Another paradox. One of the interesting items on the January 29 agenda is a report to council to remove trees in the downtown core sidewalk and replace the interlocking bricks at a cost of up to $31,000 to be transferred from the AODA Compliance Fund.

Admin also recommends four advisory committees be consulted:

• Heritage Committee – Regarding Historic Interlocking Brick Sidewalks
• Environmental Advisory Committee – Regarding Carolingian Species 
• Accessibility Advisory Committee – Regarding Barrier Free Routes of Travel
• Economic Development Advisory Committee – Regarding Streetscape Beautification

There is no mention of public consultation in accordance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation regarding exterior paths of travel, rest areas. Designated public sectors, like the Town of Amherstburg, when constructing new or redeveloping existing exterior paths of travel that they intend to maintain, shall consult on the design and placement of rest areas along the exterior path of travel and shall do so in the following manner: 

1. the public and persons with disabilities.
2. a municipal accessibility advisory committee if one exits.

The same committees would be consulted for proposed planters to be introduced into the Richmond corridor only being placed where significant sidewalk space allows for such installations for the following reasons:

• Heritage Committee – Regarding Historic Interlocking Brick Sidewalks
• Environmental Advisory Committee – Regarding Carolingian Species
• Accessibility Advisory Committee – Regarding Barrier Free Routes of Travel
• Economic Development Advisory Committee – Regarding Streetscape Beautification

editor note: I think that should read Carolinian Species.

The committees’ discussions should be interesting. I predict an in-depth discussion will take place with the Heritage committee to consider the colour, shape and size of the bricks and the overall aesthetics of the downtown core.

The report to council concludes with Financial Matters and admin’s recommendation to use Accessibility Compliance Reserve Funds that are ‘intended for repairs and improvements designed to reduce or remove barriers and promote greater access to public spaces, goods and services.’

One of my concerns is that, once again, planters will create barriers for people with disabilities who rely on visual cues and space to travel along the sidewalks. Another concern is that there is no mention of what standards will be specified in the tender. Where did the $31,000. price tag come from?