Medicine Hat’s Saamis Tepee renovations begin after long weekend

The expected time frame for completion is mid-August, weather permitting.

Project Manager Mike Hirsch said visitors can expect to only have limited access to the tepee during daytime hours.

“We’re trying to control the site with the contractor’s activity,” Hirsch said.

“We’ve got the gate, when they are onsite, we’d have that closed off for the morning from 6 o’clock, likely into the evening until 7 p.m.”

The two tips of the tepee will be taken down to repaint temporarily. (Bob Schneider/CHAT News)

When the two tips of the tepee are removed for painting offsite, it will give the structure a temporary different look.

The work being done will match the previous 2009 and 2010 repaint.

The circular sign boards will receive a new coating to preserve their original colours on the back.

The front art will remain as is, and they will be protected during the work.

Painting will be completed with cranes and zoom booms.

Hirsch said there are a lot of factors at play during the construction.

“That involves our followup with the airport and those representatives, making sure that the air flights are controlled,” Hirsch said.

“The use of the crane and at the heights of what they’re going to be at, the wind and the weather factors are considered there,” he added.

“It’s a little bit of a struggle in that way, but I think we’ve got the contractor with the experience to get that completed.”

The height of the tepee makes the repainting more complex. (Bob Schneider/CHAT TV)

A pair of local contractors are tasked with the project, GVN Structures and Hranco Industries.

The Light for a Cause, which illuminates the tepee different colours at night will not take place

Walking paths around the tepee will remain open.

by Jesse Gill