The StopGap ramps have arrived in Niagara-on-the-Lake, marking, for some, a turning point in improving the accessibility of heritage district shops for people with mobility issues.
The town delivered ramps to nine businesses early Friday afternoon: Neob Lavender, Scottish Loft, Fritters on the Lake, Cool as a Moose, Gyros on the Lake, Wine Country Vintners, COWS, Hatley and Craig’s Cookies.
The Lake Report spoke with seven of the nine businesses. All welcomed the ramps, and several said people using wheelchairs and walkers already tried them and commented on how much easier it was to get around.
Evelyn Frederick, from Maryland, said she sometimes uses a wheelchair because of her age. She visited Cool as a Moose with David Doermann, a professor at the University at Buffalo. Frederick said the ramps were also good for business.
“I can spend more money,” she said exuberantly, laughing.
Jamie-Lynn Jones, manager of Cool as a Moose, said the ramps have not affected customers who are able-bodied, which she sees as a positive sign.
“We’ve had people just walking up and down it,” she said. “It hasn’t really made a difference with people who don’t need it.”
The StopGap Foundation was founded in Toronto in 2011. It aims to make single-step businesses more accessible through portable ramps.
After council endorsed StopGap in July, the town invited businesses to apply for ramps. Town staff then worked with StopGap to select a heritage-approved colour and design ramps tailored to the approved locations.
For years, businesses in the area have said heritage rules made accessibility improvements difficult. Several said the town’s endorsement allowed them to place the ramps openly. They also welcomed the town paying for the ramps, saying accessibility serves a broader public interest.
“It’s not a bad idea for the town to pay (for) them,” said Victoria Bennett, store manager at Craig’s Cookies. “Because we should be more accessible in this town.”
The rollout marks a milestone for Pamela TurnerSmith, a local accessibility advocate who also has mobility issues.
She said it took three years of advocacy to reach this point, beginning with a letter to former lord mayor Betty Disero.
“The process was slow,” she said, “but we got to the end.”
“People just expect accessibility, expect that the built environment includes everyone.”
Friday was a moment to celebrate. TurnerSmith helped deliver the ramps alongside town staff and the founder of StopGap. She also used one herself at Fritters on the Lake.
“It was a beautiful experience because I’ve never been in there before,” she said.
TurnerSmith said she hopes the program expands to every stepped business in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“We’re hoping that’s only the beginning,” she said.
Town communications co-ordinator Marah Minor said new applications will open in the new year and the town will continue exploring ways to improve accessibility.
“For residents and visitors with accessibility needs, these ramps remove a common physical barrier and make everyday errands, shopping and experiences in our community more accessible,” said Minor.
“We’re encouraged by how positively businesses have embraced it.”
In July, council approved 15 ramps for $7,500.
