Pearl Lorentzen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeside Leader
Some local outdoor recreation groups in the Lesser Slave Lake region are working on making their spaces more accessible.
Part of the driving force behind this is Michael Vance, who is a volunteer youth accessibility leader with the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund. He has helped the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation (BCBC) and Woods and Water Recreational Trail Association receive accessibility funding.
Last summer, Vance and the M.D. of Lesser Slave River applied for a grant for two GRIT all-terrain wheelchairs for the Boreal Centre.
“They’re pretty cool,” says Patti Campsall, BCBC executive director.
The chairs arrived in the fall and have been used some. They are available for people to use for free.
They haven’t been needed yet for a school field trip, said Campsall, but the centre has mentioned them to teachers so they know they are an option.
The total grant was about $10,000, adds Campsall, and it covered the full cost of the wheelchairs.
Improving accessibility has been a priority at the centre for a while, says Campsall. For example, the information displays in the building have audio, for visually impaired people. The audio is accessed using braille numbers on the sign. These are on the main floor which is wheelchair accessible.
Vance’s second project with the Boreal Centre was to apply for a wheel chair ramp for the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory, which is north of the Boreal Centre in Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park.
The grant is for $12,000, which covers the material for the ramp. There were a few extra costs, and the Birdathon raised $2,300 for these extra expenses. This will be added on the right side of the existing deck.
Asked when the ramp will be built, Campsall says, “that’ll happen probably later in August.”
The ramp will also make it easier for mom’s with strollers, adds Campsall.
The LSLBO has bird banding tours Wednesday and Saturday mornings from July 16 to Labour Day weekend.
“We thank Michael very much for everything he’s done,” says Campsall.
Vance also helped Woods and Water, a local trail association receive a $11,000 grant for a picnic table, two benches, and a fireplace all designed to be accessible. These will be added to the North Shore Trail, which starts at Marten Beach. The equipment has been ordered.
