On Behalf of the Kahnawake Education Center

01/21/2008

New Kahnawake Survival School Construction Incident

The Kahnawake Combined Schools Committee (KCSC) would like to inform the community of an incident at the new Kahnawake Survival School (KSS) construction site.

On Friday, January 18, 2008 at approximately 11:30 a.m., three (3) steel roofing joists on the eastern portion of the recently erected gymnasium, collapsed taking down three (3) steel beams and three bundles of roofing deck.

Of the utmost importance, nobody was injured.

Although there were very strong wind conditions Friday, the reason for the collapse is not known at this time. However, an investigation has been initaited to determine the cause. Involved in the investigation will be the structural engineering design firm (Teknika HBA) and third party professionals acting on our behalf.

It must be noted that the structure has been designed in accordance with National Building Code (NBC) 2005, which requires a stronger structure for anti-seismic treatment. Due to this, we do not believe design was a factor in this incident.

The project delivery date (for the 2008/09 KSS School Year) should not be affected by this incident as the project is currently approximately six (6) weeks ahead of schedule.

More information will be provided to the community as it becomes available.

Louie John Diabo,
KSS Project manager

Kahnawake Education Center
Phone: (450) 632-8770
E-mail: louiejohndiabo@kahnawake-edu.org