New Westminster, B.C. – The City of New Westminster is proud to announce that təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre has achieved a RHF Accessibility Certified Gold rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) program. The new 10,644 square metre (114,571 square foot) state-of-the-art facility is the City of New Westminster’s largest capital project to date and was thoughtfully designed for people of all ages and abilities.

Achieving a rating score of 84%, the Gold rating affirms the principles of inclusive design and meaningful accessibility that were core aspects of the facility’s planning and detailing. təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre is the first New Westminster facility to receive Gold certification.

“Receiving the Rick Hansen Foundation Gold accessibility certification is a significant achievement for təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “This certification underscores our commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone in our community, regardless of ability, can gather, connect, and fully enjoy the many programs and activities our facility offers.”

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.

“Congratulations to the City of New Westminster and the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre for your commitment to prioritizing meaningful access as one of the core design principles for this state-of-the-art project,” said Brad McCannell, Vice President of Access and Inclusion at the Rick Hansen Foundation. “New Westminster’s leadership will not only directly benefit your community but clearly demonstrate the path forward for others striving for the inclusion of people of all ages and abilities as both visitors and employees in their projects.”

A broad range of accessibility features led to təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre’s gold rating, including:

  • expanded access aisles for accessible parking stalls, HandyDART and accessible drop-off
  • wide circulation space
  • high contrast wayfinding signage that includes braille and tactile directories
  • fully universal washrooms with adult change tables and lift devices
  • ramps and zero-entry conditions into the leisure and family hot pools, as well as a transfer ledge in the adult hot pool and moveable floor in the 50m pool
  • pool change rooms offer options for all-genders as well as dedicated male and female spaces
  • extensive acoustic paneling throughout to improve sensory experience
  • hearing loop and sound field technology
  • low flow sensory friendly hand dryers
  • second level elevator access to community spaces and fitness centres

For more information on the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ program, please visit www.rickhansen.com/RHFAC

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About the Rick Hansen Foundation
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. Visit www.rickhansen.com to learn more.

About the City of New Westminster
Located along the Lower Fraser River, on the homelands of the Halkomelem speaking people, New Westminster is at the center of Canada’s bustling Greater Vancouver region. The city has long been a crossroads of people, pathways, and ideas, where innovation and culture are interwoven and celebrated, making New Westminster a great place to live, work, and visit. The 2022-2026 City Council are committed to providing the city’s nearly 90,000 residents with sustainable urban services, an emerging people-centered economy, and inclusive, environmentally-friendly public spaces that support community belonging and connectivity.

City of New Westminster Media Contact:

Ashleigh Young
Manager of Communication
City of New Westminster
ayoung@newwestcity.ca | 604-527-4559

or

RHF Media Contact:

Cynnamon Schreinert
Hartley PR
Cynnamon@hartleypr.com | 604-802-2733