Tag Archives: accessibility

County Road 20 Speed Limit Reduction Approved

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Shocking. Councillor Prue actually praised Councillor Pouget during the April 16, 2025 Essex County Council meeting when council received a report on County Road 20 and Lowes Sideroad. Based on my observations, it’s easy for people to perceive some unfair treatment at the town council meetings where some behaviours are tolerated when they shouldn’t be and others are not tolerated when they should be.

The County Traffic Engineer explained that the intersection of County Road 20 and Lowes Sideroad is actually a county connecting link; therefore, the town of Amherstburg has jurisdiction, and any decision regarding the addition of a pedestrian facility would be theirs to make, and this was discussed with our local municipal partners, the engineering department. So therefore, the recommendation of this report is to reduce the speed limit on County Road 20 from 70 kilometers an hour to 50 kilometers an hour from just south of low side road to 50 meters south of Dalhousie Street. There is limited financial implications, as the signage changes would cost less than $2,000 and could be done by our maintenance staff in our roads crews, and the money would be taken from our 2025, road safety budget. Thank you.

Warden: Thank you, Jerry. Are there any questions? We’ll start with you. Councillor Prue. Listen to the audio; text transcript below.

Prue: first of all to thank you, because this is quite an issue. And Councillor Pouget, who occasionally comes when one of us is not here, this was one of her champion things. She has pushed this and pushed it, and I’m sure she’ll want to say thank you as well, just in terms, I just want to correct for the record, you said a hotel at one time, it was a motel, but it’s now the Blue Haven, and what it is, it’s it’s populated almost entirely by people in wheelchairs and people with some severe disabilities. So I just want that to be clear for the record, this is part of the reason we did this, not because people are driving in and out in a hotel, because they’re not. These are people who have very limited access, and their access is to go out onto the road and somehow get across to the pharmacy and everything that’s on the other side. So just for the record, that’s what it is. But we thank you for what you’ve done, and I guess the ball is now in our court.

The warden then read the recommendation, noting it’s quite lengthy, and it is that:

Essex County Council receive report 20250416, Intersection of County Road 20 and Lowes Sideroad as information, and that Essex County Council direct administration to reduce the speed limit on County Road 20, from 70 kilometers per hour to 50 kilometers per hour, between Lowes Sideroad and 50 meters south of Dalhousie Street. And that by law 202517, be adopted amending by law 262002, to regulate traffic and parking on highways within the Essex County road system, schedule H, to reduce the speed on County Road 20 between Lowes Sideroad and 50 meters south of Dalhousie Street. Moved by Councillor Gibb, seconded by Councillor Prue. Carried.

RECAP Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting April 2, 2025

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Three members were absent: Chris Drew, Councillor McArthur and Christine Easterbrook and Chair Shirley Prue was on zoom. (She was loud, unlike when she’s in person and the mic is sometimes off to the side so it’s difficult to hear her). Vice Chair Pietrangelo chaired the meeting. For whatever reason he, like Prue usually does, called on the clerk to read the land acknowledgement.

Co-An Park Inclusive Playground Design

Heidi Baillargeon, Director, Parks, Facilities and Recreation via zoom, asked if anyone had any questions about the design. Shirley Prue said she thought there was one and offered to read it just because ‘she’ was not going to be there. (‘She’ wasn’t referred to by name but I assume ‘she’ was absent member Christine Easterbrook and ‘she’ actually had three questions).

Question 1: where does the ramp go? It looks the same as the playground apparatus at Ranta, where the ramp goes nowhere; at the end they encounter steps. 

Baillargeon: the ramp does only go up so far within the design; she knows that the design does meet all of the compliance, it is considered fully inclusive; it was the only design that was fully inclusive so when it says fully inclusive, it takes into consideration there’s music panels on there, other play panels, the elements in it and around the playground itself as well as the surfacing and access and egress in and around the playground and to it is what makes it a fully inclusive playground design.  

Prue: What ‘she’ said was that if you let the child get on the ramp and then they just watch everybody play. 

Baillargeon: I guess I would say the intent of the design is they’re allowed to access so far within the structure itself, and then when they’re there, it’s encouraging interactive play in and among the elements so they can get up to all the other areas. So they can go to the top on this one, in terms of coming down that extra wide slide and that’s extra wide if they had somebody assisting to be able to go down there; it accommodates a number of kids at one time, so they can play inclusively alongside those kids.

Question 2: Then ‘she’ asked as well about the swing – is it possible to get a child in a wheelchair on it? 

