News release

Community ACCESS-ability Program--Southern Region

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

Service N.S./Municipal Relations--Community ACCESS-ability Program--Southern Region


Nova Scotia’s Community ACCESS-ability Program has helped make a difference at Holy Cross Anglican Church Hall. The hall is now easier for seniors and people with disabilities to use.

The non-profit community hall in Lockeport is home to church activities, community events, Scouts, Girl Guides and the IODE.

Church warden Muriel Chetwynd, learned about Community ACCESS- ability from parishioner Cynthia Townsend, community co-ordinator for Lockeport. She made her request for a new ramp by filling out an application from Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, the department that runs the program.

"Most of the members of our congregation are seniors," said Ms. Chetwynd. "First and foremost, we think of our seniors and their ability to get into the church hall. We certainly aren’t a rich church by any means. We all thought the program was a terrific idea, not only for the benefit of older people, but also for people with arthritis who have trouble climbing stairs and for people using wheelchairs."

Sponsor organizations, like the church, can receive $2 from the province for every dollar raised. Donations of labour and materials can be included in the sponsor’s share, which makes it easier for municipalities and community organizations to raise their portion.

Community ACCESS-ability was designed to help non-profit groups and municipalities eliminate barriers and open public facilities to a wider range of people. The four-year, cost-sharing grant program will invest $1.2 million in upgrading public buildings and facilities. Wheelchair ramps and lifts, accessible washrooms and automatic doors are just a few examples of the improvements made to community halls, recreational facilities, municipal offices and other locations.

"There is a significant need for this kind of program and we’ve been overwhelmed with the enthusiastic response," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "We have made important investments in making the province more inclusive and more open to all Nova Scotians; we will continue to do so."

Elsie Cholette, provincial co-ordinator of the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities, agrees that the Community ACCESS-ability Program is making a difference. Ms. Cholette says, "The government is creating a better stage for equity for people with disabilities."

With the help of Service Nova Scotia, the final project included a ramp, a wider door and a panic bar. In keeping with the historical nature of the old church, the design blended nicely with the exterior of the church and, as Ms. Chetwynd commented, "It seems to belong there."

Community ACCESS-ability has just wrapped up its first year and it has been a success. The recently announced 2001 funding brought the total number or supported projects to 87, worth almost $600,000.

"We’re halfway home but there’s still a lot to be done," said Mr. MacIsaac. "We’re looking forward to receiving more applications and to eliminating more barriers."

Applications are available from Access Nova Scotia Centres, on the Service Nova Scotia Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr or through the toll-free number 1-800-670-4357.