Capitol Centre's elevator now in operation

Capitol Centre
News Release

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The Capitol Centre is going up today with the successful installation of an elevator in 2012 thanks to a $275,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, a $275,000 financial assistance from the City of North Bay and a $200,000 grant from the Canadian Heritage Foundation – Cultural Spaces. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held in front of the main floor elevator today to celebrate this accessibility acheivement by all involved.

On hand to congraluate the group was Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nippising, Carol Ann DiBartolomeo (pictured) from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Jay Aspin, MP for Nipissing, Mayor Al McDonald, City of North Bay, Blake Beam, President of the Board of Capitol Centre, Nora Long, Chair for Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee and Dee Adrian, General Manager of the Capitol Centre.

QUOTES

"The changes made here will allow all residents of Nipissing and area to enjoy all the features of this great facility, and is a step forward that we as a community can all be proud of."
Mr. Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing

“To move towards the completion of a major project is so very exciting. The idea has been developed, massaged and then blossomed over the past decade and now this facility is truly barrier free giving everyone an opportunity to utilize the activities that operate out of each floor.”
Ms. Dee Adrian, General Manager, Capitol Centre

ABOUT

The Capitol Centre was built in 1929 and originally had a dumb waiter installed where the elevator now travels. Through a series of renovations over the years the shaft had been covered up and the space used for offices. In 2001the Capitol Centre tried unsuccesfully to raise funds for an elevator with their “Going up Campaign” and efforts were put to a halt until now.

As part of the OTF grant the Capitol Centre is hosting the first ever “Asian North Film Festival” which starts tonight with the Feature Film “Legend of a Warrior”. The Festival also hosts events throughout the building on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 ranging from a yoga session, food tasting, children’s shorts, experimental shorts, and a video origami workshop at the Whitewater Gallery.

A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.

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