The Town of Antigonish raised a flag at Town Hall on Friday to mark the start of Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia, a provincial initiative now in its 40th year of pushing for a more inclusive province.
The ceremony, originally planned for Chisholm Park, was moved indoors to Council Chambers at 274 Main Street because of poor weather. The event took place at 12:15 p.m. on May 29, a few days before the official awareness week runs from May 31 to June 6.
This year’s theme, ‘Disability Justice: Stronger Together, First Voice Leading Change,’ puts the focus on people with disabilities leading the conversation about the barriers they face. The flag raising comes as new provincial rules for accessible buildings and public spaces take effect.
On April 1, enforcement began for Nova Scotia’s Built Environment Accessibility Standard, the first standard under the province’s Accessibility Act. The standard sets design requirements for new and redeveloped outdoor and recreational spaces. The Town of Antigonish has been preparing by updating its own Accessibility Plan, which was approved by council on March 26, 2025. The provincial act requires municipalities to review and refresh their plans every three years.
The town’s Accessibility Advisory Committee advises council on accessibility matters and gathers information on best practices. Its mandate includes providing a forum for residents to raise concerns about barriers in the community.
Chisholm Park, where the flag was supposed to be raised, is named after Colin H. Chisholm, Antigonish’s longest-serving mayor. He led the town from 1970 to 1994. The park sits downtown between the post office and Whidden’s Bridge on the west end of Main Street and hosts concerts and other community gatherings.
Access Awareness Week events are coordinated across the province by the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities. For four decades, Nova Scotians have held press conferences, forums, and lectures during the week to highlight the importance of removing barriers for people with disabilities.
