As part of its new Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant, the Ontario government is funding projects that include updated and accessible signage to make public spaces easier for seniors and people with disabilities to navigate.

The grant, which provides up to $60,000 per project and a total of more than $2 million, is helping municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous governing bodies remove barriers and create more inclusive environments. Signage improvements are a key component, helping visitors identify accessible entrances, pathways, washrooms, and program areas.

“We are creating communities where everyone can participate fully,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Through the EASE Grant, our government is supporting innovative and impactful projects that will help create a more inclusive province for people in every corner of our province.”

Easy-to-read signs

Projects funded this year demonstrate the role signage plays in accessibility:

• Thorold Community Activities Group is using part of its $29,000 grant to improve outdoor accessibility at its community centre, including upgraded sidewalks, parking areas, and clear, easy-to-read signage for recreation and food security programs.
• The Township of Champlain is implementing age-friendly features at L’Orignal Beach, with signage, shaded seating, pathways, and accessible facilities, helping create a barrier-free environment for all.

Other projects funded by the EASE Grant include other accessibility features. The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation will receive up to $58,000 to remove barriers at Baxter Conservation Area, helping seniors, disabled individuals, and families enjoy nature safely. The Town of Deep River will get up to $60,000 to install an elevator at the arena.

The EASE Grant complements the province’s broader investments in community and Seniors Active Living Centre programs, which now span more than 400 locations with more than $128 million in funding since 2018. Together, these initiatives aim to make Ontario’s communities not only physically accessible but also clearly and intuitively navigable for all residents.