Grants for Improving Accessibility – Government of Nova Scotia, Canada
The Province is helping community facilities and businesses make necessary upgrades to improve accessibility.
Ninety-six projects are receiving a combined $1.5 million through the Business ACCESS-ability Grant Program and the Community ACCESS-ability Grant Program.
“Healthy communities are a top priority for this government,” said Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “These grants remove barriers so that Nova Scotians can access services and opportunities close to home and lead healthy, active lifestyles.”
Examples of this year’s projects are:
- Mersey River Chalets is receiving a $15,306 Business ACCESS-ability Grant for shower and pathway upgrades
- the Town of Lunenburg is receiving a $14,003 Community ACCESS-ability Grant to support improvements to the Lunenburg Arena, including redesigning the building’s entry ramp to meet current accessibility requirements and enhanced lighting in the entryway
Quotes:
Mersey River Chalets was established in 1995 as a fully accessible wilderness resort in the heart of Southwest Nova Scotia. The goal of the founders was to provide a barrier free and inclusive vacation experience for people with limited mobility and their families and friends. The funding will support us in sustaining and expanding our facilities and continue to offer both, barrier free accommodations and nature experiences.
Andrea Wegerer, Manager, Mersey River Chalets
Built in 1928, the Arena has over 90 years of memories and is an integral part of life in Lunenburg. It is used by thousands of people every year who enjoy skating and hockey during the winter months, and a range of events in the summer months including the weekly Farmers’ Market, craft shows, folk art festivities, ball hockey and more. Improvements to the facility will allow for more inclusive participation in our wonderful recreation opportunities.
Kelly Cunningham, Recreation Manager, Town of Lunenburg
Quick Facts:
- both programs provide up to two-thirds of the costs of improvements
- Business ACCESS-Ability will have a second round of applications with a deadline of September 29
- applications for next year’s Community ACCESS-Ability grants will open in the fall
- eligible groups include non-profit organizations, museums, post secondary schools, libraries, hospital, towns, villages and municipalities
- the Province’s accessibility strategy, Access by Design 2030, outlines how government will achieve its goal of an accessible province by providing people with disabilities equitable access to programs, services, information and infrastructure
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