The new MODL office in Cookville, NS. Photo : MODL
Earlier this month the Nova Scotia government made some changes to the Municipal Government Act which dictates what municipalities around the province can and cannot do.
Previously municipalities were not allowed to offer financial support to businesses trying to become more accessible but the recent changes will now allow it.
The idea of allowing municipal governments to help businesses with these projects started in the Halifax Regional Municipality where this policy was first approved.
Municipality of The District of Lunenburg Mayor Carolyn Bolivar Getson says it made sense that it would start there as there are larger business partners in the city that may be trying to increase their accessibility.
With the rule now being extended to all municipalities, Bolivar-Getson says it is something they will consider in the future, “For us, accessibility has always been a major priority and this adds another tool to our box to try and improve.”
Ultimately, how effective the change is comes down to the financial health of each municipality according to Bolivar-Getson, “Many municipalities are feeling the impact of this pandemic so I imagine that only the municipalities who have fared particularly will be looking to use this right away.”
Every municipality in Nova Scotia has been mandated to be fully accessible by 2030 which also means most of them will prioritize getting their own houses in order first.
“For us, we need to make sure all of our buildings and properties are accessible first, then we can look at assisting businesses trying to do the same,” said Bolivar-Getson.
Currently, Bolivar-Getson says the MODL is on track to reach its 2030 goal and it is possible they will be in a position to assist businesses in the MODL with accessibility projects in the near future.
