Why Our Plan Is the Most Responsible, Efficient & Enduring

For more than 15 years, parish leaders and volunteers at St. Thomas’s have actively explored how to make our buildings fully accessible. Throughout this work, one question understandably surfaces again and again, as Fr. Humphrey notes in his letter above: Isn’t there a simpler or less expensive way to do this?

It’s a fair question—and one we have studied from every angle. Here are the facts.

What We’ve Learned

Across three major architectural studies, extensive volunteer research, and reviews by building experts as well as the Diocese of Toronto, several consistent realities have emerged:

• Accessibility must apply to both buildings. Many ministries take place in the parish hall, not just the church.

• External ramps are not feasible. Building code requirements would demand ramps as long as the entire building, eliminating the already limited parking space needed for funerals and accessibility itself. Even if this solution were feasible, any new entrances to the church from ramps on the north or south side would not meet fire code requirements for wheelchair access/egress due to our narrow side aisles.

• An elevator installed only in the church would fail to provide access to key ministry spaces, including the kitchen and parish hall levels.

• Protective measures for heritage buildings limit alterations to doorways, aisles, and interior church walls.

• A washroom in the nave would cause acoustic, privacy, and architectural disruption.

• Independent projects actually increase overall expenses—piecemeal changes today might have to be torn out tomorrow.

After 15 years of exploring every option, the conclusion is clear: The most affordable long-term solution is the one we are pursuing now—an Accessibility Atrium that serves both the church and the hall, with elevator, internal ramps, and a universal washroom.

It is the only plan that:

• Makes both buildings accessible 

• Supports all ministries

• Provides privacy for groups using the parish hall

• Future-proofs our buildings for the next 50+ years

• Avoids costly duplication of work

• Respects heritage requirements

And, finally, as Fr. Humphrey notes in his letter above, delaying would cost the parish more. Construction inflation continues, and aging systems, especially the church heating, are failing fast.

The Bottom Line

The Cornerstone Project represents the most responsible, efficient, and enduring solution—one that removes barriers now and prevents even higher costs later.