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Mobility challenged could see addition at Delta facility

It could be easier for those with mobility issues to get around at the arena in the Ladner Leisure Centre.
ladner leisure centre
Those in wheelchairs don't have a good view of the arena floor at the Ladner Leisure Centre.

It could be easier for those with mobility issues to get around at the arena in the Ladner Leisure Centre.

The parks, recreation and culture commission is recommending city council make provisions in the current five-year financial plan to install an open air lift at the arena.

A staff report notes the leisure centre was constructed in three phases with the arena built in 1976.

In 1997, the aquatic facility was added and in 2006 the fitness facility was constructed.

The arena mezzanine level is accessible by stairs only on the east and west sides.

Building codes and accessibility standards have changed over the years but when the arena was built there were no requirements to accommodate people with mobility limitations or consideration for those who are not able to climb stairs.

The aquatics facility is a single-level addition with a ramp for those with mobility limitations.

 

When the fitness facility was constructed, an elevator was part of that addition.

“Currently those with mobility limitations have limited options to view an event in the arena. Two areas can accommodate wheelchair access: they are in the south-east and south-west corners of the arena. These two locations have limited sightlines for events on the arena floor. Staff regularly receive requests for better access to the mezzanine level for all patrons,” the report notes.

The report, noting the existing site conditions pose some challenges, recommends that the location for a vertical transition be an open air lift located in the main lobby area.

The landing would be located where the existing trophy case is located but the trophies would be relocated.

The report adds there is an opportunity with the project to revitalize the main lobby as well.

Preliminary estimates have the cost of the lift and improvements at approximately $250,000.

Last year, council gave early capital funding approval for a project at the South Delta Recreation Centre that includes the construction of a new foyer to provide an interior connection between the arena and curling rink, installation of an elevator and a retrofit of the washrooms on the upper and lower floors.