National AccessAbility Week brings recognition to Fort Erie businesses and organizations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT ERIE (May 26, 2025) -For National AccessAbility Week (2025), the Town of Fort Erie Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) helped Council celebrate the week by recognizing businesses and organizations that have participated in the StopGap Ramp Project over the past two years.

The theme for NAAW 2025 is “Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All”.

“The Fort Erie AAC is thrilled to recognize the 19 businesses and organizations that have taken meaningful steps to make their buildings more accessible to people with disabilities," said AAC Chair, Lori Brant. "These improvements offer both financial and social returns, positively impacting not only individuals with disabilities but also their families, friends, and travel companions”.

“As the Council representative for the AAC, I’m continually inspired by the strong relationships our members have built to improve accessibility in our community," said Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes. "Through our collaboration with the StopGap Foundation, we’ve been able to partner with local businesses and organizations and take meaningful steps toward realizing Council’s vision of a ‘Community for Everyone.’

As part of the Town’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2024-2029, the Committee recommended that Council acknowledge the great work being done in the community to improve access.

The 19 businesses that have participated in the Project are:

• Planks Canada
• Erie Beach Clothing
• Tangl’d Hair Salon
• Kingshead Pies Inc. (now Sublife)
• Lakeside Books
• Three Ferrises Boutique
• Frydaze Chips
• Sunlife Office – Katie Miller
• Wines with a Twist
• The Manic Maker
• St. John’s Stevensville United Church
• Blue Goose Farm
• Bridgewater Golf and Country Club
• The Beach House
• South Niagara Life Ministries
• Maplewood Gelato & Sweets
• Gibson & Reitboeck LLP
• Crystal Ball Cafe
• Crystal Beach Museum – Advancing Crystal Beach

Application for the StopGap Ramp Project is still open and a wait list has been started for 2025-2026.