Accessibility Project Update - September 2024

A decision was made to go with the South Side Entrance. At the Quarterly Business Meeting on Wednesday, September 25th, the members in attendance voted to move forward with the accessibility project with a budget of $600,000.

The project plans include the creation of a new entrance in the parking lot side of the building; the installation of an elevator; renovation of office spaces; renovation of the washrooms in the basement; and the installation of a washer and dryer. If all goes well we hope the construction will begin in November.

There are still decisions and details to be made, before and during construction. If you have any questions or concerns please contact a member of the board of management, Gisèle or Rosanne or the curator, Don Beaton.

Click on links below to see primary revised drawing. Other drawings can be accessed upon request:

South Side Entrance - Basement Plan South Side Entrance - Second Floor Plan

South Side Entrance - Main Floor Plan South Side Entrance - Partial West & South Elevation

Accessibility Project

The 2 main criteria required of the proposed elevator are:

Anyone with mobility issues would be able to comfortably enter the church without having to rely on assistance. This would enhance a feeling of independence and dignity as well as a positive message in all outreach programs.
The key personnel – Pastoral Staff and Administrative Assistant would continue to be adjacent and function as a unit in dealing with people and issues.

There are two possible locations for an elevator. Below is a description and architectual drawings for each location. In all the above options, an accessible washroom would be included where the existing washrooms are located near the entry to the hall in the basement.Click on drawing titles to see the draft layouts.

South Side (Parking Lot) Elevator: This elevator would be located in the present office of the Second Pastor. Adjustments of the sizes of the remaining two offices (main office, pastor’s office) would allow for the creation of three smaller offices while keeping them in their present arrangement. Entry would be from the parking lot on the south side of the building. The elevator would deliver people to the basement level, the main floor vestry level and possibly the second floor.

Accounting for construction price index, the estimated cost of this construction would be $800,000. This includes two wheelchair accessible washrooms, one which will also contain a shower, elevator mechanical room, storage room, a stack washer and dryer and access to all three floors.

Supporting documents (click on title to see architect drawing):

South Side Elevator - Basement South Side Elevator - Basement Detail

South Side Elevator - Main Floor South Side Elevator - Main Floor Detail

South Side Elevator - Second Floor South Side Elevator - Second Floor Detail

South Side Elevator - Dimensions South Side Elevator - South Wall Exterior

East Side (Vestry) Elevator: The elevator would be located in the north east corner of the vestry. At the basement level, the elevator would take up a portion of the nursery (approximately 40% of front nursery room - see basement drawing for visual support). The present existing ramp would be upgraded to meet current access building code. Access to the second floor would be possible. A portion of the library would have to be relocated to facilitate the installment of the elevator.

The estimated construction cost would be between $400.000 to $520,000. This includes two wheelchair accessible washrooms, one which will also contain a shower, elevator mechanical room, storage room, a stack washer and dryer and access to all three floors.

Supporting documents (click on title to see architect drawing):

East Side (Vestry) Elevator - Basement East Side (Vestry) Elevator - Basement Detail

East Side (Vestry) Elevator - Main Floor East Side (Vestry) Elevator - Main Floor Detail

East Side (Vestry) Elevator - Second Floor East Side (Vestry) Elevator - Second Floor Detail

East Side (Vestry) Elevator - Dimensions

Questions and Responses

Below are questions that have been asked and their responses:

Question: Has the proposed elevator been installed in other churches?

Response: The proposed elevator has been recently installed in New Horizons Baptist Church (Cornwallis Street, Halifax) and New Apostolic Church (Joffre St, Dartmouth). Both churches are very happy with their elevator And have indicated an openness to visits and demonstrations.

Question: What is the cost of operation per year?

Response: There is a one-time license fee of $500 and a standard service contract of $2000/year.

Question: Who is the company that makes and installs the proposed elevator. What is is the brand name of the elevator?

Response: Harding Medical, Moncton NB. The brand name of the elevator is Savaria. To see a brochure on this elevator, click here

Question: Is the elevator available on demand or does it require a key?

Response: It does not require a key and is available on demand.

Question: How many people can the elevator accommodate?

Response: It can accommodate 8 people.

Question: Can a wheelchair turn inside the elevator?

Response: A wheelchair would not be able to turn 360o, however there is enough room to angle a wheelchair so as to access the control panel.

Question: What would the cost difference be if we didn't go to the second floor?

Answer: Approximately $50,000 less

Question: What would be cost difference if we didn't do the necessary renovation construction to create three offices on the main floor?

Answer: Approximately $150,000 less

Question: Will the present electrical source accommodate an elevator?

Response: Upgrades to the electrical system to accommodate the heat pump system will also accommodate the electrical demands of an elevator as well as the possibility of an emergency generator in the future.

Question: Can the elevator be used to move furniture (ie chairs) between floors?

Response: Yes

Question: Is there any time restriction for the completion of this project?

Response: We have received a $50 000.00 government grant with the stipulation that the project be completed by March 2025. If we do not meet that deadline, we will need to repay the $50 000.00.