Nature for All is about inclusion. It’s about accessing the natural world, but also feeling safe and welcome there.
We believe people of all ages and abilities should be able to enjoy the many physical and emotional benefits of the great outdoors without worrying about safety or logistics.
Imagine never touching a tree because the root base is too rough for your wheelchair.
Imagine being limited to your lawn because nearby trails are full of tripping hazards. Imagine knowing all your friends are on a walk in the woods – and not being able to participate.
At Nature For All, we believe everyone should be able to embrace the great outdoors.
To that end, we are transforming Baxter Conservation Area into a fully accessible and integrated natural park for persons of all ages and abilities.
This multi-phase project has already upgraded Baxter’s marshland bridge to the gold standard of accessibility, with double-wide decks and two large education platforms to help students get up close and personal with our wetland ecology. We have also retrofitted our interpretive centre bathrooms and will continue to upgrade our trails, boardwalks and other facilities to provide opportunities for all who want to experience and enjoy a natural wilderness setting.
25%
of all Ontarians over the age of 15 identify as having a disability, according to Statistics Canada – more than 2.6 million people. Prevalence is even higher among older adults: more than 40% of people aged 65 and older, and more than half of those over 75, identify having a disability. The number of people living with disabilities will only rise as our population ages.
20%
Of Ottawa’s population will be made up of seniors over 65 by 2031. Age-friendly spaces at our conservation areas will support the inclusion of our elders, which in turn will help them lead healthy, active and independent lives.
