The ridge beam was installed on the Gibsons Public Market on July 27 – at over 20 feet above the main floor, the ridge beam is the highest beam in the structure, which executive director Gerry Zipursky called, “pretty dramatic.”
“This is the beam that creates a large atrium for the community amenity spaces,” Zipursky said. “It’s 20 feet high at least [from the main floor].”
He estimated that the beam is at least 40 feet off ground level.
“The cupola – the original roof peak, which gave that iconic look to the market – that’s also in and that provides a height of about 30 feet,” Zipursky said.
The windows are currently being installed, and Zipursky said they are hoping to have the roof completed by the middle of the month – or at least a significant part of it – so they can start working on things like electrical and plumbing.
“We’re hoping for [an end date] in very late fall,” Zipursky said. “We’re certainly aiming for some time in November.”
He added that the current demand for tradespeople on the Coast has added increased challenges to completing the market.
“With all the construction that’s going on on the Coast – it’s a very competitive market right now,” Zipursky said. “Competitive in the sense of trying to get trades[people] because everyone is so busy. That always increases your costs, but we’ll have a better idea in the next two weeks how that is unfolding.”
Three vendors have been confirmed for the market once it opens, with another three – including the bistro restaurant – in the final stages of negotiations.
“We’re hoping that out of the nine permanent vendors, by the end of the month we’ll have the majority of them confirmed,” Zipursky said.
