Flag raising and speeches emphasizing the importance of seniors and people with disabilities requires minimal effort, although it mirrors the town’s adherence to minimal standards.

Amherstburg’s ‘age friendly’ status was celebrated but no one could describe the “initiatives that help make our community more welcoming and accessible for seniors.”

Reactivating the seniors advisory committee and paving the disgraceful seniors centre parking lot would be meaningful and impactful.

Prue’s dig to critics of a slow pace was followed by an explanation; they work within budgets and try their very best to commit to accessibility.

Council took no meaningful action regarding the number one complaint of accessibility in the residents’ Open Air survey. 

Residents’ feedback is ignored, dismissed or doubted. I was denied the opportunity to delegate to council about the multi-year accessibility plan.

On the contrary, council exercised no restraint when it committed almost $500,000 for pickleball. Only after the motion carried did Prue ask, “how do we pay for it?”

Julie Spasuk mentioned in her letter to the RTT last week how $1000 in paint and signage would make a meaningful difference. But the years long barriers continue despite the pleas for access.

Accessible parking spaces throughout town lack proper signage and therefore avoid enforcement.

The town was to highlight new accessible parking spaces during National AccessAbility Week. However, I question their useability.

One space adjacent to Briar Ridge park for $500 in paint and signage requires right wheels to curb to exit onto what? a curb? grass? There’s also a raised edge barrier to the sidewalk entrance. 

Residents noticed the two pickleball court spaces are in the wrong place with incorrect dimensions and provide no barrier free path to the viewing area. 

Having advocated for a strong commitment to accessibility for decades, I can confidently state the flag raising and proclamation are performative. 

There is a wide gap between political rhetoric and the many barriers Amherstburg’s residents with disabilities encounter daily.

Linda Saxon