Update (as of Friday, Nov. 30th)
What happened?
On Monday afternoon, rainwater penetrated our church basement, flooding the hallway, washrooms, kitchen and Fireside Room. The Daycare and Preschool buildings were not affected.
What was our response?
Brian McConnell, who was on site within minutes, discovered large amounts of accumulated water on the grounds between the church and Rod Stewart building. He hired a local drainage contractor to help resolve the problem. By 5:30 pm, they had installed pumps to drain the exterior water accumulation, which relieved the pressure on the building foundation and stopped new water from coming in.
Monday through Wednesday, the B&G team (Barrie Forbes, Brian McConnell, Bob Vaughan, Brian Welwood), and other volunteers (Joan Cox, Linda Eterman, Judith Gordon, Jan MacQuarrie, Sanford Osler, Mark Pezarro, Jasha Ramsay Latter, Linda Pratt, Michael Robinson & his son River, Gary & Sandra Robinson, Lynn Sabourin, Jim & Marcia Stephenson, Rob Woodbury) completed the work of vacuuming and mopping the water in the basement and moving objects off the wet carpeting onto the hard floor.
On Tuesday, in consultation with our insurance adjuster and his restoration advisor, we initiated a self-restoration plan that involved extracting water from carpets, removing baseboard trim from the walls, and installing multiple dehumidifiers and fans throughout the space. By the end of this weekend, we will know if our efforts have sufficiently dried out the basement – but so far, it looks promising. Carpets feel dry to the touch and humidity readings have lowered drastically. Because we acted quickly, we should be able to prevent mould growth – and we expect a full (and fairly speedy) recovery.
Why did this happen?
On Monday, our area received 30 cm (12”) of rain in a very short period of time, and exterior drainage system was overwhelmed. In part, this was due to a section of drainage lines that was damaged and partially clogged by tree roots.
What remains to be done?
OUTSIDE: The drainage contractor laid out a 2-step plan to solve the drainage problem, which we will begin immediately. First, we will remove a tree whose roots have penetrated a joint in one of our drain lines, reducing water flow. Next week, contractors will excavate a 7’ hole in order to repair the affected drain line. After the line has been repaired, we will have to restore the Daycare fence and play area – but our exterior drains should work properly going forward, preventing future floods.
INSIDE: Fans and dehumidifiers have been in place since Tuesday night and will remain in place throughout this weekend. Early next week, we will measure moisture levels in the area to ensure that proper drying has taken place. Once the walls and flooring are sufficiently dry, we will replace the baseboards and return furniture and other items to their places. We will need volunteers to help with all of this!
Costs
The NSUC Board of Trustees is looking at all the issues, including costs. Once we know more, we will share that information as appropriate.
Thanks
We appreciate the outpouring of support and volunteer effort from the congregation in response to this emergency.
~ Marcia Stephenson, Board President
