Building Envelope Remediation

On this page you will find a look back at a very important moment in the history of the Norman Bethune Housing Co-op: the repairs of our severely deteriorating buildings, thus ensuring our Co-op will continue on for many more years.

Statement from April 2016

The years have taken their toll on our structures and our building envelope has failed. The roof also needs replacing, as do the windows. For over ten years, we have been in desperate need of building envelope remediation. During that time, the Norman Bethune Housing Co-Op has been trying to find a way to repair the buildings which make up our unique Co-op.

Due to financial challenges and some unexpected setbacks, we were not able to find a plan to fix our suffering homes. But, with much support, and great steadfastness, our community has never given up. Finally, we pulled together a workable plan that had the potential to get the results we were looking for (replacing the envelope, roof and windows). Over the last three years, we have worked tirelessly, and, at last, we are pleased to announce that the determined efforts of our community have paid off:

Building Envelope Remediation construction begins on April 12, 2016!

As people around the world celebrate the Spring equinox (the official beginning of Spring), and Easter, with its theme of renewal, rebirth, and regeneration, we too can celebrate the resurrection / rebirth of our dear co-op! This is a marvelous moment in the history of Norman Bethune!

This page is dedicated to documenting the progress
of the construction phase of our Building Envelope Remediation.

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WEEKS 70 through 82: August 7 to October 15, 2017
Our project was scheduled to take 35 weeks, but due to more work required than expected, along with finishing the work on the deficiencies, it has taken us 82 weeks to complete this building envelope remediation project. A big thank you to the membership is required for their steadfastness during the last year and a half — we couldn't have done it without their co-operation! Thank you very much one and all!

Also, we would be remiss if we didn't mention our consultants, the team at Terra Asset Management (TAM) who have always been there for us when we needed them and who went the extra distance on all aspects of this project! Finally, a note of gratitude to JRS Engineering for their continuous support over the years and their generous help — they are one of the key players in this endeavour.

So now, at last, we can formally announce that the project is finished! Our buildings have risen from the ashes like a phoenix and our finished product is beautiful!

We conclude this page with some before and after photos of the finished buildings.

 

WEEK 68 and 69: July 24 and July 31, 2017
The project is really finished except for some deficiencies, so we are still inching along to conclusion. In the meantime, Heatherbrae has removed their tool room from the garage and our new Co-Op sign was installed by our members! We will continue with weekly updates until we sign off on the project and then we will conclude with photos of the finished buildings.

 

 

WEEK 66 and 67: July 10 and July 17, 2017
NO PHOTOS FOR THESE WEEKS. The project is really finished except for some deficiencies, so we are still inching along to conclusion. We will continue with weekly updates until we sign off on the project and then we will conclude with photos of the finished buildings.

 

 

WEEK 64 and 65: June 25 and July 3, 2017
NO PHOTOS FOR THESE WEEKS. The project is really finished except for some small details and the deficiencies, so we are still inching along to conclusion. We will continue with weekly updates until we sign off on the project and then we will conclude with photos of the finished buildings.

 

 

WEEK 63: June 18, 2017
NO PHOTOS THIS WEEK. The project inches along to conclusion. Siding is finished, with some flashing left to do. Small, finishing touches are being worked on by the sub-trades and the deficiencies are being worked on by Heatherbrae.

 

 

WEEK 62: June 11, 2017
Siding is almost finished. Deficiencies are being worked on by Heatherbrae. Last decks are almost finished and two stairway lights are installed!

 

 

WEEK 61: June 4, 2017
Siding work inches along toward the end of our project. A list of deficiencies is compiled by both Heatherbrae and JRS and work begins on the deficiencies.

 

 

WEEK 60: May 28, 2017
We are still inching toward the end of our project. The last of the railings are finally installed. Siding work slowly continues; the painters work hard as the weather proves challenging for them (lots of rain!).

 

 

WEEK 59: May 21, 2017
All company signs have been removed! We are inching toward the end of our project. Siding work continues, as well as painting (in particular, our landings). Final wood construction on the last deck is completed.

 

WEEK 58: May 14, 2017
More railings are installed; siding work continues; as well as painting, gutters and downpipes. Garage roof work is finished!

 

 

WEEK 57: May 7, 2017
More railings are installed! Siding work continues, as well as painting, gutters and downpipes. Garage roof work begins!

 

 

WEEK 56: April 30, 2017
The project is getting close to completion! Heatherbrae starts to wind down the project and has now removed its office! Scaffolding is trucked away! The deck work is complete. Railings are almost all installed. A new light is installed on the stairway to the road. The clean up of the site continues as well as the painting and siding work. The end is near!

