Project name: Victoria Airport Expansion Project type: Institutional Location: Victoria, BC Project size: Building (120,000 sq. ft); Apron (140,000 sq. ft.) Completion date: 2006 Project contact: Knud Mortensen General contractor: Durwest Construction Management Electrical budget: $3.4 million Construction budget: $30 million Project Description: The Victoria International Airport, located 18 km north of Victoria, B.C., handles 1.2 million passengers annually with approximately 35 scheduled flights per day.  The expansion project was completed in several phases and subdivided into different stages. The Airport apron area was expanded by 140,000 sq ft complete with high mast lighting.   A complete renovation was made to existing buildings, and a second floor was added to create open structures with glass and high ceilings.  The facility now boasts new state of the art systems including a fire alarm system, data/tel, CATV, CCTV, sound, security, MUFID/bids, IED paging, new emergency power systems and a baggage handling and screening system.  Passenger amenities include new restaurants, coffee bars, a lounge and an observation area.  Major challenge The most difficult challenge throughout the project was completing the very complex renovation and addition, while maintaining the ongoing services and operation of the Terminal Building and aircraft traffic.  All existing systems, including the high level security system, had to continue to function fully throughout the construction process.  Award In 2003, Canem Systems won the Vancouver Regional Construction Association Electrical Contractor Award of Merit in recognition of exceptional attention to quality, teamwork, problem solving and innovation on the Victoria Airport Expansion Project.