FEO, December 7, 2023, VOL. 5 ISSUE 7

The Town of Fort Erie Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) continues to work on ways to make our community more accessible.

In partnership with the StopGap Foundation, funding for a pilot project was made available to provide a temporary ramp into stores that have one step between 2” and 9”.

“The temporary ramp will help to increase accessibility into existing businesses by removing barriers for persons with disabilities, mothers with strollers, and people using walkers or canes,” stated AAC Chair Lori Brant. “Working with the Business Improvement Areas in both Crystal Beach and Ridgeway allowed our Committee to demonstrate that by participating in the program, they will be helping to provide more choices where people can shop, without any thought or prior preparation.”

The pilot project resulted in nine businesses that met the eligibility criteria and completed the agreement with the StopGap Foundation:

• Planks Canada
• Erie Beach Clothing
• Tangl’d Hair Salon
• Kingshead Pies Inc. (Comet Subs)
• Lakeside Books
• Three Ferrises Boutique
• Frydaze Chips
• Sunlife Office – Katie Miller
• Wines with a Twist

Each business will be provided with a poster for their window that will let shoppers know how to access the temporary ramp.  

The StopGap Ramp Project will help:

• to increase access to existing businesses by removing barriers;
• to increase customer reach (extend opportunities to not only access restaurants and stores but to do that with other people);
• to expand opportunities to be involved/connected with people/participate;
• to provide more choices where people can shop;
• to promote businesses in order to attract more customers by providing awareness on the temporary ramps available.

For more information on the StopGap Foundation and the great work they do to improve access, visit their website at stopgap.ca