As published in the RTT in response to May 31 Flag Raising article.

The week that initially was National Access Awareness Week in 1988 became National AccessAbility Week in 2017, not Accessibility as stated in the article.

Deputy Mayor Gibb is quoted as saying, “it is also an opportunity to reflect on ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible and more inclusive Canada.”

I reflected and concluded that a flag raising might be seen as tokenism. 

The J. S. HELD 2021 facilities condition assessment of the town hall noted, “The building is non AODA compliant” and “the cost to convert the town hall to AODA compliant is $291,117.78.” If, as Deputy Mayor Gibb stated, “we strive to improve our infrastructure and services,” why has an AODA compliant town hall not been a priority? The $165,000 dog park and the $170,000 Libro Trail over expenditure would have paid for an AODA compliant town hall.

Mayor Prue noted the Gordon House was not accessible and campaigned to ensure all town buildings are accessible to facilitate an open and inclusive municipality. Last month, Mayor Prue referenced the AODA and said in this town, we have not brought it into force. Why not?

What about the narrow, uneven sidewalks with trees growing out of them and all kinds of obstacles Deputy Mayor Gibb mentioned during budget deliberations? 

As this week ends it’s ironic that Open Air and its barriers begin, despite any denial. People with disabilities may be excluded, physically and socially, from equally participating in the community, a preventable barrier. While there will be those who claim the 16 weekends of closed streets increase accessibility for people using wheelchairs, such positive attributes overshadow the need to commit to fixing sidewalks for year-round use and eliminating barriers.

Inclusive communities welcome ALL marginalized communities, not just some and only during festivals.

We need strong leaders to commit to the identification, prevention, and removal of barriers. When that is accomplished, and all barriers in Amherstburg are removed then there will be cause for celebration, but not until then.