City to install automatic openers on cemetery doors

The City of Sault Ste. Marie is installing automatic door openers to correct accessibility barriers at three of its buildings.

Known as actuators, the devices will be installed at the Essar Centre, Northern Community Centre and at Greenwood Cemetery.

The locations were selected based on reports received through the Report a Barrier page on the city's website, as well at a public input session and direct complaints to facility staff.

At the Essar Centre, $4,500 will be spent to put door actuators on male and female accessible restrooms on the suites/administration level.

At Northern Community Centre, a foot-contact actuator will be installed, allowing wheelchair users to directly open the entrance door. An actuator will also be put on the exterior door entering the library closest to the parking lot, and stainless steel handrails will be placed on the north and south sides of the building walls. Total cost of the work at Northern Community Centre will be $14,200. 

$9,300 will be spent to replace existing exterior doors on the chapel at Greenwood Cemetery with actuator-equipped doors.

"These projects will enable some community members to access these facilities where they currently cannot," says Nancie Scott, the city's accessibility coordinator.

"Quality of life is known to improve when persons with disabilities can participate in their community."

The projects were approved by City Council last week.