January to March update, 2009

Children's Ministry Wing/Administration Floor:
Stoneridge Fellowship Church is now meeting in the Bedford Place Mall until the Children's/Administration wing is completed. This facility will accommodate the entire church ministries until the major sanctuary phase 2 is ready. The temporary upstairs sanctuary will allow us to leave the Mall and be able to meet in our new facility scheduled to be ready by August 31st.2009.

Dome:
The dome was erected over the construction site. This system worked well and all outside wall panels were poured and are ready to be lifted into position. On March 8th the Dome will be dismantled and removed from the construction site by March 15th.

Kitchen:
The donated kitchen was removed and is now stored at the Hubbards church site.

Panels:
The panels are scheduled to be lifted into position on April 6th. The crane should be on site the last week of March.

To view a PDF of the Building Schedule Draft, click HERE.

November to December up date, 2008

Winter Construction:
The contractor's preference is to work through the winter if possible. Right now it is important to continue towards pouring the slabs (after the underslab conduits are installed). If the weather prevents this, BD Stevens will erect their inflatable dome over the work area. Once the dome is up the interior will have to be heated. Note: On Tuesday, Dec 9th the dome was transported to the building site. It will be erected over the children's ministry wing so work can continue. The decision is to work on the children's wing at the same time as the sanctuary to make both sections ready for tilt up. Work will proceed under the dome but weather permitting work will also be focused on the sanctuary. All walls will be raised at the same time if possible.

Casting beds:
Dexter employees are preparing the land for casting beds. BD Stevens team is choosing locations for cranes to operate from in order to lift the panels. What are casting beds? Tilt up construction is a technique of precasting large, slender reinforced concrete wall panels on site (on temporary casting beds), which when cured, are tilted by a crane into position forming the wall (s).

Elevator:
The specifications for the elevator will be a standard design and size. The cost for the elevator equipment, installation and the block wall construction is within budget for this work.

Parking Lot lights:
The parking lot will have 8 40' light standards mounted on 30” high concrete bases. In the centre walkway we will have 11 architectural lights with 2 lights installed on the sidewalk at the entrance of the driveway leading onto the property.

Sanitation:
The domestic water and sewer lines are installed and have been tested.

Signage:
Two areas are being considered for church signage. One location is the hill to the right of the church driveway. This site will give a good visual of the sign (electronic display) along Glendale in both directions and beyond. The other location in at the church property entrance on Temple Terrace. No supplier has been selected to date however design ideas are being considered.

Here's a quick review of what happened in October:

Church Kitchen:
The kitchen located in the hospitality lounge will be fully equipped with beautiful cupboards, sink, corian countertop and appliances, all of which have been donated.

Doors and Hardware:
The schedule for doors and master key systems has been selected with the contractor and suppliers. The main front doors will be equipped with an accessible automated door system.

Electrical Update:
Nova Scotia Power will bring in underground electrical service from Glendale Ave along the back (east side) of the church to a transformer located outside the electrical room (#109). Design and planning for the electrical wiring and light control for theatrical lights and house lights are completed. Cost estimates have been received for supply and installation. The underground conduit for the parking lot lighting systems will be installed in November.

Finances:
The finance committee has submitted three bank proposals to three regional banks who should reply in early November.

Heating System:
The geothermal heating system proved to be too expensive to install. The mechanical contractor has designed a new roof mounted heating and air conditioning system for the sanctuary. This system will use propane fuel for the short term with a plan to switch to natural gas within two years. Heritage gas engineers plan to install their gas line along Glendale Ave with a gas line running onto our property to replace propane. Boilers located in the children's ministry building will provide in- floor heating in this area.

Platform Curtains:
The decorating committee members are making material selections for stage curtains and reviewing cost estimates to ensure we have a functional stage operation both for church services and video productions. Colors and seat covering selections are under review by the committee.

Sanctuary Chairs:
The theater chairs are now in Brian Miller's warehouse for storage. These chairs may still be of value if they can be rebuilt. The disadvantage of installing movie theater chairs in a church sanctuary is because they are not totally suitable for this purpose. Some complaints with a lift operating chair... people do not have any place to put their Bible or other belongings when they stand up... so these items often end up on the floor. Other comfortable styles of sanctuary chairs are being pursued at a considerable financial savings.

Sanctuary Main Floor Design:
The main sanctuary floor design starts with the flat floor level (28' 2”) in the front of the stage to accommodate seven rows for 336 seats. The next 30' is a sloped floor (4.76 degrees) in a curved bowl design and will accommodate 10 rows for 644 seats. This information impacts the seating selection and layout design for the maximum number of seats.

Security System:
Our facility will be protected with a high tech alarm system. Security for the parking lot and the exterior of the building security will be provided by surveillance cameras and security lighting.

Site Construction:
This month the footings and frost walls were completed around the perimeter of the church. The sanctuary wall footings are now in place. The plumbing lines are installed in the sanctuary and the children's ministry wing. The main water supply for domestic water and sprinkler system has been brought into the building. The contractor will erect a dome over the sanctuary work site to allow winter work to continue, when necessary.

