Riffs & Ripples from ZenRiver Gardens: Al Purdy A-frame Applications Open/Building Updates

JULY 18, 2025, 2025

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 AT THE AL

AND EURITHE PURDY

A-FRAME NOW OPEN

The Al Purdy A-frame Association (APAFA) is pleased to announce

that the Call for Applications for residencies in 2026 in now OPEN.

You can find details about how to apply on our website:

https://www.alpurdy.ca/residency/
Deadline is October 10, 2025.

FOUNDATION UPDATE
What was accomplished in Phase I

It was discovered in 2021 that the foundation under the Al Purdy

A-frame had deteriorated to the point that the main floor was starting

to collapse. On inspection, it was found that the old, substandard

cinder block foundation had broken up and the wooden support timbers

had rotted. As well, the crawl space had been flooded due to rising

water levels.

APAFA was faced with either abandoning the historic structure or

lifting it and installing a new concrete foundation, a major and costly

project. We decided on the latter course and in the process decided

to raise the house high enough to install a full basement under it.

We launched an ambitious fundraising campaign for the $350,000 budget.

The work outlined was completed the end of May, 2025, doubling

the useable floor space. As well the building has been winterized

for all-season use, doubling the time available for cultural activities

in the County. On June 1 the residency program resumed and we

welcomed the 50^th writer to the house.

Lakeside
The major successes of our project were not just that we succeeded in saving an historic building from collapse but in the course of doing so, were able to double its floorspace with the addition of a fully serviced basement that will serve as a meeting place for cultural activities once it is finished during Phase II.

Additionally, we were able to winterize the building for all-season use whereas previously it had only been useable during the frost-free months. These were unplanned bonuses that became available during the course of the project, resulting in a single-use cultural facility becoming a multi-use facility. These bonuses also increased the budget.

There were a number of major challenges during Phase I. Geotechnical and hydrological studies revealed that the existing crawlspace floor was below the water table. This necessitated the building being raised approximately four feet higher than originally planned, which required more elaborate drainage involving engineered fill, impermeable membranes and enhanced drainage.

As a result of the higher elevation of the building, a massive stone fireplace, which had originally been slated for raising, had to be entirely removed, which had implications for interior renovation and roof repair. In the course of running new electrical cables to service the new heat pump, the kitchen console had to be removed and was found to be unsound. This required replacing the kitchen sink, counter and cupboards with a facility of similar style and provenance. Fortunately, our contractor was up to all these challenges, although substantial additional funding was required.

Kitchen after cabinets were replaced

"I, for one, am so happy about the work that has been done to restore and preserve 'our' Al Purdy A-frame. I say 'our' as a resident of Prince Edward County, but also as a Canadian poet and writer, for to us this structure isn't just a writer's retreat; to be awarded a residency in the home of the County's--and the country's-- fabled poet, Al Purdy, is seen today by the literary community from coast to coast as a real coup. Thank the heavens you didn't let go of it, or create a new structure, for having hosted so many great writers here, and fostered emerging ones, and with that amazing Purdy library, and the funky outhouse with all the autographs of famous writers on the door-- it is indeed a historic building!"--Shani Mootoo, Bloomfield

Phase II

In Phase I, time and funding did not allow for finishing of the new basement space, or for remediation of the property, which was left in a condition of raw soil over most of the area due to excavation and removal of diseased elm trees. During Phase II the land will be replanted to grass, trees and shrubs—this will be done over time as funds become available but we do want to get a start on this work in fall 2025. The new basement space will also be finished for use as a cultural meeting space and archive.

Al and Eurithe in front of the 1950s A-frame
Specifically, the following improvements will be undertaken:

--finishing the new lower storey
--plumbing and fixture installation of kitchenette
--flooring throughout the new space
--cabinetry and fixtures in archive room, for Purdy materials gifted by Eurithe Purdy
--replanting lawn throughout property
--shrubbery around new foundation
--new trees to replace the diseased elms that were removed
--accessibility

Work will begin in November, after the residency program for 2025 is finished and will be completed by March 2026 when the residency program will resume.

Please help us get that basement finished.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/al-purdy-a-frame-association/