Calgary councillor asks for improved accessibility around popular pop-up patios
Calgarians with or without mobility issues are taking to social media to point out flaws with some of the temporary sidewalk setups around pop-up patios.
“They’re not leaving enough room to give the wheelchair a chance to turn on the end of the ramp,” said Athena Cooper, who uses a motorized wheelchair.
Cooper came across a ramp on Kensington Road N.W. at the end of May which wasn’t easy to access and tweeted her concern.
“My concern when I posted it was that are people aware that you know this is an issue. You can’t just lay a ramp down and say, ‘Okay we’re now accessible.’”
Cooper said there are accessibility guidelines that should be followed to give enough space around the ramp. There are also large gaps between sidewalks and ramps in other locations.
Since Cooper voiced her concern, there are now asphalt ramps on either end of the the stretch of Kensington Road between 10A Street and 11 Street.
The city says 195 patios have popped up this year, mainly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Permits for 25 more are in the queue.
It’s received six complaints so far about accessibility issues around the patios.
“It was introduced very quickly so the response was urgent and perhaps not executed with a lot of knowledge around accessibility,” said Ward 7 Councillor Druh Farrell.
Farrell said patios add vitality to streets and has long been an advocate for temporary patios, but says the city can do better moving forward.
“What I would like to see is when you put up a patio, test it out. Bring a wheelchair down and try it out and see whether or not it works. We’ve got partners with the advisory committee on accessibility who are willing to advise us as well.”
Farrell has just brought a motion forward to address accessibility issues along with other transportation concerns.
“I think its just the temporary nature has been problematic but we need to set down clear rules. If you want a pop-up patio, then let’s keep that pedestrian access clear and straight so it’s predictable and navigable for people with all sorts of disabilities,” she said.
Farrell points to other cities that have a patio culture and notes the pedestrian part of the sidewalk is kept clear.
“It shouldn't be a surprise when you walk down the street to find out that the sidewalk is blocked. We know that we can do better.”
The city said it actively working to make its temporary patio set ups accessible to all users.
For locations where space is tight, the city has been looking at alternatives such as restricting parking on the roadway.
Anyone who has a complaint about the accessibility of pop-up patios should contact 311.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
OPINION No reunion between Prince Harry and the King signifies a setback for royal unity
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks
A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America announced after 114 years that it will change its name and will become Scouting America in an effort to emphasize inclusion as it works to move past the turmoil of bankruptcy and a flood of sexual abuse claims.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.