SOPHIE DEMERS
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
SHAWVILLE – A local advocacy group known as the Access Squad is calling for wider doorways in Shawville’s new apartment buildings to improve accessibility for residents with mobility issues.
The Access Squad was created by Olga Ouellet, an occupational therapist with the Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) – Shawville sector. Ouellet facilitates the group, which consists of people navigating the loss of mobility. She describes it as a therapeutic space that also aims to raise awareness and advocate for accessibility in the community.
“It was brought to our attention that new buildings were being constructed and the doorways weren’t wide enough for people with mobility issues,” said Ouellet. “We want to raise awareness about the needs of our growing population and contribute positively to our community.”
The new apartments are being built by Les Maisons PAJ, a Luskville-based development company owned by Matthieu Jodoin.
“Our apartments are not wheelchair-adapted, but 50% of our units are on the ground floor and have no stairs, making them more accessible for people with reduced mobility,” said Jodoin. “Our mission is to create new, affordable housing for as many people as possible.”
Jodoin explained that making a unit fully wheelchair accessible involves much more than widening doorways or lowering counters. The entire layout must be reconfigured, and several other design considerations must be addressed.
He acknowledged the need for accessible housing and expressed openness to building such units in the future, but said he would require a government partner, such as the Office d’habitation de l’Outaouais (OHM) or a CLSC, to commit to managing or purchasing the building. He added that he is working on a future project that would meet accessibility needs.
Charles Gallant, Shawville’s building inspector, noted that wheelchair-adapted units are typically developed through government programs to ensure they are properly filled. “These units are often tailored to specific needs, and if not occupied by someone using a wheelchair, they can be hard to rent,” Gallant said.
The Access Squad noted that they are not asking for fully adapted units at this stage of construction, but rather for doorways wide enough to accommodate mobility aids such as walkers. Ouellet said she hopes the community can remain mindful of mobility challenges as Shawville continues to grow and develop.
Both Jodoin and Gallant agreed that the responsibility for accessible housing lies with the OHM. “In my opinion, the OHM should be building these types of units,” said Gallant. “But they haven’t built anything in the Pontiac in probably 30 years. There were many grants available to construct new units, but nothing was done.”
The OHM did not respond by press time.