Today’s blog comes from the staff at Bonnechere Provincial Park.
Over the years, Bonnechere Provincial Park has been dedicated to improving and ensuring their features and facilities are as inclusive and barrier-free as possible.
We’re delighted to share that Bonnechere has achieved RHF Accessibility Certified Gold, the top accessibility rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ program!
Bonnechere is the first provincial park in the province to achieve this designation! 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.
In 2018, park staff and volunteers hosted a “Show you care for Bonnechere 2.0” event that highlighted features to be expanded upon to increase access for all park users.
This event highlighted many new improvements like:
- hard-packed day use trails
- wheelchair-accessible picnic tables
- wheelchair-accessible campsites (Campsite 37 and 39)
- designated accessible parking spaces
- wireless alert systems
- barrier-free store and office
- barrier-free comfort station
- beach access mats
Since then, Bonnechere Provincial Park continues efforts to remain accessible for all and continue to improve on features to foster more inclusivity.
Bonnechere is dedicated to taking the necessary steps to transition outdated features to include new accessibility features.
We aim to create an atmosphere of respect, dignity, equality, and independence that welcomes everyone, regardless of ability.
With this goal in mind, Bonnechere Provincial Park has teamed up with the Friends of Bonnechere Parks to engage in a new accessibility endeavor this past year.
With help from the Friends of Bonnechere Parks and funding from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), several new projects have taken place.
Innovative technology to improve accessibility
This is a free accessibility app newly developed by the Friends of Bonnechere Parks.
Pimosedà, translated from Anishinabemowin (the language of the Algonquin People), means “walk with us.”
The app provides enhanced interpretive content in three languages (English, French, and Anishinabemowin).
It includes interpretive text, coloured illustrations and photos, activities for further reflection, Anishinabemowin words and definitions, and the option to scan a QR code on the interpretive panel for accessibility considerations to have the app read the content out loud.
Blindsquare Event/Xploreninja apps
These are free and accessible GPS-based apps developed for individuals who are blind, low vision, or are partially sighted.
They dictate detailed points of interest and safety precautions to enhance safe, reliable, and independent hiking.
Two new accessible FIT trails
The Footprints in Time (FIT) trails have been expanded this summer to include a new 0.3 km waterfront trail and a 0.8 km trail located near the park entrance.
Friends of Bonnechere Parks has partnered with Algonquin Elder Aimee Bailey to choose names from the traditional Anishinabemowin language.
Nàdòbìkana FIT Trail
Pronounced nah-doh-bee-ka-na, this is a 0.3 km waterfront trail.
Nàdòbìkana translates from Anishinabemowin to “a trail that is used to get water or sap.” The trail is located at the end of the beach near the boat launch.
The theme of the Nàdòbìkana Trail is instilling an understanding that everyone can benefit from further understanding of Indigenous culture based on oral traditions to celebrate the gifts of Turtle Island.
Highlights include:
- interpretive panels featuring information about the discovery of a Woodland Era plot
- information on the natural diversity of the Little Bonnechere River
- supports implemented to encourage ecological integrity
- history of travel and trade through water routes
Nòpiming FIT Trail
Pronounced no-pi-ming, this is a .08 km trail through a forested area that connects to the previously established FIT Trail.
Nòpiming translates from Anishinabemowin to “an inland trail in the woods or bush” and is located behind the park administration building near the entrance of the park.
Visitors of this trail will have the opportunity to participate in self-guided traditional teachings of the newly-birthed Medicine Wheel.
With the creation of the Nòpiming Trail and the highlighted importance of honoring the traditions of the Algonquin People, the Friends of Bonnechere Parks and Bonnechere Provincial Park collaborated with Elder Patrick Aird and Knowledge Keeper and Helper Sherry Dion to hold a birthing ceremony for the sacred medicine wheel on September 26, 2023.
The theme of the Nòpiming Trail is instilling gratitude and further understanding of Indigenous perspectives through acknowledging this land was first used by the Algonquin People.
Highlights include:
- interpretive panels highlighting the Algonquin Peoples (the original habitants of Turtle Island/North America)
- focuses on the importance of land acknowledgment
- Medicine Wheel
- information on traditional hunting practices
- information on invasive species/plants and pollinators
Accessibility features:
- both trails offer hard-packed surfaces
- guide ropes for individuals with visual disabilities
- rest stop benches no more than 50 m apart
- high contrast interpretive panels for individuals with visual disabilities, including QR codes to provide access to interpretive content on the user’s phone/accessibility device
- accessibility features provided through the apps BlindSquare Event/XploreNinja to provide navigational aid and a newly-developed app Pimosedà that provides enhanced interpretation
- public access WiFi at trailheads to ensure users can interact with trail features
Accessible vault washroom
A newly constructed vault washroom was developed and opened in early 2023.
This washroom features wide set doors to offer space for individuals with mobility concerns, grab bars, and space between the toilet for mobility devices.
In addition to this newly constructed accessible vault washroom, Bonnechere features a comfort station with an accessible shower and accessible stall on both sides of the comfort station.
The two vault washrooms located near the rustic cabins are also equipped with accessible features.
All terrain wheelchair
New to Bonnechere this year: the addition of an all-terrain wheelchair!
The all-terrain wheelchair provides access and transportation across trails with sand, gravel, and uneven terrain.
It’s an excellent addition to complement the waterwheels currently implemented in Bonnechere’s accessibility features.
Highlights include:
- designed with consideration of colours that don’t react negatively with individuals with autism, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy
- all terrain rubber wheels
- reclining seat
- rear-wheel braking system
Additional accessible parking spaces
Bonnechere features seven accessible parking spaces:
- one at the administration building
- two at the Nòpiming FIT trailhead
- two at the Nàdòbìkana FIT trailhead
- two in the day use parking lot
- two at the main comfort station
These parking spaces offer accessibility throughout the park to ensure park users with mobility challenges have enough space to enter and exit their vehicles safely and comfortably.
Roofed accommodations – Fallen Tree Cabin
Fallen Tree Cabin includes accessibility features such as:
- accessible ramp
- strobe smoke detector
- accessible table for individuals using a mobility device
- lowered counters and outlets for individuals using mobility devices
- accessible picnic table
- nearby accessible vault washroom
- hard-packed surfaces outdoors to facilitate ease of movement
- fixed ceiling lift in the main bedroom to assist in getting in/out of bed
The RHFAC and the future of accessibility at Bonnechere
To date, over 1,750 sites across Canada have been rated through the program. With just over 110 receiving Accessibility Certified Gold, this rating is no small feat!
Achieving a rating score of 84.7%, this rating demonstrates our commitment to removing barriers and improving accessibility for visitors, customers, and employees of all abilities. We’re proud to play a part in the movement towards a world for everyone, everywhere.
Wondering what the rating process is like? We’d love to share our experience with you.
While this achievement is something to celebrate, our accessibility journey is only just beginning. Being an accessibility leader means always looking for ways to improve. Have you experienced an accessible space recently that inspired you? We’d love to hear about it.
To learn more about the process, visit their website or check out our rating scorecard Public Registry (rickhansen.com) on the online RHFAC Registry.
Bonnechere is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment for all visitors.
With this goal in mind, we are continually looking for ways to improve our facilities and features.
Check back for our next updates!
