Ontario Investing to Improve Accessibility in Local Municipalities

Province providing over $167,000 for projects to build inclusive and accessible spaces in Augusta, Brockville and Edwardsburgh Cardinal

Brockville — The Ontario government is investing $167,459 to create more inclusive and accessible spaces in Augusta Township, City of Brockville and Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal through the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) grant program, announced Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.

“This funding will remove barriers and ensure seniors and those with disabilities or mobility issues can participate fully in their community,” said MPP Clark. “Whether it’s attending an event at the North Augusta Community Hall, taking in a show at the Brockville Arts Centre, or getting active outdoors in Johnstown and Cardinal, these investments make our community spaces more accessible for everyone.”

Clark said the local projects being funded under the EASE grants are:

• Augusta Township, $57,310: Replacing an aging wooden entrance ramp with a
  durable, galvanized steel ramp and installing automatic door functions at the North Augusta Community Hall.
• City of Brockville, $52,214: The Brockville Arts Centre will install adaptable seating, secure wheelchair storage, a permanent hearing loop, and automatic washroom door openers to eliminate barriers for patrons with mobility or hearing challenges.
• Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, $57,935: This project will address physical and geographic barriers that affect older adults and people with disabilities in Cardinal and Johnstown. The Accessible Outdoor Fitness and Trail Connections project will install inclusive fitness stations and paved pathways to promote active living and reduce isolation in rural communities.

“I would like to thank the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility, our local MPP Steve Clark, and our township staff for being accepted to replace our ramp for accessibility at the North Augusta Community Hall,” said Augusta Mayor Jeff Shaver. “This is only possible through a grant from the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) for a sum of $57,310. This grant, awarded to our municipality, makes a meaningful difference to many of the residents who use the hall daily to attend social functions and meetings. Thank you to Minister Cho and his ministry for the difference you are providing.”

“On behalf of Brockville City Council and our community, I would like to sincerely thank Ontario’s Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility for their support through the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) grant. This $52,214 investment in the Brockville Arts Centre will help ensure that this treasured community space is welcoming and accessible to all residents and visitors,” said Brockville Mayor Matt Wren. “Accessibility is not just about infrastructure, it is about inclusion, dignity, and opportunity. We are grateful for this partnership as we continue working to make Brockville a community where everyone can fully participate in arts, culture, and civic life.”

“Council is very grateful to the Province of Ontario, Seniors and Accessibility Minister Raymond Cho as well as MPP Steve Clark for the $57,935 of EASE grant funding,” said Edwardsburgh Cardinal Mayor Tory Deschamps. “This grant will fund a seniors outdoor exercise area, as well as equipment and a walkway. This fantastic investment in our seniors will help to promote outdoor activity and greater use of our community spaces.”

Through the EASE grant program, municipalities, non-profit organizations and Indigenous communities can receive up to $60,000 for projects that focus on improving accessibility, including upgrading building entryways, adding ramps and elevators, leveling sidewalks and parking areas. The grants also support adding accessible washrooms and signage, removing barriers, and making community spaces more inclusive.

“We are creating communities where everyone can participate fully,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Through the EASE grant, our government is supporting innovative and impactful projects that will help create a more inclusive province. I am excited about how these projects in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes will help empower more Ontarians.”

In addition to the EASE grant, the Ontario government is making historic investments in community programs and Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) programs, which have now expanded to over 400 locations across the province with over $128 million funding since 2018. Thousands of extra seniors across the province can now access local programs that promote social connection and well-being.