Baillargeon: the Libro Centre has one. The ones where the wheelchair can fit on don’t meet the public standard, because they need to be fully enclosed, and there has to be a key for them because if the weight of that struck another child on the playground it has the potential to kill them. So those types of swings are in a very controlled environment where there is staffing and personnel. We couldn’t put that out in the general public.

Question 3: ‘She’ did also ask if there was any sort of financial requirement here, but it looks like everything’s covered in the presentation.

Pietrangelo asked if a child in a wheelchair that reaches that area can they go any further right around the curve and go down the slide if they’re in a wheelchair? Baillargeon: in a wheelchair they have to be transferred and then kind of work their way up to the other platform. 

Pietrangelo: so as far as a wheelchair goes, they go up to where it says 305, and there is equipment around there that they can play and even though they’re sitting in their wheelchair, that there’s things. Baillargeon: all the way around that deck. And if they were assisted with somebody else, they could be guided up to the other deck, as well as to the end where the slide is that they could go down with somebody else or another child.

Pietrangelo:  so you’re saying that by themselves, going from that area where it says 305, to the area where is 1.22 they would have to be assisted to go up there, they wouldn’t be able to go up there on their own in a wheelchair. Baillargeon: in a wheelchair, no, depending on their mobility issues they’d have to leave the wheelchair at that point to progress to that stage.

Pietrangelo: and there’s no way, I see figure 1.53 there’s no way that a wheelchair could go over that; there’s barriers around it. Baillargeon: they wouldn’t be able to cross that threshold where it says 305, up to the other one without some kind of assistance to get up. 

Pietrangelo asked what to do and the clerk advised, at this point, the committee could endorse it, receive it, whatever it chose to do. Generally, at this point, the committee does endorse the RFP at this stage. Marc Renaud moved to endorse the proposal as laid out and it carried.

Malden Park RFP for a New Accessible Playground

Baillargeon mentioned this was the first process patterned off of Essex, where there’s a public vote component. The public can visit talk the burg to vote for the playground of your choice of eight designs. Voting closed on April 4 and it’s on Council’s April 14 agenda for approval. Other than Pietrangelo’s question about the survey results, there was no discussion and Renaud’s motion to accept the proposal as presented carried.

Jack Purdie Park RFP for Multi-Use Trail

Baillargeon mentioned the trail is 10 feet wide, fully paved, and inclusive, connecting all elements within the park; ‘little signs’ (hopefully accessible signs) will indicate distances. Baillargeon also noted that every element that they currently have in the park is connected, and every element they develop in the future will also be connected.  (I disagree, given that the accessible swing is segregated). A sledding hill will be installed. Prue asked if they have washrooms in this one. Baillargeon said they’d love to have a washroom; they don’t have funding yet, but they are in the design as well as a future splash pad and a sports court but they’re doing it in phases and this was phase two.

Baillargeon said it would go before council April 14 and let the committee know that all of the bids were over the approved budget for the park in terms of what was allocated just for the trails. Enbridge contributed $30,000 to help fund this project.

Pietrangelo asked how much over budget they were and Baillargeon said all in all, $100,000. The clerk interjected with, just with regards to the role of the committee financials really are not in the realm of the advisory committees. The advisory committee’s purpose and focus is meant to be on the respective subject matters that they deal with, with regards to matters of the financing that really is more of a council matter. Motion to accept as presented carried.

Update on Accessibility Fest for All

Amherstburg offered to host the Essex County Accessibility ‘Fest for All’ to be held at the Libro on September 12. The clerk mentioned how the town has a number of amenities that it can focus on at this location:

  1. the wheelchair swing, one of three in the county
  2. the miracle league diamond itself
  3. sledge hockey 
  4. they’re also working with their aphasia friendly friends for the commitment the town has made to push for that proposal for the town to be aphasia friendly. 

Unfinished Business: 

  1. The clerk mentioned the progress of the aphasia-friendly Amherstburg initiative, aiming to train businesses and organizations in non-verbal communication strategies with a goal to having the town certified as aphasia-friendly by October 2025. (Individuals or businesses could be certified by taking the basic training, but I fail to see how an entire town could be certified). The clerk said if they’re welcoming people to come to our community, they want them to be able to walk into any business and receive that level of support. (Not everyone can just walk into any business if there are stairs and steps though).
  2. The Miracle League is looking for volunteers.
  3. The Seymour Street reconstruction.
  4. Renaud wanted someone to explain the process of accessible parking, how it works, and the requirements for a home based business for example.
  5. Accessible Parking and Enforcement Blitz.
  6. Promote the email address for accessibility concerns: accessibility@amherstburg.ca

Adjournment since there was no new business.

