Howell Electric Ltd. has been playing a crucial role in the City Gardens development since the start of the project almost two years ago. As the primary electrical contractor, they are responsible for implementing the entire electrical infrastructure for Trillium Tower – now the tallest building in Kamloops – which includes the main electrical service and distribution, emergency stand-by generators, lighting controls, fire alarms, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and more.
Ailish Evans, a dedicated 3rd-year apprentice with Howell Electric, is one of the people helping shape the skyline of Kamloops, installing the building’s electrical service and rough-in wiring.
Originally from the Sunshine Coast, Ailish completed the initial two years of their apprenticeship back home before relocating to Kamloops to join Howell Electric. Starting out by working around different sites that needed finishing up, they soon joined the City Gardens project full-time in January 2023.
“When I started on the project, Trillium Tower had around 9-10 floors completed. Seeing the development’s progress has been truly exhilarating,” Ailish said. “This is the biggest building and the first apartment I have ever worked on. Witnessing the construction process and learning about the layout has been incredibly rewarding.”
In their role as a lead of the rough-in team, Ailish oversees eight team members, focusing on wiring diagrams for the suites, determining how all wires will be pulled, and ensuring all electrical components are prepared for installation.
“We have been working on the electrical layouts and how everything will look in the end, making sure that we are complying with code and working safely, so at the end of the day, the lights will turn on,” said Ailish. “I am excited for drywall to go up so we can then see all our hard work pay off as we install the lights, switches, and plugs. It’s so rewarding to step back and see something you worked on from start to finish and feel pride in what you’ve accomplished. I am looking forward to that feeling for both me and the team.”
For Ailish, what they enjoy the most about their job is both the people they work with and the opportunity to develop practical skills they can use on and off the jobsite.
“The camaraderie of the team and how well we work together to build something is one of my favourite things about this job,” they explained. “The other thing I enjoy from the trades in general is gaining skills that I can use in my own home. Not just electrical, but also various tools and even other trades; there’s no end to the skills you can learn.”
Since joining the City Gardens development, they have enjoyed and appreciated the supportive environment fostered by Kelson Group, adding that the company has been great at managing this site, being the biggest project in the city.
“Even though they are a big company, they make it feel small, personal, and very family-oriented,” remarked Ailish.
Encouraging others to consider careers in the trades, Ailish emphasized the numerous benefits and rewards the industry offers.
“Working in the trades opens up a world of opportunities. The skills you gain are applicable everywhere, and projects like this make it even more worthwhile. Companies and the government are also offering many financial benefits for those entering the trades, so it’s a great time to try one out. I would encourage anyone to try out a trade as a lifelong career,” they said.
With a keen eye on safety and efficiency, the team at Howell Electric ensures that every detail of the electrical infrastructure meets high-quality standards, in anticipation of the moment when their collective efforts illuminate City Gardens’ Trillium Tower in the coming months.
