The Barrhead Regional Administration building has been approved for barrier-free access grant funding.
County of Barrhead CAO Debbie Oyarzun made her comments to council during its regular meeting Feb. 6 and noted the $21,695 awarded through the Enabling Accessibility Fund Grant will be used to reduce the amount both the county and school board must pay.
The grant itself is offered by Employment and Social Development Canada.
“The money we were granted means that now each party will spend $5,800 versus the $17,000 that was previously cited,” Oyarzun said, adding it was a challenge to get the paperwork filed.
Because the municipality and Pembina Hills partnered on the project, Oyarzun said there were two different issues that endangered grant approval.
“One problem was in recognizing the municipality as an eligible entity for the federal grant, despite it clearly saying so in the supporting documentation, because, I think, the school board was attached to the project and it created some confusion as to who was applying,” she said, adding the other issue was with respect to who would do the work.
Pembina Hills facility crew expected to carry out renovations.
“That’s what I have been told. Because of this, the province tasked us with collecting quotes from private companies to back up the actual cost of the project,” Oyarzun said, noting that the work must be completed within one year of receiving the funds and construction is not expected to begin until after Feb. 12.
When asked what specifically would be done to the building, Oyarzun explained there are four doors and a set of bathrooms that will be upgraded.
“The front entrance and the inside door there, as well as the doors to each of the respective offices — both the county and the school board, require automation and a push-button for ease of access,” she said, adding the public washrooms require similar work.
On a question from Coun. Walter Preugschas regarding whether this type of grant was available to privately owned facilities, Oyarzun said she did not think so.
“They are more for non-profits and social agencies,” Oyarzun added.
