The City of Enderby has been selected as one of just 40 recipients across Canada to receive funding through the RBC Barrier Buster Grants Program, a national initiative led by the Rick Hansen Foundation in partnership with RBC and the RBC Foundation.
The “Enderby’s Barrier-Free Facilities” project will receive $40,000 to support immediate accessibility improvements, reducing physical barriers and creating more inclusive public spaces for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
The project includes the installation of automatic door openers at the John Pritchard Memorial Sports Complex, improving access to both the arena and curling rink.
These upgrades will make it easier for individuals using mobility devices to participate in recreation and community activities.
At Enderby City Hall, an automatic door opener will be added at the lower entrance, providing seamless access to the building’s wheelchair-accessible elevator and ensuring equitable access to municipal services, public meetings, and community engagement opportunities.
The project will also fund a barrier-free hot tub lift at the Enderby Outdoor Pool, scheduled to open in mid-June.
The lift, coupled with an accessible ramp into the pool itself and barrier-free change rooms and washrooms, will allow individuals with mobility challenges to safely access therapeutic and recreational water amenities, supporting health, wellness, and inclusion.
Together, these improvements represent a coordinated approach to accessibility that spans recreation, civic services, and wellness infrastructure.
By enhancing multiple local government facilities, the project will create lasting improvements that increase independence, remove barriers, and ensure public spaces are welcoming and accessible for everyone.
“A strong community is one where everyone can participate and feel welcome,” said Mayor Huck Galbraith.
“Whether someone is visiting City Hall, attending a hockey game, going curling, or enjoying our outdoor pool, they should be able to do so with dignity and independence.”
Allysa Hopkins, Chair of the Enderby & District Services Commission and Director of Area F (Rural Enderby), added, “This is an incredible win for our region. By removing these physical barriers, we are creating more opportunities for residents to stay active, connected, and independent. It’s about ensuring that everyone can fully experience and enjoy all that our community has to offer.”
“We recognize the positive impact accessible infrastructure has on community participation and well-being,” said Sheryl Hay with Enderby & District Recreation Services. “These improvements represent a significant step toward creating a barrier-free community where we can all access facilities and programs. A healthy community is a community that includes everyone.”
The RBC Barrier Buster Grants Program was created to support accessibility improvements in communities across Canada and to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour.
The program funds projects that remove physical barriers and advance inclusion in public spaces.
More than 64% of Canadians either have a disability or live with or care for someone who does, highlighting the growing importance of accessible infrastructure in communities of all sizes.
The City of Enderby was one of only seven British Columbia recipients and one of 40 organizations, municipalities, schools, and community groups selected nationwide through a highly competitive application process.
There will be a community event celebrating the completion of these projects in November 2026.
