Bloedel Conservatory roof to undergo $1.3-million replacement

Dec 19 2017, 5:56 pm

A funding commitment of $1.3-million has been approved by the City to complete the replacement of Bloedel Conservatory’s iconic domed roof.

Park Board Chair Aaron Jasper said “Bloedel Conservatory has been a jewel in our parks system for more than four decades. We are very pleased to have funding to finish the new roof so visitors can continue to comfortably enjoy this beautiful and unique garden.”

Phase one of the project began in January 2014 — the replacement of the centre dome panels and the section of roof over the entrance to the building. Funding for phase one came from the Government of Canada ($225,000) and the City of Vancouver ($1-million).

Today Council approved, via a contract amendment to add a second phase, that the project be fully funded and the entire roof be replaced at this time. Proceeding directly to phase two (the remaining panels) will save approximately $400,000 in costs and increase efficiency and safety with the removal and reinstallation of the massive scaffolding.

The replacement project is large and complex. There are more than 1,400 individual acrylic ‘bubble’ panels in 32 different sizes, each custom made and individually installed.

Bloedel Conservatory is a lush tropical ecosystem located in Queen Elizabeth Park atop the city’s highest point. The stunning triodetic domed roof was constructed in 1969 and is past its expected lifespan.

During construction, the Conservatory will remain open with special netting in place to protect the facility’s free flying birds, exotic plants and flowers, visitors, and staff.

The roof is expected to be completed by fall 2014.

Source: City of Vancouver | Image: Bloedel Conservatory via Shutterstock

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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