Sturgeon Falls Curling Club received $125K in accessibility funding

Nickel Belt MP Marc Serre announced $125,000 in federal funding to enable accessibility changes to be made to the Sturgeon Falls Curling Club.

The Sturgeon Falls Curling Club is set to become more accessible to residents with disabilities thanks to $125,000 in funding from the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).

Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré announced the funding on Thursday. The project will include the construction of an accessible ramp, an accessible washroom, an accessible lift, and two accessible doors. These upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of October.

The initiative aims to provide seniors and individuals with mobility challenges greater access to recreational activities at the curling club.

Sturgeon Falls Curling Club treasurer, Mike Gauthier, was instrumental in securing the funding and overseeing the project, according to the federal government’s news release.

“Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we are helping local organizations such as the Sturgeon Falls Curling Club by supporting small-scale construction, renovation, or retrofit projects that increase accessibility in community spaces or workplaces,” said Kamal Khera, the now former Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities.

Serré highlighted the broader impact of accessibility improvements.

“Accessibility goes beyond infrastructure – it’s about fostering community inclusion and combating social isolation,” he said.

“I wish to commend all volunteers at the curling club for your efforts and contributions.”

Louise Gauthier, the club’s president, expressed gratitude for the funding.

“We are delighted to finally have the funds to complete the accessibility project we have planned,” she said.

The Sturgeon Falls Curling Club project is part of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and advance disability inclusion nationwide.

According to the 2022 Canada Survey on Disability, 27 per cent of Canadians aged 15 and over – approximately 8 million people – report having at least one disability, an increase of five percentage points since 2017.

Since its launch in 2007, the EAF has funded over 7,700 projects across Canada, supporting the construction of essential accessible infrastructure.

“One project at a time, we are creating a country where no one is left behind,” said Khera.