Elevator-Accessibility Funding Announced

By the spring of 2020, the Atwater Library’s 100-year old heritage building will have an elevator and be accessible to people with physical disabilities.

On May 30, 2019, Public Services and Accessibility Minister Carla Qualtrough visited and announced that the Government of Canada has awarded $608,000 for our accessibility project, which is two-thirds of the estimated total cost. For the Government news release, go here.

The Eric T. Webster Foundation is providing the other one-third of the estimated cost and Foundation director Derek Webster spoke at the ceremony for the Minister’s announcement.

Executive Director Lynn Verge said, “This is a dream come true! … We are thrilled at the prospect of being able to serve comfortably the many people who now struggle with our long steep stairs, and relieved that we will finally be able to offer access to those with more serious physical disabilities.”

With funds raised through our Building Communities Capital Campaign since 2010, many necessary renovations have been completed, including all code-compliance work, new and expanded washrooms, and entrance doors.

Capital Campaign Co-Chairs Richard W. Pound and David W. Angus are continuing to raise funds for urgently needed masonry repairs, bricks repointing, skylight replacement, and interior upgrades.