COQUITLAM, B.C., March 9, 2023 – A grant awarded by the Rick Hansen Foundation will boost the Coquitlam’s ongoing work to remove barriers and improve access to City facilities and services.
The City of Coquitlam is one of eight British Columbia municipalities to be selected by the Rick Hansen Foundation B.C. Grants Program. The grant program provides staff training, funding for accessibility upgrades and participation in the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) program, which rates and recognizes the level of meaningful accessibility at sites for people with disabilities affecting their mobility, vision and hearing.
Upgrades Planned for Three City Facilities
Coquitlam has selected the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex, Dogwood Pavilion and the Town Centre Park Community Centre (formerly the Innovation Centre) for the RFHAC evaluations and upgrades, after assessing City sites for size, scope and value for residents.
The benefits associated with B.C. Accessibility Grant include:
- An initial RHFAC evaluation for the three sites selected by the City.
- Up to $82,500 toward improvements at the sites based on the evaluation results, such as more accessible entranceways or washrooms, vehicle access, emergency services and wayfinding signs.
- RHF Accessibility Certification plaques for each site that achieves certification.
- RHFAC training for three City staff on physical accessibility considerations in both existing and planned City infrastructure.
- Accessibility awareness training for City staff.
More information will be provided as the upgrades proceed.
Grant Acknowledges City Commitment to Accessibility
The grant recognizes Coquitlam’s leadership and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) – a top priority in the corporate Business Plan – and the work of the City’s Universal Access-Ability Advisory Committee, which helps keep accessibility at the forefront of City services as it delivers facilities, infrastructure, neighbourhood plans and programs for people of all ages and abilities.
While many of the City’s public facilities are believed to already meet RHFAC standards, the evaluations are expected to provide valuable guidance on future improvement opportunities. City staff will also gain important practical knowledge and awareness through the accompanying training program.
Information about City programs, regulations and policies that promote access for people with disabilities can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/accessibility. Learn more about the Universal Access-Ability Advisory Committee at www.coquitlam.ca/uaac.
About the Rick Hansen Foundation
The Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) was established in 1988, following the completion of Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour. For nearly 30 years, RHF has worked to raise awareness, change attitudes, and remove barriers for people with disabilities. Visit www.rickhansen.com to learn more.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Coquitlam
Equity, diversion and inclusion (EDI) is about breaking down barriers to ensure that everyone – regardless of ability, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation and other diversity characteristics – is able to live, work and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment. As an organization, Coquitlam is on a journey to better serve our vibrant and diverse community by applying EDI principles to all City work, policies, operations, language and services. EDI is a top organizational priority that guides decision-making across all lines of business. Learn more at www.coquitlam.ca/edi.
Media contact:
Manisha Dutta
Manager Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
City of Coquitlam
media@coquitlam.ca