Shuswap, B.C – June 16-22, 2024

This week, 14 volunteers have been working at the sites in the North Shuswap. The volunteers came from Winnipeg, Red Deer, Winkler, Meldrum Bay, Waldheim, Blind Bay, Ladner, Delta, Stoney Plain, Calgary, Abbotsford and Port Moody. Additionally, we were joined by seven community volunteers on some days.

The focus this week was on drywall boarding and getting work done on two house exteriors.

We have four houses in progress. Three have roofs, three houses have electrical and plumbing roughed in, and two are at lockup stage. Siding and soffit installations are nearing completion on two of them. This week, the excavation was completed on our fourth house.

Two inspections were carried out by inspectors from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. The vapour barrier and insulation inspection requires some attention before the drywall board installation begins. The second house had some structural concerns that need to be further reviewed by a structural engineer. The engineer visited the site and discussed some minor remedies to bring the house into compliance with building codes.

A homeowner visited us, shared his history and interesting life in the area. It became clear that his loving children had worked together to bring his application to the attention of MDS. After the necessary process and visits, he became a client. Now, he arrives on site nearly every day, eager to lend a hand wherever he can. He expresses his gratitude daily and is always glad to greet us.

Plans for next week: More drywall work is planned and, if the expected permit comes, the footing will be poured at the fourth house. We will also proceed with exterior finishing work next week.