The Marchand Community Hall is in the process of becoming universally accessible.  

Dave Little, Community Services Coordinator for the RM of La Broquerie, says they want to make sure everybody can access the building.  

“So the first thing we're going to do is install an automatic door opener on the main door, so everybody can access that.”  

Little says that is their immediate plan, but they have more plans for the future of the building’s accessibility. 

“We'd really like to add another automated door opener for an emergency exit, and then we'll work on a ramp that comes out of that emergency exit.”  

He says since the washrooms are already accessible, their focus is getting people in and out of the building.  

The municipality is not sure when the new front door will be installed as they are still receiving quotes for it, but it is budgeted for this year.  

“We did have the resolution from council to access our maintenance funds for it, and so we hope it will get in ASAP.”  

He expects the cost will likely be between $5,000 and $8,000. 

The Marchand Hall has $10,000 budgeted for major maintenance, which this upgrade falls under.  

However, they are hoping they can receive funding from the provincial government, as they have applied for the new From the Ground Up program, which focuses on supporting community renewal initiatives and improving neighbourhoods and community spaces.  

The new program is repurposing the former Building Sustainable Communities program.    

Little is hoping they will be able to get this additional funding and leverage it with their maintenance funds to be able to do both doors and the ramp.  

He is looking forward to seeing the building become accessible to everyone.  

“We're just excited that we're able to continue to improve our buildings to make sure they're accessible for all.”