By: Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
Fifteen-years ago, the manually operated pool lifts at the Essex Recreation Complex were decommissioned after they reached the end of useful life and no longer were up-to-code.
Since, those with physical challenges did not have that added support to help get them into and out of the indoor pool.
Thanks to the Ontario government’s Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant – meant to create more inclusive and accessible spaces – two accessible pool lifts have been installed at the Essex Recreation Complex in January.
The EASE grant provided around $37,000 for the installation of the two accessible pool lifts, and covered the entirety of the project.
The new accessible pool lifts are helping to ensure safe, barrier-free access to aquatic programs and services to both pools at the local facility.
The Town of Essex was pleased to recognize the Government of Ontario for the grant, acknowledge the importance of having these supports, and invited members of Learning in Friendship and Equality (LIFE) – a day respite program for adults with intellectual disabilities –to try out the new devices and enjoy the pool amenities during an unveiling ceremony hosted on Tuesday, March 24.
“Today is really meaningful in the Town of Essex as we officially celebrate the installation of our new accessible lifts,” Mayor Sherry Bondy said poolside, joined by Councillor Brad Allard and Town of Essex staff from the Recreation and Facilities Departments.
“This investment helps ensure that our recreational spaces are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all members of our community,” Bondy said. That is being done by removing barriers for residents of all ages.
Swimming is one of the best forms of physical exercise, as it helps to improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, while being gentle on joints, she added.
“For individuals with limited mobility, recovering from an injury, or living with physical challenges, access to a pool can provide therapeutic benefits physically, while supporting mental wellbeing,” Bondy said. “Being able to enter the pool safely allows people of all abilities to participate in programs, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the same recreational opportunities as everyone else.”
She thanked the Province for the financial support for the accessible pool lifts, members of Essex Council for the continued commitment to accessibility, and Town staff for their work in making the addition of the devices possible through applying to the grant and helping individuals who need it, as well.
“We are proud to offer these upgrades to our community, and we look forward to seeing these lifts used by residents of all ages and abilities for many years to come,” Bondy added.
“We are super excited to have gotten them,” Essex’s Manager of Recreation and Culture, Sarah Newton, said, adding it is great the two new devices provide access to both pools. There used to be one on the large pool years ago, which did not meet code and was removed over a decade ago.
“I think it is going to be a really big enhancement to our facility,” Newton said. “We do have people from all over the area asking about them.”
Newton added that the devices can be used by the individual using it via remote control or by another individual assisting.
LA Shepley, who is the co-owner of LIFE with Sherri Currie, said it is fantastic the Town can offer the accessible pool lifts to residents and facility users.
The lifts remove a barrier, ensuring those with accessibility needs can access the pool just like any able-bodied person can.
The previous lift at the pool, Shepley said, had to be operated manually. The new lifts can be easily used by the individual via controls.
“We sometimes forget these people are just like us. They have feelings and defeats in life, but the more we can offer I think, is a great inspiration for them.”
At the Match 16 Essex Council meeting, Rodney Klie, Manager of Parks and Facilities, provided an update as to what the Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee (EAAC) accomplished in 2025. One of those action items was ensuring the battery for the chairlift at the Essex Recreation Complex is repaired, or that an alternate solution was completed by the end of 2024. That is when the Provincial grant was successfully applied for, and new chairlifts were installed for each swimming pool in 2025.