After November floods damaged the community hall in Bonniebrook, Chaster House could reopen before June – but its pedestrian bridge will remain closed pending repairs.
In November 2021, Chaster Creek overflowed so much that runoff exceeded volumes “over the height of both the natural stream channel, as well as over the main access pedestrian bridge for Chaster Park and Chaster House,” staff reported to Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) directors in an April 21 committee meeting. The basement and park were both flooded, and parks staff closed access to the park, house and bridge. Access has not yet been restored, but could be soon.
A structural assessment of Chaster House itself was finished in March 2022, and confirmed it to be in overall good and sound condition. “There was no evidence that the flooding events has compromised the building,” the staff report states, but further investigation is recommended for the exterior of the foundation walls, and for any weeping tile around the building, and will be brought forward in 2023’s budget planning.
Extensive planning needed for pedestrian bridge
The foundation of the pedestrian bridge has since been deemed unsafe for public access by a preliminary engineering assessment, and requires “significant repair and possible redesign.”
Planning to fix the bridge will require permits and approvals, mitigating future flooding risks, and that planning estimated to take between nine months to a year. Then a report with recommendations and budget estimates will be brought forward.
As “part of the approved 2022 budget, archaeological planning for Ocean Beach Esplanade and Chaster Park will be conducted. It is possible that through this process, the entire park site may be specified as an area of significant historical, as well as contemporary cultural significance,” staff reported and noted this could increase project costs.
A nearly full-time equivalent position (0.075) for project management oversight was approved as part of the project’s total budget of up to $32,500. The repair will be funded through the community parks operating reserves, and staff will continue to seek disaster recovery funding.
The recommendations were adopted in the April 28 board meeting.
Preparing for reopening
For now, park staff will prepare Chaster House and the adjacent park grounds for reopening prior to June 1. Clean-up will include an alternate access path and directional signage.
At the committee meeting, Elphinstone director Donna McMahon said, "Chaster House is well-beloved, and this is good news. Really happy to hear that it's going to be operating again." She asked how the back entrance could be made more accessible for wheelchair access. Staff said they'll be looking at the property and access to make sure it's as safe as possible, but there may be shortcomings before approvals are issued. McMahon asked to make it clear to anyone booking the facility that the main entrance will be closed.
