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Monday, January 20, 2020
Halifax Stanfield International Airport has attained a Certified Gold rating through Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC), making it Nova Scotia’s first Certified Gold facility. This complements ongoing investments in modernization at Atlantic Canada’s busiest airport, which serves more than 4.3 million passengers annually.
“Last year, we engaged a Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Professional to rate our facility and reaffirm our commitment to accessibility and inclusion,” says Joyce Carter, president and chief executive officer of the Halifax International Airport Authority. “We’re all very proud of this milestone.”
The Gold rating arises from accessibility features such as:
- Customer care program (The Stanfield Way) that emphasizes supporting passenger needs;
- Volunteer programs focused on a positive passenger experience (Tartan Team, St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs);
- Autism Aviators, a program that gives individuals on the Autism Spectrum a chance to experience the airport first-hand;
- Versatile seating areas offering numerous options;
- Parkade facility with colour-coordinated parking and easy-to-use parking machine payments;
- Ample accessible parking in all parking lots, including the parkade;
- Covered, well-lit pedway connecting the parkade and terminal building;
- Pet relief areas for assistance animals;
- Clearly marked signage and wayfinding;
- Automated doors at all entrances and throughout the terminal;
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and emergency phones throughout the terminal building; and,
- Universal washrooms with accessible features such as emergency call systems
“With record numbers of passengers travelling through Canada’s airports, it’s critical that we create a country where everyone can go everywhere,” asserts Rick Hansen, founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation. “Many congratulations to Halifax Stanfield International Airport. I hope your leadership inspires others across Canada to innovate and become more accessible so everyone can fully participate in society.”
Photo: Kevin Murphy, MLA & Speaker, Nova Scotia House of Assembly; Joyce Carter, president & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority; Sarah McCarthy, vice president, Rick Hansen Foundation; Ross Sampson, RHFAC professional. Photo by @RileySmithPhoto.