June 9 2024, Algonquin Anishinabe Nation, Bonnechere ON – Today, Bonnechere Provincial Park achieved an ‘RHF Accessibility Certified Gold’ rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility CertificationTM (RHFAC) program.
Bonnechere Provincial Park, located in Bonnechere ON is a model of accessibility second to none. The Park is dedicated to offering individuals with disabilities the freedom to enjoy all that camping has to offer. Amenities include accessible campsites, an accessible rustic cabin, an accessible store, a fully equipped comfort station with accessible men’s and women’s washrooms and showers, beach mobimats and accessible water vehicles.
The recent addition of two newly created accessible walking trails: Nòpiming FIT Trail (translation: in the woods; in the bush; inland), which is 0.8 km out and back, and Nàdòbìkana FIT Trail (translation: a trail used to get water or sap), which travels along the lake front for 0.3 km out and back, provides Park visitors the ultimate accessible camping experience.
RHFAC provides organizations with an understanding of their overall level of meaningful access in the built environment, based on the holistic user experience of people with varying disabilities affecting their mobility, vision and hearing. To-date, over 1,750 sites across Canada have been rated through the program. Bonnechere Park is one of only 112 sites across Canada to achieve a Gold rating for accessibility.
Achieving a rating score of 84.7%, this Gold rating demonstrates the commitment of Ontario Parks and the Friends of Bonnechere Parks (FBP) towards removing barriers and improving accessibility for visitors of all abilities.
Dean Mellway, RHFAC Professional, commented: “It was my pleasure to conduct the assessment of the new FIT trails at Bonnechere Provincial Park, and to discover the many ways that the team at Bonnechere has achieved a level of accessibility and a welcoming environment providing an extraordinary camping experience everyone.”
Bonnechere Provincial Park has a broad range of accessibility features that led to its gold rating including accessible:
- campsites
- rustic cabin
- fully equipped comfort station
- store
- men’s and women’s washrooms and showers
- water vehicles
- beach mobi mats
- Nòpiming FIT Trail
- Nàdòbìkana FIT Trail
- picnic tables and benches
- drinking water fountain
“The team at Bonnechere is passionate about providing accessible, inclusive opportunities and removing barriers for everyone to enjoy all aspects of the Park environment and facilities,” says Park Superintendent Jason Mask. “Collaborating with our many community partners on this multifaceted project to accomplish this great achievement has been the dream of a lifetime.”
The Friends of Bonnechere Parks are hosting the launch on the new two FIT trails at Bonnechere Park at 11:00 am on Saturday July 6 to recognize the support of it community partners, volunteers and Park Staff. All are welcome to attend.
The Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) was established in 1988, following the completion of Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour. For nearly 30 years, RHF has worked to raise awareness, change attitudes, and remove barriers for people with disabilities.
Learn more about the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification program.
Photo (l to r): Bonnechere Park alumnus Neil Paddle, Clare Musclow – Parks Program Educator, and Maryanne Paddle on the Nòpiming FIT Trail; summer 2023.
