The 12-week renovation project at the Riverview Community Centre is now at the midway point, and the transformation is impressive to watch. Thank you to the program funders that include Skills PEI (through the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement); the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Rural Development PEI Government; and the municipality of Clyde River, working with the Clyde River Women’s Institute. The proceeds of Apple Pie Festival held on Oct. 28th and 29th will go towards paying the community’s 10% share. This Festival was a great community effort, thanks to wonderful volunteers who made 932 pies and the people who purchased these pies. The CRWI is happy to report a profit of $5,450 from the Festival.
This renovation project involves specialty work provided by contractors for such tasks as burying electrical cable, wiring, roof work and portico construction, eaves and sheet metal work, and cabinet making. Much of the contract work is now completed.
The Skills PEI crew is comprised of supervisor David Smith and four carpenter helpers. The helpers are learning new skills from David’s coaching and demonstration of the impressive array of skills he has acquired throughout his years of experience. David has been able to find a solution to every construction challenge, and we are impressed with the skill level and the willingness of the carpenter helpers. The tasks taken on by the Skills PEI crew are varied and complex which makes for great learning opportunities.
The outside structures were the first to be constructed, and they are impressive. The picnic tables are solid, and the picnic shelter is attractive with a decorative louvered finish. The 12’ by 10’ shed blends nicely into the backyard and will serve as a practical addition to this community property. A ramp at the end of the deck achieves a safe walkway. The lovely bench will look welcoming on the deck. The perimeter fence has been repaired and painted.
Shingling has been extensive, and thanks to hard work and the unusually warm weather, the front and back of the building is now complete, and the necessary shingling of the north and south sides of the building are well underway. The shingles were all dried and painted inside and look great when applied to the centre’s exterior.
Two doors have been installed, an exterior storm door and a fireproof door to the furnace room.
Inside, there is a new ceiling in the first large room, and the kitchen is being prepared for new cabinets. The majority of time in the last half of this Skills PEI project will be spent on kitchen renovations and basement work.
Yes, there is the construction clutter and disarray that is part of all construction projects, but with patience and flexibility, the Centre was able to be used for regular Monday night crokinole parties, several meetings and the Apple Pie Festival. The end results will more than make up for any inconvenience.
Clyde River 
Leave a Reply