KERSLEY Opens Accessible Trail
Sisters Creek Recreation site named inaugural Forest Capital of Canada Legacy Trail
North Cariboo – The community of Kersley, BC is the latest community in the Cariboo Chilcotin to develop a wheelchair accessible trail. It’s called the Sisters Creek Recreation Site Accessible Trail and was built in partnership between the Cariboo Regional District (CRD), the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, and the Kersley Community Association.
“I am extremely pleased that we have now completed the Sisters Creek Accessible Trail,” stated CRD Vice-Chair and Electoral Area A Director Ted Armstrong. “However, this was just the next step in making the Cariboo Chilcotin one of the most attractive wheelchair accessible tourism destinations in the world.”
The trail is approximately 800 metres long, and takes visitors to a wheelchair friendly viewpoint over the Fraser River. The location was identified as a priority site in the CRD-commissioned regional Wheelchair Accessible Trails Inventory and Assessment Study completed by Kary Fell of CARE consulting in 2008. CARE is also providing ongoing consulting services on the project.
“Improving our recreation sites and trails is an important part of developing the Province’s tourism infrastructure,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Kevin Krueger. “Partnering with the Regional District and the Kersley Community Association has helped us expand access to this site to those with limited mobility and I know it will be an outdoor attraction for both residents and tourists.”
In celebration of the CRD’s Forest Capital of Canada designation the Sisters Creek Recreation site Accessible Trail has also earned the distinction of being named the first trail on the newly created Forest Capital of Canada Legacy Trail Network. This legacy project was developed with hopes that future Forest Capital of Canada communities will continue to add trails to the network throughout their reign.
“This is a momentous day for the community of Kersley, and we are extremely proud of this new trail,” says Wayne Charlton, President of the Kersley Community Association. “I feel that the Sisters Creek Recreation site and its accessible facilities will be a huge draw, bringing people of all abilities to a pristine area to enjoy our great outdoors.”
Construction funding was provided by the provincial Towns for Tomorrow and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Community Tourism grant programs with substantial contributions of in-kind effort from the partners. Ongoing management of the site will be provided by the Kersley Community Association.
The Board passed a resolution in 2006 to work towards developing the Cariboo Chilcotin as a world leader in accessible outdoor recreation and tap into niche tourism markets for persons of low mobility. On August 9, 2008, the Tatlayoko Community Association developed and officially opened the first Wheelchair Accessible Trails in the Cariboo Regional District. The Association built two kilometres of accessible trail, along with an accessible washroom and a picnic area. Other priority wheelchair accessible sites currently in development are at Parkland on Ten Mile Lake, Cottonwood Historic Site, Horsefly salmon spawning grounds, and the 108 Greenbelt.
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
Funding Opportunities - Thank you to the Rural Secretariat of Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada for providing these links.
1. Keg Spirit Foundation for youth and childhood development - Small grants opportunity available through the Keg Spirit Foundation. Application intake is rolling with a focus on projects that support the healthy development of children and youth. If you/youth in your community have an idea that they’d like to take forward, please take a look. Initially, only a ‘Letter of Intent’ is required. Full details available here: http://en.kegsteakhouse.com/kegspirit/grant
2. Community Transition Toolkit - The Community Development Institute (in partnership with the District of Mackenzie, the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition, and the BC Ministry of Community Services) combined available community transition best practices into a Community Transition Toolkit for assisting communities with economic emergency preparedness and planning. Community Transition Toolkit reports are available at: http://www.unbc.ca/cdi/toolkit.html
The first annual Measuring Up The North Awards of Excellence were presented at the NCLGA Convention held in Smithers May 5-7. 2010.

The winners were:
Category: Over 5000 population - Winner: City of Dawson Creek
Honourable Mention: Cariboo Regional District
Category: Under 5000 population - Winner: District of Tumbler Ridge
Honourable Mention: Horsefly District Board of Trade and District of Chetwynd
Category: Individual Nomination - Winner: Nancy Harris - Fraser-Fort George Regional District
Honourble Mention: Diane Rogers - City of Quesnel
BRAUNWYN HENWOOD - Receives BC Community Achievement Award!
