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Parrsborough Shore Historical Society
Restoration Project Committee Report 2007
Restoration Project Committee Report 2007
Today, apart from the Ottawa House on the Fundy Basin Shore, much of our heritage may be found in villages, rural communities and secluded wooded valleys. They represent our heritage so rich, the paths we travelled, where we came from and how we got to where we are; the small scale things such as shingles, clapboard and shiplap, bricks and stones, all of which have been used in the Ottawa House. Historically, as well as aesthetically, it is urgent that we guard and preserve our remaining historic buildings, constructed by the co-operative networking of our grandfathers' skilled hand labours. In order that picturesque icons such as our precious Ottawa House might survive, the public must be continually made aware of the restoration and repairs on their heritage buildings.
Therefore, I was especially pleased that help was at hand in the person of Don Beaton, who, together with Terry Smith-Lamothe, will assist in the restoration process.
Their research and enthusiasm will give added impetus to the growing desire of the Board of Directors, private citizens, volunteers and government officials to restore and care for this link with our past heritage.
The pace of restoration is fraught with challenge but it is a worthwhile challenge.
Not long after the Board of Directors was appointed in 2007, I was asked if I would agree to steer the project along in the New Year. I had earlier promised by wife Norma to retire from any active participation in a direct way, ie building restoration, so as to take a little respite after more than 50 years of active practice. However the PSHS board , on which I was a member for 15 years, seesm to have emerged with new energy which is contagious. It's always been a great Board and a fun Board, but some new blood and 'keen as punch' types seem to help us all think we can do it. Restore, restore, restore that is, so here I am - and if I do say so myself, I feel it is true, we can do it. We have done some pretty interesting things, so lets take a look a the following which is all about future building and restoration and what we have accomplished to date.
A visit from Don Beaton brought several positive results, for example, the release of a sum of money amounting to $10,000 from allied government sources contingent however on the Society (PSHS) putting in $10,000 from their side. A second benefit to us was the appointment by Don Beaton of a Historic Architect to oversee the project and work with us to help out in the various stages.
It should be said here that it was decided by the Board to carry out the restoration of the Ottawa House in stages. The first phase was the drainage ditch at the upside of the house, which was done in the springtime, and its' purpose was to siphon off the water build-up to a soak pit further down on the site. However the Board subsequently appointed an engineer, Bert VanLeeuwen of Amherst, to advise us on structural issues related to the central and lower level of the house as well as advise on how to handle the east and west wings. On his examination it was found that the drainage ditch did not seem to be performing. The drawings and report from Bert have been most beneficial but it was further noted that very little of this surcharge of accumulated water was coming from the outfall on the bank side of the property and was filling the basement as before. Also, I should mention that the work done by Bert will enable us to examine this dilemma and seek a solution that will work. Hopefully the site work contractor will want to return to make adjustments.
On studying the various early reports, Bert and I realized that no proper set of working documents had ever been done of Ottawa House. To this end, Terry Smith-Lamothe very quickly came to terms with this situation and appointed a restoration architect by the name of John Doucet to prepare a contract set of working documents, drawings which will enable the Board to tender each phase which at this point is only to cover the foundation portions of the whole building. Following this, it is expected that all phases of the building will be drawn up for the committee of the Board to approve, after which the Board will want to become involved and approve what needs to be done.
Once these drawing phases, which will include a master plan of the whole site, are completed, the Board of PSHS will be in a strong position to move from phase to phase with confidence.
I have foreshortened this report for simplicity and easy reading but please understand that much detail has taken place, and I wish to thank, on behalf of the Board, Bert VanLeeuwen, P.Eng., Don Beaton for his good offices and work in the appointment of Terry Smith-Lamothe, and of course, Terry's appointment of John Doucet. As for me, I have enjoyed working for and on behalf of the Board with the committee ever ready and willing to help.
It is interesting to know now that Murray Scott is the new minister for this department - Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Murray has shown, all the way through, his keen interest in this project. Not only at the present time but the matter of financial support of $150,000, and now again the extra $10,000 to be forthcoming.
I expect in the next few days to have a copy of John Doucet's early proposal as to how he will approach his mandate. David Towns' report and study also has been an excellent resource. It is felt that the services of Bert VanLeeuwen will still be required on a continuing basis - even though we will have good expert advice from the present team.
The vision that Bert had for the Ottawa House master plan was very picturesque and thought provoking, which included such adjunct buildings as a balcony on the Fundy for the use of the band and dance pavilion, domed, and an archives building, library - all of which can be shown on a scale model. A most romantic setting for dances, weddings, etc The drawings prepared by John Doucet, as well as graphic designs can hopefully be done in the coming year.
