Bridgeville Community Club recognized for successfully completing ACCESS-ability project.

Bridgeville Community Club recognized for successfully completing ACCESS-ability project.

The accomplishments of the Bridgeville Community Club have been recognized by the Municipality of Pictou County. 

District 11 Coun. Andy Thompson and Warden Robert Parker presented Beulah Martell, chair of the Bridgeville Community Club and Joan Kennaley, the treasurer, with a plaque of recognition for the club’s achievements over the past two years to successfully complete the Bridgeville ACCESS-ability Project.

 “This project started with a phone call. I got a call from Beulah Martell, who is chair of the Community Club. Her call was on how to go about getting updated washrooms installed in the Community Hall. Beulah was a community champion who pushed for the improvements. It was agreed to start the planning process to identify the design, develop a cost estimate and seek funding from various levels of government,” said Coun. Thompson during the presentation.

The project consisted of the installation of a septic field, an extension housing two washrooms and a kitchen area. The community group selected Mike Gourd as the project manager. He dealt with the different trades and ensured the project came in on budget.

Coun. Thompson said the original design had one wheelchair accessible washroom and a standard washroom. After review with the building inspector, the plans changed to having two wheelchair-accessible washrooms of equal size.

“It is good to consult with our building inspectors on these projects,” he said.

The Bridgeville Community Club was successful in its application with the Community Facilities Improvement Program. They were awarded $35,000 towards this project from this provincial funding program.

The Municipality generously provided a $20,000 council grant towards this first phase of work.

Blaise Myatt worked on the extension and was assisted in the project with an electrician, Ben Gourd and TNB Plumbing who installed the septic field and plumbed the building. The work was done over the winter months.

 When completed the community came together to celebrate. The hall became better utilized for card parties, birthday celebrations and more recently as a polling station for the federal election.

 A second phase of the ACCESS-ability Project saw two new entrance doors, rear step and an electric assist door for the main entrance. This work was funded through a provincial ACCESS-ability Grant of $9,400, a Recreation Capital Grant of $1,000 and the community club picking up the balance.

Finally, the main entrance step and ramp was replaced. The deck and wooden ramp were repurposed from the Plymouth Community Centre. The work was done by volunteers led by Gordon Sutherland with assistance from Roy Thompson, Brian and Ann Cameron, and Allan Thomsen. The work on the entrance was done in time for the federal election.

This work wouldn’t have happened without the generous support from the Municipality, the provincial government along with volunteers and local tradespeople, said Coun. Thompson.

 “Through the determination of the volunteers with the Bridgeville Community Club, the area now has an accessible hall to host community functions. Because of the efforts of the Bridgeville Community Club our communities are better places to call home,” said Coun. Thompson.  “We recognize their accomplishments tonight as local leaders making our communities accessible for all.”

 He thanked the volunteers for their commitment and effort in providing an example of what can be accomplished with hard work, determination and a commitment to the Bridgeville Community Club and the communities they serve.