1. The Accessible
Community Bylaws Guide
Resource Kit

2. SPARC BC presents:
The Accessible Community Bylaws Guide
Within B.C., there are relatively few legal means to ensure that communities build and maintain
their communities in an accessible manner. This prevents communities from reaching their full
potential. By enhancing accessibility, communities can greatly improve the quality of life for
persons with disabilities by giving them the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the
community. Through the Community Charter and the Local Government Act, local governments
have the power to establish their own standards to the limits of their delegated authority.
By establishing a set of community accessibility bylaws, current municipal governments
can influence the continued growth of their communities in a way that is both viable and
sustainable. All that is needed, therefore, is for local governments to use the tools that they
already have at their disposal to lead the community in adopting accessibility bylaws.
This resource kit provides a brief summary of the nine accessibility bylaws and an equity policy which
establish standards different aspects of community life, including planning, public facilities,
parks, parking, transport, housing, and employment equity, sending the message that people
with disabilities are an integral part of the community. It also demonstrates the step-by-step
process for governing a community that promotes and prioritizes accessibility. In addition,
these model bylaws and policy are accented by a resource directory, linking local governance
with funding opportunities and peer support.
These bylaws and policy allow communities to move beyond the current legislative process,
and initiate their own positive growth and development. Overall, these bylaws and policy utilize
the strength of local government to enhance the accessibility of a community, which has many
positive outcomes. They can contribute to a higher quality of life for community members,
ensure the long-term viability of a community through sustainable infrastructure, and set an
example for community partners and other communities.
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3. Terms Defined
Accessibility:
In the context of people with disabilities, accessibility refers to a variety of practical and
concrete measures which assist people with disabilities to access the community, including,
making building and infrastructure accessible, making civic services and programs accessible,
making information available in alternative formats and providing various accessible
transportation options.
Inclusion:
Inclusion means that people with disabilities participate in the planning and decision-making
process regarding issues that affect them; that society’s policies and laws embrace our diversity
and varying needs; and that all members of societies contributions are valued.
Goals/Objectives:
The community accessibility bylaws aim to:
• Offer the benefits of full citizenship to persons of all abilities
• Ensure communities grow with their population via sustainable infrastructure
• Raise awareness by changing attitudinal barriers
• Increase community members’ confidence, sense of belonging, and self-worth
• Set an example for communities and community partners
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4. Is Your Community Accessible Yet? 8
An illustrated look at bylaws for an accessible community Legend of Bylaws
1: Accessible Planning
Planning involves the different segments of the community and
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local governments working together to create a more accessible
environment to meet the needs of all the population
2: Accessible Public Facilities
This is to ensure that all municipally owned and operated facilities
are accessible to all people with disabilities.
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3: Accessible Parks
By creating the parks and outdoor recreation facilities more
accessible, people with disabilities can enjoy the infrastructure of
the natural environment.
P 4 4: Accessible Streets
This bylaw is aimed to make all pedestrian routes safe and easy to
use by people of a variety of disabilities.
5: Accessible Parking
Rigorous dimensions and measurements have been developed for
a person with disabilities to park as driving is a cucial component
to their freedom of mobility.
2 6: Accessible Taxi
This bylaw ensures that taxi operators have an obligation to have
3 a certain percentage of their fleet to serve people with disabilities.
7: Accessible Gasoline Stations
To enhance the accessibility level of gas stations, it must offer full
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service options during all business hours.
8: Adaptable Designs for Accessible Housing
Adaptable designs allow for flexibility from the resident to modify
their house as their needs change or make modifications to suit
their disability.
9: Density Bonusing
Implementation of density bonusing allows for more amenities as
well as housing for people with disabilities.
5 P: Policy - Access to Employment
This commits a municipality to adopt an employment equity hiring policy
so that people with disabilities have the same opportunities to be
employed.
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5. Summary of the Bylaws and Policy
1. The Accessible Planning Bylaw outlines the process around increasing access, which is
initiated by the creation of an advisory committee and conduction of an accessibility audit. This
process also allows communities to develop their own definitions of accessibility, inclusion, and
disability; which will be incorporated into the context of all future bylaws.
