North Shore small businesses and other organizations are encouraged to apply for recently announced federal grants that aim to improve community accessibility for those with physical disabilities.
An $11-million Enabling Accessibility Fund was announced Monday at North Vancouver District Public Library’s Lynn Valley branch by Candice Bergen, minister of state for social development and federal conservative MP for North Vancouver, Andrew Saxton.
The fund, which aims to provide for better public infrastructure for people with disabilities, will see grants of up to $50,000 go towards eligible organizations.
“The Enabling Accessibility Fund is an excellent program that builds on our government’s family benefits by eliminating barriers and helping all Canadians to fully participate in and contribute to their communities,” said Bergen at the announcement Monday.
Since the inception of the EAF in 2007, more than 1,800 accessibility projects have taken place across the country.
Aside from small businesses, territorial governments as well as aboriginal and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for grants, which will be reviewed against various eligibility criteria. Municipalities are also welcome to apply but only for projects that enhance recreational spaces for children with disabilities.
Examples of eligible projects could include the construction of accessible playgrounds for children with disabilities, the installation of accessible washroom facilities or upgrading facilities to offer programs for individuals with cognitive or intellectual impairments.
Although all organizations are strongly encouraged to apply, priority will be given to projects concerning children, veterans and seniors with disabilities.
An example of a local organization that received funding in the past is the Lynn Valley library itself, which received an EAF in 2011 of $70,000. Bergen and Saxton toured the library Monday to take in the upgrades, which included automatic door openers for washrooms, an accessible check-out counter and accessible communication and information technologies.
“The Lynn Valley library is a good example of how we can make accessibility important,” explained Liz Barnett, executive director for the North Shore Disability Resource Centre Association.
“The extra layer of accessibility and sensitivity is always a good idea for our community members who have disabilities.”
