The project aims to ensure the facility meets the Ontario Building Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Image ©Virrage Images/courtesy bigstockphoto. com
Falgarwood Pool in Oakville, Ont., will be adding a portable pool lift, an outdoor shower that’s accessible, tactile warning strips, step-free pathways, and a new concrete deck as part of its upcoming accessibility improvements.
The Town of Oakville has obtained $125,000 from the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund to carry out this work after the outdoor pool closes for the 2026 season. This funding supports the second phase of renovations at this nearly 55-year-old facility.
These upgrades follow some interior enhancements finished earlier this year, which included an accessible entrance, a customer service counter, and renovated changing rooms.
This project helps the facility comply with both the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), while also improving access for swimmers who have mobility challenges.
Once everything is finished, Falgarwood will become Oakville’s second fully accessible outdoor pool, after Wedgewood Pool receives similar upgrades in 2024.
The town plans to carry out construction during seasonal downtime to prevent any disruption to public programming. The pool’s regular schedule will resume in spring 2027.
This accessibility work is part of a larger capital rehabilitation initiative for a facility that first opened its doors in 1972.
The federal grant replaces funds previously set aside in the town’s capital budget, allowing Oakville to reallocate local reserves towards other infrastructure needs.
“We appreciate being able to bring accessibility upgrades at our 54-year-old Falgarwood outdoor pool to a level comparable with Wedgewood outdoor pool,” said Mayor Rob Burton.
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