By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Kim Rudd visited Port Hope's Ontario Street Fire Station No. 1 Wednesday to announce $8,125 in support of accessibility.

Rudd was representing the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Service and Procurement and Accessibility at this appearance, adding that the funding is coming through the small-project component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund. It will assist in the installation of an automated front door at the firehall.

The EAF is designed to help the Government of Canada break down barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from enjoying full participation in all aspect of Canadian society, ensuring equal access and equal opportunity.

The agency's 2018 call for small-project proposals allowed eligible organizations to apply for project funding of up to $100,000 for projects that improve safety and accessibility under two funding streams.

The Workplace Accessibility stream supported eligible organizations across Canada through renovations, retrofits or construction in the workplace (including the provision of accessible information and communication technologies for work use).

The Community Accessibility stream supported renovations, retrofits or construction of community facilities and venues to make their program and services more accessible. This includes the provision of information and communication technologies for community use that eliminate systemic accessibility barriers.

“Today's announcement is another example of what our Government is doing to help Canadians with disabilities gain access and contribute to their workplaces and communities,” Rudd stated in the press release.

“This funding will have a tremendous impact on persons with disabilities in our community. I want to thank all participating organizations for applying for funding that will help to make our public spaces and workplaces more inclusive for all Canadians.”