Congra
tulations to Councillor Braunwyn Henwood from the District of New Hazelton who recently won a BC Community Achievement Award! Braunwyn's pragmatic approach and her enthusiasm for community initiatives enhance the quality of life in the Hazeltons. She has been the volunteer liaison for Measuring Up The North, an initiative that considers the needs of the disabled and elderly. Braunwyn is a Director of the Skeena Supportive Employment Society and was instrumental in the establishment of the New Hazelton Skate/Bike park.
Revenue Canada Agency
Under the Income Tax Act, 20(1) (qq) and 20(1) (rr), the Federal government allows businesses/commercial building owners to deduct the amount they paid during the taxation year to make renovations or alterations to a building that enables individuals who have a mobility impairment gain access to the building or to be mobile within it.
Businesses are also allowed to deduct prescribed disability-related devices or equipment, such as:
Elevator car position indicator, such as a Braille panel or an audio signal for individuals having a visual impairment; visual fire alarm, listening device for group meetings or telephone devices for individuals who have a hearing impairment.
For further information, contact Canada Revenue Agency:
Tel: 1-800-959-5525
Website: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu.html
MUTN 2009 News Archives
Summer 2009
Total Access 2009 - Measuring Up The North Article.
Great history of the Measuring Up The North Project, how it began and some of the amazing accomplishments.
Click here to read the article!
May 2009
Thursday May 7th, 2009 - MUTN-Related Resolutions passed at NCMA Convention
To order the Canadian CSA B651 Standards - click here
MUTN 2009 Community News Archives
November 2009
November 17th, 2009 - 100 Mile House Free Press - ‘Visitable’ housing in planning stage.
April 2009
Monday, April 27th, 2009 - The Province - Lori Slater, MUTN Community Liaison recieved a Courage to Come Back Award
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 - New Westminster News Leader - Vivian Garcia, recipient of the Courage to Come Back Award
Saturday, April 4th, 2009 - Prince George Citizen - Conference to explore senior, disabled issues
March 2009
Tuesday March 24, 2009 - Creating Universally Designed Healthy Sustainable Communities Interview with Key Conference Presenters
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 - Opinion 250 News - Making Communities Accessible for All
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 - Rolling Rains Report - Measuring Up The North: "Creating Universally Designed Healthy Sustainable Communities
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - Premier's Video Gallery - Honouring Outstanding British Columbians
MUTN 2008 - News Archives
October 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - Quesnel Observer - Quesnel Measuring Up Committee drafts strategies
Friday, Oct 3, 2008 - PG Free Press - MU Workshop in City today
Wednesday, Oct 1, 2008 - North East News - Unique Park for Seniors at Dawson Creek
September 2008
Wednesday, Sept 17, 2008 - Ramp on Hwy 16 bridge crossing Skeena River at Terrace
August 2008
Thursday, August 14 ,2008 - Williams Lake Tribune - New Accessible Tatlayoko trails opened
Monday, August 25, 2008 - Quesnel News Release - City researching employment issues for people with a disability"
Councillor Mary Sjostrom appointed Minister Richmond’s Council on Employment for Persons with Disabilities
May - July 2008
News articles on Accessibility issues, Terrace Standard, July 2008
City of Terrace has started working on their Community Assessment and Strategic Plan
NCMA-MUTN news release, June 2008
New !! Life in a wheelchair, Black Press, Terrace, June 2008
Telkwa and Smithers work toward accessibility
Village of Telkwa, June 2008 Newsletter (pages: one, two, three, four)
Improving livability effort underway, PG Citizen(May 29, 2008)
MUTN Day in Prince George Citizen
Measuring Up team challenges community, Quesnel Observer (May 25, 2008)
2010 Legacies Funds Northern Communities To Measure Up In Accessibility
MUTN-Day Press Release' 2008
April 2008
Getting Started on Community Facilities, Terrace Standard Article, April' 2008
$20,000 provincial grant to make the Cultural Centre more accessible, Alaska Highway News, April' 2008
Improvements planned to make Cultural Centre more accessible
MUTN trains community liaisons for new program
City of Quesnel (the first MUTN participating community) is on web
