Renovation Update – October 24, 2021

In the past few weeks more work has been completed, particularly the concrete pouring along the front wall of the building and near the main entrance.

The sprinkler system installation is almost complete on the main floor. For the sanctuary, drywall finishing to the bulkhead and walls will be needed before the finishing trades (painting, floor tiling and light and audio-visual installations) can access it. There is very tall scaffolding set up right now to get this work done.

The finishing touches in the gym and upstairs washrooms, such as painting doors is complete. Painting and floor tiling of the foyer is proceeding. All the doors and hardware have been installed.

Ninety-five percent (95%) of the concrete pouring on the north side of the building has been completed; forming the stairs, accessibility ramp and plaza (gathering area just outside the front door). Light sandblast finishing of the retaining walls will be completed this coming week.

All photos were taken on Friday, October 8, 202, by Kevin Gue. For access to the nine previous updates, see our Renovation Updates page at: https://www.spiritofhope.ca/renovations-update

Here is what the front view of our church looks like now. Photo taken on October 8, 2021.

Moving closer to the front entrance, you can see the steps and the two plaques on either side. The bike rack area is to the right of the United Church of Canada plaque. The plaque, on the left side of the front entrance stairway is The Spirit of Treaty plaque created by Indigenous artist Matthew James Weigel, who participated in the Land Blessing Ceremony held on Sunday, March 14, 2021 (see the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtFP-9KuW4Y ) and article with photos at: https://www.spiritofhope.ca/newpage Photo taken on October 8, 2021.

Here is the space for people to park their bikes! Photo taken on October 8, 2021.

New aluminum framing has been installed in the front entrance, with the glass to be installed at a later date. Photo taken on October 8, 2021.

Here is what the new accessibility ramp looks like, located along the north wall of the building, from the parking lot to the front doors. Photo taken October 8, 2021.

Here is what the outdoor plaza (gathering area) looks like outside the front doors. Photo taken October 8, 2021.

Two beautiful plaques were installed in the concrete retaining walls at the front of the church, facing the sidewalk. This is the United Church of Canada crest. In this photo you can see how the plaque is facing outwards, towards 82 Avenue. To the left of the plaque is the slope that will be replaced with steps going up to the plaza and front entrance. Photo taken September 25.

Inside, the foyer tiling is being installed. Photo taken October 8, 2021. 

Here is what the elevator entrance looks like on the main floor. The elevator installation is all done, and it has been tested. Photo taken October 8, 2021.

Here is a picture of the upstairs washroom. Photo taken October 8, 2021.

Here is a picture of the gym being painted. Photo taken October 8, 2021.

Stay tuned for another update in a week or two!