 

 

WEEK 55: April 23, 2017
Scaffolding is removed from all our buildings! The deck work continues, with lattice work under decks on BLOCK A and B. The clean up of the site continues as well as some painting and siding work. Stucco work is repaired!

 

 

WEEK 54: April 16, 2017
More scaffolding is removed from BLOCK C and B. The deck work continues, with lattice work under decks on BLOCK A and B. The clean up of the site continues as well as some painting and siding work.

 

 

WEEK 53: April 9, 2017
Canopy is removed from BLOCK C. The deck work continues; and the clean up of the site is in progress.

 

 

WEEK 52: April 2, 2017
Scaffolding is still being removed from BLOCK B and C. The siding work continues on BLOCK B and C; deck work is also continuing; railings are being stalled on the landings of BLOCK C; painting continues (when weather permits!); and the clean up of the site is in progress.

 

 

WEEK 51: March 26, 2017
Scaffolding is coming down from all buildings! The siding work continues on BLOCK B and C; deck work is in progress. The roof on BLOCK B is finished!

 

 

WEEK 50: March 19, 2017
More scaffolding is removed from BLOCK A and B and is being transported away from the site; the new look of the building is revealed even more! The siding work continues on BLOCK B and C; downpipes are being installed. Lower decks on BLOCK A and B are being finished. The roof on BLOCK B is still being worked on.

 

 

WEEK 49: March 12, 2017
Scaffolding is being removed from BLOCK A and B! The siding work continues on BLOCK B and C. The roof on BLOCK B is still being worked on.

 

 

WEEK 48: March 5, 2017
More of the exterior of BLOCK B is completed and open to see. Finishing work on BLOCK C landings begins and some siding is being installed! The roof on BLOCK B is still being worked on.

 

 

WEEK 47: February 26, 2017
Work continues on both BLOCK B and BLOCK C. Some of BLOCK B's finished outside work is revealed. Some site clean up has begun. The roof on BLOCK B is still being worked on.

 

 

WEEK 46: February 19, 2017
Some shrink wrap has been removed on BLOCK B. Inside finishings continue in both BLOCK B and BLOCK C. BLOCK B siding is still being installed. BLOCK C deck work progresses and windows / sliding doors are installed! The roof on BLOCK B is still being worked on.

 

 

WEEK 45: February 12, 2017
The snow has been washed away by some heavy rain and it is not so cold anymore! Scaffnet has been removed on BLOCK A. Inside finishings continue in both BLOCK B and BLOCK C. BLOCK B siding is still being installed. The roof on BLOCK B is still being worked on. BLOCK C deck work progresses. There are less stored materials in the garage now!

 

 

WEEK 43 and 44: JANUARY 29 and February 5, 2017
Cold temperatures and lots of snow has hit the project again! This delayed some outside work and the taking of photos. BLOCK B siding work is almost complete and BLOCK C has Tyvek applied. BLOCK C deck work is nearing completion. Inside finishings are ongoing for both BLOCK B and BLOCK C. The roof on BLOCK B is still being worked on. Heatherbrae's work is nearly at its end, with most of the work being performed by the sub-trades.

 

 

WEEK 42: JANUARY 22, 2017
Deficiency work continues in BLOCK A and BLOCK B. Siding work on BLOCK B advances. Lights on the landings are installed on BLOCK A / B walkways! BLOCK B roof work focuses on south side, with north side entering the final stages of repair.

 

 

 

WEEK 41: JANUARY 15, 2017
Deficiencies are being identified and fixed in BLOCK A and BLOCK B. Siding work on BLOCK B continues along with deck replacement. Skylight is replaced on BLOCK A! Repairs on BLOCK C are in progress. Final black roof trim on BLOCK A is being attached.

 

 

 

 

WEEK 40: JANUARY 8, 2017
Inside finishing work continues on BLOCK A and BLOCK B; siding work on BLOCK B progresses. BLOCK B recessed decks moving towards completion. BLOCK A / B walkway / landings have inner railings installed.

 

WEEK 39: JANUARY 1, 2017
BLOCK A roof has its final layer applied in places. Inside finishing work on BLOCK A and BLOCK B continues with more work on the outside and inside of BLOCK B completed. BLOCK C outside work progresses and some windows are replaced.

 

 

WEEK 37 and 38: DECEMBER 18 and 25, 2016
Cold weather and snow hit the project AGAIN! Not many photos for this period as most of the activity was confined to inside finishing work and roof work on BLOCK C and BLOCK A. BLOCK A had scaffolding partially removed revealing installed gutters and down pipes and our new look.

