Town of Qualicum Beach staff want to discontinue the Mobi-mat pilot project, aimed at making it easier for people with mobility issues to easily access the sandy areas along the waterfront.
They sought direction from council during its regular meeting on July 10. Director of Infrastructure Service, Rob Dickinson, said the reason for the proposed removal of the mat is mainly due to maintenance issues.
The town purchased the Mobi-mat in 2021 for $12,000, following a request from a member of the public for improved mobility access to the hard packed sand along the beach. It was installed as a pilot project at the old boat ramp west of the Shore Restaurant at the waterfront.
“Due to specifics of Qualicum Beach, being the moving gravels, above and below the mat, wood, strong wave action and the tides that we see there, the mat required adjustment and removal of debris almost on a daily basis,” said Dickinson.
To ensure the pilot project was given every opportunity to succeed, Dickinson said, the Mobi-mat was also re-installed in 2022 for the summer season as well. But the same problems continued to persist and the mat was significantly damaged.
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“The management of the mat required approximately 30 minutes of staff time per day at an annual cost of about $3,800,” said Dickinson. “And at times, also required heavy equipment to remove large woody debris and smooth out the gravels. As this was an additional service to existing daily duties staff of other priorities that some days prevented them from clearing the mat and creating a liability and a safety issue.”
Dickinson recommended ending the pilot project.
Coun. Anne Skipsey said while she understands the difficulty to keep the mats in place and also the challenges it present to staff, she wants the project to be continued until alternative options have been sought.
“We need a Plan B,” said Skipsey, who pointed out there are people who greatly appreciate the mat as it allows them to fully enjoy the beach. She suggested the matter be referred to the town’s accessibility committee.
Coun. Scott Harrison also doesn’t want to abandon the project just yet as it was received positively by many residents. He suggested the town to reach out to the province which enacted the Accessible BC Act in 2021, a law that provides framework to identify, remove and prevent barriers to accessibility.
To make sure the town has an opportunity to explore all other avenues, Harrison recommended a staff motion for council to direct staff to repair and continue to deploy the existing Mobi-mat at a estimated ongoing repair cost of $500, and a seasonal maintenance cost of $4,000 per year, until such time as the mat can no longer be repaired.
Council endorsed the motion with Coun. Petronella Vander Valk opposed.
