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 Articles > Barrier Free Community
The Canadian Paraplegic Association Nova Scotia is pleased to announce the 2009 winner of the Victor Thibault Award for Barrier Free Design is Government House.
Government House, a heritage building, is the oldest architect designed building in the Maritime Provinces. The project was initiated to rehabilitate the building and, from the outset, the intent was to render the building as universally accessible as possible. The challenge for the design architects was to integrate barrier-free design into this beautiful old heritage building while maintaining the character-defining features.
NEW ELEVATOR FROM BASEMENT TO THIRD FLOOR
All elevator controls are accessible. Flooring is slip-proof and level with adjacent floors. Directional signage is provided.
NEW PUBLIC WASHROOMS
Men and women’s barrier-free washrooms were built new. Both include an accessible stall with appropriate maneuvering space, grab bars, toilet heights, coat hook and lever door handles. Washroom access, vanities, mirrors, urinals, and accessories were designed to barrier-free standard. New slate flooring is level, slip proof, and not visually disturbing.
ACCESSIBLE PRIVATE WASHROOMS
Washrooms in the Lieutenant Governor’s private quarters, Lieutenant Governor’s office, and Royal Suite were designed for wheelchair access.
THESHOLDS
Many of the thresholds were lowered making it an easier and safer entry from room to room.
There may be further accessible renovation made in the future
Other nominees: Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax, Church Memorial Park Recreation Complex, Aspotogan Heritage Trust Society, Atlantic Division Canoe Kayak Canada (The Bell Aliant Training Centre) and The Birches Nursing Home.
The main purpose of this award is to recognize the contributions of businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies with regards to accessible renovations. They assist with making facilities more wheelchair accessible, so persons with disabilities can have the opportunity for full community participation. Their recognition encourages others to engage in similar contributions for the disability community.
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