 

 

WEEK 35 and 36: DECEMBER 4 and 11, 2016
Cold weather and snow hit the project and delayed any photos being taken, but the work went on! BLOCK A finishing work continues and also begins in BLOCK B as well. BLOCK C repair work continues at an advanced pace.

 

 

WEEK 34: NOVEMBER 27, 2016
BLOCK A finishing work continues along with lower deck work. Walkways between BLOCKS A and B are having pavers installed, along with flashing for supporting posts. BLOCK B is progressing well, with windows being installed, decks repaired, and torch-on applied against the building along the garage roof! The roof on BLOCK C has been removed and repairs are beginning; also, the overhang is being constructed and some sheathing (plywood) is being installed.

 

 

WEEK 33: NOVEMBER 20, 2016
BLOCK A window interior trim installation underway and outside finishes continuing. BLOCK B repairs continue; BLOCK A and B walkways pavers being installed. BLOCK C wall plywood and roof removed! Walkway between BLOCK C and BLOCK B has plywood installed in places. BLOCK C overall has little rot repair work to be done! Our new mailboxes are installed on both sides of the Co-op!

 

 

WEEK 32: NOVEMBER 13, 2016
BLOCK A scaffnet removed, siding installation continues, and the lower decks are progressing. BLOCK B roof repair continues, decks progressing well, window installation goes on; BLOCK A and B walkways have pavers moved to landings for installation. BLOCK C shrink wrapping completed and the siding is removed!

 

 

WEEK 31: NOVEMBER 6, 2016
Work on BLOCK A continues: framing of lower decks progresses and interior finishings begin with trim around new windows. BLOCK B repairs continue; BLOCK A and B walkways have support beams installed. BLOCK C shrink wrapping begins!

 

 

WEEK 30: OCTOBER 30, 2016
BLOCK A lower decks are being built, upper decks receive their railings, entry doors installed, and some exterior painting around the top level is completed! BLOCK B repairs continue, BLOCK A and B top landing has plywood laid and some outside walls are framed and sheathed. BLOCK C scaffolding is finished!

 

 

 

WEEK 29: OCTOBER 23, 2016
BLOCK A lower deck framing started, roof vents installed, and top accent painted. BLOCK B repairs continue, BLOCK A and B first landing has last layer of Torch-on applied, second landing has first layer, and BLOCK B stairway lower stairs are restored! BLOCK C scaffolding for the roof begins.

 

 

 

WEEK 28: OCTOBER 16, 2016
BLOCK A work continues – more siding is installed. BLOCK B repairs continue, BLOCK A and B landing has first layer of Torch-on applied, and some BLOCK B doors are replaced! Preparation for BLOCK C work begins – scaffolding is being erected!

 

 

 

WEEK 27: OCTOBER 9, 2016
BLOCK A work continues – roof scaffolding is removed! BLOCK B window replacement begins, work between the BLOCK A and B landing progresses, and repair of BLOCK B roof starts.

 

 

WEEK 26: OCTOBER 2, 2016
BLOCK A work continues – Torch-on is being applied to the roof (getting closer to being finished!). BLOCK B repair proceeds, work between the BLOCK A and B landing continues, and repair of BLOCK B recessed decks on the top level progresses.

 

 

WEEK 25: SEPTEMBER 25, 2016
BLOCK A siding, roof and deck work continues. BLOCK B rot repair continues (a small part of the roof is removed for repair work to begin) and work between the BLOCK A and B landing begins – some beams are replaced. Repair of BLOCK B recessed decks on the top level begins – rooms below are vacated and ceilings removed!

 

 

WEEK 24: SEPTEMBER 18, 2016
BLOCK A roof sloping completed, roof plywood is being applied, and deck pavers are installed. BLOCK B rot repair continues, plywood is installed up to the third level in some places and preparation is made for work to begin on the landing between BLOCK A and B.

 

 

WEEK 23: SEPTEMBER 11, 2016
BLOCK A roof sloping almost completed (drywall has been installed on the ceilings under the roof) and some panels installed around patio doors. BLOCK B rot repair continues, some plywood around the first level is installed, and kitchen fan installation begins.

 

 

WEEK 22: SEPTEMBER 4, 2016
BLOCK A roof repairs continue and kitchen fans (and vents) begin to be installed. BLOCK B rot repair continues.

 

 

WEEK 21: AUGUST 28, 2016
BLOCK A roof repairs continue, patio doors installed, and the decks have a coating of torch on applied. BLOCK B rot repair continues.

