Keen to explore the Revelstoke Museum and Archives, but worried about climbing stairs? Now you won’t have to. A new wheelchair-accessible elevator has just been installed, making the museum easier to navigate for everyone.
This elevator connects the parking lot on Boyle Avenue to the museum’s second floor. It’s spacious enough for two people standing or one larger mobility device. With its north-facing windows, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding neighborhood and mountains while you ride.
Cathy English, the museum’s curator, has pushed for this upgrade for over 15 years. She expressed her relief that the project is finally complete, stating, "This project was a long time coming." After breaking ground last August, construction finished up in January. Like many heritage buildings, the process was complex, but the reward is significant.
Although the museum is still finalizing signage, visitors have already started using the elevator. English mentioned how it has improved accessibility and made museum visits much easier for those with mobility issues. Chris Miller, who uses mobility aids, is thrilled with how easy it is now to join events like the Brown Bag History lunchtime program. “It just makes it accessible for everyone,” said English when sharing Chris’s positive experience.
So, how does the elevator work? It’s simple. Use the external control panel and press the button for your desired floor: P for parking, 1 for the main floor, and 2 for the upper level. If someone else is using it, the buttons will light up blue. Once inside, press your destination button, and you have 25 seconds to enter before the doors close. The short wait is worth it, especially with that beautiful view outside.
On the second floor, the elevator has taken the place of the men’s washroom, which has been transformed into an all-gender facility for added inclusivity. This adjustment has been well received by the community.
The funding for the elevator came mainly from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, with a generous grant of $400,000. Additional funds were provided by the Columbia Basin Trust and the federal government’s Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and New Horizons for Seniors Program. The BC Rehab Society also contributed to the restroom enhancements.
This focus on accessibility isn’t unique to the museum. Revelstoke is also working on a stair lift for Mount Begbie Manor, thanks to an $83,500 grant aimed at improving senior living. This lift will soon help more residents access shared community spaces.
Accessibility improvements like these are crucial as cities strive to become more inclusive. According to a report from the World Health Organization, more than one billion people worldwide experience some form of disability. Ensuring public spaces, like museums, are accessible enhances the quality of life for many.
For more information on the museum’s elevator and upgrades, check out the Revelstoke Museum’s official page here.
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