laNDS, RESOURCES & INFRASTRUCTURE Services Team

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Kiʔsuʔk kyukyit ʔakisqnuknik, I am pleased to update our work through the Summer and Fall with respect to the activity of the Project Management Department. 

The Multi-Purpose Facility.

The Multi Purpose Facility is a new Facility consisting of a New Health Center, renovations and addition to the existing Band Office with both health and administrative services connected to an inviting Atrium providing access to the Facility.

A Feasibility Study has been prepared and sent to First Nations Health Authority for their review and comments. Recently Funding has been approved to provide design to commence for the Multi-Purpose Facility. The design will take approximately 8 to 10 Months before tendering and construction can begin. 

The Architectural firm of Unison Architecture has been selected to provide Architectural Consulting services for the completion of the Facility. We anticipate Construction completion to be approximately January of 2025. 

The Multi-Purpose facility will require involvement from the Community with respect to design, particularly the Atrium. The Atrium is intended to be a welcoming, inviting element representing and showing the Community culture, history. A place to gather, greet and visit prior to attending to administrative matters and health requirements. 

I am very pleased to announce that Elder and Knowledge Keeper Alfred Joseph has volunteered to represent the Community regarding the design of the Atrium space. 

Recently Unison Architecture has identified 3 Blocking diagrams which show how the Facility could be attached to the existing band office and expanded on site with the band addition, health center and atrium. The blocking diagrams are very preliminary in nature generally address layout requirements to the site. Three options are being reviewed with descriptions to each as shown. (See above for drafts plans)

Option #3

This option will require demolition of the existing health center shown in hatched layout. The Arbour will be relocated to make room for the health center. A water feature or landscaping can be added to the central parking area.

Option #5

This option for parking is similar to #3 in parking and removal of the Arbour and demolition of the health center. There is a small infringement into the Commercial Space the boundary shown in in blue.

Option #6

This Option shows a complete change to the parking layout and a significant infringement into the commercial space. The existing health center building and arbour can remain in their present positions.

A steering Committee is giving direction to the design based on Community input and Mr. Joseph.

The Committee consists of Don Sam, Lillian Rose, Christy Baker David Bach. Joseph Kahn Lorne Shovar, Bob Cotterall and Theresa Kains. 

Further updates will be offered on a monthly basis and feed back from the Community is greatly appreciated.

The Recreation Center

Work continues with the additional requirement as being fitted out as an emergency Center in addition to sport activities. A Sea Can was recently delivered to the parking area of the Recreation Center to hold equipment and supplies for the emergency Center. To date emergency lighting to the Center has been reviewed and corrected, the mechanical system has been reviewed to house occupants during wildfire and other Emergency Events. The electrical capability has been designed to include a generator during power failures. A fire alarm system has ben designed to be installed due to increased occupant loads during Emergency Events.

Funding to complete this work is being provided by Columbia Basin Trust and Akisqnuk own source funding.

During August a significant rainstorm cased considerable flooding in the Gymnasium of the Recreation Center. The Roof Assembly System including the gutter was the cause of the problem. Repair work has been identified and repairs will be completed when the roof can be free of snow. 

It is felt activities can occur in the Gymnasium during the winter as snow melts do not overwhelm the roofing assembly system.

Should Community members have any questions please contact me by email at bob.cotterall@akisqnuk.org

Thank you, Bob Cotterall Project Manager.