South Shore, Valley, Western Communities Share in Funding

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--South Shore, Valley, Western Communities Share in Funding

Six community groups in Annapolis, Kings, Lunenburg and Yarmouth counties will receive more than $35,000 to help make their facilities more accessible to seniors and people with disabilities. The projects include installing automatic door openers, wheelchair accessible washrooms and building ramps.

The projects are among 19 projects worth a total of $146,000 announced today, May 19, by the Nova Scotia government under the Community ACCESS-ability program. The program helps community groups make public buildings and other facilities more accessible for all Nova Scotians.

This brings the number of approved projects to almost 200 and the total investment to $1.2 million since the program was announced in May 2000.

"These projects are vital for Nova Scotians with disabilities to fully participate in their communities," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "The community organizations we are supporting are helping to make Nova Scotia a more inclusive society and we are proud to work with them."

The Kingsport Community Association will be receiving almost $1,100 to build a ramp at the community-owned Kingsport Wharf Canteen in Kings County.

"A lot of visitors drop by our canteen when they're touring this area, and many of them are elderly or in wheelchairs," said Alex Sinclair of the community association. "A ramp will help them make the most of their visit to Kingsport."

Installing wheelchair ramps and lifts, accessible washrooms and automatic doors in community halls, recreational facilities, municipal offices and other locations across the province are the types of projects supported by the Community ACCESS-ability program.

Under the program, the province contributes $2 for every dollar raised by the project sponsor. Donations of labour and materials can be included in the sponsor's share, making it easier for municipalities and community organizations to raise their portion of the project costs.

Following are the projects approved in Annapolis, Kings, Lunenburg and Yarmouth counties:

• Port George Recreation Centre, Annapolis Co.: $10,000 (ramp, washroom)
• Mahone Bay Centre, Lunenburg Co.: $10,000 (wheelchair lift, auto doors)
• Evangel Assembly Hall, Yarmouth: $7,097 (wheelchair lift)
• Yarmouth Co. Ground Search and Rescue Team Training Centre and Hall, Arcadia: $5,862 (ramp, doorway, washroom)
• Bonnie Lea Farm - Pew Baker Centre, Chester: $1,842 (door opener)
• Kingsport Wharf Canteen, Kings Co.: $1,071 (ramp)

Guidelines and application forms for potential project sponsors are available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/muns/infr/access/access.asp or by calling 902-424-7798.