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Innisfil, ON – The Town of Innisfil announced the addition of a floating beach wheelchair at Innisfil Beach Park today. Named “Sierra’s Chair”, the assistive device allows many people with conditions affecting their mobility to experience the water.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy a day at the beach,” says Mayor Lynn Dollin. “Sierra’s Chair builds on the accessible beach mats already in place by extending beach access from the sand into the water. Our commitment to removing barriers extends to every corner of Innisfil, from parks and facilities to our beaches. We’re thankful to our Innisfil Beach Park Ad Hoc Committee and Innisfil Accessibility Advisory Committee for championing inclusive public spaces and to Sierra’s family for letting us recognize her through this exciting project.”

The Innisfil Beach Park Ad Hoc Committee makes recommendations to enhance the overall user experience at the park. The committee determined to use their funding to purchase a beach wheelchair and dedicate the chair in honour of late community member Sierra Maclellan. Sierra was born with a condition known as hydrocephalus, which limited her mobility. Despite the limitations, the young preteen enjoyed time spent at the beach with family and friends before the Maclellan family unexpectedly lost Sierra in 2020.

“Knowing that others like Sierra will have the opportunity to experience the beach and the water with their families means a lot to us,” says Sierra’s mother, Nicole Maclellan. “Sierra's wheelchair was not designed to go in the sand or water. At times we had to improvise in order for her to be a part of our family adventures. Knowing that families can now enjoy the beach with easier accessibility is very exciting.”

Many wheelchairs are motorized or have devices that do not respond well to water or sand. Sierra’s Chair allows people to access a wheelchair uniquely designed for beach days without the cost or inconvenience of ownership.

Sierra’s Chair will be available for daily rentals at Innisfil Beach Park from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at no charge. People must pre-book their rental through Active Innisfil at least 24 hours in advance to confirm the chair will be available when they arrive. There is safety information and guidelines on the booking site that people must acknowledge prior to booking to ensure they will be able to use and operate the chair safely. Renters must agree that the chair will not be used in inclement weather and that non-swimmers will wear a lifejacket. A support person is required. Renters will be able to pick up and return the chair on-site at the park.

Find more information about Sierra’s Chair.