2. The Accessible Public Facilities Bylaw identifies ways to increase the accessibility of arenas,
municipally-owned restaurants, cafeterias and cafes; gymnasium; ice rinks; libraries; meeting
rooms; theatres; and swimming pools.
3. The Accessible Parks Bylaw creates full access to recreation, exercise, amusement, and
cultural life.
4. The Accessible Streets Bylaw outlines the necessary arrangements for road features
including bridges, crosswalks, ramps, pedestrian routes, traffic islands, bus shelters,
boardwalks, and traffic signals. It demonstrates provisions for the design of stairs, emergency
vehicle access, benches and seats; passenger loading zones, guards and handrails; lighting;
and snow removal on the streets.
5. The Accessible Parking Bylaw creates standards for the size of accessible spaces and the
number of spaces allotted to a given parking area. In addition, it also addresses enforcement
issues and suggested fines.
6. The Accessible Taxi Bylaw outlines conditions for the issuance and revocation of taxi
licenses, based upon accessible service requirements.
7. The Accessible Gas Station Bylaw concerns guidelines for accessible gasoline stations,
which are also a part of the right to transport and mobility.
8. The Adaptable Designs for Accessible Housing Bylaw covers such issues as building access,
room specifications, environmental controls, and outdoor recreation areas.
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6. 9. The Density Bonusing Bylaw allows municipalities to grant an increase in density above
current zoning bylaws in exchange for the provision of a set number of accessible units within
a development. Each municipality can outline its own specifications for density, a suitable
increase for a density bonus, and the conditions under which a density bonus would be
granted.
The Access to Employment Policy covers such provisions as pay equity, recruitment, and
career development. The policy should provide the structure for an equal employment
opportunities program that ensures civic employees are free from harassment based on
gender, racial/ethnic origins, or disability.
Implementation Process
These bylaws exist as a guide, and each community will need to adapt the implementation
process to suit their own needs and resources. As noted, the first step in implementing
these bylaws is to initiate an inclusive policy development process, by creating a diverse and
representative Accessibility Advisory Committee. The next key step is to seek the support of
your Council and the community at-large, which may involve a range of activities and meetings
that educate and engage people about the importance of enhancing accessibility within the
community. These consultations will also help you to better understand the needs of your
community.
As you begin to implement the bylaws, it is important to remember that it is a process and it will
take time to make your community fully accessible. Your consistent leadership will create a
community where citizens can fully participate, raising both the standard of living and well-being
of your community’s citizens, thus making sure that your community issues a warm invitation to
citizens of all abilities, both in 2010 and for many, many years to come.
Further information
To ensure all communities can plan for a more accessible future, the bylaws can be accessed
in a variety of formats and downloaded for free. The complete version of the Community
Accessibility Bylaws can be accessed on SPARC BC’s website at: http://www.sparc.bc.ca/
Our website also includes other resources that may assist you in creating a more accessible
community.
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7. SPARC BC
SPARC BC’s mission is to work with communities in building a just and healthy society for all.
As a non-partisan non-profit operating in BC since 1966, SPARC BC is an independent voice
and expert on social policy and planning in the areas of accessibility, community development,
and income security. Through public education and consulting services, we have helped
hundreds of communities, organizations, and municipalities create lasting positive change.
If you are looking for high-quality, community-based research, expert advice on accessibility
planning, tailored engagement strategies, or want to know more about our parking permit
program for people with disabilities, visit our website www.sparc.bc.ca and contact us today.
We would be happy to discuss any projects, partnerships, or ideas you may have for creating a
more accessible community or organization.
