Canada/Coaticook improves accessibility to Lake Lyster beach

With the addition of a specialized mat, it will now be easier for people with mobility impairments to get to and swim at Lyster Lake Beach.

The initiative, put forward by the City of Coaticook and the Association des personnes handicapées de la MRC de Coaticook (APHC+), was financially supported by the Association québécoise pour le loisir des personnes handicapées.

At the unveiling of the facilities, André Veilleux, president of the APHC+, praised the work done. It's a very nice project," he said. It may not cost much [about $5,000], but it will still make a big difference in the lives of many people. It's just a mat that leads to the lake, but it's durable. It has some traction so that a person in a wheelchair can roll on it and not just slip and risk injury."

Coaticook Mayor Simon Madore reminds us of the importance of accessibility to places like Lake Lyster Beach. "When you look at the statistics, a quarter of the population of our city will be 65 years old and over in just two years. We're working hard to make all our facilities universally accessible. We've been working on that for some time. In the past, work was done at the multi-purpose pool to accommodate clients with reduced mobility. We want to do our part to offer them a life without differences and that starts with improving access to our facilities," said the chief magistrate.

IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE

The carpet project is not without its flaws, says the president of the Association des personnes handicapées de la MRC de Coaticook. First of all, the carpet does not reach the water. "When you get to the sand, it's difficult to get around in a wheelchair," he says.

The small hill leading to the water should also be flattened, according to André Veilleux. Larger cabins and a better delineation of parking spaces for people with reduced mobility would also be preferable.

The chief magistrate takes note of these observations. "We will correct this fairly quickly. From the outside, it looked fine to us. That's why it's important to work together. These consultations and comments are important and will result in a better experience for everyone."

Most of the adjustments will be completed by spring 2023.

Source: www.leprogres.net