Tag Archives: accessibility

Defamation And Disability Advocacy

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My defamation lawsuit against the town clerk and town of Amherstburg is the result of my disability advocacy four years ago.

In January 2022, I critiqued the draft multi-year accessibility plan council approved in December 2021.

I submitted what I perceived to be deficiencies of the draft plan to council, as I had done for decades.

I conveyed my concerns about the plan, council’s approval of the traditional voting method for 2022 and highlighted some barriers. 

I provided input on the town’s accessibility plans since the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) 2001 required organizations to create them annually.

The ODA’s purpose was to “improve opportunities for persons with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the province.” 

The ODA mandated plan contents. 

Plans were to include a report on measures taken, measures in place, and the next year’s measures to take to identify, remove and prevent barriers. 

The town was also required to assess, review and list its by-laws, policies, programs, practices and services to identify barriers.

I delegated to council and the accessibility committee; I emailed and wrote letters to the editor to help raise awareness of some barriers.

I had already advocated for ten years for an accessible library, but the town remained silent.

Throughout the decade the town pursued funding for other projects like a marina and arena, despite the provincial government’s grant stipulation that accessibility was the number one priority.

Finally, my human rights complaint against the town was settled and an elevator was installed in the library along with accessible parking spaces.

The town installed a plaque in the library lobby crediting others with my accomplishment.

I reiterated some of the barriers that were either not included in the plans or were not removed when they could have been.

For example, an accessible town website was relegated to year 3 of the town’s first accessibility plan, then listed as a priority for 2005, and then 2006.

A 2007 report informed council that the website was compliant with W3C accessibility standards but it wasn’t, according to an external expert. 

In 2009, a newly designed website was unveiled and problems continued. 

In 2011, I mentioned difficulty navigating the website. 

In 2014, Amherstburg was invited to hire esolutions when Essex County redesigned its site to meet accessibility standards; Leamington and Essex had already hired the company, but Amherstburg declined. 

According to the town’s site, esolutions redesigned Amherstburg’s site in 2016, although it still had issues.

Thousands of dollars and redesigns later, in 2020 administration recommended, and council agreed, to request the province to extend the AODA January 1, 2021 website compliance deadline to at least January 1, 2022 due to COVID-19.

Following the January 1, 2022 deadline extension request, the province agreed the town’s work should be completed prior to December 31, 2024. 

The new website redesign and refresh was not to exceed $70,000, excluding HST.

The AODA 2005 now requires organizations to review their multi-year plans every five years but report annually on barrier removal progress.

Although the town’s plan review is due by December 2026, the town posted a 2026 Multi-Year Accessibility survey on January 26, 2026.

The survey introduction states, “The Town’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines the outcomes and initiatives that reaffirm the Town’s commitment to an accessible community and to building an equitable and inclusive society that values the contributions of people with disabilities.”

I do not feel like my contributions have been valued – my decades of input parallel decades of barriers.

Despite my repetitive requests for a strong commitment to accessibility, the town failed to meet the 2025 AODA compliance deadline.

In fact, Mayor Prue even declared, ‘this town has not been compliant.’

Commentary by Linda Saxon

Happy Election Year!

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We get to exercise our democratic right to vote for candidates we feel will best represent us.

I haven’t felt represented, except for Councillor Pouget who isn’t even on the accessibility committee.

At the start of 2025, Prue referenced the AODA and said, ‘this town has not been compliant. And I have promised, as mayor, and the council has promised, that we will hence for, hence forward, going forward, always be AOD compliant. And I want people to know that the those who have disabilities have every right to use every one of the services in this town, the same as everyone else.’

Parks were touted as accessible but still pose barriers to some children with disabilities.

Councillor Allaire said she would like the library to have a new place ‘that’s accessible’ and our library service is small and ‘not as accessible as we want it to be,’ and ‘its challenges are inaccessibility.’ She has refused to answer questions about her statements.

Council decided to continue the time old tradition of in person voting, which will still create barriers for some disabled residents.

Councillor Crain led the momentum to shut down any further debate about the contentious Open Air, aka Closed Streets, which will continue to pose barriers to some residents with disabilities.

Council took no meaningful action in response to the number one Open Air survey complaint – accessibility.

Council hasn’t reviewed the controversial procedure by-law that reduced opportunities for residents’ participation in the decision making process.