 

 

WEEK 19 / 20: AUGUST 14 / 21, 2016
BLOCK A repairs continue and rot repair on BLOCK B begins.

 

 

WEEK 18: AUGUST 7, 2016
BLOCK A landing repairs continue and the roof repairs intensify!

 

 

 

WEEK 17: JULY 31, 2016
BLOCK A landing repairs intensify, more materials arrive, and some decks get side walls and one gets the bottom layer of its new surface!

 

 

WEEK 16: JULY 24, 2016
BLOCK A repairs continue on the decks. BLOCK B garage roof is stripped and prepared for repair work.

 

 

WEEK 15: JULY 17, 2016
BLOCK A repairs continue on the decks and the roof and some siding is installed! BLOCK B upper decks stripped and prepared for repair work.

 

 

WEEK 14: JULY 10, 2016
BLOCK A has more windows replaced, walls are beginning to be sealed up, while repairs continue elsewhere. BLOCK B roof decks removed and more materials are delivered.

 

 

WEEK 13: JULY 3, 2016
BLOCK A has first floor windows replaced while roof repairs and deck work continues. BLOCK B scaffolding is finished and some decks have been removed.

 

 

 

WEEK 12: JUNE 26, 2016
BLOCK A roof repairs begin while work continues on the decks. BLOCK B scaffolding continues and siding and plywood is removed!

 

 

 

WEEK 11: JUNE 19, 2016
BLOCK A repairs continue on the decks. BLOCK B scaffolding continues and windows arrive for BLOCK A!

 

 

 

WEEK 10: JUNE 12, 2016
BLOCK A repairs continue. BLOCK B scaffolding continues and siding is removed on lower levels and work begins on the walkways between BLOCKs A and B!

 

 

WEEK 9: JUNE 5, 2016
BLOCK A repairs continue with damage around windows being fixed and some units have new plywood installed on their walls! Scaffolding begins on BLOCK B and notice given by Heatherbrae that repair work on the walkways between BLOCKs A and B will begin Monday, June 13th!

 

 

 

WEEK 8: MAY 29, 2016
BLOCK A repair continues and more building supplies arrive. BLOCK B receives notice that unit windows will be inspected next week.

 

 

WEEK 7: MAY 22, 2016
BLOCK A rot repair continues, more building supplies arrive, and deck repairs begin. BLOCK B receives notice that scaffolding will begin soon.

 

 

WEEK 6: MAY 15, 2016
Plywood on BLOCK A removed, decks stripped or removed, incidents of rot identified and marked for repair, and building supplies start to arrive! JRS sign goes up.

 

 

 

 

WEEK 5: MAY 8, 2016
Siding on BLOCK A removed, plywood is being removed, and Heatherbrae and TAM signs go up!

 

 

 

 

 

WEEK 4: MAY 1, 2016
Wrapping on BLOCK A finished and electrical ready for workers.

 

 

 

 

WEEK 3: APRIL 25, 2016
Wrapping begins and first steps installing electrical for workers (and we trim our trees!).

 

 

WEEK 2: APRIL 18, 2016:
Scaffolding arrives!

 

 

 

WEEK 1: APRIL 11, 2016:
Heatherbrae office is set up.

 

 

APRIL 5,2016:
Our contractors, Heatherbrae, had their first meeting with us on site. We met the project manager and the site supervisor. Administrative details were discussed and finalized. Work will begin with BLOCK A. We have three blocks (A, B, C). On Tuesday, April 12th they will be mobilizing their site trailer and bins and commencing installation of scaffolding (starting on BLOCK A), followed by BLOCK B and finally BLOCK C. Once scaffolding is installed, exterior finishes will be removed, followed by wood-framing repairs. Once this part of their work is completed, they will proceed with the replacement of windows, doors, balcony finishes, railings, cladding, etc.

To member of BLOCKS B and C: Heatherbrae will be distributing notices to you when scaffolding installation is ready to commence on your buildings. BLOCK B is tentatively scheduled to start beginning of June 2016 and BLOCK C is tentatively scheduled to start beginning of July 2016.

Starting on Tuesday, April 12th, we will be an active work site and everyone’s safety is very important. So, please remember to watch your children and animals during this time, to make sure they are not in harm’s way. Please do not play on, or climb on any scaffolding, or go near the working areas around the building.

Everyone is glad to see the progress and the excitement is growing fast in our community!

 

MARCH 24,2016:
Here are some photos of our buildings before the remediation construction begins.