The first week of work on the towers is now behind us. Actually these first two weeks (or the better part of them) is dedicated to putting the scaffolding in place. Some earlier pictures of the progress were posted last week, but now that the first seven days are behind us, it's time for a progress report.
Actually there were two rain days (and it would just be unsafe for metal to be wielded in the midst of a rain storm) but despite this delay, the work seems to be advancing at a relatively accelerated pace. In fact, the forecast is that they will be finished a few days ahead of the original schedule, which remains to be seen because it appears that the design of the scaffolding is being created as we go, so that they can make sure that each piece is secure.
Only when the last piece is put in place, and the relevant certificates of release have been issued can the rest of the work continue. Here then are this week's pics of the progress:
Above, the work has begun on the west-facing tower. Notice the footing that has been placed on the stone wall to the right. They are using the stairway wall to shore up the framing.
A better look at the framing, the footing and a bit of scope for all the ironwork that's being installed. The middle stairway to the church is still accessible, but the side stairways have all been marked with yellow caution tape.
Once the footings are secured, the successive levels can be added, complete with platforms which will eventually allow the masonry to take place.
Work on the east-facing tower has almost been completed. A few more pictures below show the scaffolding that has been (almost) wrapped around the entire tower.
A bit of perspective. The tree in front of the west tower may have to be clipped in order to allow the scaffolding to be properly installed. In the coming days, the answer to this riddle will also be known.
Notice that the central stairs are still accessible, and that there is a cover which has been installed over the three doors which lead into the church.
It's a long way up to the top of the tower, but notice how the scaffold has been arranged in an octagonal form in order to permit movement around the tower.
A little closer look at the covering over the east door. The yellow caution tape has been strung across the stairways which lead off to both sides from the main doors. There is also some wood in the distance to steady and anchor the framing.
Notice the wire above the steel rod? It's anchored into the mortar, holding the scaffolding in place.
Perspective is everything. It's not every day that you see the entrance to this church with so much steel around it. Believe it or not, access to the doorways is open (although it doesn't appear that way from this angle).
Turn around, put your back to the centre door, and look down the stairs. This is what you see these days. Notice the roof cover that has been installed overhead to protect those who are entering and exiting from any falling debris. The other machinery in the distance is part of a separate project that's currently going on. They're working on repairing the culvert over the creek that flows under the roadway, and through the adjacent parking lot to the west of the church.
From the back of the church, this is the view of the east tower, almost completely framed by scaffolding. Once the work on this tower is complete, the other tower too will be shrouded.
From yet another angle, here is the east tower as it's seen from the courtyard outside Ste-Anne-des-Pins. Look carefully, you'll see three of the workmen toward the top section of the scaffolding. It's a long way up, but they're not afraid.
Actually there were two rain days (and it would just be unsafe for metal to be wielded in the midst of a rain storm) but despite this delay, the work seems to be advancing at a relatively accelerated pace. In fact, the forecast is that they will be finished a few days ahead of the original schedule, which remains to be seen because it appears that the design of the scaffolding is being created as we go, so that they can make sure that each piece is secure.
Only when the last piece is put in place, and the relevant certificates of release have been issued can the rest of the work continue. Here then are this week's pics of the progress:
Above, the work has begun on the west-facing tower. Notice the footing that has been placed on the stone wall to the right. They are using the stairway wall to shore up the framing.
A better look at the framing, the footing and a bit of scope for all the ironwork that's being installed. The middle stairway to the church is still accessible, but the side stairways have all been marked with yellow caution tape.
Once the footings are secured, the successive levels can be added, complete with platforms which will eventually allow the masonry to take place.
Work on the east-facing tower has almost been completed. A few more pictures below show the scaffolding that has been (almost) wrapped around the entire tower.
A bit of perspective. The tree in front of the west tower may have to be clipped in order to allow the scaffolding to be properly installed. In the coming days, the answer to this riddle will also be known.
Notice that the central stairs are still accessible, and that there is a cover which has been installed over the three doors which lead into the church.
It's a long way up to the top of the tower, but notice how the scaffold has been arranged in an octagonal form in order to permit movement around the tower.
A little closer look at the covering over the east door. The yellow caution tape has been strung across the stairways which lead off to both sides from the main doors. There is also some wood in the distance to steady and anchor the framing.
Notice the wire above the steel rod? It's anchored into the mortar, holding the scaffolding in place.
Perspective is everything. It's not every day that you see the entrance to this church with so much steel around it. Believe it or not, access to the doorways is open (although it doesn't appear that way from this angle).
Turn around, put your back to the centre door, and look down the stairs. This is what you see these days. Notice the roof cover that has been installed overhead to protect those who are entering and exiting from any falling debris. The other machinery in the distance is part of a separate project that's currently going on. They're working on repairing the culvert over the creek that flows under the roadway, and through the adjacent parking lot to the west of the church.
From the back of the church, this is the view of the east tower, almost completely framed by scaffolding. Once the work on this tower is complete, the other tower too will be shrouded.
From yet another angle, here is the east tower as it's seen from the courtyard outside Ste-Anne-des-Pins. Look carefully, you'll see three of the workmen toward the top section of the scaffolding. It's a long way up, but they're not afraid.
1 comment:
When you see the last picture with the men on the scaffolding, it clearly brings home how high and how large the bell towers (and also the whole church) really are. We pass through these doors every day with our minds full of other stuff and we forget to stop and admire what a treasure the parish church of Christ the King truly is. I'll have to slow down once in awhile and take a look up when I am still outside.
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