Everyone wants to visit Coquitlam recreation facilities, so why not make them easier to use for people with disabilities?
That's the aim of the Rick Hansen Foundation, which is providing up to $82,500 in funding for an accessibility assessment, improvements and training for city staff.
Coquitlam is one of eight B.C. cities, including Port Moody, chosen to to receive complimentary accessibility certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation.
“Almost 50 per cent of adults in Canada have a permanent or temporary disability or live with someone who does. Many of us struggle every day to access the places where we live, work, learn, and play, facing significant barriers that others take for granted," said Brad McCannell, the foundation's vice president for access and inclusion in a news release.
"Accessibility improvements to spaces such as community centres, libraries and arts facilities will benefit everyone across our province — parents, seniors, people with temporary and permanent disabilities, their caregivers and loved ones. Everyone has a right to real, meaningful access.”
Port Coquitlam has already achieved a rare gold ranking for making its new Port Coquitlam Community Centre accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
The RHF accessibility certification is a rating and recognition program that measures the meaningful accessibility of a site based on the "holistic user experience" of people with varying disabilities affecting their mobility, vision and hearing.
Some of these features include accessible entranceways, vehicle access, emergency systems, accessible washrooms and wayfinding signage.
Coquitlam has chosen the following three facilities for the RFHAC evaluations and upgrades, after assessing city sites for size, scope and value for residents.
They are:
- Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex
- Dogwood Pavilion
- Town Centre Park Community Centre (formerly the Innovation Centre)
It's important to create inclusive spaces which are welcoming for our diverse community. By participating in the @RickHansenFdn BC Accessibility Grants Program, Coquitlam will improve accessibility for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.https://t.co/QedUAiMcD4 pic.twitter.com/MnT7ZWKrFF
— City of Coquitlam (@cityofcoquitlam) March 9, 2023
By participating in the B.C. Grants program, the eight selected municipalities will receive:
- an RHFAC rating for three sites to identify key areas of improvements
- up to $82,500 (total) in accessibility improvement funds to be allocated for upgrades to the three rated sites
- a post–accessibility improvement RHFAC rating to showcase enhanced access
- RHF accessibility certification plaques for each site that achieves certification
- accessibility awareness training for municipal staff to foster a positive culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- complimentary RHFAC training, tuition grants for three eligible staff within each municipality. This training will teach participants how to use RHFAC methodology to rate existing buildings and pre-construction drawings on their level of meaningful access
“Not only do we recognize that municipalities require access to this program and funding, but we want to ensure that future building upgrades and new structures can be designed with accessibility in mind,” McCannell said. “Through accessibility training, each municipality will have the opportunity to continue their community’s accessibility journey and foster a positive culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.”
In addition to Coquitlam and Port Moody, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Prince George, Richmond and Whistler will participate in the program and were selected based on population and geographic representation.