Lt. Gov. talks to elders (Prince George Citizen, March 27,2008) page-1, page-2
Measuring Up to Accessibility (Cariboo-Winter ,2007)
100 Mile Concerns (100milefreepress)
Wheel Chair Day
Builder turning school into senior-friendly dwelling, Jan. 25, 2008
Three resolutions passed at the NCMA-AGM '2008 :
A-1 Accessible Transportation, A-2 Accessible Housing , A-3 Incentive Program for Accessibility .A letter has been forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation asking them about their works about Accessible Transportation: A Letter to the Minister of Transportation regarding A-1
E-News (MUTN) Novermber 16, 2009
E-News (MUTN) September 28, 2009
E-News (MUTN) September 14, 2009
E-News (MUTN) September 02, 2009
E-News (MUTN) August 18, 2009
E-News (MUTN) July 28, 2009
E-News (MUTN) July 14, 2009
E-News (MUTN) June 30, 2009
E-News (MUTN) June 16, 2009
E-News (MUTN) June 2, 2009
E-News (MUTN) Mar 15, 2009
E-News (MUTN) Jan 14, 2009
E-News (MUTN) Jan 28, 2009
E-News (MUTN) Dec 09, 2008
E-News (MUTN) Nov 26, 2008
E-News (MUTN) Nov 11, 2008
E-News (MUTN) Oct 29, 2008
E-News (MUTN) Oct 22, 2008
Access 2 Entertainment Card
Grand Opening of Tatlayoko Trail August 9, 2008
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| Pat Harris, Laurie Ringaert, and some other attendants at the Tatlayoko Trail Opening |
MUTN Committee member Len Knight,CRD Measuring Up Coordinator Kary Fell, Pat Harris from the BC Paraplegic Association, and Area J CRD Director Alex Bracewell cut the ribbon to open the new wheelchair accessible trails in Tatlayoko.
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MUTN Award Presentation NCMA-AGM May 8, 2008
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The MUTN Panel: (from left to right) Stefa Katamay,2010 Legacies Now Pat Harris,BCPA Joanne Doddridge,District of 100 Mile House Councillor Lori Ackermann,City of Fort St. John Mayor Herb Pond,City of Prince Rupert Laurie Ringaert,MUTN Project Director Councillor Mary Sjostrom,City of Quesnel
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2008 MUTN Implementation Award Winners: 100 Mile House, Bulkley Nechako Regional District, Burns Lake, Caribou Regional District, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, Hudsons Hope, Kitimat, McBride, Northern Rockies Regional District, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Queen Charlotte City, Quesnel, Smithers, Taylor, Telkwa, Terrace, Williams Lake.
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Prince George Home Show: April 25, 2008 Measuring Up The North shared a booth with the PG Council of Seniors for the Home Show. Many thanks to the volunteers who spend several hours at the booth. We were pleased to show off our new banner!
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| Fort St. James NCMA Liaison Kris Neilson and Librarian |
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MacKenzie: Dale Primus and Pat Harris |
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May 21 and 23: Fort St. James and MacKenzie: Laurie visited Fort St. James and met with NCMA Liaison Councillor Kris Neilson. Laurie was invited to a community meeting and also toured the town with Kris. On May 23, Laurie and Pat visted MacKenzie and presented at a Community Meeting. Laurie and Pat also toured the town with Dale Primus from Public Works.
April 2008: Laurie visited several communities in April including Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Kitimaat Village, Smithers, Telkwa, New Hazelton and Hazelton Village, and Burns Lake.
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| Laurie Ringaert, Pat Harris and Mayor Stephanie Killam |
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Laurie Ringaert, Pat Harris and MLA Pat Bell |
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Fort St. John MUTN Liaisons Don Irwin and Lori Slater hosted a MUTN Kickstart Workshop and Launch on January 24, 2008.Nearly 40 people in total attended the events. Many thanks to Don and Lori for their hard work! Also many thanks to the City of Fort St. John for hosting this event.
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Fort St. John: Kick Start Workshop Attendees
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Councilor Don Irwin; MUTN Community Liaison: Lori Slater, Project Director: Laurie Ringaert
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To see the rest of the visited list click here. To see a list of presentations click here.
