Elevator 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 three 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 title to see the draft layouts.

South Side 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.

The estimated construction cost is between $450,000.00 and $550,000.00.

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

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 $250,000.00 and $360,000.00

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

West Side (Lobby) Elevator: The elevator would be located where the present welcome table is set up in the front entrance. Accommodation would have to be made for the sloping floor and ceiling pipes. In the basement, the elevator would be located in front of the door to the lower hall. Main entry to the lower hall would be the present double doors (facing the coat area). The present existing ramp would be upgraded to meet current access building code. There is no possibility of access to the second floor.

The estimated construction cost is between $200,000.00 and $300,000.00.

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

West Side (Lobby) Elevator - Basement West Side (Lobby) Elevator - Basement Detail

West Side (Lobby) Elevator - Main Floor West Side (Lobby) Elevator - Main Floor Detail

West Side (Lobby) 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: 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.