SPARC BC
Mail: 4445 Norfolk St., Burnaby, BC V5G 0A7 Canada
Tel: 604-718-7733
Fax: 604-736-8697
Web: www.sparc.bc.ca
email: info@sparc.bc.ca
You can also follow us on twitter! www.twitter.com/sparc_bc
Join our Facebook group: Accessibility Awareness British Columbia
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8. Funding and Programs for Accessibility
I. FEDERAL PROGRAMS
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
A: Social Development Partnership Program
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/hip/sd/05_SDPP.shtml
The Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP) is a broad-based and flexible
grant and contribution instrument that makes investments to improve life outcomes
for children, families, and people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations.
The program’s long-term objectives are to contribute to more effective community-
based programs and services for children, families, and people with disabilities, and
improve government policies, programs, and services. Individuals are not eligible for
funding through this Program. Organizations may apply for funding only when a Call for
Applications or Call for Proposals is open, usually in May of each year.
There are two funding options: grants and contributions. Grants are delivered to
national non-profit organizations to provide leadership for program and service
improvements offered by their community member organizations. For instance, funding
can be used to develop tools for community outreach, strategic planning, or for more
effective financial and administrative management which are often beyond the means
of community-based organizations to undertake on their own. Contributions are
delivered to national and community-based non-profitorganizations to enable them to
identify and test innovative programs or services or to create and share new knowledge
and information. Funding can be multi-year up to a maximum of five years.
a) Grant funding
Grants may be provided to national non-profit disability organizations to make them
more stable, leading to improved service delivery. The mandates and primary activities
of these national organizations support personal empowerment and independence
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9. of people with disabilities, as well as their full inclusion in one or more aspects of
Canadian society.
Organizations applying for grants through SDPP-D must also demonstrate that they
are “consumer controlled” or “consumer focused.” These terms have historic meaning
for the disability community and are included as eligibility criteria to ensure that the
organizations truly represent the voice of people with disabilities.
b) Contribution funding for projects
Two factors figure prominently in the role of SDPP-D funding for social development
projects. First, the funding aims to foster cooperation and development, rather than
competition, across the disability community. In other words, it seeks to encourage
a productive competition of ideas rather than competition between the voluntary
organizations that generate these ideas. Second, the funding aims to achieve the
greatest possible effect. In other words, the program should be able to show where its
resources are having measurable effects in making progress or adding value to the
issues, organizations, programs, or processes in which they are invested.
SDPP-D contributions are allocated through three project streams: I.Social
Development, II.Accommodation Fund, and III.Community Inclusion Initiative.
i. Social Development project stream
Contributions may be provided for a wide range of activities including
generating knowledge on emerging social issues, by exploring and testing
innovative solutions, best practices, and tools and methodologies; and
disseminating information and knowledge and increasing public awareness
through publications, newsletters, websites, public education materials, and
media; organizing conferences, workshops, and symposia; and establishing
and maintaining sustainable partnerships, alliances, networks, and
collaboration through joint initiatives.
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10. ii. Accommodation Fund
In 2005-06, SDPP-D provided up to $20,000 to eligible organizations to enable
people with disabilities to participate in key policy, program, and knowledge
development events. Eligible expenses included accommodations such as
sign language interpretation, real-time captioning, readers and scribes, support
persons, and interveners.
iii. Community Inclusion Initiative
The Initiative undertakes specific activities and projects at the local level.
The Community Inclusion Initiative is a national community development
scheme that aims to promote including people with intellectual disabilities in
the mainstream of Canadian life. The Initiative is supported by 13 provincial
and territorial committees with representation from the federal, provincial, and
territorial governments
B: New Horizons for Seniors Program
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/community_partnerships/seniors/index.shtml
It provides funding for community-based projects that encourage seniors to contribute
to their communities through their social participation and active living. Although not
targeted directly to seniors with disabilities, projects funded under this program have
both a direct and indirect impact on seniors with disabilities. Among the projects that
the New Horizons for Seniors Program funded in 2005-06, 15 involved organizations
that deal with people with disabilities. Calls for Applications are issued once or twice
a year. In British Columbia, a call went out in May with an end of June deadline for
applications.
