New Change Rooms

Physically disabled people will have an easier time getting around the
Penticton Community Centre next month.

On August 8, City Council approved the budget to pay for renovations to the
change rooms which will now include changing areas for people with
disabilities. It will also pay to construct a family change room.

Facility Supervisor Bob Chavarie says they have been wanting to address the
accessibilty issues for several years.

"It has been in the works for awhile, but finally made it through budget
requests this year. We are chipping away all the issues around the centre.
It just doesn't meet the accessibility needs of the public in a lot of areas," says Chavarie.

He says the difference between the disabled change room and others is that
doorways will be wider to allow people in wheelchairs and motorized scooters
easier access.

"It is hard for those in chairs to make the turns around a lot of the
corners as they are very narrow. There has also been great demand for a
family change room," says Chavarie.

There was just one bidder for the $49,000 project. Wildstone Engineering
will start the renovation between August 29 and September 23 when the pool
closes for its annual maintenance.

Another $20,000 has been budgeted to improve accessibility by building a
wheelchair access ramp at the front door and ramps on the sidewalks as well
as renovations to the parking islands.