Some residents were allowed to bypass the procedure by-law rules.

The town continued its swim arrangement with Movati, forcing some disabled residents to go to LaSalle if they wanted to swim – but they had to pay.

The town continued to unapologetically approve inaccessible businesses.

The town applied for, and received, a grant to promote the Aphasia Friendly initiative where some businesses might become Aphasia friendly yet they may remain inaccessible. I reached out to the group a few times but my questions remain unanswered.

The accessibility committee continued with its annual symbolic flag raising ceremony during National AccessAbility Week, requiring minimal effort.

The town hall still has some accessibility issues. Money spent on pickleball, trails and a dog park could’ve been prioritized for accessiblity.

When the first dog park opened Prue was quoted as saying, it ‘reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive community for all residents, including our beloved canine companions.’

For as long as barriers exist, and they do, no one should claim we are an inclusive community. It takes strong leadership and a strong commitment to remove the barriers and keep promises.

Amherstburg Gingerbread House: Accessibility Issues

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The Amherstburg Gingerbread House is called a warming house, but it might not be welcoming since it’s not disability inclusive.

Image description: Amherstburg park pavilion building dressed up as a seasonal gingerbread house.

Look! The International wheelchair access symbol sticker is on the door. What makes this accessible? It has a ramp, said the elf. No automatic door, just the second class wait outside for assistance treatment.

The signage might also have accessibility barriers.

Image description: dark brown entrance doors with the international wheelchair access symbol sticker.

Amherstburg is not a disability inclusive community.

Amherstburg library accessibility journey

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The town of Amherstburg installed a plaque in the library lobby crediting others with my accomplishment.

The town remained silent during the ten years I requested equal access to the library, as documented in the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Investigative Report.

Throughout the decade, the town pursued funding for other projects like a marina and arena, despite accessibility being the number one priority stipulated in the government grants.

Then-Mayor Tony DiBartolomeo said publicly if someone filed a human rights complaint they would be forced to do it.

I filed a human rights complaint and the town was forced to take the action it should have taken more than a decade earlier.

An elevator was installed and accessible parking spaces were designated.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission highlighted some significant cases in its 2004 Annual Report, including:

Linda Saxon v. Corporation of Town of Amherstburg (Settlement, H.R.T.O.)

A settlement was reached between the Commission, the complainant and the respondent Town. The complainant made an initial complaint, on the basis of disability, because she was unable to access the Town’s library, which could only be entered via a number of stairs. The library has been renovated since the complainant filed her complaint. The Town has created a lobby at ground level with an elevator and automated doors. It also attempted to make modifications to a washroom to make it accessible. The Commission’s barrier-free design expert reviewed the renovations and found some remaining barriers, but approved of the elevator itself. The Town has agreed to implement a number of the Commission’s expert’s recommendations to improve accessibility at the Town library, namely:

  •  install handrails on either side of a ramp of a specified thickness;
  •  make level the threshold at an entrance;
  •  request the County Library to create an accessible after-hours book depository;
  •  install lever hardware on a door to the accessible washroom;
  •  remove a vanity unit to provide sufficient clearance in the accessible washroom;
  •  relocate the light switch, side grab bar, mirror, and paper dispenser in the accessible washroom; and,
  •  replace push buttons with push plates of a larger diameter that are easier to manipulate.As part of the settlement, the respondent has also agreed to retain a qualified consultant to provide a mandatory training session for the members of the town council on the accommodation of individuals with disabilities.

Evaluating Amherstburg’s Commitment to Accessibility: A Community Call

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The accessibility committee will discuss a report in favour of in-person voting that council already approved last month, review my 3 year old voting barriers submission to council that was to go to committee before council’s decision (as per council’s motion) and receive a communications plan for next May’s National AccessAbility Week with key messages. I have a few too, in blue below the town’s.

• Accessibility is a shared responsibility—together, residents, businesses, and community partners can help make Amherstburg more inclusive for everyone.

But some residents’ concerns have been dismissed and council took no meaningful action on the number one complaint of accessibility in the residents’ Open Air survey. My repeated requests for consultations with the disability community have also been dismissed. My emails to council members have been disregarded, except for Councillor Pouget and she’s not even an accessibility committee member. Councillor McArthur volunteered to be on the committee and he actively champions trails and Open Air, although I have encouraged him to equally champion accessibility. The town has approved, and welcomed, inaccessible businesses.