Sound and Audio Systems:
A proposal has been selected to supply and install a sound system for the sanctuary. This contract will include acoustical engineering and video projection screens. Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse has given us a 20' video projection screen for the platform centre display.

Today, construction started on our church building. The construction trailers are set up. The forms are completed for phase one and this morning the cement trucks are on site to pour the first footings. Dexter construction has equipment working to build up and level the parking area.

Would you like to see a sampling of the new StoneRidge facilities?

Take a virtual guided tour - online - available here.

Are you ready for this?

The official start date for building construction of the new StoneRidge facilities: September 8th, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and eight.

The development of a heating system has been changed from a geothermal heating system  because the up front final cost was approximately 600,000.00. The mechanical contractor, working with Ray Urquhart, has designed a more conventional Heating-Ventilation-Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system. This system will use propane gas, which makes it an easy change over to natural gas. Natural gas is expected to be available in the Bedford, Lower Sackville area within two years.
 
We are now in the final stages of building design:

SANCTUARY

• The sanctuary seating, sound system, video projection screens, lighting system and video camera systems are completed.
• In the back platform area the electrical room, green room, locker rooms c/w washrooms, light dimmer room, amplifier room, store room and portable baptistry storage room completed.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY (FIRST FLOOR)

• Children's ministry area including the library, mechanical/furnace room, and first aid room, completed.

SECOND FLOOR
 

• The administration offices area completed.
• The youth area in final design.
• The kitchen design in the hospitality room completed.

 
Building Construction start date is expected before the middle of September. HRM building permit is expected to be received on or about September 1st.

Children's Ministry Wing:
The children's ministry wing is designed to accommodate all age groups including King's Pier (grades 1-3), The Dockyard (grades 4-6), Tugboat Bay (age 4 &5), Periwinkle Pier (newborn to age 2), plus Preschool ages (2 & 3).  The top floor space will house Administration, the hospitality room and youth areas. The total floor space for each level is 13,043 sq ft.
 
Geothermal Heating project:
The test well drilling for geothermal heating and air-conditioning systems was completed on Monday, May 12th.  The test report and the geological profile are being evaluated and the engineer's recommendations will be forthcoming next week.
 
Three committees were formed to assist, guide and make recommendations for the building program.

Finance Committee:

• Gary Hunter (chairperson)
• Glen Harpell
• Ryan White
• James MacDougall
• Paul Dowie
• Mike Chaisson

Technical Committee:

• Scott Anderson (chairperson)
• Dave Ead
• Kyle Andrus
• Carl Jobin
• Pastor Don Calder              
   

Decorating Committee:

• Sharon Milner (chairperson)
• Pastor Don Calder

Technical Committee
We are now in the planning stage of identifying technical information to determine what is needed for audio, video, stage operations, power supply (high and low voltage), sound booth equipment, video booth equipment, and an IT network.  In addition there are items such as a telephone services and security system to consider. Persons on this committee are Pastor Donald Calder, Dave Ead, Carl Jobin, Scott Anderson, Ted MacLaggan and Colin Killam.  Looking forward to what can be accomplished together.

Test Well Drilling
Site development continues on our property. BD Stevens Group has contracted a company to drill a test well.  The test profile will determine the feasibility of pursuing a geothermal heating and air conditioning system.   A consultant is preparing a virtual presentation walk- through to give us a sense of what the church will look like inside.  This project should be ready for the congregation viewing by the end of the month.

Temple Terrace Site Development
Dexter Construction Company is nearing the completion of phase one (mass earth moving and site grading to subgrade elevations).

Within the next 4 to 5 days the sanitary system, pump station, storm water systems, fire protection and domestic water supply will be installed. Grading and gravel placement will be finished according to the subcontract by the end of March.

Membership meeting - Sale of Church Property
Sunday evening, March 16th a members meeting was called to consider a sale offer for 1000 Sackville Drive and proposed relocation to Temple Terrace.

Pastor Somers spoke to the historical planning over the last five years to review in our minds how far God has lead us to this moment of decision. The membership were appraised on the financial matters and conditions of the offer. After considering our purpose as a church, there was a clear sense that a stronger presence was needed not only for our own local community but for greater HRM as well. It's time to bring into reality our vision of reaching more people with the grace of Jesus Christ.

The motion to accept the offer from the Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island Regional Council of Carpenters Millwrights and Allied Workers was unanimously approved.

