Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan is set to undergo a $25 million transformation into a year-round retreat.
For nearly 50 years, Camp Shawnigan has provided an inclusive summer camp experience for children, youth, and adults with disabilities, and their families.
“I have been at this camp for two years and I have enjoyed my time here a lot,” says camper Clara Maxwell. “Everything is great here, the counsellors, perfect, like absolutely perfect. They do such a phenomenal job in helping all of us.”
Camp Shawnigan is embarking on a long-term transformation, at a cost of $25 million. On Thursday, the province of B.C. committed $7 million to help make it happen.
“You can see this camp is well loved, it’s seen a lot of generations of kids, but it needs some love in return,” says B.C. Premier David Eby. “This is money that’s going to help update and expand the facilities here for the camp, it’s going to support redevelopment, it’s going to make sure the camp is available and accessible year-round.”
The new facility will be the first like it in North America, with new cabins, a hotel-style dormitory, large community hall and gym with an inground pool.
Improvements to the eight-hectare lakefront property aims to set a new standard of accessibility for design research, technology and training. Designed for people with both visible and invisible disabilities, the camp will accommodate all people, no matter their abilities, mobility, or sensory sensitivities.
“The new Camp Shawnigan will position British Columbia as a leader in accessible travel, and deliver innovation to shape the future of inclusion recreation right here in B.C.,” says Lisa Beck, president and CEO of Easter Seals BC & Yukon.
Easter Seals BC & Yukon is one of British Columbia’s legacy charities and is operated by the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities. For 75 years, the organization has committed to enhancing the quality of life of people living with disabilities and those travelling to Vancouver for medical treatment.
For further information on the project you can visit the Camp Shawnigan website.
READ PREVIOUS FROM 2019: ‘I was overjoyed like big time’: Campers rejoice as Camp Shawnigan reopens, announces major redevelopment
Hannah Lepine