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11. EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
Federal-Provincial Multi-lateral Framework
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/disability_issues/labour_market_agreements/index.shtml
The goal of the Multilateral Framework is to improve the employment situation of Canadians
with disabilities, by enhancing their employability, increasing the employment opportunities
available to them, and building on the existing knowledge base.
Governments have identified the following priority areas:
a. Education and training
b. Employment participation
c. Employment opportunities
d. Connecting employers and persons with disabilities
e. Building knowledge
Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/disability_issues/funding_programs/opportunities_fund/index.shtml
The Opportunities Fund Program is designed to assist persons with disabilities to return to
work. Individuals who self identify as persons with disabilities, are unemployed (or working
less than 20 hours per week) and not normally eligible for Employment Insurance Part II
Employment Programs can apply for the Opportunities Fund. Projects may be approved for a
period of up to 52 weeks, however, in some circumstances may be extended to a total of 78
weeks.
Funding may be provided to cover costs such as participant wages or related employer costs;
and may also be provided to cover overhead costs related to planning, organizing, operating,
delivering and evaluating approved activities, including costs such as staff wages and
employment related costs. Eligible expenses will be negotiated with program officials.
Businesses, organizations, including public health and educational institutions, band/
tribal councils, or municipal governments, individuals and provincial/territorial government
departments and agencies can all apply if specifically approved by the Minister.
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12. Organizations interested in submitting an application should contact their Service Canada
Centre (http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/nav/top_nav/our_offices.shtml).
Vancouver Foundation: Disability Supports for Employment Fund
http://vancouverfoundation.ca
The purpose of the Disability Supports for Employment Fund (DSEF) is to support new
approaches to employment for people with disabilities that may complement or augment
existing programs in the community. The Fund recognizes the diversity of the population of
persons with disabilities in British Columbia and supports initiatives by non-profit, charitable
organizations that will promote the social and economic independence of individuals with
disabilities.
Assistive Technology BC - AT BC
http://www.at-bc.ca
The Adult Services program is a government initiative to provide special technology services
to support post-secondary students or employees who have a disability. The aim is to reduce
barriers in reaching educational and vocational goals. In British Columbia, post-secondary
students and employees with disabilities who use adaptive technology may acquire their
equipment through the Adult Services Program (ASP). The Program houses a loan bank of
adaptive technology which eligible students and employees can access through referring
agents (disability service coordinators, or vocational rehabilitation consultants with Vocational
Rehabilitation Services). Support services for adaptive equipment include consultation, and
training.
HOUSING
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/prfinas/index.cfm
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) administers five initiatives that
contribute to accessible housing for people with disabilities: the Residential Rehabilitation
Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (RRAP-D), the Home Adaptations for
Seniors’ Independence Program (HASI), the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program
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13. – Secondary/Garden Suite, the Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP), and FlexHousingTM.
In general, assistance is in the form of a fully forgivable loan that does not have to be repaid,
provided the owner adheres to the conditions of the program. The funds allow the homeowner
to make adaptations to their home to make it accessible. In the case of the Secondary/
Garden Suite program, an owner without a disability can access up to $25,000 to put in an
accessible suite, provided they rent to a low income senior or person with a disability. The
Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP) assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing
shelters for women and their children, youth and men who are victims of family violence; and
in acquiring or building new shelters and second-stage housing where needed. Up to 100%
financing is available for new shelters, and up to $24,000 per unit to upgrade existing shelters.
SPORTS
Sport Canada (Canadian Heritage)
http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/sc/index_e.cfm
Sport Canada is a branch of the International and Intergovernmental Affairs and Sport Sector
within the federal Department of Canadian Heritage. Sport Canada provides funding for sports
programs for people with disabilities. This is provided annually toward programming initiatives
that improve access to sport for people with disabilities (for example, support for Paralympic
sport programs run by national sport organizations; mission support for the Canadian team
participating in the Paralympic Games; Athlete Assistance Program stipends to more than
200 carded Paralympic athletes, etc. An additional $1.5 million is provided annually toward
increasing participation in sport for people with disabilities (see Sport Canada Policy on Sport
for Persons with a Disability at http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/sc/pol/spt/tdm-eng.cfm)
ACCESS TO INFORMATION
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Common Look and Feel initiative
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/clf2-nsi2/clfs-nnsi/clfs-nnsi-2-eng.asp
In this federal program, universal accessibility standards are directed toward ensuring equitable
access to all content on Government of Canada websites.
