You are likely already aware that we are planning to install an elevator to help people with mobility challenges move between the “upstairs” and “downstairs” of our main building.

The elevator project is proceeding well. After discussions with four contractors, Marc Rosario Construction has been chosen for the project, and Clay Architecture and Interiors is providing the official plans, which will be sent to the West Vancouver Permits department for approval in the next few weeks. It’s not yet clear when construction will begin, but we’re hoping for Spring. This timing is good since the grant, which I applied for in 2020 and has been renewed several times, expires this September, and the funds must be returned if the project isn’t completed by then.

At this point, the project is expected to be within the grant budget of $186,000 ($93,000 from the Canadian Government’s Enabling Accessibility Fund, plus $93,000 of matching NSU funds). The good news is that the estimated cost is less than discussed at the January Congregational Meeting. The main reason for the reduction is that the elevator will now be installed inside the current building envelope, not as an external add-on to the building as previously envisioned. This will use up some space, both in the Sanctuary and in the Fireside room, but not much, as you can see from the pictures below.

The first picture shows the ‘box’ in red that will surround the elevator in the sanctuary. The box will abut both the far and side walls. The blue rectangle indicates the elevator door. As you can see, this will use up space occupied by two or three chairs, but that’s all.

The location of the box containing the elevator downstairs is shown in the picture below. Downstairs, the box will be floor-to-ceiling since the elevator is going to go up through the ceiling to the Sanctuary. Clearly, some of the bookshelves will have to be moved, and at least one of the windows will be lost, but overall, the impact on the Fireside Room will be pretty minimal.

If you have any questions or concerns about the project, please don’t hesitate to ask me, either in person or by phone (778-999-5095), or any of the other members of the Elevator Committee (i.e., Peter Thiersch, Brian Welwood, or Barrie Forbes).

On behalf of the Elevator Committee,
~ Brian Funt