Chatham’s new community hub continues to cause discussion in council.
The CK Community Hub, a $53 million project to convert the old Sears building into a new library, civic center, and museum, has had many ups and downs during its numerous times in front of council.
Ward 6 councillor Alysson Storey’s motion to ensure accessibility standards exceed the 20-year-old standard was moved from the November 18 meeting due to that meeting going long.
Storey, who has been vocal in her opposition to the hub in past meetings, is on council’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) and is passionate that the one in four Chatham-Kent residents who identify as having a disability, have their needs met.
Architecttura’s Dan Amicone, who is leading the design team, made a presentation at Monday’s council meeting, going over all the aspects of accessibility that have been included in the new building’s design.
Council members were shown the completed two-dimensional renderings of the renovation. Amicone mentioned that more detailed design features would be completed by December 20.
Amicone presented the heights of fixtures like mirrors, grab bars, and toilets to ensure proper accessibility. The hub will have around 120 rooms, and some three-dimensional schematics were presented showcasing accessibility designs for cubicles, the reception desk, and universal washrooms.
Storey revealed these plans and schematics had not been shared with the AAC.
“That is the motivation underpinning this motion. I appreciate all the slides and all the information,” said Storey. “I am thrilled and relieved to be honest to see that information compiled in a detailed way for us to see. But we need the AAC to review that as well.”
Storey acknowledged this would take time, adding to the timeline of the build, but was clear in her motivation.
“Timelines are there for a reason, but I would never encourage or support personally putting a timeline ahead of the needs of our users,” said Storey. “If accessibility is that important we need to take the time to do it properly.”
Storey was disappointed that parking and traffic studies were not discussed in Architecttura’s presentation to council. Stressing the AAC could help with these elements, as it is more than just parking spaces.
“They are asking to be at the table for the next phase of this proposal as it moves forward and it ensures that the important voices are heard and the facility is open to everyone,” said Storey.
Under the motion, six points were voted on by council members.
The first two included Chatham-Kent staff being provided a summary of the accessibility standards and publishing them on the Let’s Talk CK website. While also allowing the AAC and the Age Friendly committee to review these standards. This passed in a 17-1 vote with Ward 1 councillor Lauren Anderson in opposition.
The third, a traffic and pedestrian study which would include traffic flow, was voted 5-13 against completing it. With only Storey, Ward 4 councillor Rhonda Jubenville, Ward 2 councillor Trevor Thompson, and Ward 3 councillors Morena McDonald and John Wright voting in favour.
Parking distance and accessibility being reviewed by the AAC and be presented to council, passed 11-7 in favour, with Anderson, Ward 4 Councillor Jamie McGrail, Ward 5 Councillor Aaron Hall, Ward 6 councillors Amy Finn, Conor Allin and Marjorie Crew, and Mayor Darrin Canniff in opposition.
Recommendations that the accessibility components that exceed standards are costed out and included in future proposals failed 9-9. Ward 2 councillors Anthony Ceccacci and Ryan Dolye, Ward Allin, Anderson, Crew, Finn, Hall, McGrail, and Mayor Canniff were in opposition.
Finally, an assessment of the expertise of the design team would be completed and reviewed with the AAC with additional expertise added if deemed necessary with the cost included in the next report to council. This failed 5-13 with councillors Storey, Thompson, Wright, McDonald and Jubenville in favour.