SHAUNAVON - The Grand Coteau Heritage and Cultural Centre is currently undergoing an upgrade to allow for more accessibility to the centre thanks to a new vertical platform lift being installed inside the front entrance of the facility.
“The new lift will make it much easier for people to come and enjoy our art gallery, museum and library,” said Director of Culture Joanne Gregoire.
Installation work on the new lift is expected to last until the end of February. Museum staff have not booked any regular exhibits in the gallery during this period, although some events will continue.
During construction visitors will be asked to use the door on the North side of the building to access the library and the door on the South side to access the gallery. Signs will be put up for visitors to follow once the installation work begins.
The basement museum will not be accessible during the installation period.
The new lift had been on the Centre's "wish list" for a couple of years. The new equipment will replace the old unit, which had become cumbersome to use and has endured some mechanical problems in recent years. The old lift had also become obsolete, making it difficult to find replacement parts.
The lift is described as a vertical platform lift that will help people with mobility issues move conveniently from the front entrance to the main floor and basement at the museum.
Funding for the project came from several sources, including fundraising efforts by the Grand Coteau Centre. The first fundraising activities took place in the summer of 2020 during Boomtown Days with the car bingo and garden tour. The project also received several private donations.
The project also benefitted from $45,000 in funding through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) 2020.
Organizers are looking to raise about another $25,000 to complete the project.
The GCHCC will be hosting two "Singalong" with Ann sessions this month, January 21st and 28th, at the Seniors Centre due to the renovations.
Archives week is also coming up taking place on Feb. 6 to 12. The GCHCC will be organizing events for the celebration so residents can keep a look out for more details in the near future.
“The new lift will make it much easier for people to come and enjoy our art gallery, museum and library,” said Director of Culture Joanne Gregoire.
Installation work on the new lift is expected to last until the end of February. Museum staff have not booked any regular exhibits in the gallery during this period, although some events will continue.
During construction visitors will be asked to use the door on the North side of the building to access the library and the door on the South side to access the gallery. Signs will be put up for visitors to follow once the installation work begins.
The basement museum will not be accessible during the installation period.
The new lift had been on the Centre's "wish list" for a couple of years. The new equipment will replace the old unit, which had become cumbersome to use and has endured some mechanical problems in recent years. The old lift had also become obsolete, making it difficult to find replacement parts.
The lift is described as a vertical platform lift that will help people with mobility issues move conveniently from the front entrance to the main floor and basement at the museum.
Funding for the project came from several sources, including fundraising efforts by the Grand Coteau Centre. The first fundraising activities took place in the summer of 2020 during Boomtown Days with the car bingo and garden tour. The project also received several private donations.
The project also benefitted from $45,000 in funding through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) 2020.
Organizers are looking to raise about another $25,000 to complete the project.
The GCHCC will be hosting two "Singalong" with Ann sessions this month, January 21st and 28th, at the Seniors Centre due to the renovations.
Archives week is also coming up taking place on Feb. 6 to 12. The GCHCC will be organizing events for the celebration so residents can keep a look out for more details in the near future.
