B.C. spending $3.6M to improve park accessibility
Bumpy trails, tiny outhouses and cramped campsites are often part of the outdoor experience on Vancouver Island. But they don't have to be.
They're just a few of the obstacles that prevent people from getting outside, and now the province wants to change that with a new $3.6 million investment into improving parks and campgrounds over then next three years.
"If you were in a wheelchair you wouldn't be able to get to that swing," said disability advocate Susan Simmons while standing at a playground in Victoria.
"We don't want a two-tiered society. So everybody has a right to access," she said.
Simmons is one of many people on Vancouver Island who lives with multiple sclerosis and who faces many different barriers every day, she says.
B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman says the province is aware of the challenges.
"The barriers might be physical, they might be cultural, they might be financial, they might be language, they might be sensory, they could be technological, they could even be visual," he said at the announcement Wednesday.
The $3.6 million in funding will go towards upgrades on the Lower Mainland, according to the province.
"More accessible campsites, more accessible toilets, natural features in parking areas," said Heyman.
On Vancouver Island, Heyman says the province has already made gains towards accessibility, pointing towards a new paved parking lot at Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville as an example.
When thinking about trail accessibility, our minds tend to turn to wheelchairs. But it's just one area where accommodations are needed.
"One of the groups we never talk about are people with intellectual disabilities and the impact that the environment has on them," said Simmons.
She hopes to see more park interpreters and signs with symbols out in nature.
"I’m excited to see what’s ahead," she said. "I really hope that the province works with the range of disabilities as they do this."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hamas says latest ceasefire talks have ended. Israel vows military operation in 'very near future'
The latest round of Gaza cease-fire talks ended in Cairo after "in-depth and serious discussions,"{ the Hamas militant group said Sunday, reiterating key demands that Israel again rejected.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
B.C. man wants homes for thousands of books he soon won't be able to read
In the 10 years since John William started to lose his vision, he's been finding new ways to enjoy his vast personal library.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc insists
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Bombarded with spam texts? Stats show the problem is getting worse in Canada
In particular, messages that involve phishing — an attack where a scammer tries to trick the recipient into clicking a malicious link, downloading malware or sharing sensitive information — are on the rise.
One dead after potential wrong way crash on Highway 401 in Milton: OPP
One person is dead and another is in life-threatening condition after a driver was travelling in the wrong direction on Highway 401 in Milton Sunday, according to police.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
William Shatner says he would consider 'Star Trek' return: 'Here comes Captain Kirk!'
The Montreal-born actor, famed for his portrayal of Captain Kirk in "Star Trek," says he is open to reprising the iconic role in the sci-fi franchise as long as the storytelling is stellar.