Building Permit Issued
A building permit has now been issued for the conservation work at the Bralorne Pioneer Mines Office Building.
The proposed scope of work will ensure the stabilization of the building and meet all life and safety requirements set by BC Building Code applicable to a structure listed on a local Heritage Register.
Some of this work includes improving the drainage around the building, meeting seismic requirements, upgrading the mechanical and electrical systems, improving wheelchair accessibility into the building, upgrade of the watermain, the installation of a sprinkler system, interior and exterior restoration of finishes and windows.
The building, if this conservation work were not to occur, would continue to deteriorate. The result of this conservation work will be to have a structurally safe, up to code building with life-safety issues addressed. This will ensure this heritage building is safe and habitable for years to come.
Conservation Plan: https://bit.ly/3xrjncO
Local Laborers and Contractors
The hope of the BRVCA is to employ as many local laborers and sub-contractors as possible. Thanks to those that have responded so far. As the date to begin physical work on the building approaches, we know we will need laborers, carpenters, drywallers, painters, as well as various other sub trades. If you are interested and to be put on a list for information on opportunities, please email us at bridgerivervalley@gmail.com
FAQ
What will be the uses of the building once the conservation work is completed?
The Bralorne Pioneer Mines Office Building will house the Bralorne Pioneer Museum once the conservation work is completed. The Museum will use approximately 40-50% of the building including exhibit space, storage space and an office.
The building will have a renovated caretaker suite and a renovated studio suite, a small office, an accessible washroom, an upgrade of the public laundry facility. There will be flexible spaces that can be used for community meetings, gatherings, co-working, and the display local art, as well as a small theater room and improvements to the back yard.
Architect Drawing: https://bit.ly/3OdwPae
Why did the Museum need to move?
The Museum’s first home in 1972 was in the Bralorne Pioneer Office Building after the Whiting’s purchased it. In the 1980s the Museum moved to the Bralorne High School’s Industrial Engineering Building, built in the 1950s, located to the east of the baseball field. Unfortunately, this building had neither heating, plumbing, nor insulation, and over the years suffered both a failing roof and foundation. While it served well enough for many years as the Museum’s home, the unstable climate in the building led to the artifacts deteriorating. With the interest of preserving the Museum’s collections the Museum leased and moved to the Post Office building in 2014 while a search was done to secure a permanent home for the Museum.
The BRVCA purchased the Bralorne Pioneer Mines Office building in 2017 with the two-fold goals to move the Bralorne Pioneer Museum into the space for its permanent home and to ensure that the building would stand and be usable for generations to come.
Housing in the Bralorne Pioneer Mines Office Building.
When the building was purchased in 2017 the decision was made to continue with the tenants who were in the building at the time. Arrangements were made with one tenant to do caretaking duties for reduced rent. All tenants were paying market level rents and the Residential Tenancy Branch rules were followed with regard to raising rents (very minimal).
As tenants chose to move from the building and given the understanding of the scale and scope of upcoming conservation work needed, those rental units were not reoccupied.
The two remaining tenants were provided their four month notice on March 31. One tenant has successfully found housing and we are actively advertising the need of housing for the other tenant. The tenant in need is single with a pet, a long-time resident of the Valley, and has a history of being a good tenant. The individual is currently in a studio type apartment, and we hope that the community will turn up housing that meets the tenant’s needs.
Once the conservation work is complete there will be two housing units in the building, a two-bedroom apartment and a studio type apartment. One of these two units will act as a caretaker suite for the building.
Will the Museum contribute to tourism in Bralorne?
The mission of the Museum is “to engage and educate the public through the promotion and conservation of the unique culture and heritage of the Bridge River and South Chilcotin Region.”
Through the 50 years the Museum has been in the community, it has received a steady number of visitors to the Museum. Those visiting are a mix of property owners, their guests, past residents of the area and various people who already in the area and happen upon the Museum.
A visitor survey conducted in 2021 indicated that majority of visitors come to the area primarily for outdoor recreation. Survey results indicated that none of the visitors indicated they were coming to the Bridge River Valley to specifically visit the Museum, however some mentioned a general interest in the area’s history.
Will the Museum being in the Bralorne Pioneer Mines Office Building mean there will be bus tours?
Through the years, an independent bus tour company has visited the Bridge River Valley. The guests are mostly seniors. They stay at Tyax Lodge, usually for two days or so and do a guided interpretive tour of the Valley which includes a stop at the Museum. The tour usually stops somewhere for lunch as well.
The Museum over the last number of years has seen 1 or 2 of these type of tours (none during 2020)
Is there a coffee shop planned in the Museum section?
As many will recall, there was a small coffee shop on one side of the lobby for a short while.
The plan for that space once the Museum has moved in is an “entrance greeting area” along with the Museum shop. The Museum currently sells books and other items of local interest as well as coffee, soft drinks and at times various snacks. It has been discussed that a partnership may be struck with a local provider for any food items, however there will not be any cooking facilities in this area.
What has been the community consultation and communication process for this project?
Prior to purchasing the Bralorne Pioneer Mines Office Building in 2017 a feasibility study was completed. The feasibility study found heritage value in the building and recommended, based on study and consultation in the area, a mixed use of the building which included, in part, the Bralorne Pioneer Museum.
Starting in 2017, once the purchase was completed, the Bridge River Valley Community Association has provided regular public updates on the progress of the conservation of the building and the adaptive-reuse.
Updates have been posted on our website, on Facebook, in the Mountain Telegraph, and in other media depending on the content.
Other forms of consultation and communication that have occurred included:
Walk throughs of various groups of people to both understand the condition of the building and provide input into the configuration of uses
Several special meetings of a broad cross section of stakeholders as key decisions needed to be made
Two public meetings were held to discuss a key decision point as well as one with regard to the Heritage Status of the building.
All forms of consultation and communication involved a broad group of stakeholders include the BRVCA Board of Directors, the Heritage Committee, legacy and former residents, community members from Bralorne and other locations in the Valley and elected local government officials, professionals such as architects (2), engineers, plumbing and electrical specialists, construction expertise (2).
All that have worked on this project are very appreciative of the help and the constructive input and feedback from those who have participated. This input and support has informed the evolution of what was needed to be done to preserve the building and determine the configuration of the building uses.
Questions or concerns are welcome and can be emailed to bridgerivervalley@gmail.com.
