Manitoba Disabilities Issues Office

Accessibility

Objective:

To promote accessible, inclusive communities through enhancements to transportation, recreational opportunities and infrastructure

Key Accomplishments

• Round Table Recommendation: Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation (MIT) has committed to ensuring no new barriers are created in new construction and major renovation projects. MIT has also committed to ensuring that any long term building leases meet accessibility requirements.
• Significant accessibility upgrades have been made to buildings owned and leased by the provincial government. Government has invested about $3.4 million in accessibility over the past several years. The province’s investments include accessibility upgrades to:
  • Whiteshell Tourist Information Centre
  • Red River College, Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg
  • the Woodsworth Building in Winnipeg
  • the Legislative Building (west, east and north entrances) and a new, universal accessible Ramp
• Since 2005, over 46,451.52 square metres (500,000 square feet) of government leased space has received accessibility upgrades.
• In 2008/09 Neighbourhoods Alive provided over $180,000 in funding for accessibility related projects.
• The Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program provided funding for 66 rural municipalities with funds to support the operation of Handi-transit services in their communities (up from 61 in 2000).
• A total of $5.4 million in one-time funding for replacement vehicles went to municipalities in 2007 to operate Handi-transit services. To date, this funding has allowed almost half the Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program communities to buy replacement vehicles.
• Manitoba Conservation created a new permit category for hunters with disabilities. It authorizes the use of a vehicle in game hunting areas that are normally restricted or prohibited. It also allows crossbows and mechanical devices for archers who have permanent, upper body disabilities.
• Round Table Recommendation: To increase recreation opportunities, the province has made Manitoba’s provincial parks more accessible to persons with disabilities.  Campsites have been upgraded and there are more family vacation cabins and yurts available in campgrounds. Seven parks now have wheelchair accessible yurts.  The province currently has a total of 56 accessible campsites, five accessible cabins and 20 accessible yurts.
• Manitoba Conservation has committed to ensuring that accessibility is a key factor in the design of all improvements and new buildings within provincial parks.

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2009/10 Down Payment on the Disability Strategy

• An estimated $2.8 million will be allocated to support accessibility projects, including:
  • Emerson Tourist Information Centre Accessibility Upgrades
  • Brandon Provincial Office Building Washroom Upgrades
  • Portage la Prairie Provincial Office Building Washroom Upgrades
  • Red River College - Replace Overpass Wheelchair Lift
  • Red River College Bus Loop Stair Repair and Ramp
  • Minnedosa Court House Elevator Installation
  • Robert Fletcher Building Elevator Upgrade
  • Agricultural Services Building Elevator Upgrade
  • Morden Court House Accessibility Upgrades
• The province provides funding (through the Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program) to communities to support Handi-transit service for persons with mobility disabilities. Funding support includes annual operating grants and one-time capital grants. Approved funding for 2009/10 totals $1,074, 500.
• A total of $9.65 million was provided to upgrade existing parks and campground
  infrastructure to make them more accessible. Funded projects include:
  • Birds Hill Park shower building and bike path
  • Grand Beach washroom along Grand Beach boardwalk
  • new Duff Roblin Provincial Park
  • a new washroom and shower building at Nutimik Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park
  • design and development of a new, fully accessible campground
  • six new yurts each, for Stephenfield and Camp Morton Provincial Parks
• In 2009/10, over $255,000 was provided to non-profit community organizations through the Community Places Program for accessibility enhancements.

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Future Directions

• The province will work to position Manitoba as a travel destination for persons with disabilities.
• An inventory of accessible services and attractions for travelers will be developed.
• Round Table Recommendation: The province will continue to increase recreation opportunities for persons with disabilities, including increased accessibility at parks and campgrounds.
• A long term plan will be developed to ensure all Manitoba Government buildings are accessible.
• Through the Age-Friendly Manitoba initiative, work will continue with municipalities throughout the province to create accessible community spaces.
• Leisure and recreational opportunities provided by the Red River Floodway expansion will be accessible to persons with disabilities.

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Questions for Feedback

1. How can communities and all government levels help persons with disabilities access recreational opportunities?
2. How can transportation services for persons with disabilities be improved?
3. How can Manitoba be positioned as a travel destination for persons with disabilities?

Leave your Feedback now.

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