The Innisfail Seniors Drop-In Centre will soon be sporting new $50,000 washrooms.
“Construction started in mid-July on the new washrooms for the Innisfail Senior Drop-In Centre,” said Tammy-Oliver McCurdie, manager of Innisfail's Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). “If all goes well, they should be complete by the first week in September.”
She pointed out that the new washrooms, which will be located in the drop-in storage area, will be barrier-free to allow access for wheelchair and walker users, which was not possible in the old bathrooms.
“Our members are looking forward to them (the new washrooms),” said Jeanne Anderson, drop-in centre treasurer and one of six members of the washroom committee. “We went shopping last week and picked out tile, fixtures, soap dispensers and colours to make the washroom really our own.”
Anderson noted that with the completed facility, there would be “long-term benefits” to drop-in centre users.
“Our old bathrooms were difficult to use, and the barrier-free design will allow users greater access,” said Anderson. “Along with that, when we host our more popular events like the Jam on Saturdays, the larger washrooms will be appreciated.”
The $50,000 project included a $25,000 grant from the federal New Horizons for Seniors Program and funds from the seniors, along with in-kind donations from the Town of Innisfail, which included facilitation of contractors.
“The seniors kept business local,” said Oliver-McCurdie. “Ninety-five per cent of the budget went to local contractors who have been doing a bang- up job on the renovations.”
She noted that the washroom project started in July of 2013 with the FCSS assisting on the grant process, which was awarded in the first quarter of 2014. Discussions were held between the town and the drop-in centre board of directors last spring, and work began in mid-July.
Construction will continue until the first week of September at least, and the rear entrance to the drop-in centre will be blocked off to nullify excess noise and dust. The FCSS offices will be moved to available space in the town office until further notice. Notifications will be posted at the drop-in centre to inform seniors of changes to schedules.
