Oakville receives federal funding for Falgarwood Pool accessibility improvements

Renovations begin this fall

The Town of Oakville has received $125,000 in funding through the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund to improve accessibility at Falgarwood Pool, which will begin this fall. The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports community and workplace-based projects across Canada aimed at improving accessibility, safety, and inclusion for persons with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces.

The Town will use the funding to install a portable pool lift and new outdoor showers, featuring step-free access. 

In addition to the new accessible features, the facility will undergo Town-funded renovations to install a new slip-resistant pool deck, which will provide step-free access to changerooms and tactile striping around the pool edge.

Residents using the pool this summer will benefit from accessibility improvements the Town completed earlier this year, including:

• A new wider entry walkway and entrance gate
• A new accessible service counter 
• Redesigned changerooms to enhance accessibility

Construction of the additional accessibility features will begin in the fall, after the pool closes for the season following Labour Day. 

Falgarwood Pool, located at 1349 Gainsborough Drive, was built in 1972 and is one of five outdoor pools in Oakville. 

Quotes

“A stronger, more inclusive Canada is one where everyone can reach their full potential, and that starts with removing the barriers that stand in their way. Through programs like the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we are improving accessibility, safety, and inclusion for persons with disabilities in Oakville, and workplaces and public spaces nationwide. From Oakville to communities across the country, that is how we build Canada Strong.”   

— Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

“For decades, Falgarwood Pool has offered residents a place to swim and stay active during the summer months. Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we are investing $125,000 to ensure that Falgarwood Pool continues to serve the community for years to come. This funding will support key accessibility upgrades to the facility, which will make it more accessible for persons with disabilities and inclusive for all. We will continue to invest in reliable, modern infrastructure for Oakville.”

— Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Oakville East 

"We appreciate being able to bring accessibility upgrades at our 54-year-old Falgarwood outdoor pool to a level comparable with Wedgewood outdoor pool. Both outdoor pools now meet the accessibility standards required under the Ontario Building Code and AODA."

— Mayor Rob Burton