VE7GOG Wash Party - August 2026

RARC members took advantage of the mid-summer weather on Aug. 15 to give VE7GOG and neighbouring structures a washing to remove the dirt and mossy stuff that's accumulated over the past two years (since we last washed the area in June 2024). Weather on the Saturday morning was appropriate with a bit of clouds (and haze) to filter out the sunlight, and a gentle sea breeze to cool off the scrubbing work on the building shutters. The walls of GOG Cannery admin building, Parks Canada billboard and exterior of VE7GOG station all received a good hoes-down with the pressure washer. We started washing at 10:00 and completed the cleaniing by 12:30 followed by a hearty lunch.

The north face of the station wall (side facing the billboard) needed most of the attention to remove all the moss buildup that's accumulated over the years. About a one square foot section of the station pod exterior came off, exposing the inner materials and should be repaired or resealed before the wet weather arrives. The entire exterior of the station, as well as the antenna masts, are also due for a repaint, perhaps for nextt summer.

Thanks to the club members for taking a part of Saturday off the help clean the RARC station and the building that manages one of Steveston's main attractions: Allan (VE7WXZ), Bruce (VE7KMG), Carole (VA7QCE), Evaristo (VA7BZE), Tony (VA7TYO) and Urey (VE7URE). Ans special thanks to Evaristo for bringing ou the pressure washer and Carole for looking after the food, beverages and safety..

	Billboard First First to receive treatment from the pressure washer is the Parks Canada sign pointing visitors to the entrance of the GOG Cannery museum. The dirt coated onto the surface of the billboard became more evident when it's removed by the sprayer..
	Dirt on Station Wall Accumulated buildup of dirt and moss was given full attention this year, where pressure from the washer removed a loose, rotted section of a previously patched up wall (dark spot in poto between ladder and billboard). Repair needs to be done before the rainy season.
	Initial Cleaning Didn't take long for dirt to accumulate on the admin building shutters (last washed by RARC member in June 2024), likely due to the passing traffic and winds from the waters. Much effort was taken to hand brush and wipe the dirt layer befor applying the spraying from the washer.
	More Hand Wiping Initial brushing with water and then hand wiping was necessary to remove the coating of dirt on the shutter befor the final spraying - much like the process at a car wash. Not sure if it's the paint coatiing or angle of the shutters that attracts so much dirt.
	North Side Moss What differentiated the north side of the building was the moss buildup, that required extra muscle power to scrub off. Perhap more regular cleaning (maybe twice a year) will help keep the wall moss free.
	Thorough Spraying Final step in the cleaning process to wash off last traces of dirt and remains of insect nests and web material. Note lower wood covering (skirting) of station in background that requires repainting.
	Good As New After steps of thorough brushing and wiping, the final spraying does not look necessary, but the pressure treatment forced out remnants of dirt that stubbornly clung to the nooks and crevaces around the shutters.