Outdoor hockey rinks (ODRs) bring communities together, offering a classic Canadian experience that many players and fans cherish. However, because they’re fully exposed to the elements, ODRs can be tough to maintain. Snow, rain, high winds, or even too much sun can make the ice challenging to manage and create less-than-ideal conditions for skaters and spectators.

That’s where fabric buildings come in. Designed to withstand weather while preserving the open-air feel, these shelters can create a fantastic environment for outdoor hockey. With retractable sides, they’re a flexible option for keeping the rink protected when necessary while also keeping things fresh and accessible on milder days.

Continue reading “The Perfect Solution for Outdoor Hockey: The Covered ODR” →

As the days get shorter and temperatures begin to drop, preparing your canvas building for winter is crucial to ensure it stands strong against the elements. Whether you’re using your fabric structure for storage, livestock, or equipment, proper winterization will extend its lifespan and protect its contents. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get your canvas building ready for our harsh winters.

Continue reading “Winterizing Your Canvas Building: Essential Steps for Harsh Winters” →

First Mining Springpole Project | Mining in Northern Ontario

Mining operations in Northern Ontario face unique challenges, especially when it comes to warehousing and storage at remote sites. Harsh weather conditions, limited access, and the need for secure storage solutions make finding the right building essential. With multiple remote sites and 800 hectares to cover at this site, First Mining required portable fabric buildings that could easily be transported and erected on remote sites.

The Requirements | Portable Storage for Remote Mining Sites

   

In the mining industry, core samples are one of the most important assets. These samples provide critical data on the value of mineral rights and future profitability. FastCover portable buildings are designed to meet the requirements that the mining industry demands. The building needed to have the ability for storing the samples while maintaining security, protection from harsh elements, and room to comfortably move within the structure.

Our 38’ wide x 104’ long fabric structures provided a robust solution for secure storage for up to four sets of core sample racking, keeping these valuable samples safe from the elements and unauthorized access. The tight seal of our buildings ensures protection from moisture and temperature fluctuations, safeguarding the integrity of the samples over time. But what sets the buildings apart is their portability.

   

Custom Features of the Portable Storage Building

• Due to the remote mine locations, limited on-site supervision and the potential for extreme snow and wind conditions the truss spacing on all of First Mining’s storage buildings were tightened up to 8’ spacing as opposed to the standard 10’ spacing on this type of FastCover. This will ensure that the structures have the ability to withstand much harsher conditions especially when access to them is limited to air or water transportation during certain times of the year.
• The overhead doors are 16’ wide x 14’ high Accutrack steel reinforced fabric roll-up doors c/w 4:1 aspect ratio chain hoist lift mechanisms on all buildings. This style of door remains cost-effective but adds a greater element of security from the elements. Steel tubing encased in pockets at 2’ intervals on the fabric door riding inside C channels on each side of the opening providing excellent protection from the harsh elements.
• The building covers feature green trim with the majority of the main cover white to match the other buildings on the property.
• No lighting was required in this application as the white fabric lets 80% of natural light through for great working conditions during daylight hours
• A 36″ x 80″ man door was installed in each building to allow the on-site personnel easy access to the interior when the larger door is not required for equipment access. The steel insulated pre-hung door include a sill and brickmold for a clean installation and a keyed lock.
• The ground conditions varied from site to site. In some instances, we were able to secure the customer’s structures using our larger screw anchors. Some sites were more challenging as we encountered not only large boulders but areas of bog. In these instances we devised a system of hardware, cabling and turnbuckles, drilled into the rock and anchored the buildings appropriately.

 

In some instances, the FastCover buildings are being flown in by float plane when winter roads or barge travel is not accessible. The design of the components, when unassembled, make FastCover buildings a perfect choice to get into remote sites, easily erect them with no permanent foundation, and relocate them in the event their service is required elsewhere. If you’re facing similar challenges at your mining site and need a reliable building solution, FastCover has you covered—no matter how remote or rugged your location.

 

We purchased our first structure from Fast Cover back in 2016 and are now up to 8 structures located on 3 of our northern Ontario mining/exploration properties where they are used to securely store the core samples out of the elements. The structures needed to be able to withstand the harsh winters yet be easily transported and erected at even our remote sites. Fast Cover assured us that they could deliver and erect the portable structures to our sites on time and budget. Fast Cover’s company rep looked after our account from sale through delivery to the logistics of the construction schedule and all went smoothly. We are very happy with both the product and service that we received from Fast Cover and look forward to working with them again in the future.

