Rick Hansen, Canada’s Man in Motion, was in Kelowna, Thursday, June 19, to applaud and advance the city’s efforts toward accessibility excellence — and to confirm that the new Parkinson Recreation Centre (PRC) will be built to meet Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) Gold standards.
Speaking to the media in Stuart Park, Hansen praised Kelowna’s leadership in setting a higher bar for public infrastructure.
“We’re super excited as a foundation because for 40 years, we haven’t stopped,” Hansen said. “We’ve tackled the built environment as a top priority — the places where people live, work, learn, and play — and we knew we needed a standard that goes beyond minimum code.”
That standard is RHFAC Gold — a level Hansen says equates to scoring over 80 out of 100 in meaningful accessibility, compared to typical building codes that hover around 50 to 60.
Paul Clark, chair of the city’s Accessibility Advisory Committee and a long-time advocate, said it's a clear example of how inclusive design benefits everyone.
“The new parks and rec centre that’s being created is going to be 100 per cent accessible,” he added. “These things don’t have to be more expensive if they’re designed that way from the beginning.”
Hansen and Clarke, both of whom sustained spinal cord injuries in 1973, reflected on the slow pace of change over the last five decades — but expressed optimism that momentum is building.
“Back in the ’80s, it was just about getting in the door,” Hansen said. “Now, it’s about being able to fully participate.”
He emphasized that RHFAC considers a wide range of needs, including mobility, visual, hearing, and cognitive diversity.
“It’s not just about wheelchairs,” he said. “We’re designing for the full spectrum of visible and invisible disabilities.”
Clark echoed Hansen's comments.
"Anybody can have a stroke or disability tomorrow. These facilities are made for everybody — now or later.”
With more than eight million Canadians currently living with a disability — a number expected to rise sharply with an aging population — Hansen said inclusive housing and public space design need to become standard practice across the country.
“Affordable housing without accessibility is inconceivable. If we’re not building accessible or easily adaptable homes now, we’re building barriers into our future.”
Hansen used his Kelowna visit to issue a national call to action, aligning around common standards, training thousands of professionals in accessibility best practices, and stopping new construction that doesn’t prioritize universal access.
“Canada has to measure up,” he said. “Kelowna is growing fast and making tremendous progress — but my challenge is, let’s get there faster. Let’s not stop now.”
For Clarke, the hope is that more communities will follow Kelowna’s lead, not just in public buildings, but in how entire neighbourhoods are imagined and built.
“Why should I be limited to 12 spots at Prospera Place when there are 6,000 others?” he asked. “Let’s make the whole building — the whole city — accessible.”
Hansen also shared his message and vision with the Regional District Central Okanagan Board earlier in the day.
