Built in 1978, the Burlington Art Centre (BAC) is a mecca of visual arts in the city. Each year over 100,000 people go to the BAC to view exhibitions, work in studios, use the facilities and participate in a variety of programs. Among its features, the BAC has a unique central courtyard. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the courtyard was not accessible to people with reduced mobility and was difficult to navigate for people with intellectual disabilities. An extensive courtyard accessibility project was completed.
The project received significant support from the City of Burlington and received over $200,000 of in-kind materials and labour from a number of community businesses co-ordinated by Seferian Design Group. The renewed BAC courtyard is a stunning outdoor oasis that can be enjoyed by everyone, and a model of community partners combining resources to meet an ambitious goal.