Independence is an ongoing struggle for a Turner Valley woman who lost the use of her legs during a car crash 19 years ago.
Quinn Page-Smith’s needs someone to help her get in and out of the town’s swimming pool, but that will soon change thanks to the federal government.
The Town of Turner Valley is receiving $10,000 through the federal government’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) to install an Aqua handi-lift portable chair at the Dr. Lander Memorial Outdoor Swimming Pool in Turner Valley.
The grant is among $15- million slated for improved accessibility in Canadian facilities this year, an initiative that began in 2007 and has contributed to 2,200 projects.
“I’m super excited about it,” said Page-Smith. “It will be great for me to be able to go to the pool on my own without having to rely on someone to lift me in and out of the pool.”
It was Page-Smith who forwarded information about the EAF to the Town of Turner Valley earlier this year.
“There isn’t really access for me there without my husband carrying me in and out of the pool,” she said. “I would like to go and swim laps every morning. Of course you can’t do that when there is barriers and you don’t have the independence to get in and out of the pool.”
Monique LeBlanc, the Town’s assistant chief administrative officer, said requests have been made by several community members to make the facility accessible to the entire community.
She is ecstatic the Town will finally have the financial assistance to see that happen.
“It will add so much value to an already highly cherished and well-used facility in Turner Valley,” she said. “We serve such a large area and there are fewer outdoor pools and here it’s just such a great asset to have in the community for families and residents.”
LeBlanc said small communities don’t often have the funds to pay for these types of enhancements.
“As with all of our public facilities we work really hard as funding opportunities arise to ensure that they meet all any requirements so they are accessible to all public at large,” she said. “Anybody with any mobility challenges can use this. It may be someone who is recovering from an injury to help them access a very important part of that recuperation through the pool or a senior to maintain their energy level and swimming is one of the best way to do that.”
LeBlanc said the EAF covers the cost of the lift. The Town has budgeted $5,500 to pay for the installation, training of staff, storage and any minor adjustments that need to be made to the pool for installation.
The process will begin immediately to select the supplier, she said, adding she hopes to have the lift installed before the end of the pool season.
Another user of the pool, MP for Macleod John Barlow, said the portable handi-lift is a great addition to a special amenity in Turner Valley. He has had first hand experience having brought his own children to the pool when they were younger.
“Families come from all over the region to Turner Valley in the summer,” he said. “Having this lift ensures that the Turner Valley pool is accessible to children, youth and adults with disabilities. There is certainly a need for it.”
Barlow said the EAF helps public facilities benefit everyone, no matter the ability or community size.
“I am very proud we were able to provide some funding for this program,” he said. “Small rural communities are very important. They are an integral part of our riding.”
Page-Smith said she is glad to see Turner Valley take steps towards creating an inclusive community for people of all abilities.
“This is really a step forward,” she said. “The pool is a good local asset. So many seniors in the community can benefit from swimming or aqua aerobics. There is also lots of children with different levels of abilities. It will be nice for them to go to their local pool and swim with their friends and not have to travel somewhere else.”