• Throughout the week, the Town will showcase local accessibility features in municipal parks, trails, and facilities, and share supports available to persons with disabilities.

The minimally accessible yet not inclusive parks that still exclude some children with disabilities? the trails that need more rest areas? lack shade? lack washrooms? lack drinking fountains? Facilities like the town hall that has accessibility barriers? the Gordon House that is inaccessible? Which supports? The Aphasia Friendly initiative where some businesses might become Aphasia friendly yet remain inaccessible?

• The flag raising ceremony will serve as a symbol of our continued commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community collaboration.

A flag raising, or symbolic gesture, requires minimal effort. There can be no community collaboration if the disability community is ignored. Continued commitment? Dictionary meaning: existing firm decision. When barriers at Closed Streets are embraced, the least accessible voting method is endorsed, parks are not inclusive, and other barriers continue to exist or are created, the decision is that accessibility is not a priority. I have been requesting a stronger commitment to accessibility for over 3 decades.

Have you heard the term “performative allyship?” It’s used to describe when someone claims to be an ally to a marginalized group, but their actions don’t match their words. Performative allyship can be harmful because it can lead to tokenism, exploitation, and a false sense of progress. Read the full article.

Last but not least, the town used grant funding on this segregated accessible swing at Jack Purdie Park. Shameful.

In Protest Of Amherstburg Hosting Essex County’s Accessibility Fest-for-all

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The first edition of Barriers In The Burg was created in protest of this event meant to celebrate accessibility and inclusion but Amherstburg is not an inclusive community.

Barriers create exclusion and isolation and requests to remove them continue to be ignored, dismissed and minimized.

Segregation is shameful. It’s 2025 but people with disabilities, the largest minority, still face marginalization, tokenism, ableism, attitudinal barriers and euphemisms like ‘people of all abilities.’

Rich Donovan, 4th AODA reviewer, hand picked by the provincial government, said, “I think the root of this problem is decades of discrimination, starting with eugenics, which was a state-supported approach to eliminate disability in some countries. We can’t forget that reality and that’s what’s at the base of these issues.” 

Amherstburg contacted Essex County to host the 2025 event. What will the town showcase? An inclusive playground where there’s a trip hazard to get to it? An outdated, segregated wheelchair swing under lock and key without any signage to indicate how to access it? Any inclusive recreation aside from the Miracle League?

Is that the extent of Amherstburg’s display?

As Mayor Prue declared, ‘this town has not been compliant.’

RECAP Accessibility Committee Meeting August 28, 2025

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The meeting started a few minutes late. Chair Shirley Prue called the meeting to order and asked for a minute of silence ‘to commemorate a member of our committee who is no longer with us, who passed recently.’

Before the silence ended, Mayor Michael Prue walked in, waited, and then spoke to his wife from across the room. So, technically, isn’t the mayor out of order? I can’t imagine that behaviour being tolerated at a council meeting.

For whatever reason Shirley Prue asked the clerk to do the roll call; she usually asks the clerk to do the land acknowledgement also but this time she read it.

On to pecuniary interest where a discussion was held because of Tony Pietrangelo’s wish to abstain from item 6.1 site plan review since he used to own that property at one time (McDonald’s). Shirley Prue thought he didn’t have a conflict. Councillor McArthur just wanted to acknowledge, regarding item 6.4 the fest-for-all progress update, that he works for the organizer, County of Essex, in communications and would promote the event on social media. 

Site Plan Review for 151 Sandwich Street South

  • Ms. Prue thought Heidi Ballairgeon was there to talk about this but she said no, she didn’t have this one.
  • The clerk explains the site plan changes for the McDonald’s restaurant, including a two-lane drive-through and expanded rear building area.
  • He said he reviewed the site and didn’t have any particular recommendations beyond what has been provided but of course, it is provided to the committee for any recommendations they may have. (yes, admin has a chance during iits own site plan review process).
  • Following clarification that there will be two order lanes that will merge, the committee receives the site plan without any specific recommendations.

