North Vancouver's Cates Park is a real beach to access

Whey-ah-wichen ("wind in my face") is the first nation name for this eastern section of the Burrard Inlet, the home of Cates Park. I'm not sure how you would say "obstacles in my path" but it would be an equally accurate description for PWDs. A beautiful and natural park, at over 22 hectares it's North Vancouver's largest waterfront park. The park is named after Charles Cates, founder of the Cates Tugboat towing company that still in operation today. Cates arrived in 1896 and settled in the Indian Arm area. He lived there the rest of his life save a brief trek to the Yukon in 1898 during the gold rush. He prospected no gold but was known to recount a tale that saw Soapy Smith shoot it out with Frank Fead in a Skagway Alaska Saloon.  Returning home he enjoyed many successes and he and his family rose to prominence.

Looking west

The park was dedicated to his honour in the 1950's and developed over the 1960's. Sadly nothing has been done to bring it up to 2011 standards of accessibility. It wouldn't be difficult or expensive. Already there is much parking at the main entrance including marked accessible stalls but curbs and other obstacles abound. The washrooms are few and not accessible, the beach offers no access, there is no adaptive play equipment for CWDs, the boat launch is not accessible, and park trails are very poorly marked with none specifically cut for PWDs. The bus drops you at the park's main entrance, but with no marked cross ways, more curbs, inaccessible bus stops on the return (north side Dollarton Highway) I don't recommend regular transit.

Lots of picnic space

Paddling centre dock

It's not likely most of the trails will ever be fully accessible for self propelled wheelers, but I was able to find several that, with minor changes and much better way finding, could be accessible in my big off-road chair. There are many interesting things to see in the park including the foundation remains of an old cedar mill, and the cottages(shacks) of two of Canada's literary giants Malcolm Lowery and Earl Birney. Inside the park a native intrerpretation centre and a long house are being planned.

The area just northwest of the park is being developed with single family dwelling homes. Now is the time to fix up this area of Indian Arm which is almost within reach for PWDs. If you are a resident of the district I strongly urge you to lobby the council for changes to make this park more accessible. For more information on the park and to see the park development proposal go to dnv.org and follow the links.

I will leave you with very good news. The BC Mobility Opportunities Society is expanding and doing very well in the lower mainland. Some of the latest in a line of new initiatives is the ability to rent a Trail Rider Wheelchair for $10.00 a day. This would allow anybody with a disability who has help to access this or any other park. To see more on this and other programs including kayaking, guided hikes, paragliding, or  paraparagliding (a joke not a typo) and more go to  www.bcmos.org.