Accessible Outdoor Fitness Equipment Enhances Active Living for Everyone

Residents of all ages and abilities are invited to enjoy the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal's new outdoor fitness equipment, officially opened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Johnstown on August 10.

Supported by $57,935 in funding from the Government of Ontario through the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility's Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) grant program, the project aims to improve accessibility and expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the Township.

The project includes accessible outdoor fitness equipment along the Cardinal waterfront trail and at the South Edwardsburgh Community Centre in Johnstown, where a new accessible pathway connects Albert Street to the Community Centre. Together, these improvements make it easier for residents and visitors to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and connect with their community.

"The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal is grateful for the $58,000 in EASE Grant funding provided through the support of MPP Steve Clark and Minister of Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho,” said Mayor Tory Deschamps. “This investment will create a new accessible pathway and install accessible exercise equipment in Johnstown and Cardinal. Intended to support seniors but we hope the equipment will be enjoyed by residents of all ages. These additions build on our Council’s ongoing commitment to recreation, reflected in continued investments in facilities and amenities across the Township. The new accessible pathway and equipment strengthen our dedication to active living for everyone, and we look forward to expanding inclusive recreation options in the future."

By locating the equipment along walking routes and community gathering spaces, the project makes it easier for residents to incorporate simple strength, balance and flexibility exercises into their everyday outdoor activities.

Earlier in the day, Mayor Deschamps joined MPP Steve Clark at the Johnstown fitness station to recognize the Province's investment in the project and thank Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, and the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility for their support.

“Ontario is making important investments to improve accessibility in communities across the province, and we’re seeing the benefits right here in Edwardsburgh Cardinal,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “Through the EASE program, our government is investing $167,459 in accessibility projects across the region. I’m proud to see the value of this project in Edwardsburgh Cardinal, helping ensure that more residents can stay active where they live.”

The evening ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together members of Council, community members and representatives from the South Edwardsburgh Recreation Association (SERA) and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 105, both of which supported the Township's EASE Grant application. Alain Girouard, Regional Development Advisor with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, which administers the EASE Grant Program on behalf of the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, also attended and provided remarks about the program.

Following the ribbon cutting, guests were invited to try out the new fitness equipment and learn more about how it can be incorporated into their outdoor activities.

The Township would like to thank the Government of Ontario for its investment through the EASE Grant Program, as well as SERA, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 105, Township staff, Council and community members whose support helped make the project possible.