Province Supports Accessibility Improvements to Facilities and Venues

NOTE: A list of projects follows this release.

Municipal Affairs Minister Mark Furey announced funding to improve accessibility at 23 facilities and venues in the province today, Jan. 8.

The government is investing more than $116,214 under the Community ACCESS-ability Program to make it easier for people with disabilities to access community and municipal facilities and venues.

"This program ensures Nova Scotians with disabilities have access to public buildings and spaces," said Mr. Furey. "We are investing this money through a number of community organizations and municipalities to provide or improve universal accessibility."

The program provides up to two-thirds of eligible costs, to a maximum contribution of $10,000. The grant covers direct and indirect costs of renovations, installations, and/or equipment, including accessible ramps, power door openers, accessible washrooms and accessible playgrounds.

The Fairview United Family Resource Centre, established in 1986, provides services to about 200 different participants each year. The centre is receiving $9,956 towards the installation of a ramp and power door at its new location at 6 Titus St., Halifax.

"The accessibility grant through Municipal Affairs is vital to our organization," said Natalie Brown, centre executive director. "This capital grant will help us renovate our new location to ensure programs and services are available to all community members."

Projects receiving funding in 2014-15 are:

• Acadiaville Community Centre Society, West Arichat, Richmond Co. - ramp $2,676
• Bedford United Church, Halifax Regional Municipality - accessible doors and opener $5,553
• Centreville and District Park and Recreation Association, Kings County - accessible playground, $7,503
• Cultural Federations of Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality - accessible door, $2,110
• Evangeline Recreation Society, Berwick, Kings Co. – ramp, $9,089
• Fairview United Family Resource Centre, Halifax Regional Municipality - ramp and power door, $9,956
• Fisherman's Cove Development Association, Halifax Regional Municipality – ramp, $5,867
• Halifax Regional Municipality - accessible playground $10,000
• Hammonds Plains Fire Hall and Community Association, Halifax Regional Municipality – ramp, $3,044
• Lawrencetown Exhibition Youth Arena, Annapolis County – ramp, $1,090
• Noel United Church, Hants County - stair lift for church hall, $8,105
• North Shore Recreation Centre, Tatamagouche, Colchester Co. – ramp, $2,079
• Ohio Fire Association, Shelburne County – ramp, $3,240
• Pinehurst Community Hall, Lunenburg County - accessible washrooms $761
• Riverdale Community Services Society, Richmond County - stair lift, $4,750
• Royal Canadian Legion Branch #47, Richmond County - accessible washroom, $1,526
• Senobe Aquatic Club, Halifax Regional Municipality - accessible washrooms, $6,705
• Sport Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality - accessible washroom doors, $4,797
• St. Stephen's - Jubilee United Church, Port Hood, Inverness Co. - accessible washrooms $4,000
• Town of New Glasgow - ramp and auto doors, $10,000
• Union Square Community Hall Association, Lunenburg County - accessible washroom, $843
• Wallace Area Community Centre Society, Cumberland County - accessible washrooms, $2,520
• YMCA of Greater Halifax-Dartmouth - ramp and exterior door, $10,000