Community ACCESS-Ability Program

• Completed application form
• Proof of property ownership or long-term lease
• Facility photos showing the work area
• Detailed estimates or quotes from suppliers or contractors
• Supporting documents, if applicable, such as accessibility audits or feasibility studies

Who is eligible?

• Registered non-profit organizations
• Municipalities, towns, villages, and First Nations communities
• Social enterprises
• Public institutions such as libraries, museums, schools, hospitals, and post-secondary institutions

Who is not eligible

• Federally or provincially owned buildings
• For-profit businesses
• Private homes or residences

Eligible expenses

• Accessibility-related construction and renovations
• Accessible equipment and assistive devices
• Technology and communication accessibility upgrades
• Outdoor accessibility improvements and related site work
• In-kind labour, materials, or equipment, when properly documented

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• General maintenance unrelated to accessibility
• Operational costs and ongoing staff salaries
• Costs outside the 2026 fiscal year
• Items required by the Nova Scotia Building Code for new construction or major renovations
• Application preparation costs and contingency fees
• Sidewalks for municipalities, towns, and villages

Eligible geographic areas

• Nova Scotia

• Impact on social well-being
• Depth and scale of accessibility improvement
• Innovation and cultural sensitivity
• Quality and alignment with accessibility standards
• Feasibility, budget, and capacity to complete the project

• Step 1: Discuss the project with program staff
  • Contact the Program Officer before applying.
  • Use email or phone to review your project idea and eligibility.
• Step 2: Complete the application package
  • Fill out the application form in full.
  • Include the required checklist items, quotes, and supporting documents.
  • Sign and date the application.
• Step 3: Submit the application
  • Send the completed application by email or mail.
  • Applications may also be delivered in person or by courier, as indicated in the guidelines.
  • Submit the package before the deadline.
• Step 4: Receive confirmation and wait for review
  • Look for an email confirming receipt of your application.
  • If no confirmation is received, follow up with the program office.

• Applications are reviewed by Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage staff.
• Recommendations for approval are made to the Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.
• The full review and approval process may take 12 to 16 weeks.
• Applicants receive an email confirming that the application was received.
• Approved organizations must submit a final report after project completion.

• Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Program Officer before applying.
• Completed applications can be submitted by email or mail.
• The review and approval process may take 12 to 16 weeks.
• Projects must have defined start and end dates within the program period.