MacLeods Scottish Shop in the downtown core has won a prestigious award.
Owner Rob Russell was honoured with the City of Stratford's accessibility award by the city's accessibility advisory committee (AAC).
Roger Koert and Diane Sims presented the award on behalf of the committee.
“Really appreciate the work you do and pushing us to do better,” Russell told Koert and Sims.
“It’s an honour to be recognized for this and we’ll keep working on it.”
Koert and Sims, chair and vice-chair of the committee, respectively, commended Russell for his initiative and setting the example for business owners to ensure their spaces are accessible by 2025, the year set as a target in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Under the Act, businesses, organizations, and governments are mandated to meet five accessibility standards: customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation, and public spaces. The goal is to create a fully accessible Ontario by 2025, 20 years after the Act's inception.
Russell's renovations last year include a complete removal and replacement of the front doors and windows. The building on Ontario Street has a zero-threshold entrance way (no step to get in), an automatic door opener, aisles wide enough for wheelchairs to travel between, clear overhead lighting, and a front desk that is at a comfortable height for anyone using a mobility aid.
Russell told StratfordToday that the renovations were something that he wanted to do since he bought the business 15 years ago. The previous storefront was not accessible and was a challenge. Through grant money from investStratford and the support of their landlord Mark Booker, they were able to accomplish the renovations.
Russell said that they are continuing to evaluate the store. Accessibility is an ongoing process that takes constant communication with their patrons. He said they love to hear feedback from people who visit their store.
This was the 12th accessibility award presented in Stratford. Businesses are nominated by the public. Koert said that the committee wants to know what goes on in people’s lives and who is making a difference.
Neighbour Bettie Mollins nominated MacLeods Scottish Shop, calling the business her favourite store. Using a walker, the front door often would trip her up as she entered. That is not the case anymore, Mollins said.
It's a win-win for all involved, Mollins said.
“It means I spend a lot more money."
