New mobility mats at Port Stanley beach already making ‘huge difference’

Just in time for summer, new mobility mats have been unveiled at Little Beach in Port Stanley. CTV London’s Lauren Stallone has the details.

The Port Stanley Village Association announced the installation of new mobility mats at Little Beach, making it easier for residents and visitors of all abilities to access the shoreline and enjoy the water.

The mats create a steady and firm pathway across the sand, improving beach access for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, or people with limited mobility.

Leanne Forsythe suffers from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an auto-immune disease that forces her to walk with a cane.

She said this new edition has already made a “huge difference.”

“You really have a full scope of the beach,” said Forsythe. “You can set up anywhere, under shade or further down and it is easy to get to the water.”

She said it is important we continue to see “inclusion” and “accessibility” reflected in communities across the province.

“People with disabilities feel like they can contribute, and they can be a part of the conversation, as opposed to in the background or on the sidelines,” said Forsythe.

The initiative was funded by an Inclusive Community Grant from the Province of Ontario.

“People who live here realized they needed more accessibility requirements for this beach and for this community,” said Rob Flack, minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing of Ontario.

The province said they hope the project will give everyone the chance to “enjoy the lake” and “everything Port Stanley has to offer.”