The Community ACCESS-ability Program in Cape Breton Regional Municipality

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--The Community ACCESS-ability Program in Cape Breton Regional Municipality

The following is a feature story from Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations on grants provided through the Community ACCESS-ability program to community groups in Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Seniors and people with disabilities in Cape Breton Regional Municipality are enjoying more independence because of funding from Nova Scotia's Community ACCESS-ability program.

The Saint Anthony Parish Hall in Glace Bay received a grant to install a concrete ramp to the outside of the building. Further renovations to install a wheelchair-accessible washroom are under way.

"We're getting favourable comments already about the renovations," said Michael McKenzie, chairperson of the buildings and properties committee at Saint Anthony Parish. "The renovations have made all the difference in the world."

The hall is used for many functions, including receptions, polling stations for elections, religious education for children, fundraising events and youth group meetings.

"A lot of people who couldn't attend functions at the hall before can now participate," said Mr. McKenzie. In addition to seniors and people with disabilities, their caregivers and family members are now able to attend more activities at the hall.

Mr. McKenzie also said that increasing accessibility is really important to give people their independence.

"It gives people the confidence to get around and go out when otherwise they can't go."

Community ACCESS-ability was implemented to improve access to community facilities for seniors and people with disabilities. The program provides financial assistance to non-profit groups and municipalities for renovations, installations, or equipment to ensure that buildings are accessible to all Nova Scotians.

The East Bay Fire Hall received funding to renovate washrooms and make them wheelchair accessible. The project will be finished in November.

"The building is over 25 years old, and the washrooms are not set up for wheelchairs," said Blaise MacLean of the East Bay Volunteer Fire Department. "The renovations will mean we'll be more accessible to people with disabilities."

The hall is run by volunteers and is used for many functions, including wedding receptions, Halloween parties, Christmas events, tarabish games, and community meetings.

Under the ACCESS-ability program, the provincial government gives grants of up to two-thirds of the cost of renovations, installations and equipment. Local organizations are responsible for raising the remainder of the cost. The maximum grant available for individual projects is $10,000.

"We want to help seniors and people with disabilities enjoy equal access to places that are the heart and soul of their communities," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "These are places where local people plan, participate and celebrate as a community."

The program has been operating since May 2000. This is the third year of the four-year $1.2-million program, and all funding for this fiscal year has been committed. To date, the program has supported 139 projects, worth about $900,000, of which a third was distributed in 2002.

Information and applications are available from Access Nova Scotia centres, the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/ or by calling toll-free 1-800- 670-4357.

NOTE: The following is a list of projects approved under the Community ACCESS-ability program for Cape Breton Regional Municipality since the program began in 2000.

• Army Navy Air Force Veterans in Canada, New Waterford: $10,000
• Bethel Presbyterian Church Hall, Sydney: $7,159
• East Bay Fire Hall, East Bay: $9,547
• Royal Canadian Legion, Armstrong Memorial Branch 19, North Sydney: $9,402
• Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 83, Florence: $10,000
• Royal Canadian Legion, Westside Branch 126, Westmount: $10,000
• Southend Community Centre, Sydney: $10,000
• Sportsman's Memorial Park, New Waterford: $4,500
• St. Albans Anglican Church Community Hall, Sydney: $10,000
• St. Anthony Parish Hall, Glace Bay: $6,284
• St. Matthew-Wesley United Church/Hall, North Sydney: $10,000