The Town of Lincoln will receive funding through Ontario’s Inclusive Community Grant Program for community facility upgrades. The funding totaling $60,000 was the maximum amount a municipality was able to apply for.
The Province’s Inclusive Community Grant Program funds projects in small urban or rural communities (with a population of less than 30,000) that will make moderate changes to the built environment and public spaces, so that they can become more inclusive and supportive of older adults and people with disabilities.
“This is welcome news for Lincoln, and we look forward to making adjustments to our community facilities that will improve accessibility for our residents,” said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton.
“Through this funding, we can respond to the emerging needs of older adults and persons with disabilities in our community, in an environment that is rapidly changing,” said Michael Kirkopoulos, Lincoln’s Chief Administrative Officer, adding, “Lincoln is committed to creating more accessible environments for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds which supports our Community’s Vision Statement – A Place to Grow, A Place to Prosper, A Place to Belong.”
The Inclusive Community grant is in addition to the $200,000 approved in the 2021 Capital Budget process. The Town has identified 44 accessibility upgrades across 10 municipal facilities that will better enhance use for residents of varying abilities. These include the following visual, audible and physical accessibility enhancements:
- Visual strobe fire alarm systems at six Town facilities
- Automatic door systems – eight facilities
- Accessible parking – lot line painting at 10 Town facilities
- Barrier-free parking signage at 10 Town facilities
- Wall-mounted fixtures at six Town facilities
- Service counter upgrades at two facilities
- Ramps and curbs – one facility
- Washroom call station – one facility
Town of Lincoln staff are currently developing a plan to incorporate the changes by March 2022.
