July 29, 2011 – Earlier this month, the SAIT Polytechnic campus celebrated the designation of the school’s new Trades and Technology Complex as a Gold Seal Project – making it the first educational facility in Alberta to receive the distinction, it said. The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) partnered with SAIT and PCL Construction Management for the project and representatives from  each party were present at the ceremony.

“The CCA is thrilled with the dedication from the PCL management team to embrace the national Gold Seal Program and strive for construction excellence,” said CCA president Jim Clement.

Barry Brown, past chairman of the CCA and current chairman of the National Gold Seal Committee; Irene Lewis, president and CEO of SAIT Polytechnic; Rob Otway, district manager, PCL Construction Management; and Clement represented the four partners as they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) indicating the objectives of the Gold Seal Project which outline a commitment to “promote Gold Seal Certification in construction management, demonstrate excellence in construction management and showcase professionalism and enhance the image of the construction industry.”

“The Gold Seal designation for the new Trades and Technology Complex is a mark of pride for SAIT, for PCL and the construction industry,” said Lewis. “We look forward to teaching our students the art and science of construction in this spectacular new complex, which, itself, has been built to the highest standards.”

Following the signing of the MOU, 20 individuals were presented with Gold Seal Certificates, and a $25,000 cheque presentation to SAIT for new tools and equipment for the complex.