Exec reports - Huts Coordinator
Introduction
The Special Projects Coordinator:
- Advises people, members and non-members how to get to VOC Huts, and what to expect there.
- Collects information from users, on the state of the VOC Huts, and recommends to the Exec if any work needs to be done on any of the Huts.
- Makes recommendations regarding building of new huts, or removing or replacing huts.
- Ensures that any trail building commitments undertaken by the Club are properly followed through.
- A good person for this position is one who is interested in VOC Huts, can collect information on huts and hut locations, and make persuasive recommendations to the Execs.
Current Exec Report
Brew Hut
In the fall of 2009, we chopped up more of the old Brew Hut for firewood. There are still more remains, so more firewood can be prepared during the renovations for the upcoming season. We went through all of the junk in the hut and compiled an inventory of everything that is there: Brew_Hut_rebuild/Tools_list. Some particularly unneeded tools were carried out that now live in the clubroom. Rotting wood was taken off of one of the windows and a new cedar plank was cut, but not yet attached. In pondering as to how move the outhouse, as in how to lift it with few people and how to dig into bedrock with just a shovel and a pick axe, we found the gross but effective way of digging out the "soft stuff". In the future, perhaps a bucket can be placed in the whole to facilitate removal. More detail scan be found in VOCJ52. Some other small maintenance was done on both the outhouse and the hut. Two small fire extinguishers have been hauled in.
It was also decided upon that a renovation was in order. The SE wall of the hut is deteriorating rapidly as it is allowing water to get in. A general plan was formulated consisting of taking off the metal siding, applying a waterproof membrane, replacing the 3 existing plastic windows with tempered glass ones, and reapplying the metal siding. A MEC grant for $1300 was made up and submitted. The outcome is still pending. The other main outstanding project is grounding the hut. Most of the needed materials are up there, but consultation with an electrician might be required.
Several propositions were considered for improving the summer trail up to Brew. The main options are improving the winter route by building boardwalks or something similar, improving access over the railway (illegal when they catch you), or clearing the logging road that runs almost all the way up to the basin right out the hut's front door.
Phelix Hut
Major renovations were done over the summer on both the hut and the trail. It is generally in excellent condition. A solar air circulating device was installed. It seems to work. A small fire extinguisher has been hauled in. Most recently we were notified that the outhouse roof had exploded off. This was confirmed (dislodged by about 6 inches). Without the right tools at the time, we decided that it might be best to increase the roof angle so that the snow slides off easier. Also, one of the two Coleman lamps broke. It was carried out and a fix attempted. Parts are hard to come by, so we might want to buy a new one and carry it sometime over the summer. This is in no hurry.
Burton Hut
The hut still stands. It is in good condition and seems to get occasional traffic. We hauled in a ridiculously heavy 6-man tent for extra sleeping room, but then promptly hauled it out, as it was found to be unnecessary and a mold collector. A reliable way to keep the upstairs window would be quite useful.
Harrison Hut
A major washout occurred in the fall of 2009 [1]. Access to the hut is currently non-existent and seems to not be for a while: [2]. No other access to the hut exists as of yet (without use of a helicopter). When the road gets cleared, it would be nice to see a much improved trail to hut as the current approach is just a really (really) long bushwack. No work can be done done on the hut until we can get to the hut. It is a shame as the area is gorgeous.
Lizzie Hut
We have initiated talk of "adopting" the Lizzie hut as the previous caretaker has passed away several years ago. We are currently looking into whether anyone has rights to the hut and whether we can swoop and take over. This is another beautiful location, so it would be nice to not have the hut dall apart. One of the major beams in the construction of the hut is cracked and sagging. The roof is at a very long angle meaning it accumulated a lot of snow. The access trail is overgrown with slide alder. If we do get the rights to the hut, during the upcoming summer we should clear the trail and do some minor work to make sure the hut doesn't fall apart during the upcoming winter season, during which a major overhaul should be planned to be executed in the summer of 2011.
Please look at the VOC_hut_maintenance page for more details regarding both completed and outstanding work on the huts.
Other
As an exec, you are of course expected to attend all the meetings and provide a voice. Small tasks and projects arise regularly that don't really fall under anyone's responsibilities, providing you the opportunity to help out as much as you can. As an exec, you will have write a journal article, write an exec report, lead 2 trips per term, and cook for the banquet.
2009 - 2010
Special Projects Coordinator: Artem Bylinskii
Past Exec Reports
Exec report - Special Projects 2008 - 2009
Exec report - Special Projects 2007 - 2008
Exec report - Special Projects 2006 - 2007