New White Rock pier accessibility mat lacking, says wheelchair user

When wheelchair user Peter Foran heard about the new accessibility mat installed on the White Rock pier, he decided to take a roll.

But when he tested it out, he found it lacking.

“The gaps in the planks, you could still feel right through my wheels, and as I get the ‘kabump, kabump, kabump,’ someone like myself, I don’t have much strength in my neck,” Foran said.

He quickly realized the discomfort was too much.

The mat was installed on Canada’s longest pier to make it easier for people in wheelchairs to use it by smoothing out uneven planks.

But in a video posted on social media by his son, Foran’s struggle is apparent.

“After the first 10, 15 feet, I realized that if I made it to the end I would be worn out,” he said.

“Then the idea of making my way back would be even more daunting.”

Foran says the City of White Rock reached out to him and his son after the video was posted, promising to bring the issue up at the next meeting of its accessibility advisory committee.

“Staff continue to monitor the mat usage, which overall has been met with positive feedback,” the City said in a statement.

Accessibility advocate Susan Bains, who was one of those involved in getting the mat installed, says she knows it has helped people.

“I’ve received so many comments from those that use mobility aids that it has been their first time going on the pier because of this mat, so it’s been overall great news,” Bains said.

She’s worried about the discourse she’s seen online, with some people calling the mats a waste of money.

“The unawareness of the facts…the research has gone into this,” she said. “It’s great that it’s going to be talked about at the accessibility committee because it will just bring more information to people.”

Bains says she started the push for accessibility improvements three years ago. After a ride down the pier in 2021, Bains said she swore not to do it again and petitioned the city for change that August.

Foran says he has seen that the mat has improved traction to help other people access the pier, which is a good thing.

But he says it could be even better.

“Anyone would like to go out and get the feel of the ocean by going to the end of the pier,” he said.