Six regional projects focusing on improving accessibility for people with disabilities received $140,723 in funding from Hon. Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development.

Bergen made the announcement in the City of Cranbrook council chambers this morning (August 20) that Enabling Accessibility Fund aid was going to two city projects, two projects in the City of Kimberley, one in the District of Invermere and to the Valley Community Resources Society.

The projects range from the installation of automated doors to exterior ramps, lowering sinks and counters and widening doorways.

“People should not have an issue getting to work,” Bergen said.

“All across Canada and right here in the Kootenay region in B.C., we are improving accessibility for Canadians with varying degrees of abilities in their communities and workplaces to ensure that they can participate in, and contribute their many skills to Canadian society. Through this fund, we are working together to achieve our government’s goals of job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity,” she stated.

Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski said the city’s share of the funds will be put to good use.

“Improving accessibility for people with disabilities is a priority for me as mayor and for council,” he said. “I am so proud of the work our city is doing to help the community and people with disabilities have barrier free access, to community programs and services offered here in Cranbrook. On behalf of council and the City of Cranbrook, I wish to thank those who have helped to bring these projects to life, and the federal government for providing financial support through the Enabling Accessibility Fund. This is an important step in the right direction.”

Sidewalk improvements, improved access at Western Financial Place and the Cranbrook RCMP station are among the projects the city has recently completed to improve accessibility.

Stetski took a moment to share a story about he learned a lesson about accessibility when he first became mayor after spending time with residents JoAnne and Mike Gauthier, who is disabled.

During a “two hour journey” around the city in a wheelchair, “I got beaten up by doors trying to get into buildings” and was repeatedly stymied getting onto or off sidewalks.

“Simple things that are so important,” Stetski pointed out, need to be considered in order to make communities fully accessible.

Representing the City of Kimberley was chief administrative officer Scott Sommerville, who pointed out one of the projects getting funding is already underway.

“City hall is being torn apart right now,” he said. Additionally, funds are being used to help improve/replace three bridges over Mark Creek.

“I’m very excited that Kimberley is becoming a more accessible place for our residents,” Sommerville said.

Bergen seized the moment with regional media in attendance to offer a reminder about calls for proposals still being accepted for funding from the workplace accessibility stream of the Enabling Accessibility Fund.

“This stream allows small businesses to submit applications to receive grants of up to $50,000,” she said, adding, “The bottom line is we want all Canadians to participate.”

Lead image: (Back row, left to right) Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks; Mayor Gerry Taft, District of Invermere; Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development; Mayor Wayne Stetski, City of Cranbrook; Scott Sommerville, CAO, City of Kimberley. (Front row, left to right) Mike Gauthier and Joanne Gauthier.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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