FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORT ERIE (August 12, 2024)—The Town of Fort Erie Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) continues to work on ways to make our community more accessible.
In 2023, a pilot project was undertaken in partnership with the StopGap Foundation to provide a temporary ramp into stores that have one step between 2” and 9”.
The pilot project resulted in nine businesses improving access into their buildings. In 2024, Council approved a second round, open to the entire community for businesses and organizations, which has resulted in the delivery of an additional 10 StopGap ramps.
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“The AAC has once again worked with community partners to improve access. It is important to continue to work towards removing barriers within the entire community”, stated the Council representative on the committee, Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes.
“The temporary ramp will help to increase accessibility into existing buildings by removing barriers for persons with disabilities, mothers with strollers, and people using walkers or canes”, stated AAC Chair Lori Brant. “Working with businesses and organizations throughout the community, our Committee was able to demonstrate that by participating in the program they will be helping to provide more choices where people can shop or access services, without any thought or prior preparation”.
The second round resulted in ten more businesses that met the eligibility criteria and completed the agreement with the StopGap Foundation:
The pilot project saw ramps distributed to nine businesses in the Ridgeway/Crystal Beach area:
Each business has been provided with a poster for their window that will let shoppers know how to access the temporary ramp.
The StopGap Ramp Project will help:
The StopGap Ramp application will remain active for future rounds and any new inquiries will be placed on a wait list. For additional information, you can visit the Town’s StopGap web-page.
For more information on the StopGap Foundation and the great work they do to improve access, visit their website at: www.stopgap.ca
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