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
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.