Accessibility Upgrades at Scout Island Nature Centre Means Everyone Can Connect with Nature
In the heart of Williams Lake, British Columbia, sits an island known for its incredible nature centre. The Scout Island Nature Centre is a sanctuary of protected habitat and wildlife. As a volunteer managed facility, this well-loved community destination is a place where people can enjoy and learn about nature in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region.
As a destination for the public and with over 250 local school classes and seniors visiting each year, many of the visitors have disabilities. Scout Island Nature Centre, which seeks to bring nature education to all ages, saw the opportunity to ensure they were accessible for all people who want to experience nature in the community by applying for funding from a Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) BC Accessibility Grant and improve accessibility of the Nature House on the property.
Ramping Up Accessibility
The main building, now 42 years old, was worn, and the entrance was not accessible. For the employees at the Scout Island Nature Reserve, connection with nature is essential to mental health and developing a commitment from people to protect nature. The experience at the Nature Centre begins in the Nature House – a part of the property that is “central to the nature programs and is essential that everyone feel welcome and able to take part.”
With funding from the grant, the Scout Island Nature Centre was able to create a cement ramp that has a rest point part way up. Cement was chosen for durability over time and for fire safety. Railings were installed and made out of metal, for increased durability. Once an individual reaches the top of the ramp, the porch was enlarged to accommodate individuals using mobility aids to enter through the door. The porch was also covered so it is now a dry, snow-free area for people to enter the space. The door was widened, and a push button was installed, to allow for more individuals to be able to open the door independently. Finally, new cement stairs and railings were installed to provide another safe option for individuals to use.
“I used the old ramp and entryway all the time to get in and out of the Nature House for work and for social outings and it was not easy. I walk with crutches and the old ramp was very slippery when wet so I was always apprehensive about using it,” Sandra Stuart, bookkeeper at Scout Island Nature Centre, said of the project. “I didn’t always trust the railing and the ramp was way too steep. The renovations help remove those obstacles.”
A Lift Towards Nature
It was important to Sue Hempill, executive director of Scout Island Nature Centre, that the new ramp upgrade also be a part of the experience. She explained that “part way up the ramp in the rest area, there are plants, bird feeders and a spot for visitors to stop and watch the birds.”
As a largely volunteer run non-profit organization the Scout Island Nature Centre was grateful to have had so many volunteers offer to help make the upgrades. “Because the Nature Centre is so well loved by the community we had no problem getting volunteers,” Hempill said.
Prior to the upgrades, people were dependent on staff or an aide to open doors and ensure they were safe as they come through the door.
“Now, engaging with nature at the nature centre is within reach of everyone,” Scout Island Nature Centre said.
To ensure that the upgrades were accessible, Hempill explained that they started working with the building inspector, who helped guide their upgrades. Then they worked with a local individual, who had expertise in sourcing materials, and finally, worked with an architect, Don Gessinger, who helped put all the plans together.
The Scout Island Nature Centre has seen positive feedback from classes and teachers so far, but Sue believes they still have a long way to go. She explained that while the entrance to the Nature Centre is now accessible, there is still a long pathway between the parking and the nature centre that is difficult to navigate, something she hopes they can address in the next year. Scout Island Nature Centre also hopes to make more of their trails accessible moving forward.
“Now, engaging with nature at the nature centre is within reach of everyone.”
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support for this Program from the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction.