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14. For some Canadians gaining access to Web content is more complicated than clicking a
mouse and operating a modem. Some rely on assistive technologies such as text readers,
audio players, and voice-activated devices to overcome the barriers presented by standard
technologies. Others may be limited by the technology available to them. The objective of this
initiative is to ensure equal and equitable access for all to the Government of Canada’s Web
content.
RECREATION
Let’s Play
www.rickhansen.com/play
Let’s Play is a new program to contribute to the construction and renovation of accessible play
spaces in British Columbia. A joint initiative of the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Province
of British Columbia, Let’s Play offers grants for the creation of accessible, public play spaces
for children ages 0-6 in B.C., and builds awareness about accessible play and related best
practices.
Grants of up to $50,000 are available for accessible play space projects that focus primarily on
accommodating children 0-6 years old and caregivers with mobility-related disabilities. Funds
may be applied to new construction, renovation of an existing space, and/or the purchase of
equipment. Submissions are usually due in January of each year and funding is distributed in
May and June.
For more information on Let’s Play, please visit the website at www.rickhansen.com/play or call
the Let’s Play Coordinator at 604.707.2106.
Active Communities Grants
http://www.activecommunities.bc.ca/wp/grants/active-communities-grants/
The BC Recreation and Parks Association’s (BCRPA) Active Communities Initiative Grant
Program is designed to assist communities with the development and implementation of an
Active Community plan, or development and maintenance of walkways, trails and/or bikeways.
Grants of up to $5,000 are offered twice a year, with application deadlines in May and
November.
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15. When communities already have a plan in place, they can apply for funding for:
• Walkways, trails and/or bikeways development and maintenance - Examples of
eligible projects include hiring a consultant for an environmental assessment or
feasibility study for trails or walkways; producing signage or improving the lighting
or accessibility and safety of a trail; or developing resources for increasing active
transportation in your community. For this category, submitting a community plan is
recommended but not required.
For more information about the Active Communities Grants’ contact the program coordinatore
at kwhite@bcrpa.bc.ca or visit their website: http://www.activecommunities.bc.ca/wp/grants/
active-communities-grants/
BCHC Seed Grants
The British Columbia Healthy Communities Alliances offers one-time-only funding opportunities
that support communities to undertake activities and processes that will develop effective
community building practices. The maximum amount per grant is $2,500.00. Seed Grants
support local and regional groups to pay attention to the many ways in which capacity can
be strengthened by using the Integral Capacity Building Framework. This Framework offers
a holistic map of community that helps to explore our edges – those areas of thinking and
practice that are ready to be challenged and stretched a little. The Framework takes an
approach to capacity building that includes the whole community, seeing the big picture and the
interconnections among seemingly separate problems and potentials.
LocalMotion Grants
The objective of the LocalMotion Fund is to accelerate the development of capital projects that
make communities greener, healthier and more active and accessible places in which to live.
The program supports projects that:
• reduce community greenhouse gas emissions, with an emphasis on getting people
out of their cars;
• advance the ActNow BC principle of being physically active; and,
• build seniors-friendly and disability-friendly communities.
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16. LocalMotion provides $40 million, over four years, for capital projects that build bike paths,
walkways and greenways and build seniors-friendly and disability-friendly communities.
Projects are cost-shared 50/50 with local governments (municipalities and regional districts).
The maximum provincial funding for a local government is $1 million per year.
The Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance
The Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance provides a continuum of employment
programs and services designed to assist clients to find and sustain employment. A revised
suite of programs for clients who are expected to work, those with persistent multiple barriers,
and those with disabilities are currently being implemented. This revised suite is intended
to replace existing programs to address changing client needs and further improve results
by implementing a different approach to programming and changes to program operations/
administration. As in the past, these employment programs will be delivered through
performance-based, external service provider contracts.
Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD)
http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/pwd/eppd.htm
The Ministry’s Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD) provides a range
of specialized services to help individuals with disabilities participate in their communities;
pursue their employment goals as they are able, increase their self-reliance, and build skills
and experience that may lead to further employment or volunteer opportunities. It is intended
to assist persons with disabilities to achieve their economic and social potential to the fullest
extent possible.
The EPPD is a province-wide program with individualized services provided through Service
Provider contracts. In addition to client outcomes of full time or part time employment,
successful results of EPPD participation also include:
• Increased access to needed disability supports;
• Career planning and assessment;
• Employment placement and follow-up;
• Job related skill training;
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17. • Self-employment services;
• Better understanding of the disability as it relates to employment; and,
• Increased connection to the community.
WorkAble Solutions
https://www.workablesolutionsbc.ca/
WorkAble Solutions Initiative is sponsored by the Minister’s Council on Employment for
Persons with Disabilities and BC Human Resources Management Association (HRMA).
WorkAble Solutions is an initiative to connect BC employers to persons with disabilities by
providing valuable employment resources and support. The goal of the initiative is to help
employers turn potential challenges into workable solutions and increase the recruitment and
retention of persons with disabilities.
The website offers employers an exclusive site to post employment opportunities for persons
with disabilities and search through lists of skilled job-seekers with disabilities. Persons
with disabilities seeking employment can access lists of jobs from employers committed to
accommodating successful job applicants who have a disability. Employers and job-seekers
with disabilities can also use the website to access resources and connect with community
agencies that work with employers and persons with disabilities.
The Employer Toolkit
www.workablesolutionsbc.ca
WorkAble Solutions provides employers and human resources professionals with tools to
support recruitment and retention. All the materials are easily accessible online at www.
workablesolutionsbc.ca and include the following topics:
What Every Employer Needs To Know
Employer Handbook
Corporate Video
Research Report
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18. NON-GOvERNMENTAL ORGANIzATIONS
Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work
http://www.ccrw.org/en/main.html
The CCRW is a network of organizations and individuals that provides leadership in programs
and services for job seekers with disabilities and businesses committed to equity and inclusion.
A one-stop shop for disability and employment resources, CCRW works with businesses of
all sizes in all industries through its Job Accommodation Service, Skills Training Partnership
Program, Partners for Workplace Inclusion Program and the Disability Awareness Series, and
more! The CCRW also provides support to individual job seekers through its WORKinkTM site,
and develops disability-positive educational material for children in grades 3-5.
1. The Disability Awareness Series training provides employers and employees with knowledge
about disability issues, accommodation in the workplace, and tools to create an inclusive
workplace in which employees can realize their potential. The Disability Awareness Series is a
set of five modules and addresses (un)stereotyping disability, accessible interviewing and hiring
practices, the duty to accommodate, accommodation management, and inclusive practices in
the workplace.
2. The Council produced two children’s storybooks, I’m Wendy Blair, Not a Chair! And Wendy
Blair and the Assignment. SDPP-D funded the second storybook. The books help children
develop a positive understanding and attitude about disability and differences. The books also
help Canadian educators positively address the subject of disability. The books are “person-
focused” rather than “disability-focused” to give the message to children that we are all multi-
faceted and not defined by a single attribute such as a disability. A bilingual teaching toolkit is
also available that outlines how best to use the storybooks.
