Building

Stage two of our renovations has been completed, and we’re on our way to the final stage! Everyone was thrilled at the chance to see our brand new kitchen and washrooms on the first floor! Here are some highlights from the big reveal, as well as what some people had to say about the updated space:

“I like the new computers and the bathroom and the whole kitchen area. It’s nice! To me, it feels homey.”
– Darby, PACE client

“It is an amazing change. It’s beautiful. They really, really thought about the clients with this, and it’s very appreciated. The washrooms are stunning. There’s open space, more light… it’s just really nice.”
– Janeth, South Team CRW

“Wow! It’s amazing. It’s really nicely done. It looks so neat.”
– Michelle, South Team client

“I really love the new kitchen. I think it’s a great improvement. It’s a very open and bright look.”
– Maranda, PACE CRW

Thank you to the Government of Alberta’s Community Facility Enhancement Program for making these renovations possible.

The DDRC takes the safety of our clients, staff, and visitors seriously. Because of this commitment to the well-being of all, we are excited to share some important safety updates around our building.

As a member of our Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, Emily Holland says that the updates are a direct reflection of feedback received by the committee.

Our first improvement is the replacement of our front stairs. Visitors to our building may remember the old uneven stairs that once led to our main entrance, but those are no more. We bid the old stairs farewell, and welcomed our new concrete stairs, complete with a sturdy railing.

“We have leveled the front steps and removed the exposed rebar,” Emily said. “This will reduce the potential for trips and falls.”

 

The pathway along the side of our building to the upper parking lot has been redone. We’ve had the old stepping stones removed and replaced with a continuous line of wider square slabs. This makes for easier snow removal, and even footing.

Next, we are happy to say that the stairs leading down from the upper parking lot to the lower one now have a railing on both sides, marking a substantial safety increase. This is especially crucial in the winter months, when the stairs have the potential to be slippery despite our best snow removal efforts.

Our main entrances have been upgraded to use automatic locks and key fobs, which helps to ensure the security of the building, and those within it. This update also includes a new fire alarm system to alert everyone in case of an emergency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last, but certainly not least, we have introduced a visitor badge system so we are aware of who is in the building at all times. Visitors to our office will sign in and receive a badge to identify them. This is good news for two reasons: it increases our building security, and it provides us with an accurate record of who is in the building if an emergency arises. As an added precaution, we have included directions on the back of each badge advising visitors what to do if the fire alarm sounds during their time here.

Emily notes that the distinctive nature of the badges are also adds one other benefit. “We can offer assistance to help our visitors find the person or place they are looking for,” she said.

 

Do you have any questions about our recent safety updates? If so, please feel free to leave us a comment, or call us at 403.240.3111.