MUTN Kick Start Workshop One, Prince George, Feb. 4, 2008
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In attendance: John Nieson (Prince George MUTN Community Liaison),Aiden Kelly, Prince George MUTN NCMA Liaison), Councilor Lianne Olson (Burns Lake NCMA Liaison), Mark Allen (Smithers NCMA Liaison), Councilor Joanne Groves (Smithers MUTN Community Liaison),Carmen Graf (Telkwa MUTN Community Liaison), Laurie Ringaert, Project Director
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Cheque Presentation
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The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society (NKDFS) presented the BC Paraplegic Association (BCPA) and North Central Municipal Association (NCMA) with the first installment of $3,750 for the Measuring Up the North project. This project is funded by Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society, BC Real Estate Foundation, United Way Prince George, and the NCMA communities. The presentation took place at the Aboriginal Business Development Centre at 3845 15th Avenue in Prince George.
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Pictured L-R - Dan Boudreau, Manager, NKDFS, Laurie Ringaert, Project Director, Measuring Up The North Pat Harris, Regional Rehab Supervisor, BCPA and Paul Stewart, Chair, NKDFS
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Rest of the visited community list
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August 09, 2008 |
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Tatlayoko Lake, Cariboo Regional District |
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August 05, 2008 |
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McBride |
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August 05, 2008 |
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Valemount |
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June 24, 2008 |
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Terrace |
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May 27, 2008 |
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Fort Nelson
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May 23, 2008 |
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MacKenzie |
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May 21, 2008 |
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Fort St. James |
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April 25, 2008 |
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Burns Lake |
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April 23, 2008 |
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Hazelton Village, Smithers, Telkwa |
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April 22,2008 |
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Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Kitimaat Village |
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March 18, 2008 |
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Vanderhoof |
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Jan 30, 2008 |
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Burns Lake |
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Jan 21-25, 2008 |
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Fort St. John area: Dawson Creek, Pouce Coupe, Tumbler Ridge, Hudsons Hope, Chetwynd, Taylor |
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December 10, 2007 |
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Quesnel |
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December 6-7, 2007 |
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Kitimat |
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December 05, 2007 |
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Terrace |
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December 04, 2007 |
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Telkwa, and Hazelton |
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December 03, 2007 |
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Smithers, and Telkwa |
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September 12, 2007 |
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Prince George Special Needs Advisory |
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September 08, 2007 |
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100 Mile House |
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September 07, 2007 |
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Williams Lake |
Presentations
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March 26-27, 2008 |
Aging Well in Rural and Remote Communities Prince George
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March 13-15, 2008 |
Rural Communities Conference 100 Mile House |
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October 17, 2007 |
Prince George Seniors Dialogue: participant |
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October 16, 2007 |
Introduction to MUTN: Canadian Home Builders Association (Northern BC) by L. Ringaert and P. Harris |
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October 11, 2007 |
Introduction to MUTN: People and Places Conference, Prince George, BC |
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September 26, 2007 |
Introduction to MUTN: UBCM Area Association Lunch, Vancouver, BC |
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September 19, 2007 |
One Day Kick Start Workshop |
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September 18, 2007 |
Project Launch, Prince George |
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3. Community Developers’ Conference: Training and Support for the BC Community Development Movement, Monday, May 17 to Wednesday 19, 2010, First Nations Longhouse, University of BC - This conference is for anyone involved in building community in BC who wants to develop knowledge and skills, network with others, and help shape the future of the community development movement in BC. Workshops and discussion will be organized around themes of community learning, capacity building and governance. More info at: http://www.sparc.bc.ca/community-developers-conference-2010
3. Economic Diversification Programs list - From the Ministry of Community and Rural Development - A listing of economic diversification programs from the province, federal government, and non-government sourceshttp://www.ruralbc.gov.bc.ca/econ_divers/economic_devl_programs.htm
4. Dig It - Community Garden Guide: How Local Governments Can Support Community Gardens - Download this guide on how local governments can support Community Gardens. This report provides an introduction to community gardens and offers some background information designed to help local governments understand the benefits and challenges of community gardens. It also provides some practical tools and templates that can be used or adapted by local governments summarizes the report, makes recommendations for further work, and offers a variety of resources related to community gardening.
Download: http://www.toolkit.bc.ca/resource/dig-it-community-garden-guide-how-local-governments-can-support-community-gardens
2010 Measuring Up The North Initiative - AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - Winners
