Accessibility – is it good enough?

Administration has been asked to create a Terms of Reference and rationale for the creation of an Advisory Committee on Accessibility. For the past two years I have been suggesting that the public be engaged in a more meaningful way to improve both commercial and public environments for those in our community who struggle with mobility challenges.

For those who are fortunate enough not to suffer impediments such as loss of hearing, vision and mobility – it is sometimes not obvious that there are issues. We have handicap washrooms and parking stalls. Look at those great ramps and lack of step down curbs! Aren’t we good?

No – actually we are not! We simply follow Alberta Building Codes. That is not enough. A significant number of our population have debilitating diseases that affect the quality of life of themselves and their families. They are not the only ones who require improved accessibility. Strathcona County has a diverse mix of age groups. Young families utilize carriages and strollers. In 2007 Strathcona County residents 65 and older accounted for 13% of the population.  In a short 20 years that will increase to 25% of the total population.

Communities throughout North America have much to do in accepting universal design to improve accessibility. Only when we put the emphasis on excellence in creating a more accessible environment will we increase the opportunity for individuals to maintain an independent lifestyle, contribute to their community and promote inclusiveness.

One of the most effective ways to work toward higher standards of accessibility in Strathcona County is to put together an Advisory Committee of people who either experience mobility challenges themselves or work with people and families who face these difficulties. When we start listening to them we will learn that many ‘handicap’ washrooms have a too narrow entrance or heavy door, parking stalls often do not allow room enough for side loading power lifts, ladies clothing stores have changing rooms that are too small to fit a chair or support person in, very few have a bolted down solid bench to assist in leverage to actually try on these clothes. Many major stores in urban Sherwood Park have aisles too crowded with product to allow a chair through! 

There is progress in several areas. Municipal transit policy now states that every bus purchased must be low rise to accommodate chairs and walkers. Our new state of the art library will have most shelves low enough to be accessible to chairs, wider aisles and more technology to assist visual and auditory challenged residents.

A huge step forward to improving the quality of life of our families will occur in September when Council considers the benefits of creating a public Advisory Committee with the focus of improved accessibility. 

A Day in the Life

I am often asked what a Councillor does.

I consider being a Councillor for Strathcona County residents a full time job – and then some.

The greater percentage of my time is spent on ombudsmen like duties. When residents have concerns that are not being addressed to their satisfaction, do not understand the complexities of the system or disagree with process or policy –that is the time to contact the elected official of your area. I spend many hours on the phone, e-mail and at site visits to try and help residents resolve issues.

Often I attend official functions on evenings and weekends to represent my ward and sometimes as acting or deputy mayor representing the county. All Councillors have a rotating schedule when they assist the Mayor in these duties. It has been a pleasure and often a learning experience to attend events put on by our non profit organizations. You will also find me at Chamber and local business events. I enjoy attending school functions in Ward 2 and am always available to meet with parent council groups to review issues.

As a formal part of my responsibilities, I attend meetings as a member of fifteen committees involved at both the regional and municipal levels. These include the Capital Region Affordable Housing, Inter City Social Policy, Pioneer Seniors Housing , Seniors Advisory, Youth Advisory and Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.

One area that I have added as part of my job is the creation and support of resident committees. During my term, I have invited residents to join interim committees that are created for specific short term purposes that benefit their community. Ward 2’s Building Strong Communities Funding Committee created their own guidelines and review system to give guidance to the expenditures of my priority funds. The Cloverbar Park Revitalization Team is another. From that committee spun off the Playground, Community Garden and Splash Pad subcommittees. It is my privilege to be able to assist neighbours as they participate in the decisions and processes that make their neighbourhoods a better place.

The final formal segment of my job revolves around hundreds of hours of strategic planning, council workshops, budget sessions and Council Meetings.

So, while this position is a busy one that involves a great deal of organization to ensure that I attend as many functions as I possibly can, while still responding to residential and municipal issues in a timely manner..... I’m never too busy to talk to you about your concerns and aspirations for our community. Call anytime.