*Done with Grey & Ivy Inc.

In the late summer of 2024, the Washagamis Bay Carpentry Training Team that I led was approached to complete last-minute upgrades to the Powwow grounds in time for the summer’s Powwow. After assessing the existing site and the tight two-week timeline, we agreed to rebuild and paint the Emcee stands, re-roof the central powwow arbour, and modify the existing bleachers to improve seating and add shade.

The team quickly started on the stands and roofing, while I worked with another group to design a solution for the bleachers that could be built efficiently and installed quickly. The goal was to modify five of the nine existing bleachers using repeatable construction methods, ensuring they could be moved and reorganized easily while providing sturdy, safe seating. The structures were designed to be temporary, as future community plans involve relocating and rebuilding the Powwow grounds.

Community member Mason Cherry devised a cantilevered canopy frame that tied into the existing bleacher structure. After testing a few prototypes for strength, aesthetics, and shade coverage, we built a large jig across the workbenches at the Washagamis Bay Training Facility, allowing each canopy arm to be assembled quickly and consistently. Once prefabricated, the frames were brought to the site, where another team had been modifying the bleachers by extending the seating dimensions and improving legroom. The canopy arms were bolted to the bleachers, and lightweight tarps were fastened to the frame. The tarps were designed to be removable at the end of the season to avoid snow load damage during the winter.

It was a fast-paced project and the first large-scale, in-community build for the newly trained construction team. The experience was incredibly rewarding, especially when the team saw community members enjoying the shade and comfort while watching the Powwow.