This is the shortened version of my March 13 presentation to council. And we all know the result – Mayor Prue broke the tie vote in favour of 14 weekends for 2023.

During Amherstburg’s budget deliberations, Councillor Pouget acknowledged the obligation to comply with the AODA and the Human Rights Code.  

But it was disheartening and concerning to hear statements like:

• that’s not for this group to address, that’s a policy of the town. 
• it is accessible.
• it’s more accessible for people, at least in wheelchairs,
• everybody loves Open Air the way it is,
• there are no barriers,
• and we’ve never had one complaint. 

The fact is I have complained, as have others. 

On numerous occasions, I raised the issue in emails, written submissions, blog posts, social media, questions to the candidates, and in letters to the editor.

Former Lieutenant Governor David Onley noted in the third AODA Review Report:

• Ontario is not a place of opportunity but one of countless, dispiriting, soul-crushing barriers. 
• We are the only minority group in our society that faces blatant, overt discrimination and whose civil rights are infringed upon every day from multiple directions. 

Rich Donovan just released the fourth AODA Review Interim Report and noted: 

• Despite 17 years since the AODA has come into force, People with Disabilities (PWD) still consistently face barriers in their everyday experiences.
• He echoed Onley’s language that “no other demographic group faces these kinds of negative experiences, barriers and outright discrimination without public outcry, much less one that represents nearly a quarter of the population.”

My human right to equal access is not a want; it is my right and that trumps wants, such as Open Air.

Publicly funded public spaces and rights-of-way are owned by everyone in the community. 

If you approve Open Air as it is, then you’re also approving barriers that exclude people with disabilities.

During the February 22 discussion, when Councillor Courtney asked about Open Air options AND pros and cons, Crain asked staff, hasn’t the past Council already looked at ways to refine open air and that’s why some of the barricades were moved in closer? This feels a bit redundant to me if this has already been looked at by council. And from last night and from what we’ve been hearing, it’s pretty clear that the format is great. But based on my understanding, council’s already looked at this.

He’s right, past council was presented with the THRIVE white paper on Open Air; ‘this White Paper will make a case to council that a revised Open Air with more town funding should be done in 2022.’ Crain was part of the team that created that white paper.

Renée D’Amore (director)
Sara Palmer (director)
Kory Renaud (director)
Richard Peddie (director)
Kurt Reffle
Linden Crain

During the March 13 Open Air discussion, Councillor Crain said he’d be completely honest, he didn’t even think Open Air should have been a topic of discussion.

What?! Why not? According to the Information and Privacy Commissioner Ontario site, ‘Open Government is based on the core belief that the public has the right to access the records and proceedings of government to enable greater openness, accountability, and engagement.’

The THRIVE site: We believe that it should be a permanent summer feature. 

On March 13, Crain said, I also think perhaps we shouldn’t even be discussing this every year because eventually it’s going to be nothing. We’re going to continue to tweak it and really try to please everyone and it’s not going to happen.

The following was emailed to members of council.

Kudos to Councillor Pouget for consistently acknowledging the town’s legal obligation to comply with provincial legislation.

Kudos to Councillor Courtney and Councillor Allaire for recognizing the duty to consider the needs of the whole community and recognize the distinction between public and private interests.

Shame on Deputy Mayor Gibb for speaking not only as a member of council but as a husband, father, son-in-law and businessman. I have little interest in how you and your family spend your time or what activities you participate in. Also, for stating, “I’m proud to say that I did complete the ADOA training that was offered to all members of council and I hope to put what I learned into practice not only in my “municipal life” but also in my personal life.” I hoped so too. I don’t know what the training consisted of since I was advised to file a Freedom of Information request.

Shame on Councillor McArthur for advocating for trails, active transportation, dog parks and consistently championing Open Air. As council’s rep on the Accessibility Advisory committee, you should have advocated for the removal of barriers. Maybe Councillor Pouget should have been appointed?

Shame on Councillor Crain who answered yes, he would remove Open Air barriers during the election campaign but voted to continue Open Air; he was a co-author of Thrive’s Open Air white paper. How would he fulfill the obligation to remove barriers? Answer, in part, ‘follow regulations outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act; always remain available to address concerns any resident faces in the Town of Amherstburg; work closely with Town Administration to establish procedures and measures that ensure those with disabilities have the opportunity to experience all our community has to offer.’ And then, during the March 13 meeting say he’d be completely honest, he didn’t even think Open Air should have been a topic of discussion.

Shame on Mayor Prue for asking Council to find it in their hearts to compromise with the other side. Shouldn’t the human right for equal participation in the community have superseded the desire to seek consensus? Public funds should never be spent on barriers and accessibility should never be compromised.

Finally, THANK YOU for confirming what I have wondered for over three decades – where does accessibility fit in the priorities? 

During the March 13, 2023 council meeting discussion of the boat launch, Councillor Crain asked administration, just looking at the five year capital budget, based on my understanding, a boat launch has not been projected over the next five years.

Heidi Baillargeon answered, It’s not in the five year it doesn’t mean that if Council chooses to shift priorities within that portfolio they can choose to do so.

I was wondering if a custom stamp should be created, like approve administration’s recommendations?

Yes, council sets priorities and administration implements their decisions. Let’s watch for that trend.