Northern, Eastern Communities Share in ACCESS-ability Funding

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Northern, Eastern Communities Share in ACCESS-ability Funding

Three community groups in Cumberland, Guysborough and Pictou counties will receive more than $24,000 to help make their facilities more accessible to seniors and people with disabilities. The projects include building ramps, accessible washrooms and widening doorways.

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 $1.3 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 Senior Citizens' Clubhouse in Stellarton will be receiving $10,000 to build a ramp, install an automatic door opener and create an accessible washroom.

"This is a place where seniors come to socialize," said Tony Addis, Town of Stellarton engineer. "It is important that all the seniors we serve are able to access this facility."

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 Cumberland, Guysborough and Pictou counties:

• Amherst Lions Club, Amherst: $10,000 (washroom)
• Senior Citizens' Clubhouse, Stellarton: $10,000 (ramp, doors, washroom)
• St. Paul's United Church Hall, Canso: $4,420 (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.