Fund aims to improve accessibility

Last week, a door-to-door political canvasser in the recent provincial election asked me if I was aware of an accessibility issue with the door into the Pictou Legion. It seems that one of our town voters was very upset with the canvasser’s political party for not fixing the door problem and offered that as the reason for not giving it his vote.

I had not heard of any problem there and told the canvasser so but later I did go by to check out the entrance. I found the Legion’s entrance to be well ramped but it does lack an automatic entrance door opener. That would be a useful addition to its accessibility, especially now in this area. Here in Pictou County, with our rapidly aging population, we are seeing more local residents experiencing mobility difficulties.

If the Pictou Legion or other groups in the area need help with funding to undertake a project to improve accessibility, the Canada government is presently accepting applications until the 26th of July under its Enabling Accessibility Fund. This fund gives eligible businesses, employers, and community facilities/organizations grants of up to $50,000 to improve accessibility and safety for people with disabilities through construction, renovations or retrofit of spaces.

Our MP for Central Nova, Sean Fraser, has posted a notice on his website about this fund so perhaps contacting his office (by phone (902) 752-0226 or a visit at 2A 115 MacLean St., New Glasgow) is the easiest way to obtain further details on this fund and how to make an application for funding.

In his website notice, Fraser says, “I encourage local businesses, municipalities and community groups to see if any of your projects, or potential projects, align with the eligibility requirements here.”

At Let Abilities Work Partnership Society (LAWPS), we’d like to echo MP Fraser’s words. It’s good advice to add accessibility for all to any such project that you’re considering.

Ralph Ferguson

Pictou