Accessibility

A resident recently asked me about accessibility and my thoughts about it. I will answer the question here and expand on it. To me, accessibility is part and parcel with designing our urban environment on the “human scale”.

Accessibility is something I have frequently referenced when I have spoken during council meetings regarding our transit system.

When the route changes were first proposed, which included the removal of servicing private property (grocery store plazas), I asked staff at a council meeting if the transit vans could be used to continue servicing those properties for residents with mobility needs. I was told no, they can’t service private property.

I delegated about my experience riding transit in February, at the March 12, 2026 council meeting. I highlighted the transit stop across from the Lord Dufferin retirement centre not being AODA compliant. Along with this, I also spoke about the lack of call announcements and barriers notifying the driver for a stop request if a rider is at the rear of the school bus at the wheelchair lift.

During the same delegation, I also highlighted the distance across a large parking lot, without any sidewalks, between the grocery store entrance and the transit stop.

Finally for transit, I contacted council regarding the lack of sidewalk between the transit terminal and the Edelbrock Centre, which is under Dufferin County jurisdiction. The original plans showed a sidewalk was to be constructed between the two, but it never was built.

I noticed the sidewalk leading into the new plaza at the corner of C Line and Alder St, entering from Alder St, is partially obstructed by gas meters and their protective pipes. This doesn’t provide the 1500mm of clear space as required by the AODA.

To expand on my answer regarding the “human scale”, I see other needs in our community which need to be addressed. Not only does this help with accessibility; it will benefit all residents when they are pedestrians.

In 2019, the council at the time voted to reduce the pedestrian countdown timers along Broadway, between 2nd St and John St. Seven (7) seconds were taken away from pedestrians crossing the road in favour of vehicle traffic. I would like to see this revisited in the future to discuss giving back a few seconds for people to cross the street.

Staying on Broadway, I feel improvements can be made for the “clear space”. During the summer months there are A-Frame signs, patios, umbrellas, doors opening, etc, all competing in the same space. I heard at a council meeting, the intent for Broadway is to have a straight path of travel, not requiring people to zig and zag. I have found it difficult to travel in a straight line without encountering obstacles within that clear space.

On October 30, 2023, I presented to council some areas I identified which could benefit from pedestrian crossings with lights. These would greatly assist residents in getting around town. My recent Facebook post about the continuous sidewalks in residential areas falls in line with this. They will improve safety and accessibility around schools, parks, trails, places of worship etc.

We need to ensure our urban environment is built for all people of all ages and abilities.

We always must be striving for improvements.

Small changes can make big impacts.