Category Archives: Accessibility

CBC: Municipal election candidates need to make accessibility part of their platforms

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In this CBC News Opinion, Kevin McShan writes, The city of Windsor is at an inflection point, and there’s one fundamental question left for the candidates to answer in the upcoming municipal election: who’ll make accessibility a cornerstone of their platform?

The burgwatch’s candidate questionnaire included, what does accessible mean to you?Of the twenty five Amherstburg candidates, two answered.

If ‘those’ campaigning to represent everyone will be responsible for preventing and removing barriers but will not commit to doing so, no votes from me.

Should Minutes Be Consistently Corrected?

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Background

During a council meeting earlier this year, Councillor Michael Prue had a question about committee minutes, the presence of his wife, Shirley Curson-Prue, at a committee meeting and the recording of votes.

Mayor DiCarlo said the minutes would be looked into and any corrections required would be made.

Present

On August 4, 2022, I read the August 8 town council meeting agenda and emailed all members of council that the Amherstburg Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAAC) meeting minutes June 23, 2022 were incorrect.

“The minutes indicate the motion was ‘that the delegation be received.’ However, following my presentation, Chair Shirley Curson-Prue asked, “May I have a motion to receive this document?” Chris Drew said he’d make the motion which was then seconded by Angela Kelly and carried. The audio is available online.”

I assumed errors were to be corrected.

On Friday, August 5, Mayor Aldo DiCarlo emailed, “Thank you for the clarification.”

On Monday, August 8, council received the AAAC minutes without comment.

Caffeine and Company Stairs A Barrier To Some Persons With Disabilities

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I’m continuing my tour of some of the downtown Amherstburg eateries; more photos to follow.

The former Echo building is now a coffee shop.

stairs a barier to Caffeine and Company in Amherstburg, OntarioThis is where Windsor Police held Coffee With A Cop in 2019 and apologized: Coffee With A Cop: Windsor Police Apologize For ‘Misstep.’

stairs a barrier to coffee with a cop in amherstburg, ontario

Pepper Cat Stairs A Barrier To Some Persons With Disabilities

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I’m continuing my tour of some of the downtown Amherstburg eateries; more photos to follow.

A reader alerted me to the accessibility issue at the Pepper Cat restaurant so here’s a photo of the stairs. Councillor Candidate Linden Crain tweeted now that’s creative! and added a dog vs. cat emoji.

stairs an accessibility barrier to pepper cat restaurant in Amherstburg, Ontario

close up of stairs to pepper cat restaurant in Amherstburg, Ontario

Park House Museum Accessibility Barriers

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Continuing with photos from my downtown tour, the Park House Museum walk and ramp could use an update.

When asked about accessibility, Park House Curator advised they are currently fundraising to replace the current ramps and walkways and to add a push-button door.

As for the website, ‘we have changed the colour from black to white to enhance visibility and recently launched a user survey to see where our visitors would like changes to be made.’ I couldn’t locate an Accessibility Policy on the website, but the Curator provided me with a blanket policy including a link to training that will be provided, as outlined by the documentation at www.mto.gov.on.ca. i’m not sure how useful the Ministry of Transportation site will be.

In March 2022, the town granted the museum’s request for $8500. and provided an additional $6500. for a total of $15,000.

In March 2022, it was also announced that the museum received a $19700. grant from Ontario’s Community Building Fund Operating stream.

The August 8, 2022 town council agenda includes a memo: $15,000 for the precommitment of the 2022 Park House Grant

Sooner, rather than later, funding will need to be allocated to imrproving accessibility at the Park House and other buildings in town.

park house museum rotting wooden walk and ramp in amherstburg, ontario