March 26, 2010

Pictured above, John Nabb, Building Inspector/ Facilities Coordinator with the City of Kenora
and Greg – new automatic door at the Museum

KENORA, ON - Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, today highlighted federal support for the City of Kenora Municipal Buildings, which will expand opportunities for people with disabilities and improve accessibility. Rickford made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development at the Lake of the Woods Museum.

“Our government is supporting people with disabilities and their families,” said Rickford. “Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, this project will help people with disabilities by improving access to the Kenora Library, Museum and City Hall’s facilities, activities and services.”

The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports community-based projects across the country that improve accessibility and enable all Canadians, regardless of physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their communities and the economy.

In total the City of Kenora  is receiving $30,832 to enable them to install automatic door openers, widen doorways, and upgrading washrooms to increase access their facilities.

These are 3 of 169 projects announced by Minister Finley this past November. The three-year, $45-million Enabling Accessibility Fund is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to address the needs of people with disabilities and help them reach their full potential. 

Canada’s Economic Action Plan and other recent federal initiatives are also addressing the needs of people with disabilities and their families through a series of important measures, including:
$1 billion for renovations and energy retrofits to social housing, including renovations that support people with disabilities.
An additional $75 million over two years for the construction of new social housing units for people with disabilities.
$20 million for each of two years to improve the accessibility of federally owned buildings.
Effective doubling of the tax relief provided by the Working Income Tax Benefit, which includes a supplement for persons with disabilities.
Extending the increase in the Home Buyers’ Plan limit and the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit to people with disabilities who are not first-time home buyers but are buying a more accessible or functional home.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Another new initiative is the Registered Disability Savings Plan, which helps families and individuals save for the long-term financial security of a loved one with a disability. Further information about this initiative can be found on the following Web site: www.disabilitysavings.gc.ca.




Backgrounder

Enabling Accessibility Fund

People with disabilities face a number of barriers, including inaccessible buildings, inadequate support or aids and a lack of access to transportation, which limit their daily activities. As a result, Canadian communities are not fully benefiting from the participation of people with disabilities.

Budget 2007 announced the creation of the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF), with $45 million over three years to contribute to projects that improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

The EAF seeks to promote vibrant communities in which all individuals can contribute and participate, regardless of physical ability. To this end, the EAF helps communities make buildings, facilities, vehicles, information and communication more accessible for people of varying abilities, and increase opportunities for everyone to participate socially and economically. Projects have strong ties to and support from the communities they serve. All projects must be accessible to the public.

Eligible recipients include:

• non-governmental organizations, such as community-based groups and non-profit organizations;
• small municipalities (with a population under 250,000 as per the latest census data);
• small private sector organizations (fewer than 50 employees and under $5 million in gross revenue per year);
• territorial governments; and
• Aboriginal governments and organizations.

Examples of eligible activities that enhance or improve accessibility include, but are not limited to:

• building an interior or exterior ramp;
• installing wider doors or installing automated door openers;
• lowering sinks or counters;
• improving lighting and increasing colour contrast;
• building an accessible washroom;
• installing accessible door handles and light switches;
• installing an FM loop system;
• installing a computer that is voice-interactive; or
• installing a wheelchair lift in a community-based vehicle.