Renovation Update – October 3, 2021

Over the past week, lots of big things happened! This included installation of our elevator, completion of the replacement of the windows in the gym and daycare, delivery of new hardware for many of our doors, the addition of two beautiful plaques in our front-facing concrete retaining walls, backfilling of the plaza (gathering area outside the front entrance) and the installation of the sprinkler distribution piping in the foyer ceiling – setting the stage for painting and floor tiling in the foyer. Most of the photos were taken on Thursday, September 23. 

The elevator is pretty much installed and is now being tested, with the finishing touches on the cab to be done this week. Photo taken September 23.

All the new windows in the gym (above) and daycare (below) have been installed. With the frames painted and modern sealed units, it really makes a huge difference inside and out. Photo taken September 23.

New windows for the daycare area have also been installed. Photo taken September 23.

A new entry and emergency exist has been created on the west side of the building, facing the parking lot. Photo taken September 23.

The front plaza (gathering area in front of the entrance) has been backfilled and the signpost foundations extended. There will be at least two concrete pours over the next week or two to create the front stairs, ramp and plaza. There is still finishing work to be done in the gardens. Photo taken September 23.

New insulation and vapour barrier has been installed along the foundation wall adjacent to the community stair. Photo taken September 23.

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.

The other plaque, on the left side of the front entrance stairway (yet to be poured), 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 September 25.

Stay tuned for another update in a week or two!