By Richard Bell
The Ataraxy Farm in Lawrencetown is one of 96 companies across the province that will be benefiting from a $1.5 million program to improve accessibility.
Ataraxy Farm owner Kim Avis told the Cooperator in an interview that she will be using the money to build a wheelchair accessible washroom. "And we're going to be expanding our gates to provide wheelchair accessibility to our petting pens."
Avis explained that "ataraxy" means "a state of serene calmness, or tranquility." According to the farm's website, "We are not a traditional farm. We are a mental health therapy farm with the main goal of helping others." The farm also produces a variety of products based on goat's milk. The farm is located at 33 Manetail Lane, Lawrencetown, off West Lawrencetown Road.
The grant combined funds from the Business ACCESS-ability Grant Program and the Community ACCESS-ability Grant Program.
In a press release, Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage, said, "Healthy communities are a top priority for this government. These grants remove barriers so that Nova Scotians can access services and opportunities close to home and lead healthy, active lifestyles."
Business ACCESS-Ability will have a second round of applications with a deadline of September 29. Applications for next year's Community ACCESS-Ability grants will open in the fall.
Eligible groups include non-profit organizations, museums, post-secondary schools, libraries, hospitals, towns, villages, and municipalities.