Tofino aims to make renowned beach more accessible
The district installed a wooden ramp that leads to the beach
The first accessible beach access in Tofino is set to open in the coming days, part of a district plan to extend to everyone the beauty of the rugged west coast tourist mecca.
The idea started with an accessibility study conducted for the district of Tofino several years ago. That study revealed that people with mobility issues had trouble accessing the stunning beaches that attract the world to the west coast of Vancouver Island.
As a result, the district made some changes to MacKenzie Beach, which is close to town, including the installation of a wooden ramp with a gentle slope to the sand.
A concrete path leading to the ramp will also be constructed.
"Formerly, there was a narrow, little rocky path that went through the bushes to get to the beach," said Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne.
Osborne says the ramp is one of many steps the community is taking to make the area accessible to all visitors.
"We want the beach and everything that we all enjoy — those of us who are able-bodied — to be enjoyed by everybody who comes to Tofino."
Osborne said similar ramps will be added at the access points for other beaches in the coming years.
Tofino's efforts coincide with other municipalities' efforts to make their waterfronts more accessible for people with mobility issues.
A specially designed wheelchair was introduced for people to navigate the main beach at Bell Park in Sudbury, Ont. The chair has fat, balloon-like tires, which helps it travel across sand and float in the water.
Similar chairs are also available at the beach in White Rock in B.C.'s Lower Mainland.
With files by Megan Thomas