Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Vedette Lake Forward Attack Base

Vedette Lake is located in a remote and heavily forested area 76 kilometers north of Fort Frances, making it an ideal location for a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) forward attack base for firefighters battling wildfires. Keewatin-Aski Ltd. acted in the role of prime consultant for the design and construction of a rest facility for firefighters rotating off the front line for rest periods. In addition to the design and construction administration on the residence building, the project included the decommissioning, demolition, and replacement of warehouse and pump house structures.

The primary building included in the project accommodates thirteen residents in four double-bedrooms and five single-bedrooms serviced by three bathrooms. The oversized kitchen is equipped with two islands to provide for ample seating and storage space. A variety of facilities are provided for the rest and relaxation of residents, including lounge/living room, three-season screened porch, and large outdoor deck with clear guardrails that allow good visibility and clear sightlines to the surroundings. In addition to the residential rest accommodations, the building hosts a small meeting room and radio clerk’s office.

In concert with the mechanical and electrical engineers, MCW Consultants Ltd., the facility was designed to be de-commissioned annually as the forward attack base is not used during the off-season winter months. Additional challenges included an expansion of the septic field to accommodate the new residential building.

Keewatin-Aski’s role extended to assisting with the selection of furniture to accommodate the common needs of the short-term residents, and to ensure good long-term performance and longevity for pieces subject to hard use.