Plans for redevelopment of the Sulphur Mountain Gondola operation received a conditional recommendation July 31.
At a presentation at Parks’ administration building, Brewster Travel Canada’s president David McKenna and Brewster project architect John Souleles outlined redevelopment plans for the upper terminal.
After the Brewster presentation, the administration development board deliberated and returned with a decision to recommend approval to the park superintendent for project #BNP13-004 with three main conditions: Improve esthetics of the ground surrounding the building footprint, improve esthetics of the area below the main floor decking and include opportunities and facilities for proper recycling and waste management.
The gondola upper terminal hasn’t been remodeled since 1980, and redevelopment is a daunting task, with construction materials needing to be delivered to the station by helicopter or by gondola car.
“Back in 2011, we first started noticing considerable challenges with the structure of the building,” McKenna said. “The first evidence was we noticed water percolating through the concrete structure on all levels.”
McKenna also outlined to the board that issues with the terminal’s roof became apparent in 2012. “By 2012-13 we realized we had a pretty significant scope issue on knowing this was something that we weren’t going to be able to just fix.”
McKenna pointed out updating safety requirements was also a factor for Brewster, along with structural issues.
“Safety and items such as accessibility and code compliances,” McKenna said, pointing to current staircases and washrooms as examples of structural amenities in need of redevelopment.
Members of Brewster explained to the board redevelopment plans would include moving washrooms up a level in the terminal, roofing construction, redevelopment of staircases, all while staying in line with code compliance.
“Curbed stairs are no longer accepted as a primary use exit, so we have a new exit stair and convenience stair added to the project,” Souleles said. “The cumulative exit width was an issue because when you have an assembly occupancy you need to make sure there’s an efficient exit width to allow many people to egress in a panic, so we addressed that with the stairs as well.”
Soulese added mechanical, electrical and glazing will also be factors in the remodeling/redevelopment of the terminal. The three main areas of the terminal Brewster plans for the most redevelopment include: the arrival area, an engagement area on the main level of the terminal and the public observation area.
The ADB provides recommendations only, with superintendents of Parks Canada remaining the ultimate development authority.
