On May 28, Niagara College reopened a series of washrooms at both campuses as part of the first phase of a college-wide renovation project that leads the way in inclusive washroom design.
The renovations sought to enhance universal design, an approach that aims to create environments that are usable by people of all abilities, ages, genders, and backgrounds.
“Aligned with the College’s Strategic Plan and EDI Blueprint, the renovations ensure that facilities are designed for everyone, going beyond code requirements for accessible washrooms and ensuring all members of our community have access,” said Brad Augustine, Associate Director, Planning and Capital Projects.
The key tenets of universal design emphasize equitable use that is flexible, simple, intuitive and comfortable.
The new facilities include non-gendered and universal barrier-free washrooms which include fully powered adult change tables located on the third floor of the Simcoe wing in Welland and in the East wing of the main floor and lower floor at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
A new parenting room is now open on the lower level at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus which allows new parents – employees, students and visitors – to nurse or pump. A parenting room is part of the design plans for the new Applied Health project at the Welland Campus.
With sustainability in mind, the new washrooms also integrate hand dryers at the sinks, eliminating the need for paper towels and reducing waste.
The second phase of the project includes updates to existing gendered and barrier-free washrooms to improve their accessibility and modernize their fixtures to match those in the first phase.
Phase two is slated for completion this summer.
