Grace
150 Symes Rd Unit #130, Toronto, ON M6N 0B1
Call: (647) 344-8323
If you’re looking to host an accessible event during the holiday season in Toronto, Grace is an open and elegant venue option near the Stockyards. The venue is new to the neighbourhood and especially proud of their inclusive design! The easiest way to get there is by the St. Clair accessible streetcar where you would get off at Gunn’s Loop, the west most stop.
Approaching the venue, 150 Symes Rd is actually divided into two separate buildings. The smaller one across the parking lot houses Grace and Toben (Toben is a catering company that is actually conveniently attached to Grace). The signage for Grace is a little subtle, especially while trying to see it across a parking lot. Look for the accessible parking spaces right outside their doors.
The entrance includes two large doors and an automatic door opener is available which opens one side measuring 33.5 inches wide. You can request to have the other side opened manually to give a very wide clearance. There is a small threshold (1/4 inch or so) and a ramp with a mild gradient on the inside leading up to the main room. This ramp has a sturdy railing. The flooring in all areas is smooth concrete and large tiles.
In a smaller room called The Grace Room, the doorway is 35 inches wide. The Grace Room has a head table that is 30 inches high with 28 inches of clearance and a long counter that is 37 inches high.
The door to the nearby accessible bathroom is 35.5 inches wide with a push button or lever handle to enter. The sink is 33 inches high and the water is operated by levers. The paper towel dispenser is 47 inches high and there is a 32 inch high change table. There are grab bars around the toilet, which flushes by motion sensor. There is an emergency button.
Overall, Grace has a sense of industrial elegance with high ceilings and two main large rooms. It is named after Grace Kelly-the American actress-gone-princess, and it does indeed have that gold-rimmed style. I liked the simplicity of the venue and the amount of space available to bring in whatever you like for your event.