COBDEN — The application for accessibility grant funding for the Astrolabe Arena in Cobden will be used to bring the bathrooms, front entrance, counter area and sitting area into accessibility as well as a request for $100,000 to install an elevator.
This was agreed to by Whitewater Region council at it’s Oct. 21 council meeting.
The discussion centred around whether to apply for grant funding for an elevator.
“Do we include an elevator in the grant application, because if don’t, we can’t use the upper area because it’s not accessible,” explained Chief Administrative Officer Christine FitzSimons.
Councillor Charlene Jackson said the upstairs hall does not have to be accessible, but there has to be plans to make it accessible in the future.
Chief Building Official Doug Schultz said the hall can be used if it’s not accessible, however, if there is one complaint that it is not accessible, the issue has to be addressed right away or the hall cannot be used.
The issue of the elevator is being discussed now, because of the renovations that are taking place to make the arena more accessible, he said.
Arena manager Jerry McIntyre advised that when an elevator was being looked at for the arena, it was noted by an engineer the best place for it would be where his office is currently located, which is just inside the front entrance, which will be part of the renovations, Mr. Schultz explained.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin questioned just how much the hall is used. It’s not only the installation cost that has to be discussed, but the maintenance of the elevator in years to come.
“Whose burden is that going to be,” he questioned, adding, “It’s not only to put the elevator in, but cost of maintaining it. That’s the scary part.”
Mr. Schultz said while the hall isn’t used as much as it once was, there are various groups who do use it.
Councillor Chris Olmstead agreed, saying, “The hall is used quite extensively, just maybe not as much as in previous years.”
He believes it isn’t used as much because there are some people who believe since it’s not accessible it can’t be used.
When there are tournaments at the Astrolabe Arena, the hall is filled and throughout the week, fit classes are held, Coun. Olmstead said.
“To let a jewel of a hall like that sit vacant and not be used is a real shame,” he said.
Councillor Cathy Regier questioned if a ramp could be installed, similar to what is at the Westmeath Arena, instead of an elevator.
Mr. Schultz believes there is some concern about where the property line is and if there is enough space for a ramp.
He further noted the Westmeath ramp is only about eight to 10 feet high while the Cobden ramp would be between 15 and 20 feet high, which means it would have to be longer.
Coun. Jackson noted the Arnprior town hall is not accessible and neither are council chambers.
“There’s a huge flight of stairs,” she said. “No one can access (the chambers), unless they’ve made drastic changes since I was there.”
She asked Mr. Schultz to do more research before the ramp or elevator is installed.
“There are a number of municipalities that are not in compliance,” she said.
Mr. Schultz agreed with Coun. Jackson, but noted that since the arena is going to be more accessible, and if council wants the hall to be used, now is the right time to investigate making it accessible.
Mayor Hal Johnson suggested the cost of the elevator be included in the grant application and Mr. Schultz could continue with research, including finding out if the funding is approved and another alternative is decided upon besides an elevator, can that funding be used for that alternative.
The key is to get the application in with the funding request, because if no application is made, the township will get nothing, he explained.
Mr. Schultz said he was advised if an elevator is going to be installed, the Cobden Recreation Association would do some fundraising to offset the cost.
As for the property line, Mayor Johnson noted the new neighbours “don’t want to seem to kick us off or anything. I’m sure they’ll work with us. If we need a little ground, they’ll allow us to have it.”
Coun. Olmstead also suggested instead of just looking at making the arena accessible, that there be an overview of the whole facility, including dressing room areas and the stair case in the back that never gets used. The application could be for $150,000 and the cost to do an overall might be $250,000, he said.
Mayor Johnson agreed, saying, “If we’re doing upgrades to the facility, let’s make sure it walks into the future.”
