory fume hoods in many of the new spaces. A change of use for the entire building complete with new finishes, a new roof and mechanical system.

Stage two, was constructed at the same time as the renovations noted above included the complete construction of a new building that was connected perpendicularly to the existing building. This construction was started after the demolition portion of the existing building. During project startup shop drawings were submitted and approved and the main site service work was completed. At substantial performance, the finishing touches and deficiencies were completed and the owner provided lab equipment was supplied for final hookup in the new laboratories. Many changes by the end users in the completion stage at the end of the project delayed the full occupancy of the new laboratories, however the entire building was occupied for its intended use in a timely manner.

The Carpenters Union office and training facility is a 12,730 square foot facility, built on shallow strip footings and foundations with a combination of load-bearing wood structure and steel framing. The main feature of the building is the training shop, which includes a steel structure to train carpenters on various construction methods.

The building also exhibits modern architectural features, including a gently sloped roof, and a combination of natural materials to complete the exterior façade. These creative features serve as a representation of the craftsmanship, imagination, and mastery of carpentry. Prior to construction, the two story building required the removal of five-feet of muskeg, which presented us with a challenge unique to the region, but was subsequently replaced with compacted granular material. In addition to construction, we oversaw the installation of a completely new electrical system, as well as an enclosure-less dust collector for the wood shop.

Wequedong Lodge, which provides accommodations and services to Aboriginal patients accessing medical care in Thunder Bay, required a 162,321 square foot demolition and renovation, and a new two-storey addition to better care for its guests. This project presented multiple challenges for our team, requiring hazardous waste removal, structural shoring, dewatering, extensive plumbing, and the construction of a full commercial kitchen. The two-storey addition also incorporated an elevator, and was built to wrap around the existing structure to create an open courtyard.

This expansion project required a two storey, 8,620 square foot addition comprised of strip footings, foundation walls, and a concrete slab main floor with cross-laminated timber floor panels. This large addition included integration with the existing structure on a perpendicular angle. Civil work included a parking lot across the street from the site.

A 7,000 sq ft modular doctors clinic designed to meet the Health Centre’s requirements. Modular construction designed to ensure a superior final product complete w/ simultaneous construction of the main building, the foundation structure and parking area.  Once the modular sections were delivered and stitched together, a truss roof system was installed, siding and skirting, and the barrier free entrance ramp installed to complete the project.  The design suits the requirements and the construction suits the regional climate.

Projects completed are a new One Story 5,587 sq ft Addition, a 978 sq ft Kindergarten Renovation, window replacement, and parking lot/traffic improvements. The Addition consists of a poured concrete foundation wall on poured concrete footings with a crawlspace. Main level floor framing is steel w-beams and c-channels sitting on spanning across foundation walls.  Subfloor is a poured reinforced concrete slab on metal deck.   Pre-Engineered Roof Trusses span the 2×6 walls and LVL Lintels.  Addition has 5 new classrooms, two barrier free washrooms, and a new mechanical room.

New one story 45,000 sq ft building with 3,900 sq ft basement and a second floor mezzanine, A new school facility directly behind the original school.  Construction consists of poured foundation and slabs with in-floor heating, a concrete block centre built above the basement, two wood structure wings with sloped wood truss roof and shingles.  The building has exposed glue laminated structure in the common area and decorative masonry stone and stucco as the exterior finish. At completion the original school was demolished.

A 21,900 sq ft elementary school constructed with concrete foundation and slab-on-grade floors. This building has a grand entrance with a two storey space and includes an oversized gymnasium and is mainly wood framing with a sloped roof.