Mayor Bevilacqua: Vaughan fire stations receive highest recognition from Rick Hansen Foundation
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Fire stations 7-4 and 7-10 are first in Canada to receive Gold Accessibility Certification
The following statement was issued by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua after a special presentation during the Dec. 1 Committee of the Whole (1) meeting:
“The Rick Hansen Foundation has awarded Vaughan Fire stations 7-4 and 7-10 with the Gold Accessibility Certification. These fire stations are the first in Canada to receive Gold Accessibility Certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation, which is truly a remarkable accomplishment. It is the highest recognition the foundation can bestow and stands as a testament to Vaughan’s commitment to ensuring all our municipal spaces are accessible.
“In Vaughan, our mission is to foster a barrier-free community today and for generations to come. We remain focused on achieving our goal of becoming a completely accessible community by 2025. Together, we are creating an equal, inclusive and welcoming city where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can thrive. That is because we firmly believe that everyone should have the right to access any service, program or location they choose, regardless of ability.
“In addition to Fire stations 7-4 and 7-10, the City has recently completed accessibility enhancements at Vaughan City Hall, including automatic door openers, tactile walking surface indicators at stairways and accessible seating. Earlier this year, these advancements earned Vaughan the Rick Hansen Foundation Gold Accessibility Certification for multiple City and Vaughan Public Libraries facilities.
“We are blessed to have countless individuals in Vaughan who are devoted to the noble goal of creating a better and more inclusive society for all – and I am proud that many of them are members of our administration. I want to extend my warmest and sincerest gratitude and appreciation to City staff for demonstrating municipal leadership in accessibility. Their meaningful work is promoting independence, building welcoming spaces and creating opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential. I thank them for everything they do to advance accessibility in Vaughan.
“Together, we will continue moving our city forward without leaving anyone behind.”
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