January, 2024
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Rebuilding Our Church Campaign,
Happy New Year! Cathedral renewal work is continuing. Here’s an update on what’s been happening.
South Stair Replacement
On January 8th, the crumbling south stair of the cathedral was demolished. The south stair structure had been carefully cut away and disconnected from the main cathedral building, and the demolition went smoothly, without causing damage to the rest of the building.
Here’s a link to a drone video in case you want to see the demolition in action: https://youtu.be/eIFuyIVNlg4?si=qpWCDZWcrk8UO6wi
South stair structure disconnected and ready to demolish
Demolition in progress
Heating and hoarding area post-demolition
Despite all of the measures put in place to protect the church interior from the elements after the demolition, extreme winter temperatures soon prevailed: the temperature in the kitchenette at the rear of the church went below freezing, which risked frozen water pipes. Some detective work was required using an infrared camera to find the pathway for the freezing outdoor air, so that more insulation and air barrier could be inserted. An industrial heater was also added.
Some of the progress so far:
1. Pouring of new interior concrete foundation wall to replace deteriorated wall;
2. South Stair demolition, as mentioned above;
3. Preparing to construct new south stair foundation (excavation, drilling, pouring concrete for piles, and foundation formwork);
4. Repouring of concrete slab in boiler room.
Concrete being poured for new south stair pilings
Barrier-free Access: Elevator Replacement and Accessible Washrooms
Work is continuing in the west tower to prepare for the installation of the elevator and accessible washroom for those with mobility limitations. This includes enlarging the openings in the tower walls on the main and lower levels to allow wheelchair access to the elevator and washrooms. Temporary shoring has been installed in preparation for the addition of a permanent steel plate lintel to help support the weight of the tower above.
Low temperatures this month delayed the planned boiler shut-down to tie in new heating equipment in the west tower, since cold inside the building would risk damaging the McGuigan pipe organ.
Original opening in west tower exposing thick brick walls
Some of the progress so far:
1. Preparation/shoring to enlarge opening in tower walls, as mentioned above;
2. Elevator area—main floor ceiling removal, and framing for ceiling to fit new elevator;
3. Elevator pit– formwork and reinforcement of slab.
Cathedral Renewal Phase 1 Construction Budget Report
We again offer you our heartfelt gratitude for your faithful support of our Archdiocese and of this campaign and renewal work.
May the Lord bless you in this New Year.
Your Campaign Team
Archbishop Don Bolen, Lisa Polk, Michelle Sanche, John Dipple, Mo Bundon, Samy McCarthy, Ron Kruzeniski, Garth Herbert and James Lipoth
P.S. Feel free to contact us if you have questions or comments: [email protected]