Clarington’s Orono Town Hall is open again following some key accessibility improvements, including a new elevator and a barrier-free washroom.
The total cost for the accessibility improvements was just over $414,000, with $88,007 of the cost funded through the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF). The municipality obtained funding through the community accessibility stream of the program. As outlined on the government’s website, “the EAF aims to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs and services, or to access employment.”
“We are thrilled to reopen this building to our community, knowing that we’ve created a space that removes barriers and allows people of all abilities to enjoy all of the community activities held here,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.
Before the renovations, Orono Town Hall could only be accessed by climbing 16 stairs, while the washroom located on the lower level required people to climb down another staircase. These improvements ensure that this historic building at the heart of the community, widely used for community events and programs, is accessible to everyone.
“Clarington has made a commitment towards creating a barrier-free community. By making these improvements, we are fulfilling that commitment and are one step closer to that goal. We continue to review all of our spaces with an accessibility lens working toward other future improvements,” added Mayor Foster
Built in 1898, Orono Town Hall was originally the seat of local government for Clarke Township. After the Municipality of Clarington was formed in 1972, the Municipal Administrative Centre (Town Hall) moved to its current location in Bowmanville. Orono Town Hall is now used as a community hall and is the focal point for several festivals and parades each year.
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