Inconsistent sidewalks, a lack of automatic doors and poorly designed wheelchair ramps has made accessing West Shore Parks and Recreation a challenge for people with mobility problems.

But the recreation centre is correcting its halphazard accessibility around the main Juan de Fuca building thanks to a $75,000 grant from the federal governmentB次元官网网址檚 enabling accessibility fund.

Prior to this project, WSPR staff discovered, for instance, that a sloped sidewalk curb on one side of a crosswalk led to a high curb that wheelchairs, scooters and strollers could not navigate.

B次元官网网址淣ow, when you come to the curb, you can continue on in a seamless, barrier-free path,B次元官网网址� said Bobbi Neal, community development coordinator for WSPR. B次元官网网址淲hen you want to promote alternative modes of transportation you want to make it as easy as possible.B次元官网网址�

The sidewalk from the bus stop on Island Highway to the administration entrance is undergoing a complete overhaul and should be finished at the end of the month.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an all new sidewalk with a curb cut (for wheelchair use),B次元官网网址� Neal, said adding the sidewalk has been widened and the shubbery has been cut back.

The administration entrance used to have two sets of stairs that needed maneuvering in order to enter, certainly a challenge for anyone in a wheelchair or walker. There was a tight narrow wheelchair ramp into the administration area, but no automatic door button to get into the building.

Now the stairs have been removed and replaced with a sloping sidewalk and the wheelchair ramp is widened and a door button installed.

B次元官网网址淲heelchairs and strollers are a lot bigger than they used to be 30 years ago,B次元官网网址� Neal said.

In 2008, WSPR hosted the event Disability for Day, where municipal politicians and groups from across the West Shore took on the challenge of disabilities, including using wheelchairs and being blindfolded to simulate blindness. They then maneuvered the grounds and made notes on areas that they found challenging to navigate and access.

B次元官网网址淲e had a list of obstacles identified from that day,B次元官网网址� Neal said.

Through out the main building, automatic door openers have been added helping people gain access to the curling rink and elevators. Neal pointed out there are many wheelchair curlers who use the facility but, there was no automatic door opener.

B次元官网网址淲e are looking at a more universal design so everyone can access (the facility) in a more user friendly way,B次元官网网址� Neal said. B次元官网网址淲e want to literally make it accessible from the time they arrive here to the time they leave.B次元官网网址�

Recreation Integration Victoria and Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Disability Issues have been working with WSPR to identify areas requiring improvements and overseeing the project.

B次元官网网址淚ACDI is extremely please to learn (WSPR) got the money to create more accessibility improvement,B次元官网网址� said Marnie Essery, IACDI chair. B次元官网网址淲e are very we are very excited to build on existing structures and to be more accessible for people of different ages and accessibility levels.B次元官网网址�

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com