The City of Port Moody’s Community Care Committee has named St. John the Apostle in Port Moody the recipient of the 2005 Peter Hulbert Accessibility Award, the first time it has been given. The award recognizes accomplishments that result in greater opportunities for persons with disabilities within the city. St. John’s renovations over the past four years included wheelchair ramps and a fully accessible washroom. The altar rail was moved forward, allowing wheelchair users full access during Eucharist.
“True to history of our church, much of the renovation involved recycled materials and donated labour,” noted Hall. The renovations were also sympathetic to the heritage character of the building, which was built in 1899 and was expanded in 1959.
St. John the Apostle not only serves not only its own congregation but also as a meeting place for community groups such as daycares, Alcoholics Anonymous, musical programs and visits from care home residents.
The award is named for Peter Hulbert, who was a very active community contributor until his death in 2004. Peter, a professional photographer by trade, became an outspoken advocate for accessibility issues after suffering a stroke in the early 1990s. He served on Port Moody’s Community Care Committee and was a director for the Port Moody Foundation