The Town of Georgina has been working to make its recreational amenities and services throughout the community more accessible to people with disabilities. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund. Through the Fund, the Town received $100,000 for accessibility improvements in Pefferlaw Park as part of the Pefferlaw Recreation Amenities Improvement Project.
“We are building a safe, healthy and inclusive community in Georgina,” said Mayor Margaret Quirk. “Accessibility planning is an important part of our future, and we will continue to work with our partners and residents to identify and remove barriers. We want to ensure the Town is welcoming to everyone, and where residents and visitors have the opportunity to participate in our growing community.”
This funding will be used to retrofit two washrooms to provide barrier-free access including installing two accessible automatic doors, an accessible pathway and a ramp. The park is currently served by an outdoor washroom facility that is wheelchair inaccessible. It has a narrow doorway, a step to enter and inaccessible interior features.
Other improvements funded through this grant include barrier-free picnic tables and raised garden planters in the new community garden space. Raised garden planters at varying heights can accommodate the different needs of users who may have difficulty reaching or bending.
Renovation of the washroom facilities, doorways and ramp will be completed by June 2024.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund provides funding for eligible projects that improve accessibility for persons with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces. It creates more opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in community activities, programs and services, or access employment opportunities. Improvements to the community garden space are complete.