At Lépine Apartments, we share a proud legacy of supporting initiatives that touch us personally. As a family-owned business with deep roots in our diverse community, promoting inclusion and accessibility is one of our top priorities. That’s why we’re delighted to be the Champion Sponsor of Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s Schools Program for the 2024–2025 school year.

The program educates teachers and students about wheelchair basketball, promoting awareness for the sport while encouraging all youth—with or without a disability—to engage in physical activity. For each school that registers, Wheelchair Basketball Canada (WBC) sends a program coordinator with all the necessary equipment, leading students through skills, drills and a game.

As part of our commitment, Lépine construction team members will join WBC on their school visits, to make a presentation about careers in the trades. With more than 60 years’ experience as a premier builder and landlord, we know that the skilled trades require exceptional people—and that, in return, they offer rewarding and varied career paths.

In the words of our Master Builder, France Lépine, “Lépine is sponsoring Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s Schools Program to support the opportunity it creates for our youth to see beyond themselves and set their sights on a more inclusive, accessible and diverse Canada—where everyone can thrive. Just as a building rises tall when set on a strong and stable foundation, so do our communities when we invest in the spirit and abilities of our children.”

Building better, together

Lépine’s work with WBC is part of our ongoing effort to promote accessibility. Our multi-residential apartment communities across the Ottawa region are designed to eliminate barriers, providing welcoming homes for all Canadians. We’re very proud that two of our communities received Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification. We’ve also partnered with Canadian Adaptive Disabled Snowsports to help empower people living with disabilities to fully participate in winter sports.

In December 2024, we were honoured to play in Hoopfest, Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s signature fundraising event. Lépine entered a team in the 3-on-3 tournament, experiencing firsthand the thrill of wheelchair basketball while helping to raise money so that more Canadians can benefit from the sport’s wide-reaching offerings.

“My experience at Hoopfest was incredible! The energy and competition were amazing. It was both challenging and rewarding to play wheelchair basketball, and it gave me a new perspective on the sport. It was a great opportunity to connect with my colleagues while supporting a great cause.” – Julia Coelho, Lépine Apartments Project Manager

“When children exercise their bodies through sports and teamwork, regardless of their abilities, they will better understand themselves and their fellow Canadians,” says France Lépine. “As they strive to improve their personal best alongside their peers, they will strengthen their resolve to achieve excellence together and become the community builders of the future.”

Registration for WBC’s Schools Program is currently open to schools within the Ottawa-Carleton and Gatineau regions, as well as Renfrew County and Eastern Ontario. The program is an initiative of the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, which take place in Ottawa from September 9 to 19, 2026. All schools that participate in the program are invited to attend the championships and be inspired by the world’s best wheelchair athletes.

At Lépine, we encourage Canada’s youth to aim high. Our goal is to show these students that they can build a solid career in the trades, and that everyone deserves equal access—in sport and in life.

To learn more about our team and our barrier-free luxury rentals, please call 1-888-453-7463 or visit a Lépine Apartments community near you today.