Donation to support accessible design of new Fredericton Performing Arts Centre
Global News
The donation will go towards universal design of the building, ensuring it goes above and beyond current accessibility standards .
A $200,000 donation from the Windsor Foundation will help the new Fredericton Performing Arts Centre implement universal design measures aimed at increasing accessibility.
“It’s a big deal because it really allows us to go a step further,” said Tim Yerxa, executive director of the Fredericton Playhouse.
Universal design is a building principle that aims to ensure a space is able to be accessed and understood by as many people as possible. Another handful of private citizens are also contributing to the accessibility design of the $81.7-million project, including Ed and Melissa Barrett, Margaret Norrie McCain, Bill and Joanne Reynolds, and John and Lois Cameron Thompson.
The building is expected to open in 2026.
In a statement a representative of the Windsor Foundation, which was started by New Brunswick-born entrepreneur Sidney Windsor, said they were happy to contribute to the project.
“The Windsor Foundation is thrilled to help make this amazing venue extremely accessible for those with hearing or physical challenges in our community,” said Nancy Roach, a director with the Windsor Foundation and Fredericton resident.
“Our mandate is to support programs, projects and initiatives that benefit the disadvantaged or vulnerable in the community, and the Performing Arts Centre certainly fits. It is clearly a visionary and exciting project with long-term impact for all New Brunswickers.”
Yerxa said that starting from scratch on a new space gave them the chance to go above and beyond accessibility standards, even ensuring places like the orchestra pit and technical booths are accessible.
