Written by John Ackermann and Emily Marsten for CityNews Everywhere, and Melange, July 27, 2023
Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, stands at a podium during an announcement. (CityNews Image)
The B.C. government says it is investing in removing barriers for people with disabilities in 15 municipalities across the province.
In a news release from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, it explains $5 million is slated to expand the Rick Hansen Foundation BC Accessibility Grants Program.
It adds the money will be used to evaluate the accessibility of facilities, upgrade three sites, and to also train staff about accessibility.
It is also slated to help support organizations with accessibility research and to launch engagement and awareness campaigns.
The money is set to expand accessibility in areas including Coquitlam, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Port Moody, Prince George, Richmond, and Whistler.
Two Indigenous communities have yet to be selected for the upgrades, along with five other municipalities.
Sheila Malcolmson, the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, was in Richmond Thursday for the announcement and says the funding will help more people “fully participate in their communities.”
“We want the doors of opportunity to be open for everyone in British Columbia, and this funding is another way our government is reducing and preventing barriers for people with disabilities,” she said.
The creator of the organization, Rick Hansen, says he’s grateful for the support.
“Ensuring our communities are accessible to people of all ages and abilities is critical to an equitable and inclusive society,” he said.
One accessibility specialist with the foundation says making changes can have a big impact on people.
“Improved accessibility means freedom to me. As someone who is blind, it means that I can navigate my community independently and helps me feel safe, included, welcome and, ultimately, valued,” Laetitia Mfamobani said.
“Everyone benefits when our communities are inclusive and when all people have access to opportunities,” Malcolmson added.
The province notes that there are more than 926,000 people in B.C. who have disabilities.
For more information, CLICK HERE