The City of Revelstoke is hosting an information session to discuss the impact of new snow load requirements on buildings in Revelstoke.
Environment Canada recently increased the Revelstoke ground snow load to 7.2 kPa from 5.8 kPa. Revelstoke council gave first reading last week to an amendment of the building bylaw that would reflect the new load requirements.
The city planning and building department is holding an information session at the community centre on Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 7-9 p.m.
The session will feature a talk by professional engineer Tim Dunne of Omega Engineering on the impact of the increase on roof components, building lateral stability, wall construction technique, and valley beams and valley rafter connections.
The bylaw amendment proposed by staff also calls for a structural engineer to inspect all buildings, unless deemed unnecessary by the building inspector. Councillor Tony Scarcella questioned the need for the extra opinion, saying it would raise costs. Counc. Chris Johnston cited similar concerns.
City building inspector Marty Herbert said the increases were the result of increased moisture content in the snow.