Also it should be mentioned that the heat in the lower level will be our first project - no date set - but soon. It is expected too that the water surcharge will be resolved at an early date.
Respecfully submitted
Keith L Graham
Murray Scott - Minister, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
Don Beaton - Chief Architect, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
Terry Smith-Lamothe - Architect, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
John Doucet - Architect, John Doucet Architects Limited
Bert VanLeeuwen - P.Eng., BVL Industrial Design Limited
Therefore, I was especially pleased that help was at hand in the person of Don Beaton, who, together with Terry Smith-Lamothe, will assist in the restoration process.
Their research and enthusiasm will give added impetus to the growing desire of the Board of Directors, private citizens, volunteers and government officials to restore and care for this link with our past heritage.
The pace of restoration is fraught with challenge but it is a worthwhile challenge.
Not long after the Board of Directors was appointed in 2007, I was asked if I would agree to steer the project along in the New Year. I had earlier promised by wife Norma to retire from any active participation in a direct way, ie building restoration, so as to take a little respite after more than 50 years of active practice. However the PSHS board , on which I was a member for 15 years, seesm to have emerged with new energy which is contagious. It's always been a great Board and a fun Board, but some new blood and 'keen as punch' types seem to help us all think we can do it. Restore, restore, restore that is, so here I am - and if I do say so myself, I feel it is true, we can do it. We have done some pretty interesting things, so lets take a look a the following which is all about future building and restoration and what we have accomplished to date.
A visit from Don Beaton brought several positive results, for example, the release of a sum of money amounting to $10,000 from allied government sources contingent however on the Society (PSHS) putting in $10,000 from their side. A second benefit to us was the appointment by Don Beaton of a Historic Architect to oversee the project and work with us to help out in the various stages.
It should be said here that it was decided by the Board to carry out the restoration of the Ottawa House in stages. The first phase was the drainage ditch at the upside of the house, which was done in the springtime, and its' purpose was to siphon off the water build-up to a soak pit further down on the site. However the Board subsequently appointed an engineer, Bert VanLeeuwen of Amherst, to advise us on structural issues related to the central and lower level of the house as well as advise on how to handle the east and west wings. On his examination it was found that the drainage ditch did not seem to be performing. The drawings and report from Bert have been most beneficial but it was further noted that very little of this surcharge of accumulated water was coming from the outfall on the bank side of the property and was filling the basement as before. Also, I should mention that the work done by Bert will enable us to examine this dilemma and seek a solution that will work. Hopefully the site work contractor will want to return to make adjustments.
On studying the various early reports, Bert and I realized that no proper set of working documents had ever been done of Ottawa House. To this end, Terry Smith-Lamothe very quickly came to terms with this situation and appointed a restoration architect by the name of John Doucet to prepare a contract set of working documents, drawings which will enable the Board to tender each phase which at this point is only to cover the foundation portions of the whole building. Following this, it is expected that all phases of the building will be drawn up for the committee of the Board to approve, after which the Board will want to become involved and approve what needs to be done.
Once these drawing phases, which will include a master plan of the whole site, are completed, the Board of PSHS will be in a strong position to move from phase to phase with confidence.
I have foreshortened this report for simplicity and easy reading but please understand that much detail has taken place, and I wish to thank, on behalf of the Board, Bert VanLeeuwen, P.Eng., Don Beaton for his good offices and work in the appointment of Terry Smith-Lamothe, and of course, Terry's appointment of John Doucet. As for me, I have enjoyed working for and on behalf of the Board with the committee ever ready and willing to help.
It is interesting to know now that Murray Scott is the new minister for this department - Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Murray has shown, all the way through, his keen interest in this project. Not only at the present time but the matter of financial support of $150,000, and now again the extra $10,000 to be forthcoming.
I expect in the next few days to have a copy of John Doucet's early proposal as to how he will approach his mandate. David Towns' report and study also has been an excellent resource. It is felt that the services of Bert VanLeeuwen will still be required on a continuing basis - even though we will have good expert advice from the present team.
The vision that Bert had for the Ottawa House master plan was very picturesque and thought provoking, which included such adjunct buildings as a balcony on the Fundy for the use of the band and dance pavilion, domed, and an archives building, library - all of which can be shown on a scale model. A most romantic setting for dances, weddings, etc The drawings prepared by John Doucet, as well as graphic designs can hopefully be done in the coming year.
Also it should be mentioned that the heat in the lower level will be our first project - no date set - but soon. It is expected too that the water surcharge will be resolved at an early date.
Respecfully submitted
Keith L Graham
Murray Scott - Minister, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
Don Beaton - Chief Architect, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
Terry Smith-Lamothe - Architect, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
John Doucet - Architect, John Doucet Architects Limited
Bert VanLeeuwen - P.Eng., BVL Industrial Design Limited