Accessibility improvements worth $46,000 were officially unveiled at the Rockwood Centre in Sechelt during a ceremony June 28.
"All community infrastructure requires investments to be made to maintain and improve them, and that's what this investment was all about, some improvement to bring much needed accessibility to the site," said Sechelt Mayor Darren Inkster.
The accessibility improvements include new permeable concrete pathways, solid cedar railings throughout the grounds and lighting in the garden. The project funds came from the government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund.
The historic site, which is owned by the District of Sechelt, sits at the end of Cowrie Street on Shorncliffe Avenue. It was first built in 1935, and over the years, the building and grounds have been used as a private residence, a lodge, a spa and a retreat. Most recently it has been the home of the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts, bringing hundreds of people to the venue each year.
While the site is well used by this organization and others, it has been challenging for people with mobility issues to navigate. The grounds were not well lit at night, the pathways were made of loose gravel, and there were no railings for support.
The issues were addressed in the accessibility upgrade to what Inkster called "one of our best loved community assets, Rockwood Lodge."
West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country member of Parliament John Weston was on hand for the event, and he congratulated the District on their wise use of the accessibility funds.
"What a great investment, and what a great pleasure it is for me to join with you to celebrate," he said.
The improvements were done by District staff, co-op students and local contractors with wood for the railings supplied by the Sunshine Coast Community Forest.
