Media Releases 2008

2010 LEGACIES NOW FUNDS NORTHERN COMMUNITIES TO MEASURE UP IN ACCESSIBILITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND SENIORS

Vancouver, B.C. (May 27, 2008): 2010 Legacies Now funds northern communities to measure up in accessibility for people with disabilities and seniors

2010 Legacies Now, with support from the Province of British Columbia, is providing $125,000 from its Measuring Up Fund to assist northern British Columbia communities in becoming more liveable for people with disabilities and seniors.

"The Measuring Up The North project is taking an innovative regional approach to improving community life for people with disabilities and seniors throughout northern B.C.," explained Carla Qualtrough, director of inclusion initiatives, 2010 Legacies Now. "By partnering on this project, 2010 Legacies Now hopes to improve local accessibility and inclusion so all residents and visitors can participate and fully contribute in these communities."

To date, 2010 Legacies Now has distributed over $1 million to 59 communities to implement its Measuring Up program. Measuring Up helps communities assess local accessibility and identify projects to improve it. Measuring Up The North is the first regional project to apply for and receive money from the fund.

"The Measuring Up The North project is helping to accomplish a top priority of this government which is to remove barriers to full participation by persons with disabilities," said Hon. Claude Richmond, Minister of Employment and Income Assistance. "This project is leading the way to creating fully accessible public spaces, promoting employment of people with disabilities, and encouraging community involvement by everyone, including people with disabilities and seniors."

The Measuring Up The North project was created by the North Central Municipal Association and B.C. Paraplegic Association with supporting partners 2010 Legacies Now and the B.C. Healthy Communities. The project aims to assist northern B.C. communities in becoming more liveable, senior-friendly and disability-friendly, while incorporating universal design principles into long-term planning.

"Measuring Up The North is bringing the 34 communities and 7 regional districts in northern B.C. together to develop a regional strategy and approach to inclusion to ensure our communities are welcoming for people of all ages and abilities," said City of Quesnel Councillor Mary Sjostrom, chair, Measuring Up The North Steering Committee.

For more information on the Measuring Up program, visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com; for details on the Measuring Up The North project, visit www.measureupthenorth.com.

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Media Contacts:
Karen McDonald
Director, Communications
2010 Legacies Now
778-327-5180
kmcdonald(at)2010LegaciesNow.com

Nicole Mezzarobba
Coordinator, Communications
2010 Legacies Now
778-327-5139
nmezzarobba(at)2010LegaciesNow.com

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