What is the StopGap project?
The StopGap community ramp project began in Toronto
in an effort to make businesses and public spaces more accessible. Since
launching in 2011, StopGap has partnered with local groups to bring their
concept to over 100 communities across the country. Through community
organizations, material donations and volunteer support, the StopGap project
invites businesses with single stepped storefronts to have a custom-built ramp
made for them at to no cost. The brightly colored ramps are portable and
designed to be brought in and out of businesses for customers use. While the
ramps are not intended to be a permanent solution to accessibility design
concerns, they open the door for important discussions on accessibility and
help get more people in the doors of local businesses. For more information on
the StopGap project, visit http://stopgapblog.blogspot.ca/
The Halifax Community Ramp Project
In December 2014, the Mayor’s Office partnered with
Parker Street’s Skills Development Centre and StopGap to build ramps for
businesses within the municipality. The ramps are built by participants in
Parker programs. The Halifax Community Ramp Project offers
custom built ramps to businesses free of charge. While the ramps are free,
businesses that receive a ramp are invited to provide a $25 voluntary donation
to the Parker Street to ensure the continuation of
the project.
Who can qualify to receive a ramp?
While we are working closely with the business
improvement commissions in the urban core of Halifax and Dartmouth where the
need is most acute, any business within the municipaliy is eligible to receive
a ramp, provided they meet the following criteria:
- The
building entrance must be single step only. The step must be between 3 and
9 inches in in height.
- Depending
on the height of the step, sidewalks must meet minimum width standards in
order to accommodate a ramp.
Why don’t you make ramps for two or more steps up?
The ramps are intended for businesses that abut the
sidewalk, a common feature in the older parts of Halifax. To meet building
requirements for ramp inclines, the ramps cannot rise too steeply or run so far
into the sidewalk that they become a barrier or are too large to be readily
moved. Because of this, the ramps are restricted to single steps up, with a
rise of 3 to 9 inches.
What do the ramps look like?
The ramps are bright and colourful, and are
designed to catch the eye and get people talking about accessibility in our
municipality. Because every storefront is unique, each ramp is custom built.
The ramps are not designed to be permanent structures; they are light enough to
be easily moved in and out as they are needed. Businesses with ramps are
encouraged to display a sign in their storefront indicating a ramp is available
for those who might need it.
How much do the ramps cost?
The ramps are provided free of charge. However, to
ensure that worthwhile projects like this are sustainable over the long term,
businesses that receive a ramp are invited to provide a $25 voluntary donation
to Parker Street. All donations are
tax-deductible.
How do I let my customers know my store has a ramp?
It's simple. We will provide you with a decal for your window to let your customers know. Use a marker to write a store contact in the blank space so your customer can request the ramp.
Who funds the project?
Parker Street is a not-for-profit
organization that depends on donations and financial contributions. The
Mayor’s Office and community members have made donations, both monetary and in-kind, to help fund this project.
Does the Halifax Community Ramp Project build ramps
for private homes?At this time, the project is able to provide ramps
for businesses only.
Who should I contact if I’d like to receive a ramp?
If you would like to receive a ramp, please contact
your local Business Improvement District (BID). Please include the step height
and sidewalk width measurements along with your request. If you are a business
owner and not a member of a BID, you can contact Jessica Bradley in the Mayor's office at bradlej@halifax.ca .