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2020
Aug 1, 2020
2020 (August) - Thermal Peak
Scheduling activities was delayed further due to unstable weather (heavy precipitation). The entire month of July, Rigstar managed 4-days of accessibility to Little Mount Elizabeth where we completed the drilling and grouting for the tower foundation.
While Little Mount Elizabeth was not able to progress, we scheduled the larger 212 HP helicopter for the shelter lifts at Thermal Peak & Corona Peak. We planned both lifts for one day, as the larger helicopter availability was not always local to the area. Both shelters were long lined and set in place on August 10, 2020.
Jun 1, 2020
2020 (June) – Corona Peak Tower
Excellent weather conditions in early May allowed us to have 2 crews working continuously. One crew worked on foundations and structures at Corona Peak while the other continued similar operations at Thermal Peak. Additional excavation of the uneven rock was performed at both sites to reduce the amount of concrete material required to level the tower footings.
Corona Peak tower was erected May 10, 2020 with completion of the shelter pad by May 12th. The tower installation at Thermal Peak was completed May 12, followed by more inclement weather.
Apr 30, 2020
2020 (April) – Mt. Morice
Early April, amidst the uncertainty of a world-wide pandemic, investigation of the other 3 tower sites began. The entire project team came together and following all protocols, mitigated the risks to an acceptable level for everyone involved. The crew found 2 sites that were mostly wind-blown and accessible to begin work, while the 3rd site, nearest to Kitimat was still under 1.5 meters of snow. April 8th, survey of the first site on Thermal Peak, overlooking P4 site and west side of Icy Pass, was completed and pins were installed defining all anchor points for the tower foundation as well as the shelter platform foundation. On the same day, survey was completed for the site on Corona Peak, overlooking P2 site.
Jan 15, 2020
2020 (January) – Parsnip
Rigstar implemented a Long-Haul Cellular service solution to the Parsnip Camp and upgraded the Microwave Wireless Data capacity into the camp from 300Mbps to 1Gbps.
Rigstar had to access a mountain top repeater tower to install cellular and microwave gear via a 14km Snowmobile only access trail. Our team was able to complete the install during Christmas break before pipeline work commenced in the new year.
The cellular service was implemented by boosting and repeating the cellular service at the mountain top repeater tower from an existing carrier’s network. The signal was aimed at the recently constructed Parsnip Camp tower where it was amplified up by a custom-built parabolic dish antenna. The service was then delivered via fibre from the tower to the camp where the signal was enhanced and rebroadcasted into the camp.
Jan 14, 2020
2020 (January) – Parsnip Video
2019
Dec 1, 2019
2019 (December) – Mount Morice – Jim Marshall Memorial
It has taken almost a year to obtain land permits and licensing to start construction of the site. This location is essential for servicing three of the camps: Huckleberry, 9A, and P2 with high-speed Internet and will provide additional two-way digital coverage for the east end of section 8. The Rigstar team, along with our valued contractors will be constructing a 12-metre tower to support the equipment required to commission all three-microwave links. This tower will use solar as the primary power source and a shelter will be constructed on top of a 3’ platform at the base of the tower. The complete construction process is scheduled to last 2-months due to the level of complexity associated with the tower build:
- Shorter days – limit the working hour
- Additional safety measures and emergency response planning
- Continuous snow removal of the construction area
- Hoarding required to protect the workers from the elements
- Hoarding and heating required to pour and cure the concrete
- Hoarding and heating required to cure the grout for several days
- Additional materials require multiple Heli-lifts to the mountain top
Nov 1, 2019
2019 (November) – 1st Mountain Top Repeater
Rigstar, along with our valued contractors: Sienna Networks, Tetra Tech Canada, and Axis Mountain Technical successfully installed our first Mountain Top Repeater. The repeater is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and will service the Hunter Creek camp and surrounding area.
Oct 1, 2019
2019 (October) – Sukunka Camp
Our team deployed a portable tower to service the Sukunka camp via licensed microwave.
Sep 1, 2019
2019 (September) – Parsnip Tower Constructed
Rigstar’s Tower Division constructed its 1st Permanent Tower for the CGL project. The 150’ tower is designed to support multiple radio and cellular infrastructure for the camp.
Jul 1, 2019
2019 (June) – Parsnip Camp
Rigstar introduces temporary Internet, VoIP and Television services to the Parsnip camp. Permanent Internet services to arrive in the fall of 2019.
Jun 30, 2019
2019 (July) – 9A Camp
Camp 9A presents several challenges due to the remoteness of the site. Rigstar has setup a temporary satellite system to service the camp. Our Engineering Team has designed a microwave network to deliver accelerated Internet speeds to the camp. The network consists of a Mountain Top Repeater that is currently under construction.
Apr 1, 2019
2019 (April) – Field Office Opens in Smithers, BC
Rigstar is committed to investing in local communities and hiring regional staff to support our network and camp personnel. Mr. Zack Gilks accepted the role of Regional Manager and will be responsible for day-to-day operations for the project and surrounding area.
Mar 31, 2019
2019 (March) – Hunter Creek Camp
Rigstar deploys its full list of services with temporary Internet to the Hunter Creek Camp, while providing 24/7 Network Support.
Feb 1, 2019
2019 (February) – Chetwynd Office
Rigstar brings another office online that is located on the West section of the pipeline.
2018
Dec 1, 2018
2018 (December) – Welcome Kitmat Office
Rigstar hires local Project Manager, John Steward from Smithers, BC to lead our Network Team in the field. Rigstar successfully deployed telecom services to the 1st site along the 670-kilometre pipeline route. Our team worked tirelessly with CGL and the Prime Contractor to meet the expedited schedule. Construction also begins on the Digital Two-way Radio system.
Sep 1, 2018
2018 (September) – Rigstar Awarded the Primary Telecom Contract
Rigstar celebrated a huge milestone on September 14th, 2018 with the signing of the CGL contract. Rigstar was officially awarded and named the Primary Telecom Provider for the 3-Year project to service 10+ locations and support 20,000+ workers. Rigstar’s Project Management Team completes and files all the necessary land permits and frequency licensing to ensure the success of the project.
2015
Aug 1, 2015
2015 – 2018 Planning, Designing & Engineering
Rigstar allocated resources to the project and appointed Jim Marshall as the Senior Project Manager. Mr. Marshall had successfully managed and designed complex Telecom projects throughout the United States, Mexico, South Korea, South America, Germany, Russia, and Canada. Jim was very dedicated to the project and at his own leisure he visited the CGL route on one of his last motorcycle tours. Upon his return, Jim worked on the final design and successfully structured a TV option with one of Canada’s major cable providers. Sadly, James Edward Marshall unexpectedly passed away shortly after the project was awarded to Rigstar. In his loving memory, Rigstar along with the CGL Team have dedicated one of our Mountain Top Repeater sites on Mount Morice in his honour.
Jul 1, 2015
2015 (July) – Initial Meeting
Rigstar was introduced to the Coastal GasLink (“CGL”) Team to learn more about the project and telecom requirements:
- Speed Internet Services
- Cellular Enhancement
- VoIP Services
- Television