Shipping container viewing platform

[John Kwong]

Hi All,

The idea of having a viewing platform built on top of the seacan that is between the Pre-grid and the timing tower has been floating around for a couple years now. Now that the track re-paving has been completed, I thought that this might be a good next project to improve our facility. Below are some conceptual CAD drawings to flesh this idea out. I have no idea on material costs and perhaps the Trims could give some insight on their experience in building their platform. We would probably need engineering drawings and a building permit from the Town of Strathmore. Please add your thoughts and comments.

John K

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[Tjfast]

John this is awesome. I really like the idea of making use of unused vertical space. I would like to see this get built. The drawings are pretty good. Maybe a double set of bleachers rather than a bench, to add more seating?

I wonder what considerations for safety. would need to be taken into account, if high bleachers are used, but im sure its not nothing we can't do.

[phil]

I believe the sea can is owned by AMRA, so we would have to clear it with them. I like the idea, but I recall there being concerns about losing visibility to pre-grid from the tower when it was previously discussed.

[John Kwong]

Yes, I forgot that AMRA own that seacan. Shipping containers generally do not have a lot of structural integrity on the ceiling and I was thinking that this deck structure would most likely have to be somewhat freestanding around the seacan. As this is just a conceptual idea drawing, I forgot to put legs for the deck. Alternatively, if visibility of the Pre-Grid is still a concern, this could be done on the seacan to the west of the timing tower.

[John Kwong]

I'm hoping that we still have those aluminum mini bleachers somewhere on the property.

[phil]

I was thinking the same, as far as legs, and mostly freestanding. It could likely be fastened to the container by the shipping tie downs on the outside corners to add some ballast.

I don't recall seeing the small bleacher for a while, but I'm reasonably sure it would still be around.

[John Kwong]

Some updated drawings for interest sake.

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[Jen and Don]

This came up a while ago with others I had spoken to. We thought if you can make it handicap accessible, that we could possibly get some money towards it as a grant, if we thought making it wheel chair accessible. A long ramp, ( 1% slope required , would make for a long switch back type of construction, but an exterior elevator is the alternative. They are out there. A smaller set of stairs for able bodied is an easy build. But if we could look in to it for some sort of grants due to it being accessible, that could add to financial coverage.

We really are not wheel chair friendly at the moment. (Any of our viewing stands.)

[John Kwong]

Hi All,

I have looked on the Canadian Government website and found this: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-soc ... apply.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-soc ... tml#part-3

Also from Google AI:

AI Overview

The 2026 Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) Call for Proposals is open from January 16, 2026, to March 12, 2026, at 3:00 pm EDT, offering $500,000 to $1,000,000 for projects improving workplace accessibility, Canada.ca says. Eligible organizations include non-profits, for-profits, Indigenous groups, and municipal governments.
Key Details for 2026 EAF Application:
Focus: Projects that create, remove barriers, and improve accessibility for people with disabilities in employment and community spaces, Canada.ca notes.
Funding Amount: $500,000 – $1,000,000.
Project Duration: Up to 24 months.
Application Deadline: March 12, 2026, at 3:00 pm EDT.
How to Apply: Review the applicant guide, verify eligibility, and submit through the Canada.ca website.
Eligibility & Requirements:
Eligible Recipients: Not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations (up to 99 employees), Indigenous organizations, and municipal/territorial governments.
Types of Projects: Construction, renovation, or retrofitting of workplaces and community spaces to improve accessibility.
Project Location: Must be in Canada.
It is recommended to use the provided questionnaire on the Canada.ca website to determine if your project fits the criteria, as the application process requires detailed planning.

John K

[Jen and Don]

Maybe if we got a good chunk of money, we could build a two seater TAK kart? Wouldn't that be cool. A few laps designated between some of our other sessions? Just a thought. Wouldn't that put a smile on some kids face?!