BARRHEAD - Curlers with mobility issues will have an easier time to reach the ice surface.
On Sept. 10, Town of Barrhead councillors approved an unbudgeted $4,000 expense to construct a ramp in the foyer of the curling rink, allowing people in scooters and wheelchairs to access the ice surface more readily. The funds would come from reserves. Work on the ramp is expected to be completed before the start of the curling season.
Chief administrative officer Edward LeBlanc said although the curling rink has a mechanical lift, it is of little use.
He added that the municipality had installed the lift with money from the province for the 2013 55 Plus Games, which Barrhead cohosted with Westlock.
"It is functional, but for all practical purposes, it is not user-friendly and does not work," LeBlanc said.
Mayor Dave McKenzie said the improvement would aid more than just mobility-challenged curlers.
"We use the facility for other things," he said, referring to parks and recreation summer children's programming and the Make the Connection Evening. "I saw a mother [during Make the Connection] trying to negotiate up these narrow stairs with a stroller, and it was a gong show. A proper ramp in the building will make it more accessible and viable for uses."
Coun. Dausen Kluin also suggested that the municipality needs to make the curling rink's rear entrance/exit more accessible.
"It opens up to grass. Paving it would make it more accessible for people who have strollers or use wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters," he said, asking for the item to be added to the municipality's upcoming budget deliberations. "If you have to exit the building through that door and you are not in a big powered wheelchair, they would have a lot of difficulty."
Kluin also noted that the rear entrance/exit doors do not have a push-to-open door button.
Kluin noted that he would add the items to the list of potential projects to be discussed as part of council's 2025 budget deliberations.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
