Accessibility improvements to Meridian Arts Centre, North York

completed

The project involves the creation and improvement of accessible seating and workspace to the Meridian Arts Centre to better meet community needs. Project scope includes: •Construction of accessible seating locations in the Lyric theatre. A lift will be added to access this new accessible seating. The control room will be converted into a barrier-free workplace. A lift will be added to allow access to the stage from the orchestra level. •Extension of the accessible seating area in the George Weston Recital Hall, which will require a reconfiguration of the vestibules from the main lobby to access these areas. • Companion seating will be added to the existing accessible seats of the Greenwin theatre. As this will reduce the number of accessible seats, the balance will be relocated to the top of the raked seating. An elevator will be built to provide additional barrier-free seating locations and a barrier-free access to the control room. • Companion seating will be added to the Studio theatre. •A barrier-free entry at “stage door,” where community members, artists, and staff enter the backstage area. •A barrier-free reception desk inside the stage door area, allowing staff members to work in a barrier-free environment. •Two barrier-free work areas for production staff and crew. The project will improve access to services and achieve great accessibility at the Meridian Arts Centre. It will remove barriers to participation in cultural experiences for a wide range of Ontarians, including those living with disabilities.