MAPLE RIDGE– New Democrat MLAs Bob D’Eith and Lisa Beare say that funding through B.C.’s Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction will increase accessibility, allowing more people to participate fully in their community.

“When we address barriers that people with disabilities face, we strengthen our communities. I’m grateful to be a part of a government that is committed to doing this work by empowering people with disabilities and making life better for all British Columbians,” said Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission. 

In Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, $39,783 in funding has been awarded to the Katzie Seniors Network. They are one of the 15 recipients across the province receiving grants to enhance inclusion for people with disabilities in areas like employment, emergency planning and response, arts, culture and tourism, sports and recreation, education and learning, and community participation.

“Our government knows how important it is to have community-based accessibility programs. Local leaders and organizations like the Katzie Seniors Network know how to use funding like this in the most meaningful ways. I look forward to seeing how this project come to life,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. 

This is the fourth year in a row that the New Democrat government has made grants available to not-for-profits to build a more inclusive society, and over the last three years, 44 community projects have been funded. This year’s funding total is over $450,000.

The grants are evaluated by Disability Alliance BC in partnership with the B.C. Government.