2010 Legacies Now
http://www.2010legaciesnow.com/home/
Legacies Now is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with community
organizations, non-government organizations, the private sector and all levels of government to
develop sustainable legacies in sport and recreation, arts, literacy and volunteerism. Financial
support from the Provincial government allows Legacies Now to assist communities create
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19. unique and inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to, and beyond the 2010
Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Enabling Accessibility Fund
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/disability_issues/eaf/call2008/index.shtml
The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports community-based projects across Canada. It
provides funding for projects that improve accessibility and enable Canadians, regardless of
physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their communities and the economy. Approved
projects will have strong ties to, and support from the communities they serve.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund has two components:
1. Major Projects Enabling Accessibility:
• Funded through a contribution agreement
• Eligible activities include: construction of a new participatory abilities centre
or the expansion of an existing facility to create a participatory abilities centre
within Canada
• Project funding levels range from $1 – 15 million
2. Small Projects Enabling Accessibility Fund
• Funded through a grant
• Eligible activities will include renovations of buildings or modifications to
existing vehicles within Canada. Activities must improve physical, information
and / or communication accessibility. All activities must be accessible to the
public. Examples of eligible activities include but are not limited to:
• building an exterior or interior ramp, building an accessible washroom,
installing a computer that is voice-interactive, installing a wheelchair lift on a
community based vehicle
• The maximum amount payable per recipient cannot exceed $50,000
Who is eligible to apply?
• Non-governmental agencies (i.e. community based groups, non-profit organizations)
• Small municipalities (population under 250,000)
• Small, private-sector organizations (fewer than 50 employees, under $5 million in
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20. gross revenue per year)
• Territorial governments
• Aboriginal governments and organizations
Seniors Housing and Support Initiative
http://www.civicnet.bc.ca/siteengine/ActivePage.asp?PageID=217
Launched in 2004, UBCM’s Seniors’ Housing and Support Initiative (SHSI) was created through
a one-time $2 million grant from the (now) Ministry of Community Development to assist local
governments to prepare for an aging population. In 2007, the (now) Ministry of Healthy Living &
Sport provided a $0.5 million grant to further support the initiative and to incorporate a focus on
Age-friendly projects.
In the initial phases of the program, the emphasis was on information sharing, including
workshop sessions at all five Area Association meetings, the development of a seniors’ website
( www.seniorsincommunities.ca ) and grants for ‘Seniors in Communities Dialogues.’ Feedback
and analysis of these initial grants led to the creation of pilot project funding, which was
available to local governments in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Children and Youth with Special Needs Supports Fund
The Children and Youth with Special Needs Fund provides grants to families who have children
or youth (newborn to 19 years) with special needs living at home. The Fund offers one-time
capital grants to help enhance or improve the individual’s health, development or ability to
participate in daily activities at home, in school and in the community. Eligible expenses may
include such things as home renovations and vehicle modifications. This Fund defines children
and youth with special needs as those who have significant impairments in one or more of the
following areas: health, cognition, communication, sensory motor, social/emotional/behavioural
or self help.
The Children and Youth with Special Needs Fund helps address family needs that are not
currently met through government-funded programs. If a family receives support from other
government-funded programs, they can apply to the:
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21. Family Independence Fund
Contact: Giving In Action Society, The Vancouver Foundation
Suite 1200-555 West Hastings St., Box 12132 Harbour Centre
Vancouver BC V6B 4N61-866-523-3157604-683-3157
Brittney Kerr, Program Assistant
brittney@givinginaction.ca
604-683-3157 ext: 5
The Family Independence Fund helps families throughout the province who have children or
adults with developmental disabilities living at home. Grants from the Family Independence
Fund help with the ongoing care of the relative by providing support for projects such as home
renovations — including lifts, elevators, ramps, flooring, door widening or vehicle modifications
— that enable the individual with the developmental disability to live in the family home and
access their community. The Family Independence Fund was established with financial
assistance from Community Living of British Columbia (CLBC).
TETRA Society of North America
http://tetrasociety.org
The Tetra Society of North America is an independent non-profit organization that provides
customized assistive devices to people with disabilities. Volunteer engineers and technicians
work one-on-one with individuals who have a specific need that cannot be met by commercial
assistive devices. Every Tetra project is unique – tailor-made to each person’s particular
circumstances and it can relate to any aspect of life, from school to leisure to day-to-day living.
Pat Tweedie,National Program Coordinator, ptweedie@tetrasociety.org
Ph. 604.688-6464 x 108 Toll Free: 1-877-688-8762
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