Ontario Building More Inclusive Communities

Province investing $750,000 to support independent and active living for people of all abilities

The Voice of Canada :

The Ontario government is investing $750,000 this year to improve accessibility and support people of all ages and abilities throughout the province. Through the Inclusive Community Grants Program, 15 projects will receive funding to improve community life for older Ontarians and people with disabilities.

“Inclusive communities are key to helping people with disabilities and seniors with mobility issues take part in community life by removing barriers,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Through the Inclusive Community Grants Program, we are reducing social isolation and creating new opportunities for all Ontarians to stay active, healthy and independent.”

Since the Inclusive Community Grants Program was created in 2020, it has provided up to $4.5 million to support 87 projects promoting inclusivity and accessibility in Ontario. This year that funding is supporting important projects such as:

• Haliburton’s Abbey Gardens Community Trust will establish an accessible recreational trail system for people of all abilities.
• The City of Kenora’s third phase of their Norman Park Accessibility project will build the only fully accessible park with lake/beach access in the area.
• Madawaska Valley is installing new fully accessible, wheelchair-friendly, all-weather picnic tables in seven municipal parks.
• Sault Ste. Marie’s Pointe Des Chenes Day Park and Beach is updating paths, adding Mobi mats for beach access, and making bathroom and change rooms more wheelchair friendly.
• Tay Valley Township is introducing new accessible, age-friendly sports and recreation activities and programs for 300 local residents in eight rural communities.
• A list of projects that received an Inclusive Community Grant in the 2023-24 cycle can be found here.

Quick Facts

Projects funded through Inclusive Community Grants are led by municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous communities.

Quotes

“I’m so pleased with the Inclusive Community Grants awarded to Algonquin Highlands and Abbey Gardens in Haliburton County. These projects offer much greater independence for seniors and folks with disabilities. Our sincere appreciation to Minister Cho.”-Liz Danielsen, Warden, Haliburton County

“We are grateful to receive the Inclusive Community Grant to enhance the accessibility of the recreational space at Norman Park. Norman Park is a bustling place in the summer, and the new nature pathway will ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy this wonderful lakeside park and all its amenities. We are excited to see the positive impact this project will have on our community.”-Andrew Poirier, Mayor, City of Kenora

“While simplistic in nature, having a comfortable place to sit and participate in the enjoyment of outdoor spaces is significant. This funding allows us to provide vital access to these spaces for all.”-Mark Willmer, Mayor, Madawaska Valley Township

“This funding from the Government of Ontario is greatly appreciated and I can say with certainty that it will be put to good use by increasing and improving access to a foremost recreational opportunity. It will help people with differing accessibility needs participate in recreation and leisure activities with family and friends at the Pointe Des Chenes Day Park and Beach.”-Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor, City of Sault Ste. Marie

“Enhancing accessibility can be challenging in the natural beauty of Pointe Des Chenes. Thanks to the Inclusive Communities Grant, we’re able to address these challenges to make this space inclusive for individuals with mobility impairments. The grant’s support will be instrumental in implementing crucial infrastructure upgrades, fostering community engagements, and facilitating inclusive events and activities in this beautiful space.”-Diane Morrell
Accessibility Coordinator, City of Sault Ste. Marie

“Tay Valley Township is pleased and excited to receive the province’s support for our forthcoming accessible, age-friendly sports and recreation programming. The funding will help the township offer new programs, especially for older adults and people with disabilities, which will promote physical and mental health, reduce social isolation, and enhance the quality of community life for participants.”-Rob Rainer, Reeve, Tay Valley Township