‘This is a big deal’

Canadian Tire to build accessible playground in Charlottetown’s Victoria Park

Canadian Tire is spending close to $1 million to build a fully accessible playground in Charlottetown’s Victoria Park.

It’s all part of the national corporation’s Jumpstart Charities Inclusive Playground Project initiative.

At 9,000 square feet, the accessible playground will be the first of several to be built across Canada with the help of Jumpstart funding. It will also be among the largest universally accessible playgrounds in P.E.I.

“This is a big deal for the city of Charlottetown,’’ said Mayor Clifford Lee.

“I started discussions with Canadian Tire, probably, three months ago, and very quickly we were able to come to an agreement that Charlottetown would be the municipality in P.E.I. that would receive this facility.’’

This follows the corporation’s $50 million fundraising commitment over five years in support of Jumpstart Charities “Play Finds a Way” movement which focuses on removing accessibility barriers to sport and play. The playground structure will be a gift from Jumpstart to the City of Charlottetown.

“As part of Jumpstart’s ‘Play Finds a Way’ movement, we are proud to work with the City of Charlottetown to bring this first accessible playground to life,’’ said Scott Fraser, president of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.

Lee said it will be the first truly inclusive playground venue in the city that will allow people with all types of disabilities to play an active role in the city’s playgrounds.

“There are going to be areas specifically designated for children with autism; there will be places for wheelchairs,’’ the mayor said.

The universally accessible playground will be built directly adjacent to the existing playground and pool in Victoria Park. So, it’s important to note that none of the existing playground equipment in the park will be removed to make way for the new installations.

Lee said it’s also important to note that the new equipment isn’t meant to segregate children with disabilities from those who don’t.

“Quite frankly, we’re bringing all kids together because the reality is all of us have abilities . . . this is about an inclusive playground area for kids in our city.’’

Lee added that Cam Beach, associate dealer for Canadian Tire in Charlottetown, played a significant role in making this happen. Beach couldn’t be reached for comment on Tuesday.

Lee said the new playground won’t cost the city anything.

“The only cost to the city will be when the facility is completed the city will assume ownership of it, the same as we would with any other playground.’’

Work is expected to begin in June with an anticipated opening date of August.

SUBMITTED IMAGE This is an artist rendering of the universally accessible playground that will be built this summer in Victoria Park in Charlottetown. The entire cost of the installation is being paid for by Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart Charities program.