The White Rock Pier accessibility mat will have to wait as the city council has decided not to fund it at this time. The council voted against a one-time $100,000 investment of city funds for the mat and instead opted for city staff to explore possible grants to cover the cost. Mayor Megan Knight emphasized the importance of seeking external funding to lessen the burden on White Rock taxpayers. Accessibility advocate Susan Bains expressed disappointment in the decision, citing the urgent need for the mat due to safety concerns and the challenging terrain of the pier walkway. She provided the council with a list of potential grants that could be pursued for funding.
City councillor Ernie Klassen, a member of the White Rock Accessibility Committee, criticized the delay in funding the accessibility mat, noting that grant opportunities had been identified months prior. He urged the council to prioritize accessibility initiatives and take action rather than repeatedly delaying decisions. Disabled comedian Ryan Lachance, also a White Rock resident, emphasized the importance of making the pier accessible not just for individuals with disabilities but for all residents and visitors. He expressed frustration at the council’s reluctance to address the obvious need for the access mat and urged them to consider the concerns of the community seriously.
Councillor Elaine Cheung defended the decision to continue exploring grant options for funding the accessibility mat, highlighting the financial constraints faced by the city. She stressed the importance of using city funds effectively and efficiently, noting that the cost of the mat installation is significant for White Rock. Despite the availability of city funds for the project, Cheung emphasized the need to consider alternative funding sources to minimize the financial impact on taxpayers. However, the city’s efforts to hire a grant writer could potentially delay the application process for grants, further postponing the implementation of the accessibility mat.
The debate over funding for the White Rock Pier accessibility mat reflects a broader discussion about prioritizing accessibility initiatives and addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities within the community. Advocates like Susan Bains continue to push for immediate action, citing the dangers posed by the current uneven walkway planks on the pier. The city council’s decision to explore grant opportunities reflects a desire to pursue cost-effective solutions and minimize the financial burden on taxpayers. However, the delay in securing funding and the potential challenges in grant application processes highlight the need for a more proactive approach to addressing accessibility concerns in White Rock.
As residents and advocates continue to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility initiatives, the pressure mounts on the city council to prioritize the implementation of the accessibility mat for the White Rock Pier. The voices of individuals like Ryan Lachance, who highlight the universal benefits of improved accessibility, underscore the urgency of the situation. While the city council remains committed to securing external funding for the project, concerns about potential delays and the need for immediate action persist. Ultimately, the decision to fund the accessibility mat will have significant implications for the safety and accessibility of the White Rock Pier for all residents and visitors.
