Ground-Breaking For Accessibility Project

NKUC CONTINUES TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS

Ground-breaking ceremony set for 11:15 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 5

Installation of automatic lift, renovation of lobby and bathrooms will increase accessibility

After years of dealing with a set of awkward stairs leading into both its sanctuary and public space, a long awaited Accessibility Project is getting underway at North Kildonan United Church (NKUC), thanks to generous contributions from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as the United Church of Winnipeg, the Cropo Foundation, and the Winnipeg Foundation.

An automatic lift is being installed to transport people to the upstairs and downstairs spaces, providing better access for people of all ages with mobility issues. In addition, the main lobby of the church will be renovated as will the bathrooms in the lower hall, again with the aim of making facilities more accessible to the congregation and public at large.

“We are so grateful for the tremendous support we have received from every area of the community for this project,” said NKUC Board Chair Gay Todd. “We would especially like to acknowledge MP MaryAnn Mihychuk, MLA Cathy Cox and Councillor Jeff Browaty for their important roles in helping to secure this support.”

In addition to worship and other events of the congregation, NKUC plays host to community groups involved with self-help and addiction recovery as well as a fitness program.

“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring greater accessibility and opportunity for Canadians with disabilities in their communities,” said MaryAnn Mihychuk, MP Kildonan-St.Paul. “We believe that all people deserve the same access and opportunities. I’m very proud of the work of the North Kildonan United Church, and all that they do in the riding of Kildonan—St. Paul. I am happy that we were able to help.”

The project represents the work of architect Ralph Caldwell and Yaron Walter who needed to find a way to retrofit a building constructed in 1975. Concord Projects Ltd. will oversee the construction, estimated to cost $450,000.

The project is expected to be completed by June, 2017.

“North Kildonan United Church plays an important role in our community” said Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan). “On behalf of the City of Winnipeg, it my pleasure to assist in your capital project to ensure greater accessibility for the community to your facility. Your organization should be very proud for reaching this goal.”

“Our Government is committed to meaningful support for Manitobans with disabilities,” said Hon. Andrew Micklefield, MLA for Rossmere. “We are pleased to work with the North Kildonan United Church to identify, prevent and remove barriers to accessibility.”

A complete list of funders is included below.

For more information, please contact:

Clayton Gording, 204-663-4552 or Rev. Marc Whitehead, 204-667-7408

claytongording@gmail.com

marcnkuc@mymts.net

FUNDERS FOR THE NKUC ACCESSIBILITY PROJECT

Government of Canada/ $50,000
Community Places, Province of Manitoba/ $30,000
Community Incentives Grant Program, City of Winnipeg/ $37,500
United Church, Winnipeg Presbytery/$25,000
The Cropo Foundation/ $20,000
The Winnipeg Foundation/ $15,000

Balance of funding provided through congregational support and private donations from various individuals and foundations, including the following:

• Armin & Denise Martens Foundation

• David Johnston. Johnston Group

• Tom Bryk, Cambrian Credit Union

• Larry Vickar, Vickar Chevrolet

• Geoff & Regan Archambault

• The Janzen Family, Homestead Manitoba Inc.

• Buller Foundation

• Douglas Pollard, Pollard Foundation

• EH Price Limited

• Steve Chipman, Birchwood Automotive Group

• Dr. Don Reimer, Reimer Foundation