From water restrictions to heatwaves, a recent project rebranding Ridgeline assets at Shepard Landfill highlighted adaptability and problem-solving skills in a challenging environment to create long-lasting signage.
By Emma Southwood
Project overview
Ambipar Response, a Brazilian multinational organization that offers environmental management solutions, undertook a rebranding project after acquiring Ridgeline (Canada). The work focused on updating Ridgeline assets located at the Shepard Landfill and Eco Centre site in Calgary, Alta. This included rebranding several signs and a construction trailer.
Securing the contract
The relationship between Image360 Calgary South and Ambipar started when their marketing co-ordinator reached out to us. We had partnered with this marketing co-ordinator when she worked for a previous employer. Remembering our successful collaboration on window graphics installations from our earlier work together, she reconnected with us for this new project.
Timeline and challenges
Planning for the project started in February 2024, a time when Calgary’s cold temperatures made exterior work impractical. Delays occurred in June due to a significant water main break in the entire City of Calgary, leading to citywide water usage restrictions. This affected the project, particularly since the trailer at the landfill site had no water supply and relied on water transported by truck.
Scope of work
The project involved updating an existing 101.6-mm x 203.2-mm (4-in. x 8-in.) post-and-panel sign, with new decals and installing a new same-sized post-and-panel sign at the site. The biggest and most ambitious element was a full building wrap of the construction trailer that was on site at the landfill. The client provided detailed brand standards and design files, which we adjusted for production.
What was initially a two-day installation stretched to six days due to environmental challenges. Photos courtesy Emma Southwood/Image 360 Calgary South
Fabrication process
We used 3M Envision 480 film with an 8,549 lustre overlaminate to accurately match the client’s colours. The background graphics were printed and laminated in 1,371.6-mm (54-in.) panels, totalling about 15 pieces. Foreground graphics were applied separately as an overlay.
Overcoming obstacles
The project faced several challenges. Water restrictions meant transporting water in 19-L (5-gal) buckets to the landfill site for surface preparation. Additionally, a heatwave with temperatures greater than 30 C (86 F) and the lack of shade at the landfill made installation difficult. We built temporary shelters using scaffolding and tarps to provide some relief.
What was planned as a two-day installation extended into a six-day period due to these issues. Despite the obstacles, the project was completed as required, reflecting our ability to adapt and solve problems effectively. We are grateful to Ambipar Response for their trust and partnership, and to Elite Graphic Installs YYC for their skilled collaboration.
Emma Southwood, co-owner of Image360 Calgary South, crafts custom signage and displays for complete business visibility. She prioritizes a customer-centric approach to deliver top-notch visual communication solutions.
