Since it first opened in 1967, Beacon Hill pool has been a summer staple in the West Island community of Beaconsfield, Que.

The pool has welcomed generations of families — but for some members with reduced mobility, access can be a challenge.

“There are times when you wake up and your back is locked up with sciatica, a hernia, whatever, and it’s a lot more difficult to move around,” said Gilles Chalifour, a Beaconsfield resident. “I’ve had seasons where I missed the whole summer because of back problems.”

Now, a new aquatic addition is a game changer for people with reduced mobility.

The pool has recently completed a series of accessibility upgrades, including ramps, adapted washrooms and a pool lift to support a safe swim experience for those living with functional limitations.

The nearly $100,000 in upgrades was made possible with a combination of federal funding and a helping hand from the City of Beaconsfield.

“This was really an exercise in, if you build it, they will come,” said Dave Whipps, Beacon Hill Pool president. “We had a few members say, ‘Why did we spend all this money and effort on ramps, washrooms, lift,’ and it’s because we [currently] have no members who are mobility-reduced.”

Beaconsfield Mayor Martin St-Jean says the move to widen access is all about removing barriers and fostering inclusivity.

“It’s a wonderful community-driven initiative that’s in line with what the city wants to do, which is to make facilities inclusive and accessible,” said St-Jean.

The upgrades may seem simple, but for those who need them, they make a world of difference.

“I hope that they take this concept and extend it to all the pools in Beaconsfield, in fact, all the pools in the West Island,” said Chalifour.