SHOAL Centre

Beacon Community Services (BCS) offers social, employment, health, recreation, housing and volunteer services to thousands in the Capital Regional District of BC. BCS has operated the SHOAL Centre in Sidney since 2007. It is the accessible hub of the community, serving seniors and people with disabilities. They offer 1,000+ members (and the public) a wide range of programs, fitness classes, workshops, and an accessible dining room.

The SHOAL Centre will be renovating their premises to make their washrooms fully accessible for people with mobility disabilities, put up Braille signage to help those with vision loss way find independently, and install Hearing Induction Loop technology will better communicate with visitors with hearing aids. With the introduction of the Induction Loop, Centre volunteers with hearing loss will be able to continue meaningful volunteer work.

1. Why did you decide to break down barriers in your community?

   Compass Community Church's mission is to provide a safe, accessible space that meets the spiritual, physical, social, and emotional needs of those who live and work in our community. We want to have more programs and activities available to all and to strengthen inclusivity in the community.

2. How is this project going to make a difference in your community?

   There is a critical lack of accessible youth and adult programming space in our community. This results in people with disabilities experiencing isolation and frustration because they aren’t able to fully participate. By making this space accessible, we’ll be able to offer people with disabilities a safe, fun, and nurturing environment in which to learn and grow.

3. What’s the best thing about being a Barrier Buster?

   We realized that providing an accessible lower-level entry to our building was a simple, but financially unattainable dream. With the support of the Rick Hansen Access4all Barrier Buster grant this dream is becoming a reality. The newly constructed ramp and entrance will positively affect the lives and improve the opportunities for many people with disabilities in our community.