By Rosalind Russell – The Ontario government is providing $32,500 to the Town of Blind River to support upgrades to local public-use areas that will improve access for older people and people with disabilities.
Blind River Mayor Sally Hagman says the Blind River project called Assigned Seats Are Not Our Style: Sit Anywhere That Makes You Smile enables the town to purchase an accessible kayak launch, beach access mats, and inclusive picnic tables.
She says the barrier-free, accessible kayak launch will be installed in proximity to handicap parking spaces and a turnaround area where kayaks and people can be dropped off at the launch dock.
Hagman adds beach access mats will also be installed at Peace Park and Lakeside Beach to accommodate mobility device users, older adults, and families with strollers from the parking lot to the beach.
She says the project aligns with the town’s Corporate Strategic Plan and Economic Development Strategy and Service Delivery Review.
The funding comes from Ontario’s Inclusive Community Grants Program. Photo: New accessibility mats and other installations will be put in place in Blind River for easier beach access.
Photo by Markus Spiske – unsplash.com