News release

Cape Breton Shares in Community ACCESS-ability funding

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

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Cape Breton Shares in Community ACCESS-ability funding


Seven community groups in Cape Breton and Inverness counties will receive more than $50,000 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 Cape Breton 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 $1.3 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 YMCA of Cape Breton in Sydney will be receiving almost $8,600 to install automatic door openers in the building's entrances and its fitness room.

"This grant will help make our facility more welcoming and open to everyone in our community," said Charlene Giovanetti, CEO of YMCA of Cape Breton.

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 Cape Breton and Inverness counties:

  • Jewels and Gems Daycare, Glace Bay: $10,000 (ramp, washroom)
  • St. Andrews United Church Hall, Sydney: $10,000 (elevator, ramp)
  • Knights of Columbus Hall, Glace Bay: $10,000 (wheel chair lift)
  • YMCA of Cape Breton, Sydney: $8,588 (door opener)
  • St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall, Sydney Mines: $6,712 (washroom)
  • Stewart United Church Hall, Whycocomagh: $4,928 (washroom)

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.