Victoria, Saanich land funding for accessibility improvements

Victoria and Saanich will be receiving new funding for accessibility improvements to existing sites.

The municipalities will be getting up to $90,000 from the Rick Hansen Foundation's B.C. Accessibility Grants program thanks to funding from the provincial government.

"The City of Victoria is thrilled to be receiving funding from the Rick Hansen Foundation to reduce barriers for residents and visitors with disabilities," stated a City of Victoria Facebook post. "Many thanks to our accessibility advisory committee whose lived experiences are informing accessibility priorities and creating meaningful change in our community."

City and district staff will also receive accessibility awareness training to help inspire a positive culture.

Chilliwack, Delta and Maple Ridge were the other new recipients.

The program was developed to support communities across the province to improve accessibility for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.

"Accessibility improvements to spaces such as community centres, libraries and arts facilities will benefit everyone across our province," said Brad McCannell, vice-president of access and inclusion at the Rick Hansen Foundation. "Almost 50 per cent of adults in Canada have a permanent or temporary disability or live with someone who does. Everyone has a right to real, meaningful access and we applaud all of these communities working towards making that a priority."

More than 926,000 people are living with disabilities in the province.