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Access for people with disabilities to Manitoba’s Legislative Building will be improved with the construction of a wheelchair ramp at the building’s front entrance, Premier Gary Doer announced today.

 

“Universal access to public buildings is an important part of ensuring that people with disabilities have full opportunity for participation in the life and development of our community,” said Doer.  “I can think of no more appropriate time to reaffirm Manitoba’s commitment to this ideal than today as we mark the United Nations’ International Day of Disabled Persons.”

 

Preliminary plans call for the ramp to be built on the east side of the stairs leading to the building’s main entrance on Broadway and to reflect the 86-year-old building’s classic architectural style.  

 

At six feet in width, the ramp will permit two wheelchairs to pass each other safely and will include a landing.  The design permits the ramp to be installed without altering the heritage building’s original materials.

 

The project includes designating several handicap parking stalls near the ramp, installation of railings and modern lighting to exceed code requirements, a garden between the ramp stages with tall grass prairie flowers and Manitoba wheat and modification of existing handrails on the front entrance steps to accommodate people with disabilities. 

 

The Manitoba Legislative Building access project will also involve consultations with the visually-impaired community to create better interior signs and develop markings to make the exterior stairs easier to see.  The building has four entrances.  The east and west entrances each provide ramp access to the basement level.                                                                               

 

The Manitoba Legislative Building was built of Tyndall limestone in a neoclassical style using symbolism from ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian architecture.  It opened in 1920.