Macon Fabrication was proud to continue our partnership with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) at their Qualicum Hatchery in British Columbia. After supplying aluminum tub stands to support the fish tanks earlier this year, we were tasked with enhancing employee access by crafting a custom elevated walkway that fits perfectly into their operational workflow.
Aluminum Walkway Solution for Federal Environmental Infrastructure
Our in-house design team worked closely with DFO, basing the walkway on their specific needs and site layout. The project featured a single long elevated aluminum walkway that sits directly between the fish tubs, providing safe, stable access for hatchery staff.
A core focus of the design was ease of installation and transportation. We engineered the walkway so that all components can ship flat-packed, making it straightforward for Fisheries teams to deliver and assemble on site at Big Qualicum or any other fisheries location. This modular approach supports DFO’s broader goals of scalable infrastructure improvements across multiple facilities.
Constructed entirely from corrosion-resistant formed aluminum, the walkway includes integrated access stairs, each outfitted with fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) grating featuring a slip-grit top for excellent traction in wet environments. This design choice aligns with stringent federal safety requirements and provides lasting durability in a demanding aquatic environment.
While the initial phase was straightforward with no significant challenges, we’re excited to be moving forward with “Phase 2” – a continuation that will extend the walkway between additional tubs, further improving hatchery operations.
Macon Fabrication’s relationship with DFO is built on trust, reliability, and a deep understanding of specialized government project needs. We look forward to sharing feedback from staff once Phase 2 is complete and continuing to support innovative infrastructure solutions that protect both workers and wildlife.