Kings Navy Yard Park Extension Phase 1B

  • Now it was Heidi Baillargeon’s turn to present; her audio kept cutting out.
  • the Kings Navy Yard Park extension phase 1B focused on stabilizing the break wall and addressing accessible walkways that come from Dalhousie Street into the site
  • doing a site remediation by taking contaminated soil out and disposing of it and putting all the underground site servicing and things that most people won’t generally see, but cost a lot of money, so all the servicing for future electrical requirements for the site, future sanitary storm connections, all your hydro, water, gas.
  • Christine Easterbrook asked what was at the very top of that half circle; it looks like there’s steps up to it.
  • Baillargeon said yes, there’s a transition area with a gradual ramp so you can either choose to go down a series of stairs in the middle or you can follow the ramp down the left or the right.
  • Tents could be placed on either side and food trucks could locate around the semi-circle.
  • Pietrangelo asks, how close is the closest accessible parking spot?
  • Baillargeon says the closest accessible parking spot, I believe there is one right on Dalhousie Street, just down in front of flow cafe I think it is. So when Dalhousie gets reconstructed, we are planning on basically taking where the property line is and bumping that into have angled parking all the way along the roadway, so that, you know, we can provide parking for the site, but it’s not part of this project at this point. We don’t have the money to do that right now.
  • Pietrangelo asks Baillargeon, what are you looking for from us to do with this, with your presentation, what do you need from us? (After all the years on this committee, why members are still asking what is being sought from it is odd).
  • Baillargeon says, I’m bringing it to the committee to let you know that we have accommodated and made accommodations for accessibility in the complete transition from Dalhousie Street to the waterfront. (No, universal access would allow for one ramp, not a ramp on either side of a set of stairs like the tourist booth on the highway. Segregated means of access is far less desirable).
  • Councillor McArthur asks, what is right in the centre?
  • Baillargeon says that is supposed to be a future feature. We’ve had some discussions with the Indigenous community in terms of maybe making that part of the three fires Confederacy. 
  • McArthur asks a follow up, benches are there accessible benches throughout the park? (shocking, since I have criticized McArthur for volunteering on this committee and not being a stronger champion for people with disabilities). 
  • Baillargeon says there will be accessible benches throughout the park. There will be the black ribbon style benches that will be going in this section, and they will be located kind of along the pathways closest to the riverfront.
  • McArthur then asks what about fishing in this part of the park?
  • Baillargeon says I think the fishing would be accommodated. 

H Murray Smith, Centennial Park Revised Concept

  • Baillargeon presents the revised concept plan for H Murray Smith, Centennial Park
  • The plan includes a walkway connecting the seniors Active Living Center and accessible parking near tennis and multi-use courts.
  • The committee discusses the need for crosswalks and traffic calming measures along Richmond Street.
  • The clerk mentioned the benches are conceptual in this drawing, because we have to do consultation on those elements. (yes, how many times have I requested meaningful consultations?!) 
  • He said we would want to consult specifically on how far to place those benches so that people could find the rest areas they needed along the route. So all of that would come when we get to building these elements.
  • Easterbrook asks, it’s supposed to be, every what is it? 200 metres and Baillargeon agrees and says we have more than every 200 metres within the plan.
  • Ms. Prue asks, and of course, my favorite question is, where are the washrooms?
  • Baillargeon says the washrooms are located in the Seniors Active Living Center just off the back of that building. 
  • Chris Drew asks are there any designated pickleball courts? 
  • Baillargeon says pickleball is at the Libro. 
  • Pietrangelo asks if the speed limit is still 50 kilometers an hour through Richmond Street. He thought maybe they should lower it. 
  • The clerk said it is a lowered speed limit.

