Accessibility gets passing grade ahead of 2019 Canada Winter Games

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“It was more about little things like the placement of spectator seating and how high sponsor boards might be in front of seating. The venues and areas have pretty good barrier-free access.”

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2019 Canada Winter Games CEO Scott Robinson says more than $100,000 has been invested by organizers to ensure these Games will be inclusive for athletes and spectators alike who have physical impairments.

“One of our core values was inclusiveness and when you make that statement as an organization, you have to be prepared to back it up in all aspects,” he says.

“For the most part, our venues are accessible in terms of washrooms, access in and out, and with seating. We’ve really taken it seriously and done the best we can, but sometimes you just don’t quite get things right and we’ll make adjustments on-site to make sure everybody’s comfortable and well-looked after.”

Among the adjustments which had to be made was the installation of a new lift-style elevator at Canyon Ski Resort, where the eating area has only ever been accessible by stairs.

As well, ramps have been put in place at various entrances, podiums are accessible, and both the opening and closing ceremonies at the Centrium will include an audio loop for the hearing-impaired.

Robinson also notes how para-sport is integrated into these Games, as opposed to after as they do with the Olympics and Paralympics.

“It’s one thing for us able-bodied people to look at it and make some guesses, but really, people that live that life every day in a wheelchair or with some kind of aide, they have a completely different perspective,” he adds of Cunnington’s assistance.

“We met with Tammy almost two years ago to talk about her involvement in the Games and she really wanted to do that. It really helped us make sure we have some credibility in our reviews of the facilities.”

Robinson feels that the work put in to ensure the Games are accessible should be a learning moment.

“The Games is a platform for education in a lot of different ways, in terms of some of the processes we went through, and the considerations and strategies we employed,” he says. “That will all be good transfer of knowledge for the community and future sports-hosting bodies, and in other areas as well. It’s a great tool that we are leaving the community as a legacy.”

The 2019 Canada Winter Games take place in Red Deer Feb. 15 to Mar. 2.