Saugeen District Secondary School (SDSS) Construction students who worked on the Coulter Parkette pavilion project celebrated its completion June 21 by indulging in a barbecue underneath the shade of the new structure.

Hub Staff

Following over a month of hard work the Saugeen District Secondary School (SDSS) Construction class gathered under the shelter of the new Coulter Parkette pavilion, which the students built, sanded and stained, to celebrate its completion, June 21.

Teacher Bud Halpin said the project started in early May when the timbers arrived at the school’s shop, where students sanded every timber and board of the structure and stained each piece two times, with one final stain as a finishing touch after assembly was complete.

Beyond the pavilion students completed extensive scaffold and general construction safety training in preparation for the build. Halpin said that in total three classes of 15 to 20 students worked on the project for seven days, completing the build on June 12.

Construction student Cam McEwen was happy to be a part of the project. “It’s great to look at something that’s nice for the community and it will be nice for the downtown BIA Farmers’ Market in the summer,” he said. “It’s just a nice project for people to sit under.” McEwen was part of the crew that set up and pulled down the scaffolding and said that everyone worked well together.

The celebration featured a barbecue with food served by Wismer House Chef Shaun McQuitty. Owner of the Wismer House and Port Elgin BIA President Jeff Carver was in attendance for the gathering and said that the pavilion was a part of the final stages of Coulter Parkette’s renovations. “This final stage wouldn't have been possible without Bud Halpin and his students from the high school taking it upon themselves to jump on board and complete the last piece of the puzzle,” said Carver. He went on to say that the pavilion space will be versatile and accessible to all, and could host concerts, theatrical displays and special events.

The Construction class and Halpin wanted to thank Patrick Thompson Construction (PTC) who installed the low slope roof membrane, with assistance of some students. Halpin said that this was the fourth roof project with which PTC had assisted. “Patrick takes time to explain the materials to the students and teach them how to install it to industry standards. It is that type of support that allows SDSS Construction to keep up today's best practices and best materials,” said Halpin.

He also noted the handiwork of George's Carpentry who assisted students with installing the pine ceiling. “This is the second time George Betts has donated his and his employees’ time to help SDSS Construction,” said Halpin. “George has also supported SDSS Construction for many years by taking on co-op students,” he added.

Following the sanding and a few applications of stain to the material, the Coulter Parkette pavilion build took approximately one week to complete

Brayden Horseman (left), Robbie Baker, and Cam McEwen built new siding around the Coulter Parkette plaque.

See also: Town tasks SDSS students on Coulter Parkette project