Parish Renovation Updates
Sanctuary Renovations: 2023
Our sanctuary renovations were made possible by the One Heart, One Soul capital campaign.
Repairing our altar which had cracked over the years due to improper floor support when originally installed:
Preparing a solid concrete base for the altar to ensure support - our altar weighs over a ton!
Repairing and caulking the damaged and leaking windows above the altar, because water was coming in through the windows and beginning to damage the mural painted on the wall.
Parish Office: 2023
Why was it so important to renovate the parish office?
If the Church is the heart of the parish, then the office is the mind. A well-organized modern office allows parish programs, sacramental preparation, meetings, scheduling, Funerals, Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings, and all of the necessary documentation and paperwork to go smoothly.
Renovations in the parish office: April 13-21, 2023
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Parish Office: April 21, 2023
Renovations Update: May 11, 2024
1. New Fans
We have installed new energy efficient fans in the ceiling of the church, in order to save electricity and money. These fans circulate air very effectively (and quietly), and will help us save on our heating bill by moving warm air down from the ceiling to the pews.
2. New Radiators
We have added 15 new radiators in the church along with insulated piping, enhancing our heating system’s effectiveness. Additionally, we have re-insulated all existing pipes.
3. Heat Pumps: Air Conditioning Arrives at Last!
In the coming weeks, we will install new dual unit AC/heat pumps for the church. These units will not only provide cheap heat on cool fall and spring days, but also offer air conditioning during the summer months. Please pray for the safety of the workers and a favourable outcome to the ongoing work.
4. Washroom Renovations
There has been exciting progress in our parish hall washrooms! The tiles have been laid, setting the stage for a fresh and inviting space. We are currently installing pot lights and sinks, bringing us closer to completing this important project.
5. Parish Hall Roof Replacement
The replacement of our parish hall roof is scheduled for June, when the weather will be favourable. Our “Raise the Roof” fundraising project is ongoing; thank you so much to everyone who has already contributed!
Renovations Update: July 2, 2024
1. Air Conditioning Now Fully Functional!
The air conditioning system (heat pumps) in the church is now fully operational, as of today. The parish hall, parish office, and rectory already had functioning air conditioning systems, but to have air conditioning in the church itself is a first in the history of St. Gabriel's Parish. The newly installed heat pumps will also provide relatively inexpensive heating when the weather cools down in the fall.
2. Parish Hall Roof Replacement Underway
The replacement of our parish hall roof began in June as planned and is expected to be completed in July, weather permitting. Our “Raise the Roof” fundraising project continues; thank you so much to everyone who has contributed so far!
Heating & Cooling Upgrades
This was a very large project involving several companies that took over 6 months to complete with lots of planning and hard work along the way. This project ensures that our parish will continue to minister well to our current and future community. This project entailed:
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Complete overhaul of pipes, boiler and insulation of our pre-existing boiler system.
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Installation of 15 new high efficiency radiators.
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Woodwork and finishing around the new radiators.
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Removal of old ceiling fans.
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Installation of four commercial grade large diameter ceiling fans with controller.
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Updated electrical panel and subpanel.
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Installation of two separate Daikin VRV systems (heat pumps that also provide air conditioning) with 6 heads.
We would like to thank the many people involved to make this important project happen, including those who contributed financially. If there are any individuals or businesses who would like to contribute financially, please contact the parish office or speak with the pastor, Fr. Paul Patrick.
Renovations Update: Sept 7, 2024
Enjoy this short video showing the work done this summer to replace the original (1989) roof of the parish hall.
Additional Repairs & Renovations
Additional renovations and repairs to the church, parish hall, rectory, and parish office are ongoing, with more planned.
If you would like to contribute toward these expenses, please donate to our Building Fund, speak with Fr. Paul Patrick, or contact the parish office.