All Ages
All are welcome! On Sunday morning, children, youth, and infants are welcome to stay for the entire service, or to join the children’s program downstairs which will begin in the fall (see Website Calendar for startup date). A rocking chair and children’s table are available in the sanctuary for anyone who wishes to use them. There is a library of books, children’s Sunday bulletins to colour, and other craft materials.
Entrance(s)
There are five entrances to Leaside United Church at 822 Millwood Road. During Sunday Worship the door facing McRae Drive and ramp entrance off Millwood Road are open. During the week the ramp entrance off Millwood Road is open during office hours. Three further doors are used by some staff and tenants: a side door facing Millwood Road, a door facing Field Avenue and a door that accesses the staff parking lot behind the church.
Ramps
An accessibility ramp is located outside of the entrance facing Millwood Road. You are welcome to be dropped off in the circular driveway on Millwood Road; follow the ramp up to the glassed door entrance. Once inside, turn left to access the elevator. On Sunday and during events such as funerals there is usually someone around to help operate the lift.
There is also an accessibility ramp in the chancel for use by the choir, scripture readers, and other worship leadership.
Handrails
The ramp has handrails on both sides. All staircases have either single or double handrails. There are also handrails in the accessible washrooms. During the recent renovations, steel plates have been added above the first step of each staircase to caution those with limited sight that they are nearing the first step of the stairs.
Elevator/Lift
An accessible lift is available on four levels of the church. It can accommodate one wheelchair or walker with occupant, plus a caregiver or lift operator. On Sunday mornings there is always someone around to assist with the lift.
Lobbies
There is a lobby or welcome area inside the door from McRae Drive with seating, a coffee bar, and Universal washroom. The Administrative church office, Minister’s office, and Music Director’s office are down the hall to the left of the welcome area.
Floors/Grade/Levels
Leaside United Church is comprised of a lower and upper level, with two half grade levels due to additions put on the original structure in the 50’s and 60’s. All street level entrances have stairs, while the ramp entrance off of Millwood Road connects to most levels. Grades that are only accessible by stairs include the balcony in the church and one other room (Friendship Room) on the upper level; one half level with a washroom and classroom can be reached via four (4) stairs from the lower level. A bank of four washrooms (including one accessible washroom) on the lower level with the gym and auditorium, and the classrooms and washrooms associated with the Day Care Centre on the upper split level are both accessible by the lift.
Signage
Wayfinding signage for specific rooms is in the process of being added since the completion of renovations, although signs indicating the way to the Universal Washroom are posted on the main level. Fire and Safety signs have been brought up to code in the event that an evacutation is needed. These directional signs hang from the ceiling and guide you to the correct entrances.
Exterior lighting
The outside electronic sign is lit and exterior lighting is above all the entrance and exit doors.
Parking
There is free angled street parking in front of the church on McRae Drive. There are two wheelchair accessible spots in the curved drive by the Millwood Road entrance which allows for drop off located close to the accessible ramp. Side street parking is available for three hours dependent on city bylaws and posted street signage. Parking behind the church is reserved for staff members.
Sidewalks
Sidewalks are located on the east and south borders of the church property at McRae Drive and Millwood Road. Within the property there are concrete paths throughout the grounds accessing all entrance and exit locations. The sidewalk itself is approximately 1.5 metres wide.
Transit
To reach the church by TTC take the 88B South Leaside bus from St. Clair subway station, which stops at Millwood and McRae, or the 88A South Leaside bus, getting off at Sutherland Drive and Millwood Road and walking about 400 meters west along Millwood Road. From Davisville station, take any 11 Bayview bus and disembark at Millwood Road and walk approximately 500 meters east on Millwood Road.
Leaving via TTC by walking east on Millwood to the 88A bus stop on the south corner of Millwood and McRae (crossing both Millwood and McRae from the church) or further East on Millwood to Sutherland with both 88A and 88B stops. The stop on the park side will take you towards Laird Drive or into the Thorncliffe Park area. Alternate route: walk West along Millwood Road to Bayview Avenue to access buses that travel to the Davisville subway station.
Washrooms
All washrooms are single washrooms available to all genders. One Universal and fully accessible washroom is located on the upper level behind the welcome area. Two smaller washrooms are located outside the Hearth Room and kitchen area. There is a bank of four washrooms (including one large accessible washroom outside the Jean Bruce Gallery on the lower level. Washrooms within the Day Care Centre are not available to the public.
Doors
Accessible washrooms have large touch buttons outside the washroom for opening and closing the door, and one inside to lock /unlock the door. In the event of an emergency or distress, you can push a red emergency button and audible and visual signal will activate.
Faucets (height, type)
The main floor accessible gender neutral washroom has double-lever faucets at a barrier-free height of 31″. Lower level washrooms have faucets at a height of 35”, with round knobs. The sink has a cabinet and is at a height of 30”.
Soap dispensers (height, type)
Main floor washrooms have push-pump soap dispensers at a height of 34″ and an automatic hand dryer at a height of 34”. The lower level accessible washroom soap dispensers are push-pump style at 39 ¾” high and there is an automatic hand dryer. There are also six Purex foam soap dispensers throughout the building (including one in the welcome area) at an approximent height of 3.5 feet.
Braille
There is braille on the all gender accessible and main floor ladies’ washrooms.
Hallways All passages, hallways and thoroughfare are a minimum width of 38″ and meet barrier-free widths where required (leading to washrooms, fire exits).
Seating
The Sanctuary has all padded pews. Other seating includes folding chairs, wood chairs, and padded metal chairs. Wheelchair seating is available in the Sanctuary, Hearth Room, Transepts, Gymnasium, and Auditorium.
Interior lighting
The church facility is lit from above throughout the day and evening for the congregation and tenants. Where possible lights are turned off to conserve energy consumption.
Sound & Music
The venue’s sound levels vary in each room. Within the sanctuary during worship services, the acoustics are good and microphones and speakers are used when required. Worship services have a significant music portion to the liturgy. The service can also be heard in the welcome area and Narthex.
Bulletins
Print bulletins are folded tabloid-sized paper and type size ranges between 10pt and 17pt. The Order of Service can also be found online for those who receive Constant Contact emails.
Other print material: Receipts are printed on letter size paper and are mailed at year end for income tax purposes. Large print hymn books are available; ask an usher/greeter.
Hearing Device
Hearing devices are available; ask an usher/greeter. Battery operated headphone and earpiece styles are available in the welcome area at the front entrance.
Visual
Hand held battery operated optional lit magnifier or magnifying glasses are available, available located at the literature cabinets in the Foyer at the McRae Drive entrance; ask an usher/greeter.
Digital
Communications about the church and programs is available online at the website www.leasideunited.org with links to social media accounts Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Upcoming events and services are also displayed on interior screens in the welcome area, narthex, and Jean Bruce Gallery.
Service animals
Service animals are permitted in the venue.
Childcare
A rocking chair in the sanctuary transept is available for nursing mothers or caregivers with tired infants.
Staff
Staff has completed AED & CPR training and in some cases has had background or vulnerable sector screening through the Toronto Police Services.
AED Unit
A Mikey AED defibrillator unit is available on the upper level near the welcome area.
JANUARY 2019