Fest for All Event Update

  • The clerk noted he sees Ron in the room and said so I’m hoping he’s taking some diligent notes. I’ve seen some coverage there in the paper, and hoping we keep seeing that coverage as well, because this is an event we’re really looking forward to.
  • It’s the County of Essex running the fest for all but we have been sort of given the nod to be the host community for this. (the town offered to host it this year).
  • Scheduled for September 12, highlighting possible 50 vendors that showcase services, supports and products for persons with a disability and promote accessibility in the community.
  • The town will have a tent set up and partners doing demonstrations like the miracle league and the ice bullets, the sledge hockey team.
  • Clerk notes, I think that there’s a chance that what we may be best at is showcasing what it is that our site has to offer in terms of built amenities. Obviously, the miracle league itself is a crowning jewel for things to have in a community, for persons with disabilities. You do have that inclusive play structure and that wheelchair swing that’s included there, that are not things that you often see in in many communities.
  • Clerk says we’re going to have our comms team there promoting the town and the services and offerings that it has and the supports that it offers. (That should be interesting).
  • Possible Protesters
  • Chris Drew says I know there’s a lot of interest in it. I’ve got a lot of people that’s been asking me different questions about what happened last year in Colchester, and people are asking what the date is and stuff like that. The only thing is, I’m hearing rumbles that there may be some protesters there, and I hope it don’t happen,
  • Ms. Prue asked, protesting what?
  • Drew says protesting about what goes on in the town with the AODA. 
  • Ms. Prue laughs and then says I’ll be intrigued to hear that.
  • The clerk says for this event the focus is on supports for people with disabilities and, you know, equality in the community is an important message to take home. 

Unfinished Business and Future Plans

  • Pietrangelo raises concerns about the unfinished sidewalk on Pickering and requests a motion to complete it.
  • The clerk says the work is pending some site activities.
  • Ms. Prue asks like what? 
  • The clerk says I’m not at liberty to discuss the development and will find out a timeline.
  • Pietrangelo says we had the flag raising in Essex, I sent an email out to everybody about the Amherstburg flag raising for accessibility. I never got an answer back. So my question is, did we have a flag raising in Amherstburg for accessibility this year? (No, they didn’t).
  • The clerk says I believe we did.
  • Pietrangelo says I don’t know why we didn’t do that this year here in Amherstburg. We should have done it. We should not have left it just Essex County, because Essex County is fine but I think Amherstburg is Amherstburg. (I’m guessing no motion was made to raise a flag in Amherstburg this year).
  • The committee discusses the need for a flag-raising event for National Accessibility Week and the importance of involving schools and whether it should be held at the Libro or town hall.
  • Ms. Prue says last year there was a little bit of awkwardness, I think, in terms of accessibility, even for the patio area of the town hall, there was a couple of hiccups.
  • Easterbrook mentions another opportunity – December 3, which is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 
  • Pietrangelo asks if he should make a motion or if the clerk can draw one up to have a flag raising every year because if we’re going out of our way to even go with aphasia, you know, we’re really into this, we have to let the people know. I don’t know if Essex County is aware of that. We are the only town that has an Aphasia program going on; that’s important.

New Business Accessible Parking and Streetscape Improvements

  • The clerk says we will be looking at our multi-year Accessibility Plan and notes the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility has changed grant funding; they require projects be part of the defined plan of the town of the Amherstburg. We know that we have grandfathered structures in the town that are not required to comply with the current provisions. You know, laws get better every year, and sometimes our buildings are not renewed for a number of years. 
  • Easterbrook asked about the little covered bus stop things that we had talked about. The short answer is that they’re not bus shelters.
  • The clerk mentions a review of accessible parking in downtown core and plans to bring back a report for improvements and to do the consultation that’s required. (insert often repeated phrase of requesting meaningful consultation).
  • The clerk says they received a request from a resident that we do have to consider and will bring that to the next meeting.

Essex County’s Fest-for-All: A Call for Action on Accessibility

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We need action, not more rhetoric.

From the Essex County News update about the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee’s ‘Fest-for-all’.

“Amherstburg is honoured to host this event and there’s no better place to host it than the Libro Centre – an accessible facility and the home of Canada’s first ever Miracle League,” said Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue. “There will be something for everyone at this amazing festival and it is my hope people come to Amherstburg from far and wide to learn more about accessibility issues and the importance of building inclusive, barrier-free communities.”

Mayor Michael Prue

Well I have been advocating for over 3 decades for accessibility by delegating, emailing, blogging, and writing letters to the editor. I resorted to a human rights complaint against the town to gain equal access to the library following my 10-year campaign.

Both staff and members of council, other than Councillor Pouget, have dismissed the existence of Open Air barriers. The number one complaint in the residents’ Open Air survey is accessibility but council did not take any meaningful action about it.

