Since it first opened in 1967, Beacon Hill Pool has been a summer staple in the West Island community of Beaconsfield, Que.
The pool has welcomed generations of families – but for some members with reduced mobility, access can be a challenge.
“There are times when you wake up and your back is blocked with sciatica, hernia, whatever, and it’s a lot harder to move,” said Gilles Chalifour, a Beaconsfield resident. “I’ve had seasons where I’ve missed the whole summer because of back problems.”
Now, a new aquatic supplement is a game changer for people with reduced mobility.
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The pool has recently completed a series of accessibility improvements, including ramps, adapted bathrooms and a pool lift to support a safe swimming experience for those living with functional limitations.
The nearly $100,000 in improvements were made possible by a combination of federal funding and a helping hand from the City of Beaconsfield.
“This was really an exercise in, if you build it, they will come,” said Dave Whipps, president of Beacon Hill Pool. “We had some members say, ‘Why did we spend all this money and effort on ramps, bathrooms, elevators,’ and that’s because we (currently) don’t have members who are mobility-reduced.”
Beaconsfield Mayor Martin St-Jean says the move to widen access is about removing barriers and encouraging inclusion.
“It’s a wonderful community-driven initiative that is in line with what the city wants to do, which is to make facilities inclusive and accessible,” St-Jean said.
Upgrades may seem simple, but for those who need them, they make a world of difference.
“I hope they take this concept and extend it to all the pools in Beaconsfield, in fact, all the pools in the West Island,” Chalifour said.
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