Transportation and Works
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
June 23, 2015

Promoting Inclusion through Infrastructure Improvements

Provincial Government Releases Tender for Accessibility Upgrades at Stephenville Arts and Culture Centre

The Provincial Government has called a tender for accessibility improvements to the Arts and Culture Centre in Stephenville.

“The tender to provide stage access at the Arts and Culture Centre in Stephenville will enhance accessibility for events. This work is part of the Provincial Government’s broader commitment to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities at public buildings in Newfoundland and Labrador. This tender follows on the heels of a recent contract award for accessibility upgrades at the Arts and Culture Centre in Gander and the recent unveiling of accessibility upgrades at the centre in St. John’s.”
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works

The tender calls for accessibility upgrades to the Arts and Culture Centre in Stephenville, including a new ramp to enhance access from the seating area to the stage. The following work has already been completed at the centre:

• Redevelopment of the box office;
• A new accessible washroom;
• Renovations to the bar area;
• New handrails in the main theatre;
• Stair modifications at the backstage;
• A new ramp at Stage II; and
• An exterior concrete ramp and walkway.

“Improving accessibility in the built environment is one of the strategic directions identified in Access. Inclusion. Equality – A Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and, as a government, we want to lead by example. Just last week, we released a three-year action plan to further guide implementation of the strategy, and moving forward with accessibility upgrades to our Arts and Culture Centres certainly aligns with the objectives of that plan.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

Improvements to accessibility at the Stephenville Arts and Culture Centre reflect the Provincial Government’s commitments in the Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. Approximately $4.5 million has been invested in making accessibility improvements at Arts and Culture Centres across the province.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has called a tender for accessibility improvements to the Arts and Culture Centre in Stephenville.
• The tender calls for construction of a new ramp to enhance access from the seating area to the stage.
• The following work has already been completed at the centre: box office redevelopment; new accessible washroom; renovations to bar area; new handrails in main theatre; stair modifications at backstage, new handrails and rubber treads; new ramp at Stage II; and an exterior concrete ramp and walkway.
• The Provincial Government has invested $4.5 million toward making accessibility improvements at Arts and Culture Centres across the province.

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Media contacts:

Jacquelyn Howard Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 689-2624 jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2015 06 23                            11:25 a.m.