News release

Improving Accessibility for Nova Scotians

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

NOTE: A list of projects receiving funding follows this release.


More Nova Scotians will have easier access to community facilities and venues, thanks to provincial support announced today, July 2.

Through the Community ACCESS-ability Program, the province is investing more than $83,000 in accessibility-related capital improvements such as renovations, installations and equipment.

"This program helps remove barriers for Nova Scotians with disabilities so they can have access to public buildings and spaces," said Justice Minister Ross Landry, on behalf of John MacDonell, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "This investment allows twelve community organizations and municipalities to renovate and install equipment that provides or improves universal accessibility."

Through this program, community organizations and municipalities can receive up to two-thirds of renovation and equipment costs, with a maximum of $10,000. The applicant covers the other third of the cost.

Summer Street Industries in New Glasgow, which creates better lives for people with intellectual disabilities, is receiving funding that will help install materials in an area of their campus to reduce sound for clients who have sensory sensitivity issues.

"The $4,672 accessibility grant helps us provide the best possible programs and services for our clients," said Bob Bennett, executive director of Summer Street Industries. "This project will directly influence the learning experience of clients who have hearing loss and other sensory sensitivities by allowing them to access and participate in job training activities comfortably.

"We could not have moved forward without the support and partnership of the Nova Scotia government, for which we are very thankful."


Projects receiving funding through the Community ACCESS-ability Program are:

  • École Grosvenor Wentworth Park School, HRM - accessible playground, $10,000
  • Forties Community Centre, Lunenburg Co. - ramp, $2,987
  • Grand Narrows Waterfront Development Society, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, ramp - $9,614
  • HRM - accessible playground, $10,000
  • Liverpool Curling Club, Queens Co. - ramp, $10,000
  • Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children, HRM - accessible washrooms, $10,000
  • Parish of Three Harbours, Antigonish Co. - stair lift, $6,472
  • Port Lorne Community Centre, Annapolis Co. - ramp, $2,828
  • Royal Canadian Legion Branch #47, St. Peter's - accessible door, $4,525
  • Royal Canadian Legion Branch #144, Western Shore, Lunenburg Co. - ramp, $6,554
  • Summer Street Industries, New Glasgow - sound deadening boards, $4,672
  • Town of Springhill, Cumberland Co. - ramp, $5,614