Esquimalt Receives $20,000 to Improve Accessibility for People with Disabilities

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The Township of Esquimalt will improve local access for people with disabilities thanks to funding from 2010 Legacies Now.

“Esquimalt will receive $20,000 to implement our Measuring Up program,” said Brenda Le Clair, executive director of community engagement for 2010 Legacies Now. “Esquimalt has identified local accessibility and inclusion as a top priority, and 2010 Legacies Now is pleased to support its quest to ensure people with disabilities can participate and fully contribute in their communities.”

This grant is part of $459,700 distributed by 2010 Legacies Now to 26 communities across British Columbia. The grants are thanks to the $2-million Measuring Up Accessibility and Inclusion Fund established in 2007 by the Province of British Columbia, through the Ministry of Housing and Social Development.

“The Province of B.C. is pleased to support 2010 Legacies Now and its goal to improve community participation by people with disabilities. I applaud Esquimalt in their commitment to implement Measuring Up and improve local accessibility for their residents,” said Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman.

Esquimalt will use its grant to evaluate local accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.

“Receiving the grant from the Measuring Up means a great deal to the residents of Esquimalt,” explained Mayor Barbara Desjardins, who chairs the local Access Awareness Committee. “The Township has been a leader in the region in making our community more accessible and this grant will help us identify areas where we can continue to improve and create a community without barriers.”

To date, 2010 Legacies Now has distributed over $1.6 million to assist more than 100 communities across B.C. to deliver the Measuring Up program, which includes a grassroots assessment and planning tool to identify priorities to becoming more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. Visit 2010LegaciesNow.com for a list of all grant recipients or for more information on the Measuring Up program.