Facilities Development Manager
We have chosen Colin Killam as our "Facilities Development Manager." Colin is the point person to ensure the new facility goes up in God's time with efficiency. To be more explicit, his job description identifies his responsibilities:

1. Provide on-site oversight of construction activities from church perspective.
2. Facilitate resolution to project issues.
3. Provide accurate, timely and appropriate levels of communication including a monthly report that updates the Senior pastor on project progress including scope, budget and schedule.
4. Serve as the point of contact for consultants and service providers.
5. Represent StoneRidge (Senior Pastor) in construction progress meetings.
6. Maintain the official project files.
7. Coordinate the procurement, delivery and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment.
8. Review, analyze and recommend for payment, change orders and other project related invoices.
9. Administer project close-out, acceptance inspections and commissioning : operations training and equipment start up; substantial completion acceptance, warranties and operations maintenance manuals.

    

We are thrilled that work is now in progress on the Temple Terrace site.

This phase of the site development will include all necessary environmental protection and sedimentation control procedures; clearing, grubbing and disposing on site of existing standing and embedded vegetation and unsuitable, weak or compressible soils; excavation, breaking, cutting and filling the rock and till soils to bring the site to design subgrade for all surface treatments. Subgrade shall be constructed to within +/- 40 mm of design subgrade.

In layperson's terms, this will make the property "pad-ready" for the facility to be constructed.

SAFETY FIRST: Please refrain from going to the site at this time. The heavy equipment and blasting can be dangerous. We will arrange suitable "guided tours" at a later date.

In case you missed last night’s business meeting on November 18 - and a big thanks to all the StoneRidge members who showed up! - the successful bid for site development has been awarded to Dexter Construction. The major site development is to be completed on or before March 31, 2008, and the surface works, including the paving and curbing, will be completed at a later date.

   Tenders for the development of the Temple Terrace site have now gone out to five construction firms.  These tenders will be received in early November.  At that time we will look at the tenders to make the decision as to who will be awarded the contract.  We will be bringing this matter to the attention of the church membership for approval.  The desire is that the site work would be completed by March 31, 2008.  The tender is two-fold:  The Site Grading first with the Services and Paving to be completed at a later date as the new facility is being completed.  Mark VanZeumeren is the engineer that is guiding this process.

Our present facility on 1000 Sackville Drive is being repackaged by our Real Estate agent for a renewed presentation to the real estate market.  Remax continues to be our agency.  Please keep these matters in prayer as we step into the future.

   September 18, 2007. A Meeting of the Minds:  Builders, engineers and contractors, and StoneRidge Fellowship representation met to coordinate direction regarding site development, electrical, heating, ventilation and parking matters. Encouraging outcomes, as follows:

   Good News! No... we take that back; we have great news! Empire Theatres has donated approximately 850 theatre style chairs for our new auditorium. That is a savings for us of nearly $200,000! We take possession of them this week. We are looking for a place to store them for the next year until we need them for the relocation. You may ask, “How did that happen?” It all started when Eric Eagles gave Don Calder a phone call to contact Sobey’s head office in Stellerton. Don and Scott Anderson went immediately to check things out, and the rest, as they say, is history.

   GeoTechnical work will be done the week of July 9th to determine the consistency of the land as to ledge, rock or soil. This will assist in the molding of the land step, which will take place later.

Following the site engineering work, HRM will need to approve this site plan (which will take 3-4 weeks). 

The StoneRidge Relocation Team consists of...

• Gary Hunter
• Colin Killam
• Ryan White

They will be working with Pastor Les Somers and Pastor Don Calder to keep these matters moving along.  Other persons who have volunteered will be called upon as this project progresses nearer to the time of construction. 

Some key dates:

• July 28 & 29 will be the Quarterly Building Fund Offering, which will go toward this major relocation project.
• On August 7 there will be a meeting with the Stevens Group and our StoneRidge Relocation Team toward further finalization of actual facility plans.

Thank you for praying, believing and giving.

   MacWilliams Engineering Limited is now engaged in the civil engineering requirements for the final design of the site services (sanitary, storm and water) and any necessary site grading associated with this development.  They are also performing the necessary construction review, engineering certifications and the preparation of a primary services record drawing.

When MacWilliams has completed their work (4-6 weeks), then a tender package will be put together to get a competitive fixed price for the site work (site work approximately 1-2 months).

Facilities designs are ongoing with phase one being a 1,500 seat auditorium with adjoining foyer (approximately 32,000 square feet) and an attached two-story children’s ministry wing.  The first floor will be completed with the second floor to be completed as the future unfolds.  Each floor will be approximately 10,000 square feet.

Presently there is a growing interest from several parties in the purchase of some of the 57-acre property for a Seniors’ Housing Complex.  This was one of the original dreams of StoneRidge Fellowship.  Negotiations are presently underway, and should something substantial be offered, this matter will be brought to the attention of the members of StoneRidge Fellowship.  Of course, this would speed the church facilities project along, both financially and time-wise.

Our chosen contractor is B.D.Stevens Limited, headquartered in the Burnside Industrial Park of Dartmouth. They, along with their engineers and architect, are moving us along as expeditiously as possible.  Paul Wonsek, a facilities design expert located in Atlanta, Georgia is also a consultant in this project. 

The present 1000 Sackville Drive site is still on the real estate market.