Renovation Update – February 20, 2022

The finishing work of the Spirit of Hope renovation project has been proceeding very well this month. We are getting closer to the day when we will be able to start operating out of our beautifully renovation Spirit of Hope United Church building!

Two highlights for last week were:

• moving all three pianos to their new respective locations, and
• moving all items from storage to the appropriate locations in the building.



The sea cans storage bins in our parking lot were emptied in a day and a half, and an enthusiastic group of volunteers cleared the goods from the gym into their newly renovated rooms by the end of the day on Wednesday. It was quite amazing how quickly this went. The elevator really helped, especially for all the kitchen items.

Thank you to the many volunteers who came in over that time, including Ted Aistrope, Eva Cooper, Richard Cooper, Kevin Gue, Chris Meintzer, Colin Fraser, Cathy Martin, Carol Loewen, Fay Longson, Kristy Miller, Susan Godwin, John McDonough, Eleanor McDonough, Phyllis Verhaar, Bob Griffith, Heather Buckie, Lois Lund and Susan Bramm.

All photos were taken during that time. To view the sixteen previous updates, see our Renovation Updates page at: : https://www.spiritofhope.ca/renovations-update

Chandos Construction team members emptied the sea cans, moving the contents into the gym for redistribution by Spirit of Hope volunteers. Photo by Kevin Gue

Here are volunteers clearing the final items from the gym on the morning of Wednesday, February 9 (from left to right): Phyllis, Ted, Eva, Bob, Richard, Chris, Heather, Kristy and Lois. Photo by Susan Bramm

The gym was completely cleared by Wednesday evening. Photo by Kevin Gue

Those who were moving items into the sanctuary were able to catch a glimpse of fossils in the Tindall Stone flooring. Photo by Rick Bramm

The stained-glass windows of the sanctuary also caught volunteers’ attention. Photo by Rick Bramm

Work is continuing, to complete the numerous detailed items that emerge as the renovation nears completion. The many required inspections are well underway, and we are looking forward to receiving the occupancy permit in the very near future. Stay tuned for confirmation of opening day.

Meanwhile, our live-streamed Sunday worship services will continue in the gym, with our minister, choir members and other worship leaders present—and in-person attendance encouraged according to revised gathering protocols.