Major renovations on Oakville pool this fall will improve accessibility

All the residents in Oakville will soon be able to enjoy Wedgewood Pool.

Renovations to help make the local facility more accessible are set to begin this fall after the Town of Oakville received a $100,000 financial boost from the federal government.

Received in part from the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund, the money is aimed at making Canadian communities more accessible for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs and services.

The funding for the local pool, located at located at 351 Cairncroft Road, will be used to add ramps to the two outdoor showers and install a portable pool lift. The ramps will include handrails and visual contrasting strips.

“For decades, the Wedgewood Pool has provided families like mine with a reliable place to swim and stay active. Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we are investing over $100,000 to ensure that the Wedgewood Pool will remain a community fixture for generations to come,” said Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Oakville.

“This funding will enable upgrades to the facility – making it more accessible for persons with disabilities and inclusive for all. We will continue to invest in reliable, modern infrastructure for Oakville.”

The 52-year-old facility is getting a major facelift. As well as the new accessible features, the town is also funding renovations that include repairs to the pool tank and replacement of the pool liner.

“We thank the Government of Canada for their funding support to make our recreational facilities safer, more accessible and inclusive,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton.

“The addition of accessible features at Wedgewood Pool will encourage people of all abilities to enjoy safer facilities and stay active for their overall well-being. Our town is committed to providing accessible programs, services and facilities for all residents.”

Construction on the pool, which was built in 1970 and is one of only five outdoor pools in Oakville with 25-metre lanes and a dry slide, will start later this fall when the pool is closed for the season after Labour Day.