b'wasaged,itwasremovedfromthe roof without a hitch. Desloges cites the quality of the wood as the main reason for the structures stability. A lot of the wood that was used backBUILDthen is much better than it is today, he explains. Old growth wood is stronger. There are less knots and its very clear. MOREInfact,thecupolawassosound, itdidnotrequiredisassemblytobe movedbutinsteadwasremovedand transported in one piece. And what aWITH BEACONsight it must have been for onlookers as this giant Christmas ornament made itswaythroughVictoriatoAlphas sheetmetalshop,20minutesaway in Saanichton.12510 82 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3W 3E8Drawing on over 44 years of expe- 314 Totom Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1X 5C2 beacon-canada.comrience and having a strong sheet metal department to rely upon, Desloges knew that this was a project his team could complete with competence and pride. Togetherwiththeexceptionalartistry of Alphas Sheet Metal Superintendent JaredLehive,thecupolawouldonce againbetheaestheticwonderitwas originally designed to be. Iworkedmyapprenticeshipinwww.precisionmetals.cahigh-endhomesandbecameaccus-tomed to detailed, custom copper work, so this type of project was a natural forYour Metal Specialistsme, Lehive says. I was so excited to participateinthisprojectbecauseitT ested and certified by allowed me an opportunity to go back to my roots and apply the skill I haveProudly made in Canada 8081, 132nd St. Surrey B.C. developed over the years. 604.594.6001Like any other construction project,Producing premier Standard and Custom products for the construction industry since 1975the cupola needed to be completed on time and on budget. But having such a conversation piece on the shop floor was sure to be a distraction. www.rcabc.org l15'