The City of Calgary has unveiled a construction safety award which will bear the name of Michelle Krsek, the three-year-old girl who lost her life in the summer of 2009 after being struck by debris during a wind storm in the downtown core.
On April 1, 2014, the City will present two SAIT students, enrolled in the school’s Bachelor of Science in Construction Project Management Program, with awards of $1,750 to promote construction site safety and honour the Krsek family.
“It’s a four year degree program administered through SAIT and they have a component of public safety that’s administered within that program that we’ve highlighted by providing a scholarship award,” said Marco Civitarese, Chief Building Official, Development & Building Approvals.
“The award is reflective of the opportunity to educate future project managers regarding public safety in the construction industry.”
“These are our leaders, these are our future project construction managers.”
In August 2009, the Krseks were walking along 9 Ave. S.W., near the Calgary Tower, when members of the family were hit by pieces of sheet metal which fell from the Le Germain construction site. Three-year-old Michelle died at the scene. Michelle's brother and father suffered significant injuries and were transported to hospital.
Germain Residences and Flynn Canada were charged with allowing an unsafe condition under the province’s building code in connection to the incident which claimed the life of Michelle Krsek. The two organizations entered guilty pleas and were fined $15,000 each.
