A new 100-foot long mobility mat will enable easier beach access for people using wheelchairs, families with strollers and others to access the water at Parksville Bay Beach.
The City of Parksville, in partnership with Access Oceanside Association (AOA), is excited to pilot the accessible beach mat, also known as a "mobi-mat", for the 2024 summer season. The mat can be accessed from the concrete ramp in front of the waterfront gazebo, according to a news release by the city.
The funding was provided by Corona Canada through its Accessing Paradise Pledge, and also included two beach wheelchairs which may be reserved free of charge through the Beach Club Resort, 250-248-8999 or beachclub@bellstar.ca.
“On behalf of Parksville Council, our sincere thank you to Corona Canada for this generous donation," said Mayor Doug O'Brien. "To Access Oceanside Association for their dedication to the mobi-mat project and for their work in our community, and for the support of the Beach Club Resort and the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association. We look forward to seeing how this project helps to improve accessibility at Parksville Bay beach.”
The mats, made with reclaimed ocean-bound plastics, were installed by City of Parksville operations staff from the concrete ramp directly in front of the Waterfront Gazebo. They cross the soft sand and rocks ending on the hard-packed sand on the beach which allows persons using mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers to safely access the beach.
The donation was co-ordinated by Wade Watts, Mobility Facilitator with Watts Accessibility Consulting and distributor for Mobi-mats in Canada, according to a news release by AOA.
Sandra Hobson, AOA chair, expressed her gratitude to O’Brien, Coun. Amit Gaur and Parks Manager Graham Gidden for their unwavering support in making this project a reality.
Parksville council confirmed its intent to review beach accessibility in 2025; however, this opportunity arose thanks to the donation by Corona Canada. The generous and unexpected donation of the mobi-mat to Access Oceanside Association prompted council to amend its work plan and move this item forward to the 2024 budget cycle.
Staff applied for the necessary permits from the federal and provincial agencies and were successful in receiving expedited approvals based on the significance of improving accessibility in the community.
"Parksville council embraces universal accessibility as a goal for the community and acknowledges many of our residents and visitors experience mobility challenges, either permanent or temporary," the city release stated. "And accessing natural spaces can be difficult for those with physical limitations. Accessibility principles benefit all people, including young families with strollers, people with injuries and those with more long-term mobility issues."
At this time, there are some unknowns about how this new service will impact staffing and how it will operate in a dynamic marine environment, according to the city.
The seasonal installation of a mobi-mat is a higher level of service than the city is accustomed to and over the next few months, staff will monitor the use and track issues which may arise with maintenance and operations.
Council will review the information from both city staff and the community during its 2025 budget deliberations and provide direction for future accessibility projects at that time.
— NEWS Staff
