THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski is encouraging local organizations and advocates to take advantage of federal funding to improve accessibility in their communities.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) supports small-scale construction, renovation, and retrofit projects designed to increase accessibility. Approved projects will now be fully funded to a maximum of $100,000.
The program is open to non-profits, small municipalities, businesses with fewer than 100 employees, Indigenous organizations, and territorial governments. In a statement released Tuesday, Powlowski said he wanted to encourage organizations in his riding to pursue the opportunity before the application deadline of July 13.
A new “flat-rate funding” option will move money out the door faster for common proposals like accessible doors, washrooms, and ramps. That eliminates the need to provide construction quotes and detailed budget information, and will distribute funding on a first-come, first-served basis.
The government is also introducing funding priority for organizations that offer, or plan to offer, employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
A related program offers up to $10,000 for projects championed by youth accessibility advocates, and remains open to applications until Oct. 30.
The EAF’s youth innovation component encourages those aged 15 to 30 to identify accessibility barriers in public spaces or workplaces, and seek out organizations willing to work with them to develop a proposal.
Approximately 125 youth-driven projects across Canada will be funded to increase accessibility in community facilities and workplaces.
Those interested can learn more and submit applications online at the EAF website.
