Salute Coffee 1st downtown Sudbury business to get StopGap ramp

Brightly coloured ramps are starting to appear in Sudbury, Ont., to close the gap that exists between sidewalks and elevated storefronts.

Just one step can prevent wheelchairs, walkers and strollers from accessing businesses, which is why Salute Coffee became the first downtown company to get a StopGap Foundation accessibility ramp installed. 

• Sudbury ramp project aims to create 'community that is inclusive for all'

"It wasn't even a question to me to be honest, when I knew StopGap was in Sudbury and that this was available to us," owner Tania Renelli said.

"It's a no-brainer. It's cost effective and it's needed. I can't see why any one wouldn't want it."

Downtown storefront audit

The StopGap Foundation is a charitable organization that is building colourful single-step ramps across Canada to raise awareness about barriers. 

Volunteer Nadine Law delivered a green ramp for Renelli on Wednesday.

She plans to undergo a downtown audit in the coming days to track how many businesses are inaccessible, and if any want to sign up for a ramp. She said they do not cost anything, but she does encourage donations and volunteerism. 

"Our aim is to get the downtown businesses in Sudbury to pull together as a community," Law said. "Get this downtown accessible."