for energy efficiencies or to meet code requirements would be done in a manner that would not negative impact heritage attributes). Much information was supplied to staff for review, including:

The plaster work is considered the next necessary step to secure the interior ceilings and walls before being exposed to any additional trauma from exterior masonry/structural repairs in the anticipated Phase III work. The Church has indicated their intent to conduct all restoration work to a high and durable standard. However, because Phase II work would cost more than the funds that Assumption Parish has available, the work has been broken into three phases to allow stages of repairs to be conducted as funding becomes available. The parish would like to begin Part A of the Phase II work concentrated at areas requiring more immediate attention (east aisle) in Spring 2020, then progress to the west side aisle in Phase 2B and lastly the nave and center aisle in Phase 2C. After review of the information submitted, municipal Heritage Alteration Permit for Phase II was deemed not necessary as the anticipated work does not appear to have a negative impact on the heritage property. The property is also protected by an OHT conservation easement, and a detailed review of the proposal would be undertaken by OHT.

The full restoration of Assumption Church is a multi-year project. Assumption Parish has published a series of reports written by Paul Mullins, most recently a fourth report with a high level overview of the Phase I work progress, and anticipated Phase II work1. Phase III would be brick/masonry restoration/repairs, and stained glass restoration, and finally in Phase IV the sacristy rebuild and chapel restoration is proposed.

Discussion:

Phase II Work

Plaster Repair

Over the years, there has been increasing deterioration of the plaster on the walls and ceiling over time. Historic Plaster Conservation Services (HPCS), leading conservators of plaster, was engaged to provide a thorough assessment to understand the properties and characteristics of the plaster, and documented the findings, in 2012, and in 2019.

Plaster is a finishing material that is created by applying lime/sand mix with fibre (animal hair) to the supporting wood lath which is made of narrow thin strips of wood with

1 Mullins, Paul. Assumption Fourth Report, accessed from https://assumptionparish.ca/restoration/assumption-report-4/