By Lawson Hunter
The Hon. Raymond Cho, Ontario Minister of Seniors and Accessibility, came to Burlington on March 14 to acknowledge two Inclusive Community grants (ICG) given to the city, and to announce a new round of grant funding for the program.
Cho met with councillors, municipal staff, and representatives from the city’s Senior Advisory Committee and the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
“These ICG grants are excellent ways for communities, big and small, to become more accessible,” said Cho. “This empowers seniors and those with disabilities to participate more in the places where they live. As a senior myself, I know the challenge that we are facing.”
In 2022, the City of Burlington received a grant to implement the “hearing loop” system at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre and other recreational facilities. The system improves the ability of those with hearing aids to hear speakers in specific settings. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to “T” (Telecoil) setting. Instructors at the seniors’ centre use the system, allowing more participation and greater accessibility.
The city also received a grant to purchase and install portable beach mats to provide barrier-free access to Lake Ontario at the Beachway park.
Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre joined the minister in celebrating the efforts of the city and the two advisory committees in implementing these two grants. “The hearing loop project directly helps 1600 people who are hard of hearing, allowing them to participate in city programs and services,” said Pierre. “The beach mats at Beachway Park will make it easier for everyone to enjoy the beach this summer.”
Pierre went on to encourage others to apply for new grants through the ministry website.
The ICG program has funded over 60 community projects throughout the province since 2018. Grants of up to $60,000 are available to municipalities, community groups, and Indigenous communities.
Lisa Kearns, Ward 2 councillor and deputy mayor for community engagement and partnerships spoke on behalf of the city and her colleague Angelo Bentivegna, Ward 6 councillor and deputy mayor for recreation and community services. “We’ve been fortunate to be the recipient of the Inclusive Community Grant,” said Kearns. “That money has certainly helped us with several projects to improve accessibility and services.”
Along with the aforementioned projects, Kearns noted that the city has also installed braille signage and improved lighting for those with low vision. “Removing barriers and improving access to city services and facilities is a top priority for the city,” Kearns noted.
The group then proceeded to the seniors’ centre on New Street to examine some of the features facilitated through the ICG program. Members of the Seniors’ Advisory Committee joining them were Yaya Andrade, Ron Minaker, and staff liaison Judi Lytle. Don Prescott of the Accessibility Advisory Committee accompanied them.
For more information about the Inclusive Community Grants program, visit: http://www.ontario.ca/page/inclusive-community-grants.
