Forbes Hall Expansion Update ~ May 12, 2020
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 10:25PM Thetis Island Community Association
As one arrives on-site these past few days, it is so very clear that Forbes Hall is going to be a building that not only invites us all in, but encourages us to use the outdoor spaces as well. Thetis Island is very much a living indoors & outdoors place as is reflected in the new hall. The building is finally to a point that this can be so easily envisioned.
The finishing touches to the concrete Entry Patio & Stairs are planned for pouring this Friday, weather permitting. A notification will be sent out to confirm whether or not it will take place. One can now walk up the ramp and in through the Entry. It has been a very long time since this was possible.
If you want to see what’s happening on-site just give any of the Project Management Team a call: Ron Bannister, Carolyn Askew, Doug Darling, or Ann Dickie. They are willing to facilitate brief tours with up to 3 people at a time if requested. Please remember that no one is allowed on site without Michel Poirier (or his agent), or any of those named above, present. And yes, this includes “just a quick look around”. It is an active construction site, and there are dangers present.
Anyone wanting to add their name to the volunteer call-out list should contact Greg Gall directly at gnp.gall@gmail.com. Even though requests for volunteers are posted, sometimes there is short-notice regarding the need for volunteers, so you might want him to know of your interest ahead of time. Please note that no volunteer “Drop In’s” are allowed.
Greg Gall has done a great job of getting people out to help with the project, and Michel is impressed! To date 123 hours of volunteer work, by 8 volunteers, have contributed to the quick pace of the project. We are looking for site cleaners to go in daily at the end of the workday, or after work and on weekends. Please get in touch with Greg; he’ll fill you in on the details.
The Assembly Hall roof design, as well as some design changes to the Existing Building, is well in the works. Once we have drawings of the new look, they will be shared with you. All of the interior integrity of space has been maintained. The changes occurred because of the time and cost savings they provide.
Today, work started on the supports for the Assembly Room floor. Walls should be up within the week, finally getting the Project above ground! Timbers will follow, creating the post and beam entry.
Behind the scenes? Well, the team is getting pretty good at Zoom meetings, standing in the cold in physically distanced circles, or out of the weather in the pavilion. As the weather improves, it is making that part of the jobs easier.
Big thanks to Michel, Chad, Liam & Mike for being so committed to doing it right, and with such positive energy, your work is very appreciated!
It is exciting to see the Forbes Hall Expansion Project moving ahead, with such purpose, and very much as a community project.