Pictou, Guysborough Share in ACCESS-ability Funding

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Pictou, Guysborough Share in ACCESS-ability Funding

Seven community groups in Pictou and Guysborough counties will receive a total of more than $42,000 to help make their facilities more accessible persons with disabilities. The projects include installing wider doorways, wheelchair accessible washrooms and building ramps.

The Pictou and Guysborough projects are among 41 projects worth a total of $260,000 announced today, May 23, 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 Nova Scotians with disabilities.

This brings the number of approved projects to 181 and the total investment to about $1.1 million since the program was announced in May 2000.

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

The Lincolnville Community Development Association will receive more than $7,800 to build a ramp and renovate the washrooms at the Lincolnville Community Centre.

"Our community centre is a focal point in our community. These improvements will make it easier for seniors and residents with disabilities to more fully take part in community events," said Sheila Pelly of the association.

Community ACCESS-ability helps municipalities and non-profit organizations to make public buildings and facilities accessible to all Nova Scotians. Wheelchair ramps and lifts, accessible washrooms and automatic doors are the types of projects supported by Community ACCESS-ability in community halls, recreational facilities, municipal offices and other locations across the province.

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.

The projects approved in Pictou and Guysborough counties are:

• New Glasgow Library, New Glasgow: $5,254 (door operator)
• Air Cadet Building, Westville: $10,000 (ramp, doorway, washroom)
• Canso Municipal Office, Canso: $8,125 (accessible parking)
• Goshen Community Centre, Goshen: $3,351 (ramp, accessible parking)
• Lincolnville Community Centre, Lincolnville: $7,852 (ramp, washroom)
• Marie Joseph Community Centre, Marie Joseph: $5,840 (ramp, doorway, washroom)
• St. Francis Community Hall, St. Francis Harbour: $2,379 (ramp)

NOTE: Questions about specific projects should be directed to the appropriate organization.