A Place for Everyone: How RBC is Helping the Winspear Expand Accessibility.

Written by: Lisa Hennig, Philanthropy Advisor

Music is a universal language. It has the power to move and inspire us, no matter our background, our circumstances, our abilities. But that magic can only be fully experienced when the spaces where we perform, learn, create and connect through music are designed for all of us. And while the Winspear has always prioritized accessibility, thanks to the RBC Foundation Community Spaces Grant, the doors of our expanded space will open even wider.

Helping fund retrofits and new construction projects with the goal of increasing sustainability and accessibility, the RBC Foundation Community Spaces Grant supports organizations as they create more welcoming environments for their communities. At the Winspear, this investment is helping advance a vision of a community hub where everyone can experience the transformative power of music.

“Our contribution toward Rick Hansen certification was about more than accessibility features; it was about making sure no one was left on the outside of a shared experience,” says Jim Smyrl, Senior Branch Manager, RBC Dominion Securities.

Expanding What’s Possible

Designed to create inclusive spaces for people of all abilities, the grant will support a range of accessibility improvements throughout the Winspear Expansion. These enhancements include wheelchair ramps, automated doors, accessible washrooms and tactile wayfinding signage that will help visitors navigate the building with confidence and independence.

Beyond these physical upgrades, the Winspear is working toward achieving Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification as part of the Expansion project. Reaching this certification is a key goal upon project completion and reflects a commitment to creating a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive destination for all members of the community.

“Charitable organizations have long faced challenges accessing funding for infrastructure upgrades, and the RBC Foundation Community Infrastructure Fund helps address that gap,” says Andrea Barrack, SVP, Sustainability & Impact, RBC. “Through this fund, we’re helping empower organizations to build spaces that are more environmentally sustainable, accessible, and reflective of the needs of the communities they serve.”

The Winspear Expansion is supported with funding from the City of Edmonton, the Government of Alberta, Government of Canada, and a public capital campaign. RBC Foundation's contribution adds an essential piece to that mix, ensuring the expanded space is truly a music centre for everyone.

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