The Quinte West Chamber of Commerce has become more accessible for persons with disabilities thanks to $7,500 in funding to improve their building at 97 Front Street in downtown Trenton. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).
The federal funding allowed for multiple accessibility upgrades to the Chamber building, including two newly upgraded automated doors and buttons into the building and new door handles inside the building. The accessible bathrooms are now up to code with grab bars, automated lights, soap and paper dispensers, and an emergency safety button in both the public and staff bathrooms.
“It is important that our building is fully accessible to anyone entering the building and for staff that work here,” stated Suzanne Andrews, CEO at the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce. “The EAF funding allowed us to complete all of the necessary updates to our building so we can meet the responsibilities we have under The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).”
The AODA was enacted to expand the government’s mission to offer full accessibility to all disabled Ontarians by 2025.
With the support of Bay of Quinte area’s Youth Accessibility Leader Brianna Rossit, Small Business Centre, the Chamber was granted funding through the EAF’s youth innovation component to help improve accessibility and safety in the community space and workplace.
“As my role of the Youth Accessibility Leader, it is my goal to help businesses in our area become more accessible and to break down barriers for all persons within our surrounding communities. The Quinte West Chamber of Commerce has set a wonderful example to the community on what a barrier free location looks like. I am proud be a part of the change in our community to be more inclusive to all persons with disabilities,” says Rossit.
Accessibility expert Wade Watts, W.A.C. Consulting Services, President/Founder WFSI Wheelchair Friendly Solutions Inc., and Arlene Tinunas provided cost-effective solutions to achieve the upgrades and sourced, managed and completed the project.
“Although our accessibility and inclusion work is Canada-wide, nothing gives us a greater sense of accomplishment than when we help businesses and organizations in the community we live,” says Watts. “We want to ensure buildings are accessible to all who live, visit and play in beautiful Quinte West regardless of ability or age. Working together with the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce to ensure they used the most up-to-date, compliant, innovative, and cost-effective solutions with minimal construction or interference is what we do, helping us make “An Accessible Canada for All.”
The EAF provides funding for projects that make Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. It aims to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs, services, and access employment.
A new round of EAF funding should be available later in 2022; anyone interested in receiving details can contact Brianna at brianna@smallbusinessctr.com.
