Phase Two Comes to Toronto on Wednesday!
This move forward for the Greater Toronto Area comes earlier than many of us expected. Start lining up for haircuts now! The big shift will take time. Don't expect any big changes until next week. Businesses and professionals will need time to prepare.
This big step forward doesn't alter Glenview's plan to postpone setting a date for the first service back in the building until Session meets on August 4. We've anticipated some of the things we'll need to do to return to the sanctuary, but there are many decisions to be made before we can open the doors.
Many people in the city have already discarded masks and no longer observe physical distancing. Many more will do so on Wednesday. Vigilance and caution are still required. Medical experts say we should all wear masks in public if we can. Because many people whose breathing is restricted can't mask, it's essential that the rest of us mask. Even more so from Wednesday onward. It's been noted that there has been no increase in infections in cities where massive Black Lives Matter demonstrations continue. Why? Because so many people are wearing masks or other face coverings.
Kitchen Reno FAQ’s as of June 22, 2020
Who is on the Kitchen Renovation Committee and how is it supported?
Representing Finance & Property, the Committee is chaired by Ian Ferguson. Committee Members include Bob and Anne Gannon, Martha Hackney, Margaret Taylor, Margaret Menegon and Ruth MacDonald. Laurence DeWolfe and Norma McIntyre have participated at critical junctures. F&P and Session have been briefed through the process and the Renovation project has the active support of both groups. At its May Zoom meeting Session agreed that the project should move forward without delay.
How did the Kitchen Design get developed?
The Committee first met to develop a briefing document that outlined processes and equipment to purge, essential elements to retain and new areas and items to consider in the creation of a modern, relevant kitchen. The Committee conducted field visits to Churches with renovated kitchen facilities. These ranged from small warm and serve kitchens to full-scale kitchens preparing large volumes of meals for diverse service groups such as Meals on Wheels and daycares.
Additional input came in the form of photographs of other new and renewed Church kitchens and interviews with Church operators and appliance suppliers.
A revised briefing document was created and provided to the Architect who has engaged a professional Kitchen design consultant to bring the inputs into a plan. The plan has undergone 3 iterations based on the input of the Committee. In addition, the increased clarity regarding existing electrical, plumbing and structural considerations has been incorporated as available.
How will the new kitchen be “safer”?
1. Reduced traffic flows around hot stoves
2. Improved (easier to clean) surfaces for food preparation
3. New ventless dishwasher to clean and sanitize with slide through access (rather than bending and lifting full trays of dishes and clouds of hot water vapour
4. Designated Hand Wash station
5. A separate stream for food waste and soiled dishes
What is the timing on the renovation?
The current plan calls for completion by early November. The schedule is, of course, subject to change. We are helped by the fact that there are no permits for structural changes required but contractors are now limiting crew size on site as a COVID-19 precaution. This means that trades such as carpenters, plumbers and electricians likely won’t be able to be on site at the same time so things may take longer.
Why are we spending money on a kitchen now?
The Glenview Kitchen has been an important part of Church life for generations of Glenview families and the community. It will be in the future, as well, providing we make changes to our layout and modernize the appliances we depend upon. Renovating now will allow us to emerge from the trials of COVID-19 with a resource that shows we at Glenview are committed to a strong future of fellowship.
How much will this cost?
Final costs will only be determined once Tenders are received so we have assumed a cost envelope in the $175,000 - 200,000 range for planning. This target was arrived at based on estimates for design, engineering, cabinet and appliance costs, finishes and actual construction costs.
How will Glenview pay for this?
The Kitchen renovation represents a Capital Expenditure, not an operating cost, so it is not reflected in the 2020 Annual Budget. Funding can come from Glenview Funds such as the Bequest Fund. In addition, specific gifts to the Kitchen Renovation Fund and grants from groups such as Out of The Cold will provide additional, important funding. At present, Memorial Fund Donations, gifts and grants to the Kitchen Renovation Project total over $60,000. As the project gets underway, it is expected that this total will continue to grow without impacting regular Glenview offerings. In addition, up to $100,000 will be available from investments, as part of the Centennial Project.
What are the next steps?
Plans have been submitted to a selected General Contractor to size costs and allow for final revisions to the Tender Documents. The finals will be presented to 3 General Contractors for submission. No structural changes mean a much simpler and hopefully faster process for permitting. The City has reopened the permit application process
Do we need to get approvals from Heritage Toronto?
No. There are no alterations to the exterior of the building, so no additional approvals are required.
Does the gas range have to be replaced?
No. The installation of the new stove and the accompanying ventilation/fire suppression system is a huge win for the renovation. The WA made absolutely the right choices at the time so no changes are now required. In fact the ventilation system was oversized at the time so it could provide coverage and protection for additional ovens or stoves.
With new appliances, will we have as much storage?
Yes. In fact, we will end up with more accessible storage space. Cabinets in the kitchen will be supplemented with floor units along the shared wall in the Church Hall. This can be accomplished without impacting line of sight or usage of the Hall.
There isn’t much natural light in the kitchen. Will we lose the one remaining window?
No. The window on the North wall will remain. The fact that the new dishwasher recycles water vapour rather than releasing it into the kitchen should create a more comfortable working environment.
Presbyterian Connection Newspaper
We can't distribute the Summer Issue in print. Once again, Glenview gets good coverage in the popular Photos section. We're trying for coverage in every issue! For those who don't subscribe, here's the link to the electronic edition.