Councillor Crain

  • was the sole opposition to a residents’ Open Air survey, stating they’ve done an Open Air survey for residents and businesses so he felt it would waste staff time. CAO Critchley confirmed there was no resident wide survey. 
  • Crain was part of the team that created the THRIVE Open Air white paper; from the THRIVE website, ‘We believe that it should be a permanent summer feature.’ 
  • During the 2022 campaign, Crain said yes to removing barriers during Open Air; it is important that all members of the community can experience Open Air. If there are particular barriers in place, I am more than willing to investigate further and help find a solution.
  • Crain also said he didn’t even think Open Air should have been a topic of discussion, that they shouldn’t even be discussing this every year because eventually it’s going to be nothing. 
    • During the November 21, 2024 Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Crain moved, McArthur seconded That:
      1. The report on the Open Air including the Business Survey and Open House BE RECEIVED for information; and
      2. Council SUPPORT the continuation of Open Air, in the same format, same times, and same duration, for the remainder of the current term of Council.
    • During the November 25, 2024 council meeting, Crain moved, and McArthur seconded That:
      1. The report on the Open Air including the Business Survey and Open House BE
    • RECEIVED for information; and
      2. Council SUPPORT the continuation of Open Air, in the same format, same times, and same duration, for the remainder of the current term of Council.

Councillor McArthur

  • volunteered to be on the Amherstburg accessibility committee
  • has championed Open Air.
  • McArthur said everybody he talked to loves Open Air the way it is.
  • McArthur stated how families come together, and he didn’t want to take that away from people. (Yet children with disabilities that can’t equally access play areas can’t come together with families, so they have that opportunity taken from them).
  • During the 2022 campaign, McArthur said if there are persisting issues with accessibility, let’s work collaboratively to address them in consultation with the Town’s Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Deputy Mayor Gibb

  • publicly admitted he’s a huge fan of Open Air.
  • Gibb stated he was ‘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.
  • And then he said, “to me, Open Air makes the downtown more accessible for people with in at least in wheelchairs because I’ll tell you right now, try and push a wheelchair down one of those downtown sidewalks and you’ll see exactly what I mean.”
  • am800 2024, Gibb said, “”It’s family friendly, it’s free, it’s pet friendly, it’s accessible so we just want to invite all of Windsor and Essex County to come out to Amherstburg and get together and have a great time.”

Mayor Prue

  • broke the tie vote in favour of 14 weekends for 2023.
  • in 2023 Prue said, I have been to every single one of these events and probably most of the Open Air weekends; not all of them, but most of them. I have never seen any problem with access. My wife is the chair of the accessibility committee. I have discussed it with her she has never once said that there was any accessibility problem brought to that committee or anyone on the committee. I know there was one complainant, but I don’t necessarily agree with what’s being said. (aside from my complaint, council was advised that there was a member of the community who felt that there were barriers).
  • On the rainbow crosswalk, Prue said, ‘WE ARE AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY. GET USED TO IT’. “It helps to reinforce what an inclusive community is all about.” “I’m very proud of this town and foresight and the inclusivity that people have shown.”
  • On the dog park, Prue said it ‘reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive community for all residents, including our beloved canine companions.’
  • On the Salty Dog patio, Prue said I am sorry that some people are not getting out of the way when someone comes by with a cane or a walker or a wheelchair, but what difference would it make if there was two cars there instead of the patio? If they won’t get out of the way on the sidewalk, they won’t get out of the way. And so I think a business case has been made, and I do believe that is in the best interest of the town to be a welcoming and friendly place for people to sit out and have a meal in the sun.
  • During the 2022 campaign, one of Prue’s priorities was, ‘Ensure all town buildings are accessible to facilitate an open and inclusive municipality.’ 
  • Prue referenced the AODA in 2023 and said in this town, we have not brought it into force. 
  • In 2025 Prue referenced the AODA and said, ‘this town has not been compliant. And I have promised, as mayor, and the council has promised, that we will hence for, hence forward, going forward, always be AOD compliant. And I want people to know that the those who have disabilities have every right to use every one of the services in this town, the same as everyone else.’
  • On the sign by-law in 2025, Prue said I don’t mind the signs. I don’t mind them, provided they are AOD compliant. I will never, never support a sign that is blocking someone who is blind, in a wheelchair, a mother in a carriage, with a carriage. I will never, ever support that sign on the street, because those people have rights, same as all of us. They’re not different. They have rights, and their rights, I think, supersede the rights to be safe, supersede the rights to make money.

