ST. LAWRENCE PARKS COMMISSION ANNOUNCES NEW ACCESSIBILITY INITIATIVES AT COMMISSION SITES



The St. Lawrence Parks Commission has made a number of small but important capital improvements to promote the accessibility of its attractions and parks sites, in preparation for new compliance legislation that takes effect in January, 2010. These improvements focus on increasing physical accessibility of wheelchairs and strollers and should be especially welcomed by the Commission’s older guests and families who may utilize assistance devices.

“These improvements are designed to make all guests feel safe and welcome and are consistent with the Ontario Government’s Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, which come into force on January 1, 2010. Over the coming year, all staff, volunteers and contractors who interact with the public are required to attend a specially-designed training course to increase awareness and sensitivity,” remarked Ms. Macdonald. “This will create a more positive customer service environment for guests and break down any perceived barriers that may have previously existed.” She added that the new training program entitled Talk to Me: Serving Customers with Disabilities will be executed Commission-wide with staff, prior to site openings this season.

“In terms of making more sites accessible-friendly, our facilities were in relatively good shape, but there was definite room for improvement,” said Ms. Macdonald. Some of the improvements made to the sites are as follows:

FORT HENRY
New wheelchair access to the retail stores, washrooms and restaurants with both portable and permanent ramps.
Re-paved walkway from the main parking lot to the Fort's entrance.
Designated six disabled parking spaces closest to the entrance path.
All washrooms are fully accessible, including the new washrooms installed this past Fall in the Lower Fort, addressing a significant customer complaint but requiring some creativity due to the heritage nature of the structure.
New Fort Henry Administration Building has an accessible washroom and a "hands free" front door access button.
Three wheelchairs on-site available at no charge, with more to be added.
Braille self-guided booklets available at admissions.
Free admission to recognized caregivers and a 25% discount to special needs guests.
Repairs to wooden boardwalks and patch paving.
Interpretive guides have been sensitivity-trained for visitor specialty needs; e.g., by offering sight-challenged guests the opportunity to feel the fabric of their uniform, etc.

UPPER CANADA VILLAGE
Continued expansion of ramps introduced over the last several years; this has been a challenging exercise so as to maintain the heritage integrity of the buildings while providing enhanced access.
Prior to 2008, fully accessible buildings were: first floor of Woollen Mill, Sawmill, Broom Makers Shop, Fire House, Quiet House, Cabinet Shop, Ross House, Ross Barn, School House, Loucks Farm House Summer Kitchen, Loucks Barn, First floor Transportation Museum, Tenant Farm house, Tenant Farm Barn, Family Activity Centre, Willard's Hotel first floor, Bakery, Pastor's House, Tin Shop, Village Store, Harvest Barn , Café, three (all) public washrooms, Security building, UCV Operations Building, Winter Barn, Collections Building, Crysler's Farm Visitor Centre.
In 2008 ramps were constructed at Blue House, Grey House, Print Shop, Doctor’s House, Dressmaker’s House, Bakery, Cook’s Tavern, Masonic Lodge, Shoemaker’s House, Crysler Store, Signal Tower, Crysler Hall and Robertson House.
Ramp installation at Grist Mill.
New accessible washroom to be installed at Montgomery House in 2009.
Ramps will be installed at McDiarmid House, Casselman Barn, Ross House and Guest House prior to 2009 opening, resulting in accessibility to 41 of 44 Village buildings.
Railings have been installed to assist with steps.
Textured paint has been applied to those painted surfaces where slips and falls could occur when wet.

PARKS
Fully accessible Marina facilities including shower/washroom/lounge building.
Bird Sanctuary campground washroom/shower/laundry facilities upgraded.
Long Sault Parkway main washroom/shower facility.
Planned for 2009 is the south washroom facility at Ivy Lea Campground.
Virtually all campground sites and day-use area parks are fully accessible by car or wheelchair.
OPG Community Pavilion entrance and adjacent washroom now accessible.

GOLF COURSE
Washrooms, pro shop and restaurant facilities are all accessible.

HEAD OFFICE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Installation of accessible washroom and mini-kitchen on main floor is now almost complete.
Installation of hands-free accessible entrance doors will be completed by April 2009.
Staff attended the AODA Customer Service Standards training in March of 2009.
All staff will be provided AODA customer service training as part of Spring orientations.

More information relating to ongoing Accessibility Program improvement at The St. Lawrence Parks Commission will follow. The Commission hopes to pursue improved programs for the sight and hearing-impaired in the near future. Last year, the Village’s test program “A Tactile Tour” for the visually impaired was recognized with an Award of Excellence by the Ontario Museum Association for outstanding contribution to Ontario’s museum community.

“We are very dedicated to increasing our visitor experiences,” remarked Ms. Macdonald, “and this includes heightening the enjoyment for all of our guests.”

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is an agency of the Government of Ontario and operates facilities in 16 municipalities stretching from Kingston to the Quebec border, including Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada, Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and 12 campgrounds and day-use areas including the Long Sault and 1000 Islands Parkways. Fort Henry is located in Kingston and the Upper Canadian Cookhouse is adjacent to Upper Canada Golf Course in Morrisburg, ideally situated just 45 minutes south of Ottawa, 90 minutes east of Kingston, and 90 minutes west of Montreal.

CONTACT:
Pat Macdonald, General Manager and CEO
613-543-3704, ext. 2469, pat.macdonald@parks.on.ca