Silver Stream Business Park

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

Strategically located just 15 minutes east of downtown Kamloops at 325 Silver Stream Road, Silver Stream Business Park is a landmark development designed to support the growing industrial demands of British Columbia’s Interior. Situated on a 10-acre parcel directly off the Trans-Canada Highway, this two-building, 196,000 sq. ft. development offers unparalleled connectivity and operational efficiency for businesses needing access to regional and national logistics corridors.

The project was executed as a design-build, allowing for optimal customization and efficiency while overcoming the site's environmental and logistical challenges. Silver Stream Business Park was thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of both local businesses and larger distribution or logistics operators looking for a strategic foothold along Highway 1. The resulting layout offers versatile small- and large-bay configurations, ample yard and maneuvering space, and flexible tenant opportunities that accommodate a wide range of industrial uses.

A standout tenant in the development is North Country Tire (NCT), a major wholesale distributor with a significant presence across Western Canada. NCT occupies approximately two-thirds of Building A, totaling over 65,000 sq. ft., which includes a customized warehouse and office space. The tenant improvement was tailored to meet the stringent safety requirements associated with tire storage, including a specialized F2 fire assembly and upgraded sprinkler systems to support flammable materials.

Silver Stream not only meets immediate industrial needs but also contributes to the long-term growth of the Kamloops industrial sector. With demand for well-located, functional industrial space rising in the Interior, this project positions Kamloops as a key distribution and business hub, ready to support a diverse mix of tenants. The project's scale, adaptability, and prime location make it a critical infrastructure addition to the region. Whether serving as a logistics hub or supporting local economic development, Silver Stream Business Park exemplifies thoughtful, future-forward industrial development designed to accommodate evolving business demands while maximizing site value and community benefit.

What obstacles were overcome related to the schedule, budget, program, specification, site, etc. on this project?

Silver Stream Business Park presented several site-specific and environmental challenges that required strategic foresight, adaptability, and technical precision to overcome—all while maintaining the project schedule. The 10-acre site’s natural topography included notable slopes and grading issues, which posed early design and construction challenges. To maximize the usable building area and ensure long-term performance, the project team employed advanced site preparation strategies and collaborated closely with engineers to develop solutions that mitigated sloping hazards and optimized the structural footprint. Adding to the complexity, the site also presented environmental sensitivities that required thoughtful navigation. The team successfully addressed these hurdles through a design-build approach while upholding key development timelines and sustainability objectives.

One of the most notable schedule-related challenges was executing Building A's tilt-up during winter conditions. Despite snowfall and frigid temperatures, the project team forged ahead with the tilt process, showcasing technical expertise and a deep commitment to schedule integrity. These efforts ensured that construction momentum was maintained through typically slower seasonal periods, ultimately allowing the project to remain on track. Through proactive planning, creative problem-solving, and strong coordination between disciplines, the Silver Stream team delivered a complex industrial development on time and to specification, demonstrating an ability to adapt and perform under the unique pressures of site, season, and scope.

Please communicate any engineering complexities or unique features of the panel design for this project?

Silver Stream Business Park required thoughtful engineering solutions that pushed beyond standard practices, particularly due to its sloped terrain and architectural vision. A defining engineering feature was the use of gabion retaining walls—a departure from the typical structural approaches seen in Orion’s industrial builds. These rock-filled, wire-mesh structures were essential for supporting elevation changes across the 10-acre site and ensuring long-term site stability. Integrating this system required close collaboration between civil and structural teams to ensure alignment with the building foundations and drainage planning.

Architectural design intent also introduced complexity, particularly at the street-facing units of both buildings, where visual identity was prioritized. The first unit of each building features a distinctive architectural panel design: three angled panels on Building A and a single angled panel on Building B. These panels required custom formwork and precise lift and brace engineering to ensure safe and accurate installation. Their inclusion adds dimensionality and visual interest, reinforcing the project’s commitment to elevated design within an industrial context. Additionally, exterior panel treatments across the project were enhanced to deliver a polished, modern façade. These architectural upgrades help the development stand out as a progressive industrial offering in Kamloops, demonstrating how panel engineering and design were leveraged for functionality and market distinction. Together, these elements highlight a strong integration of engineering creativity and construction precision to deliver both performance and visual impact.