The City of Enderby has been selected to receive funding through the RBC Barrier Buster Grants Program, a national initiative led by the Rick Hansen Foundation in partnership with RBC and the RBC Foundation.
In a statement provided by the City, the “Enderby’s Barrier-Free Facilities” project will receive $40,000 to support immediate accessibility improvements, reducing physical barriers and creating more inclusive public spaces for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
Enderby was on of 40 recipients across Canada and one of seven in B.C. to receive this funding.
The project includes the installation of automatic door openers at the John Pritchard Memorial Sports Complex, improving access to both the arena and curling rink.
The city said the upgrades will make it easier for people using mobility devices to participate in recreation and community activities.
“A strong community is one where everyone can participate and feel welcome,” Mayor Huck Galbraith added. “Whether someone is visiting City Hall, attending a hockey game, going curling or enjoying our outdoor pool, they should be able to do so with dignity and independence.”
Allysa Hopkins, chair of the Enderby and District Services Commission and director of Area F (Rural Enderby), added that this funding is an incredible win for the region.
“By removing these physical barriers, we are creating more opportunities for residents to stay active, connected and independent,” she said. “It’s about ensuring that everyone can fully experience and enjoy all that our community has to offer.”
The RBC Barrier Buster Grants Program was created to support accessibility improvements in communities across Canada and commemorate the 40th anniversary of Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour.
The program funds projects that remove physical barriers and advance inclusion in public spaces.
Sheryl Hay of Enderby and District Recreation Services said accessible infrastructure has a positive impact on community participation and well-being.
“These improvements represent a significant step toward creating a barrier-free community where we can all access facilities and programs,” she said. “A healthy community is a community that includes everyone.”
According to the city, more than 64 per cent of Canadians either have a disability or live with or care for someone who does, highlighting the growing importance of accessible infrastructure in communities of all sizes.
The city said it will hold a community event in November to celebrate the completion of the project.
