Georgina celebrates first accessible beach at De La Salle

Yorkregion.com
August 9, 2018
Heidi Riedner

For the first time ever, bathers requiring wheelchairs and similar aids can get to the water’s edge at De La Salle beach in Jackson’s Point thanks to a newly installed ramp and Mobi-Mat.

A number of accessibility improvements, including the Mat -- a portable, hard-surface, rollout mat made of recycled plastic bottles providing lake access from the ramp --  were officially unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony last month.

“As a growing community, the Town of Georgina is working to create a high quality of life for all residents,” Mayor Margaret Quirk said.

In addition to the Mat, a total of $326,700 in accessibility improvements including pathways and enhancements to the park’s existing washrooms were made after the town’s accessibility advisory committee secured a $108,900 grant under the federal government’s Canada 150 program.

“The federal funding has allowed us to improve a popular waterfront park and make it more accessible for everyone. In particular, the installation of the MobiMat, accessible trails and ramp will ensure that people of all abilities can access this favourite destination in our town.”