Second Round of StopGap Ramps Ready for Use

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT ERIE (August 12, 2024)—The Town of Fort Erie Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) continues to work on ways to make our community more accessible.

In 2023, a pilot project was undertaken in partnership with the StopGap Foundation to provide a temporary ramp into stores that have one step between 2” and 9”.

The pilot project resulted in nine businesses improving access into their buildings. In 2024, Council approved a second round, open to the entire community for businesses and organizations, which has resulted in the delivery of an additional 10 StopGap ramps.

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“The AAC has once again worked with community partners to improve access. It is important to continue to work towards removing barriers within the entire community”, stated the Council representative on the committee, Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes.

“The temporary ramp will help to increase accessibility into existing buildings by removing barriers for persons with disabilities, mothers with strollers, and people using walkers or canes”, stated AAC Chair Lori Brant. “Working with businesses and organizations throughout the community, our Committee was able to demonstrate that by participating in the program they will be helping to provide more choices where people can shop or access services, without any thought or prior preparation”.

The second round resulted in ten more businesses that met the eligibility criteria and completed the agreement with the StopGap Foundation:

• The Manic Maker
• St. John’s Stevensville United Church
• Blue Goose Farm
• Bridgewater Golf and Country Club
• Beach House Restaurant
• South Niagara Life Ministries
• Maplewood Gelato & Sweets
• Gibson & Reitboeck LLP
• Crystal Ball Café
• Crystal Beach Museum - ACB

The pilot project saw ramps distributed to nine businesses in the Ridgeway/Crystal Beach area:

• 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 has been 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 into 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 opportunity 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.

The StopGap Ramp application will remain active for future rounds and any new inquiries will be placed on a wait list. For additional information, you can visit the Town’s StopGap web-page.

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

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