An updated business and access guide is now available from Powell River Model Community Project for Persons with Disabilities (MCP).
It is the eighth version of the publication that provides accessibility ratings from L1, which means accessible to all people, to L2, which is accessible for people using mobility aids but can be hard to access for people using wheelchairs, and to L3, which is hard to access for people using mobility aids and not wheelchair accessible.
The book also includes illustrations showing building access, proper parking space size, interior hallway specifications, ramp inclines, landing sizes, toilet room and stall dimensions.
MCP executive director David Morris, who was involved with the previous publication, said compilation of the revised book was much different from the first one years ago that was all done by hand. “It’s been three years since our organization published the most recent guide. I believe it’s important to be able to determine accessibility of our community which this publication does.”
Funding from the province of BC’s Job Creation Program was acquired and enabled the hiring of two people for the project, Terry Buckle and Sandra Haszard.
Legacy funding from Powell River Measuring Up Committee also assisted the project.
Buckle said visiting the businesses to determine their rates and preparing advertisements was “a wonderful, enjoyable experience.”
Haszard agreed, adding it was “great to get to know the business world of Powell River. And selling is not that hard when you have a good product.”
Morris said the strong support of businesses is critical to success. “Without their willingness to participate, we would not be able to do this.”
There is no charge for the revised business access guide which is available at Powell River Chamber of Commerce office, Tourism Powell River, Peak Publishing, MCP and other select locations around the community.
An online version of the guide is available.
