Oxtongue Lake Community Centre Design Options - Survey

When grant funding opportunities become available, it can often be helpful to have shovel-ready plans already established for capital projects. As such, the Township of Algonquin Highlands is creating a plan for accessibility improvements at the Oxtongue Lake Community Centre, and is looking to residents to help decide which option is the best fit for the facility.

The current building layout does not allow for an accessible washroom on either floor without significantly reducing usable floor space on the main level or undertaking a significant redesign of the front entrance, along with extensive interior work in the basement. In addition, the existing design does not provide an accessible entrance or an accessible route of travel to the main floor.

Due to these challenges, all three proposed design options include a similar rear addition to accommodate an accessible washroom and a combined storage/coatroom, but differ in the layout for an accessible entry to the main floor.

Council discussed the proposed design options during a December 11, 2025 meeting and expressed a preference for Option S3, as it is the most cost-effective, does not require the use of an elevator or lift, and does not require alteration of the community centre's front entrance.

Please review the three options below, then complete the short survey letting us know which you prefer, and providing any additional suggestions or thoughts you may have for accessibility upgrades at the Oxtongue Lake Community Centre.

You can learn more about accessibility in Algonquin Highlands and view the County of Haliburton's Multi-Year Joint Accessibility Plan here.

Option S1

• Addition at the rear of the building to include an accessible washroom, coatroom and emergency exit
• Addition on the front of the building to accommodate an accessible landing
• Redesign of the stairs to accommodate the new lift, which would eliminate access to the basement from the main floor
• Due to the elevation change on the south side of the building, a wooden deck with stairs has been proposed. This would provide quick access to the west side of the building, where the gazebo and patio are located.
• Estimated Cost: $435,625.00 plus applicable taxes

Option S2

• Addition at the rear of the building to include an accessible washroom, coatroom and emergency exit
• An exterior vertical platform lift is proposed for the south side of the building, providing accessible travel from ground level to the main floor
• Accessible landing at the rear of the building on the west side
• The entrance and access to the basement would remain the same
• Estimated Cost: $476,550.00 plus applicable taxes

Option S3

• Addition at the rear of the building to include an accessible washroom, coatroom and emergency exit
• Accessible walkway (ramp) from the parking lot to the rear addition
• Due to the elevation change on the west side of the building, a wooden deck with stairs has been proposed. This would allow quick access to the south side of the building where the gazebo and patio are located.
• The entrance and access to the basement would remain the same
• Estimated Cost: $422,550.00 plus applicable taxes