Federal fund helps make Garden of Eden hall more accessible
The Garden of Eden community centre will be getting some new life breathed into it, thanks to some dedicated volunteers.
The centre is currently undergoing a complete renovation that will make the building more accessible, including the addition of two accessible washrooms, making the parking lot accessible, and retrofitting the kitchen through $46,593 through the federal Enabling Accessibility Fund.
On Saturday, Central Nova MP Sean Fraser joined members of the community to see the progress that’s already started. Footings have been laid for the new bathrooms and work is expected to progress quickly. Andy Thompson, who is councillor for the area, is excited to see the upgrades which he said will set the centre up for the next 20 years.
“That is a huge deal for the community,” he said. “As far as community gathering spots, that’s the only game in town.”
He said the grant that the community received from the federal government, and are awaiting confirmation on from the municipal and provincial levels, wouldn’t have been possible if it hadn’t been for people from the community who put in long hours coming up with a plan and filling out applications.
“They deserve all the credit,” he said.
The accessibility element is key for the area because there are many seniors who live in the region and will enjoy being able to use the building, he said.
Thompson has found in the past that once renovations like this happen to a community centre, it can create a spark which results in more activities.
“This news of funding and revenue is creating more excitement and pride,” he said.