Economic Action Plan Improves Accessibility in Communities
across Canada

(Brantford, Ontario)—As a result of the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund, ten organizations in Brant will increase accessibility for people with disabilities.  The announcement was made today by Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brant, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Our government recognizes the abilities of all Canadians and celebrates the progress we have made as a society towards the full inclusion of people with disabilities,” said Mr. McColeman. “Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we are helping Canadians participate fully in their communities by improving access to facilities, activities and services.”

The following grants have been approved for Brant under the Enabling Accessibility Fund:

• Woodview Children’s Centre - $75,000 to install an elevator.
• Brantwood Residential Development Centre - $75,000 to install a ramp and automatic door openers.
• The Corporation of the City of Brantford - $69,000 to install audible pedestrian signal advisors on nine signalled crossways.
• All Saint’s Anglican Church - $60,667 to install an enclosed vertical lift, automatic door openers and renovate a washroom.
• Heritage United Church - $57,991 to install a stair lift, renovate a washroom and create at least one accessible parking space.
• Pauwels Travel Bureau Ltd. - $35,000 to construct two washrooms on the main level, widen doorways, hallways and install automatic doors.
• Royal Canadian Legion Branch #461 - $36, 822 to add a second entrance to the building and construct a ramp.
• Alexandra Presbyterian Church - $16,762 to install a chair lift access.
• St. George United Church - $7, 430 to retrofit doors to be wheelchair accessible and provide a new asphalt pad in the parking area for safer transition to and from vehicles.
• Operation Lift Inc. - $4,769 to remove and replace a button entry system, install an entry beam system (for hands free access) and widen doors for wheelchair access.

“A disability shouldn’t stop someone from enjoying their life or contributing to the community,” added Mr. McColeman. “Canada’s Economic Action Plan is investing in communities across Canada to ensure that no one is excluded from participating because of a physical barrier.”

The Government of Canada is providing $14.2 million for 297 projects across Canada that will improve accessibility through activities such as the renovation, construction and retrofitting of buildings, the modification of vehicles for community use and enhancements to information and communication technologies. 

In year two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government built on the success of the Fund by providing an additional $45 million over three years.

BACKGROUNDER

Enabling Accessibility Fund – Small Project Component

The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports community-based projects across Canada that improve accessibility and enable Canadians, regardless of physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their communities and the economy. Through the 2010 call for proposals under the Small Project Component, 297 projects across Canada are receiving grant funding of up to $75,000.

Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• building an interior or exterior ramp;
• installing wider doors or installing automated door openers;
• raising or lowering sinks and/or counters;
• improving lighting and increasing colour contrast;
• building an accessible washroom;
• installing accessible door handles and light switches;
• installing an elevator or lift;
• providing computer enhancements such as voice interactive capability;
• installing a wheelchair lift in a community-based vehicle; and
• other activities that contribute to creating or enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities and that are deemed acceptable by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

The following types of organizations can apply for funding:

• not-for-profit organizations;
• small municipalities (with a population under 250 000 as per census data);
• small private sector organizations (with fewer than 50 employees and under $5 million in gross revenue per year);
• colleges and universities;
• territorial governments; and
• Aboriginal governments.

The Government of Canada continues to support Canadians with disabilities and their families through programs and initiatives such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program, the Disability component of the Canada Pension Plan, the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, and postsecondary education assistance measures for students with disabilities.