– Laird T, Manager, Mineral Projects & Properties

Why Customization Matters in Fabric Buildings

When planning a fabric building, whether for agricultural, commercial, or industrial purposes, customization is essential. Each project has its own set of requirements and challenges, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not address your specific needs. Customization allows you to design a fabric building that not only meets the functional demands of your operation but also considers factors like climate, space constraints, and usage patterns. However, it’s crucial to ensure that this fabric building customization does not compromise the efficiency of delivery.

Achieving Efficiency Through Tailored Solutions

At FastCover, we believe that a customized fabric building should enhance, not hinder, operational efficiency. By working closely with you from the initial design phase through to installation, we ensure that every aspect of your building is optimized for efficiency. This includes everything from the layout and size to specific features like insulation and ventilation. The goal is to create a structure that perfectly fits your needs while maintaining high levels of operational efficiency.

Streamlined Communication for Faster Results

Efficient communication is key to delivering a customized project without delays. At FastCover, we have our AutoCAD technician on-site, which eliminates the back-and-forth often required between different companies. This integrated approach streamlines the design and adjustment process, ensuring that your needs are clearly understood and quickly addressed. By keeping communication direct and efficient, we minimize potential delays and keep your project on track.

Customization Without Compromising Speed

One common concern with customized buildings is the potential for extended timelines. At FastCover, we’ve developed processes that allow us to offer a wide range of customization options without compromising on speed. Whether you need a specific size, additional access points, or specialized features, we can implement these changes quickly and efficiently. This ensures that your custom fabric building is ready when you need it, without unnecessary delays.

Versatile Customization for Any Application

Customization should enhance the functionality of your fabric building, not complicate it. FastCover offers a range of options to meet the specific demands of your operation. Whether you need a compact storage space or a fully functional manufacturing facility, our team can design a building that fits your exact specifications. This includes considering site-specific factors such as climate and terrain to ensure that your building is both durable and efficient.

Partnering with FastCover for Efficient Custom Solutions

Choosing a customized fabric building shouldn’t mean sacrificing efficiency. At FastCover, we work with you to ensure that every aspect of your building is designed with efficiency in mind. From the moment you reach out to us, our team is dedicated to understanding your needs and translating them into a practical, efficient solution. By integrating our engineering expertise with your project requirements, we deliver a building that supports your operations effectively and efficiently.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re considering a custom fabric building, it’s important to work with a partner who understands the balance between customization and efficiency. At FastCover, we’re here to help you explore your options and find the best solution for your specific needs. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can deliver a custom fabric building without compromising efficiency.

Storing sand efficiently and effectively is crucial for large-scale operations such as construction, road maintenance, and industrial use. The choice of storage facility can significantly impact the efficiency and longevity of your materials. One increasingly popular option is the use of FastCover Fabric Structures.

Continue reading “Reliable & Portable Sand Storage with FastCover Fabric Structures” →

In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, companies are constantly seeking innovative solutions to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity. FastCover Fabric Structures have become a go to solution for manufacturing facilities. These versatile structures offer numerous benefits that traditional permanent structures do not provide.

Continue reading “Optimize Efficiency, Reduce Costs and Improve Productivity with FastCover!” →

The Benefits of Powder Coated Fabric Buildings

Powder coating is a highly effective method for applying a durable finish to steel components, making it a popular choice across industries. This process involves applying a dry powder onto the steel surface and then curing it under heat to create a tough, protective coating. The benefits of powder coating include enhanced durability, excellent resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and chemicals, and is an environmentally friendly solution compared to alternative coating methods.

Continue reading “FastCover’s In-House Advantage: The Benefits of Powder Coating” →

In the bustling world of construction, the functionality of a job site building can significantly impact the overall success of a project. FastCover fabric structures offer versatile and reliable solutions, catering to the dynamic needs of the construction industry. When considering a structure for your construction site, these are the features to look for.

Continue reading “The Ideal Job Site Building Solution for Construction Work Sites” →

A recent 30’x40’ Structure that was erected in northern Alberta is the perfect size to store equipment and parts. Measuring at 15’ high on center this structure can easily house redi-racking and still leave room for a standard size forklift to operate. This cost-effective addition to the business keeps equipment out of the elements increasing longevity and ease of use during the winter months. The 30’ wide structure is very popular amongst individuals and businesses needing extra storage. The single truss design is an excellent value for all storage requirements.

Continue reading “Equipment Storage for Northern Alberta” →

FastCover Fabric Structures exhibit versatility, stemming from a blend of design features and material properties that enable adaptability across diverse applications. Although FastCovers do not require a foundation, customers have a variety of foundation options to choose from including concrete blocks, concrete pads, footings, pony walls, screw anchors and the use of shipping containers.

  Continue reading “Shipping Containers for Your Fabric Structure’s Foundation” →