Prince George is one of 15 B.C. communities which will benefit from $5 million in provincial funding to improve accessibility.
The funding, announced on Thursday, supports the Rick Hansen Foundation BC Accessibility Grants Program and will be used to evaluate the accessibility of facilities, upgrade three selected sites and train municipal staff on accessibility. Prince George is one of eight communities already working with the Rick Hansen Foundation on improving accessibility.
"Thank you to the Government of B.C. for your leadership and commitment to removing accessibility barriers for British Columbians with disabilities and their friends and loved ones," said Rick Hansen, founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation. "Ensuring our communities are accessible to people of all ages and abilities is critical to an equitable and inclusive society."
The funding will also support organizations with accessibility training, developing digital tools, engagement campaigns and research. There are more than 926,000 people with disabilities living in B.C.
"We all want people to live dignified lives and fully participate in their communities," said Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. "That's why we're providing funding to the Rick Hansen Foundation to help municipalities expand accessibility."
