The Mossom Creek Hatchery and Education Centre has achieved an Accessibility Certified Gold rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) program.
Mossom is the first site in Port Moody B.C and first hatchery in Canada to achieve Gold certification under the RHFAC program, making it the blueprint for hatcheries across the nation.
Achieving a score of 84 out of 100 points, this Gold rating is a significant milestone in the hatchery‘s journey towards accessibility, demonstrating its commitment to removing barriers and supporting the inclusion of people of all ages and abilities.
Based on extensive community input, the site has a broad range of accessibility features that led to its Gold rating. Features included automatic door operators, the installation of safety vision strips to glass doors and sidelights at the education centre, deck glazing, enhancements to the accessibility pathway with a resting bench, and the additional wayfinding signage to exterior locations such as the Intake Trail and Viewing Ramp.
“The journey towards certification for the Mossom Creek Hatchery has been extremely enriching and educational in terms of how we view accessibility and how much I did not know,” said Patrick Dennett, volunteer project manager. “The idea of accessibility and inclusiveness goes beyond having mobility access and also addresses the needs of people with visual and hearing barriers. Through the RHFAC rating process, enhancements to the hatchery will ensure all members of the Port Moody community and beyond are able to experience and participate in hands-on educational and nature experiences and help strengthen our ecosystem.”
The RHFAC program allows organizations to rate the level of meaningful access of sites, based on the holistic user experience of people with varying disabilities affecting their mobility, vision and hearing.
To-date, more than 1,921 sites across Canada have been rated through the program. In addition to removing barriers for people with disabilities, the conservation of sturgeon and salmon and their ecosystems has been a strong priority for Rick Hansen throughout his life. This important project is a perfect combination of both of these priorities.
