Ottawa Tourism Advances Inclusivity with Successful Completion of Accessibility Fund Projects

Written By: Chetan

Chetan

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October 18, 2024 8:41 PM

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Ottawa Tourism is excited to announce the successful completion of multiple initiatives supported by its Tourism Accessibility Fund, with recipients making notable strides in enhancing inclusivity for all who visit Canada’s capital. This fund, which was introduced in April 2024, aimed to assist eligible visitor-facing businesses in improving the accessibility of their services and facilities. As a pilot initiative, the Tourism Accessibility Fund sought to address specific accessibility gaps within the city’s tourism landscape and make Ottawa a more inclusive destination.

Since its launch, the program has provided funding to over a dozen projects, with one-time grants of up to $25,000, depending on the scope of the project. In total, more than $225,000 has been distributed across Ottawa. These funds have gone toward a range of accessibility improvements, including upgrading accessible hotel rooms, enhancing wheelchair access to facilities, offering American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, and introducing more accessible experiences for all visitors.

Here are a few examples of accessibility improvements made possible through the support of the Tourism Accessibility Fund:

. An electric cargo bike added to the fleet at Escape Bicycle Tours.

. Accessibility enhancements at the Ottawa Children’s Festival, including seating modifications, ASL interpreters, and specially adapted areas for neuro-diverse children.

. Saunders Farm introduced new accessible ramps and wagons to improve visitor access.

“It is amazing to see all these projects come to fruition and to now be able to witness the tangible results that our Tourism Accessibility Fund will have in the community,” says Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “This demonstrates the collective commitment of our tourism industry to making Ottawa a more inclusive destination, where all visitors, regardless of their abilities, can experience the best our city has to offer. I am grateful for all these organizations that decided to apply and contribute to building a tourism landscape that is welcoming and accessible for everyone.”