South Delta Leader Friday, August August 17, 17,2012 2012
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SUMMER TOURS are back!
The Harris Barn (as seen in its original state above) is composed of six major sections. Four sections will be erected prior to the Aug. 19 event, while the north and south ends will be on the ground ready for raising. Five teams will work on the barn-raising: the dead lift team will walk up to the frame and begin lifting it; then the pike pole team will use poles to take the handoff from the dead lift team once the frame is above their heads; then two teams on either side will use ropes and pulleys to hoist the frame up even further; a final team on scaffolding will receive the frame and fasten it in place. All parts of the barn will be backed up a crane so there's no danger of any pieces falling down during assembly. Photos submitted said the Harris Barn's spacious 8,000-square-feet will be able to house some items the museum can't, and bring back other items on loan to Fort Langley. "We would like the property to be a sort of memorial to the agricultural families who helped found this town," he said. Though the barn will look almost the same after the move, the manner in which it was transported may surprise people. "We don't move barns every day, and nor can you go to the Yellow Pages and say, 'hey, find me a barn-moving company,'" said Kuntz, laughing. Delta paid three different companies to give an assessment and cost estimate of moving the barn, but Macdonald & Lawrence was the preferred choice based on their specialization in timber frame and heritage work projects, including Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth's royal residence in the county of Berkshire just west of London. "When the credentials come with a letter from the Queen of England, it's hard to ignore," said Kuntz. Macdonald & Lawrence painstakingly analyzed every piece of wood and provided a comprehensive analysis of the structure prior to winning the bid, which Kuntz said really convinced the municipality they were the right company. One of the company's principal's, Steve Lawrence, said with old buildings it's difficult to have complete certainty about a project until work actually begins, which is why the more the structure is studied beforehand, the more realistic the price and proposal. Originally from the United Kingdom, Lawrence was involved in restoring one of the oldest parts of Windsor Castle following a fire in 1997. The castle's kitchen, which is much larger than the barn, was originally built in the early 1400s with a vaulted ceiling that included a timber frame ceiling. There was even a reception held for the contractors at the project's completion, giving Lawrence the opportunity to shake hands with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Historical significance Although heritage structures in Canada are consider-
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estshore Terminals – North America’s busiest coal export terminal – is pleased once again to invite our neighbours and visitors for a free guided tour by van of our 54-hectare site.
ably newer than those being restored in Europe, LawThese small group tours are by reservation only and run at rence says they aren't any less significant. 10 am, 11 am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm Saturday and "Unless you start looking after buildings and preservSunday. ing them when they're 100 years old, they'll never get to be 600 years old," he said. "You have to start valuing your The guided tours will be held on weekends through to August heritage, even though it's not that old, in the knowledge 25-26th. Take this opportunity to see one of the most modern and understanding that it will one day be that much older coal export facilities in the world up close and in action as we and maybe more relevant or more valuable for some are amid a vital equipment upgrade. These popular tours book people." fast so don’t wait. Please clip and save this advert. Lawrence said the Harris Barn is a very important piece of heritage for Delta, which boasts some of the best agricultural land in B.C. BOOK NOW by calling Nor is he surprised the barn is so well preserved after all these years—the Heritage Advisory Commission rated the barn's condition at 98 out of a possible score of 100—citingWestern Canada for having the most durable timber on the planet. "If buildings are well-constructed and well-maintained, then they don't get wet. If the wood doesn't get www.westshore.com wet, it won't decay," he said, adding wood structures will last hundreds of years if kept dry and well-ventilated. Generally speaking, wood degradation begins with persistent moisture, which can bring fungus and woodWestshore_3x7_0817.indd 1 8/9/12 12:07:52 PM damaging insects. Once completed, the barn's new main floor will be equipped with washrooms, a kitchen, wheelchair lift, and artifact displays, while a second floor mezzanine level will allow up to 200 people to look down on the floor below. There will be skylights on the backside of the roof to add natural light without disturbing the heritage facade. Kuntz conceded there was some initial skepticism in the community about saving "an old shack," but that diminished once the scope of the project was explained. tsawwassen town centre mall "It's not going to be an old shack," he says. "It's going presented by: to be a really nice community centre that happens to be in the shape of a barn." Join us for our block party For the Harris family, this is a journey that began in at 6:30 p.m. 1899 when, as the family bible notes, John Harris, a Live stage featuring Flamenco dancing by Los "well-to-do farmer," immigrated from England. Now, Gitanos School of Spanish Dance, Magic four generations later, that legacy has become a part of show by Ronald McDonald and piñata. Delta's history. Participating in this day’s festivities are: reporter@southdeltaleader.com ★ Face-painting and craft market by
604-946-3453
tsawwassen outdoor movie night Final night!
saturday, august 25
What are your feet doing? At the South Delta Leader we employ feet to get our newspaper to your doorstep.
April 13, 2013 at Richmond Olympic Oval Bust a Move is more than a day-long fitness fundraising extravaganza. It’s a celebration and an opportunity to support the BC Cancer Foundation and life-saving breast cancer research taking place at the BC Cancer Agency
Join the Movement – Register Today! www.bustamove.ca
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Sublime Art Supplies and Gallery Candle-making with the Delta Museum Temporary tattoos by Culture Craze Spin the Wheel by Flowers Beautiful Bird house making by Wild Bird Centre Activities by the Tsawwassen Library Neck massage and nails by Aqua Terra Giveaways from Lucky Surf and Skate Candy sales from the Chocolate Bear Shoppe and lots more!
Food and drink will be provided by the TOOB, the Cold Stone Creamery, McDonalds, Blenz Coffee, Peekaboo Sushi and Domino’s Pizza. movie starts at dusk
Call or email for more information on how you can become a news carrier in your neighbourhood.
All proceeds from these events will benefit the Rivers End Rangers, the Ladner/tsawwassen senior branch of the girl guides of Canada.
604-948-3640 ext 125 circulation2 @southdeltaleader.com
Thank you to our sponsors: brought to you by the business improvement Association of tsawwassen www.shoptsawwassen.com For all details