ACL-BB East Side Renovation Project
This dream started back in 2010 and today it is a reality with the financial help of the Federal and Provincial Governments. ACL-BB was struggling with overcrowding as the East Side wasn't usable space as it previously housed a recycling facility for many years. With the closure of the recycling facility this was the ending of one chapter and the beginning of a new chapter.
After numerous grant applications and having a few proposal accepted the project began. Many thanks from the support of Manitoba Community Places Grant, the Thomas Sill Foundation, Manitoba Family Services and Labor, and the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
This project was divided into three phases. Each phase was given to contractors from Beausejour. The First phase being the front of the building which began in the spring of 2012 by Bullman Construction.
The second phase being the building envelope which began in the fall of 2012 by Kaatz Construction.
ACL-BB had the third phase left and with this phase more grants were needed as this was the most expensive phase.
On April 19, 2013 James Bezan announced that ACL-BB will receive $247,084.00 towards the East Side Project through the CIIF Grant so the third phase began. "ACL-BB is extremely grateful to the Government of Canada for their investment towards the retrofitting of our building. This funding will not only add to the health and well-being of our participants, but it will also provide additional space for growth in the future" said Linda Gmiterek.
The deadline to have this third phase completed to access the CIIF grant was March 31, 2014. So it started with the Boge-Boge Engineering Firm to finalize the blueprints, to the tender process, to hiring a contractor. The contract was awarded to Eric Scholz of SCR Ltd. from Beausejour.
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Association for Community Living Beausejour Branch Inc. |
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East Side Entrance Before |
East Side Entrance After |
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Board Room |
Classroom with Smart Board |
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Healthy Living Room |
Construction on the east side started in Mid December of 2013 and finished 3 1/2 months later at the end of March 2014. I don't think there were many people who thought that this last phase would be possible in the time frame that was given. The third phase being this beautiful space that is being used for a retirement area, sensory room, hygiene room, classroom, storage, a second multi-purpose room, a healthy living room and offices. Because of this project, ACL-BB can now fulfill the need and the demand of people with disabilities who require services and improved on t he existing services.
A smart board was installed in the classroom to enhance learning. Programs that will be offered is money management, anger management, hygiene, street safety, home safety, relationships and self esteem. The healthy living room will be used for exercise programing and leisure activities. The sensory room is specifically designed to have a calming effect and sensory products to help people when they are feeling overwhelmed. The foundations room provides extra space needed for people to develop life skills, as well as provide a quieter work area for those who prefer a less crowded space. The retirement room was developed with larger doorways and a larger gathering area giving retirees a warm relaxing space where they can enjoy each others company. The Board room is to house all meetings. It is a multi function room with a kitchenette. The hygiene room is used for the hygiene program. It is wheelchair accessible.
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