    Anne Rota
  • was ordered to take human rights training following a human rights tribunal hearing
  • on Open Air, said, ‘there are no barriers in open air. There are not. Please come down and have a look. I know that for a fact. It’s not just the golf cart. We’ve actually opened up our arms if someone needs to get through. We’ve never had one complaint. That’s the honest truth in three years, and I’m sure we would have.’

Accessibility Needs To Consistently Be At Forefront

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As published in the River Town Times.

Re Sign bylaw frustrates business owners, town council makes amendment

Council’s discussion and subsequent motion to amend the bylaw to require that all signs be AODA compliant seems misguided and appears to be a performative concern.  

The signs discussed are not mentioned in the AODA or its Regulation. 

The report to council cited AODA compliance for sidewalks as per the Design of Public Spaces Standard. However, even then, sidewalks are to be made compliant when constructing new ones or redeveloping them. Although there are AODA exemptions for sidewalks for heritage reasons, they were not relied on for George Street.

Admittedly, A-frame signs can be a barrier but if placement is a concern then guidelines need to be created like in other municipalities that have approved Heritage Conservation Districts.

Deputy Mayor Gibb is quoted as saying, “we’ve charged other businesses to use town property. I don’t know what the difference is here.” My guess is there is a difference between patios taking away valuable parking spaces and a sign on a boulevard interfering with nothing.

As for the claim that these infractions, ‘undermine the Town’s efforts to maintain an inclusive and navigable public space,’ council has had opportunities to increase inclusivity but has not done so.

Open Air barriers prevent equal participation of some people with disabilities and do not provide an inclusive and navigable space. The number one resident complaint in the Open Air survey is accessibility. I emailed and/or delegated eight times requesting council to enact a patio policy to ensure AODA compliance and I provided a resource. Other barriers to equal participation need to be removed and there needs to be meaningful consultation with the disability community.

There needs to be a stronger commitment to accessibility, but it needs to be consistently at the forefront. Otherwise, one might conclude that accessibility is being embraced for appearance’s sake or when it suits.

Commentary by Linda Saxon

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Survey Errors

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Aside from errors and the misspelling of Cholchester, my opinion is that the survey does not seek meaningful feedback.

The title on ‘talk the burg’ is, Year 3 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Survey, but then it states Year Two: “The Town of Amherstburg needs your feedback to assist with the Year Two Public Consultation on the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.”

It states, “This year’s focus will be on five key areas” but lists only three:

  1. Parkland/Trails and bench placement;
  2. Recreation/Play Equipment and its placement;
  3. Accessible Street Parking.

Another error is the date; it states, “All surveys must be received by Tuesday, July 3, 2025.” It should read Thursday, July 3.

As for the survey questions, under the heading, Parkland, Trails & Recreational Amenities, did you use a bench on multi-use paths or trails, where, was it conveniently placed?

Same if you used a bench in a park.

Under the heading, Recreation/Play Equipment, if anyone in your household requires accessible playground structures, which parks you use, if placement of accessible playground elements was conveniently placed.

Under the heading, Accessible Street Parking choose your primary and secondary means of travelling in town: car, bus, taxi, walk, mobility device, other and if you require accessible parking, what percentage of the time you locate a spot, or select ‘I do not require an accessible parking,’ (space missing) which shouldn’t be a choice if you selected yes to requiring accessible parking.

There’s a fourth heading, not listed, for Communication. The accessibility advisory committee has focused on an Aphasia Friendly initiative this past year; the town applied for and received a $16, 375. provincial grant to “raise public awareness and enable change in all aspects of public life. The Town of Amherstburg has partnered with Aphasia Friendly Canada and the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Windsor with the goal to establish Amherstburg as the country’s first Aphasia Friendly community.” I have reached out to the group a few times but my questions remain unanswered.

Under the heading, Communication the survey asks for self-identification of having a communication disability and what is used to communicate with people outside the home, such as at a business or the municipality (the assumption is that one doesn’t use communication aids in the home I guess). Selections include sign language, electronic device, cards, personal assistance, other, and ‘I am not a person with a communication disability’ which, like the parking question, shouldn’t appear if the answer is yes.

There are two unrelated questions pertaining to your awareness of and attendance at last year’s inaugural Accessibility for All event at Cholchester Harbour in Essex. (The proper event title is, “Accessibility Fest-for-All”) and the same for the 2025 event at the Libro.