The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) recently made upgrades at the Sechelt Aquatic Centre that will allow people with injury or those with limited mobility to access all aquatic areas and the fitness and health studio.
The SCRD was successful in receiving a grant from the enabling accessibility fund with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. The grant received was for $49,125 with a requirement that the SCRD contribute $16,156 to the project.
The upgrades include automatic door openers throughout the facility with auto lock functions for the washrooms and change room. The change room has been upgraded with a ceiling track, portable lift and slings, tilting wheelchair and shower/change bed to be able to easily transfer, shower and change people who are in wheelchairs. The portable lift and slings can also be used with two pool crane arms that have been installed in the hot tub and main pool, and the tilting wheelchair can be used on the ramp leading into the leisure pool so that all three pools can be accessed.
"These are exciting enhancements to the Aquatic Centre as they will make it so much easier for individuals who need varying levels of assistance to access the restorative and healing benefits of water," said recreation program coordinator Carolyn Mortensen.
The SCRD also received fundingfrom the enabling accessibility fund for accessibility upgrades to the Gibsons and District Aquatic Facility, which will be implemented by March 2014.
The SCRD is hosting orientation sessions offered for caregivers who would like to become more familiar with the equipment at the Sechelt Aquatic Centre. The sessions will take place this Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. and on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 2 p.m. There is no charge for caregivers or attendants to access the facility if they are assisting a person with a disability who requires support to participate in recreation programs and services offered by the SCRD.
- Submitted