Moving Beyond ‘Crazy’: Language and Disability Awareness

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It’s 2025 and people are still using offensive language, including a resurgence of the ‘r word’. Councillor Allaire has used ‘crazy’ several times, including during a radio interview:

“like a crazy person”

“just a wild and crazy question“

“not trying to say anything crazy”

“yes I’m crazy and I did look at every single line”

“I had a few crazy questions“

“that route is crazy”

“it was crazy”

“it seems crazy”

“I feel it’s crazy”

“this is gonna sound crazy“

“it’s not so crazy“

“it’s crazy“

Back in 2019, the Amherstburg Accessibility Advisory Committee discussed an agenda item, Talking Accessibly, and carried a motion, “That Person First Language (PFL) BE ADOPTED as a pilot project at the Accessibility Committee level with further consideration of use in the organization at a later date.” 

Unfortunately, accessibility committee members have used outdated terms like handicapped.

In June 2023 I let council and CAO Critchley know that i was appalled to hear one Accessibility Advisory Committee member use “wheelchair bound” and another use “bound;” this language is outdated and offensive. i was equally shocked to see the term “crazy” used in three images on the town’s facebook page in reference to woofaroo. I provided a resource, Are You Still Using The Word Crazy in 2022,

i suggested there was a need for more training given the language used by a member of a committee that should be more aware of preferred terminology and the number of times i’ve encountered ableist attitudes.

The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy, launched in 2019, included Guidelines; the section below is from the original Guidelines, which have been updated (refer to pages 17 and 18).

5. USE PROPER LANGUAGE IN ORAL AND INFORMAL SPEECH

Most persons with disabilities are comfortable with the words used in daily life. You can say “let’s go for a walk” to a person who uses a wheelchair or write “have you heard the news?” to a person who is deaf. However, phrases such as “blind as a bat” or “deaf as a post” are unacceptable and should never be used, even in informal contexts. You should also be careful with metaphors like “blind to criticism” and “to fall on deaf ears”.

Misused terminology can also be inappropriate and hurtful, so avoid saying “I must have Alzheimer’s” when you forget something or “they’re paranoid” when people seem to be acting with excessive mistrust. Never use disability-related terms as an insult or to express criticism. For example, do not use the word “lame” to mean “boring” or “uncool”.

Another Resource: A way with words and images: guide for communicating with and about persons with disabilities.

Library Space Concerns Do Not Equal Accessibility Concerns

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Comments from Councillor McArthur and Councillor Allaire following Monday night’s council meeting presentation by Library Board Chair Bachetti and Library CEO Adam Craig prompted me to write this post and email to those involved.

Please do not misinterpret space preferences or needs for accessibility. Following my ten year campaign to make the Amherstburg library accessible, which culminated in a human rights complaint, the Ontario Human Rights Commission hired a renowned accessibility expert, and the town eventually implemented his recommendations. The town also installed a plaque at the library crediting others with my accomplishment.

Other than concerns about the elevator, which is the town’s responsibility to ensure its maintenance and operability, there are no documented accessibility concerns. Instead, the often repeated plea is for a modern one floor library.

During an Amherstburg residents’ meeting I asked Deputy Mayor Gibb if the library board noted any deficiencies, and he answered none whatsoever.

I then emailed Adam Craig in September 2023: has the essex county library board noted any deficiencies with the amherstburg branch?

Mr. Craig asked me to be more specific and he stated, “In the time that I’ve been here we’ve noted a handful of issues that have popped up, and in every case the Town of Amherstburg has done a fantastic job of addressing them. I’m thinking specifically of some problems with the elevator that have been addressed, some heating and cooling issues, and so on.”

One year later, a September 9, 2024 letter from Mr. Craig and Library Board Chair Joe Bachetti states, in part, “As you’ll see, one of the most striking deficiencies across the County is at the Amherstburg Branch” which was in reference to space/square footage. The letter further stated, “the attached review doesn’t speak to other ongoing concerns with the current facility, not least of which are its accessibility and aging structural features.”

During the September 2024 Amherstburg council meeting, Deputy Mayor Gibb said the building is beautiful but no longer serves the purpose of what a modern library is. He didn’t put a timetable on addressing it but said it is an issue and a lack of square footage would become a bigger problem in future years.

I emailed Mr. Craig to advise that I read the report regarding square footage and accessibility concerns and noted that the majority of the report was about the square footage, comparisons with other municipalities and there was a vague reference to accessibility concerns. I asked if he would elaborate on the accessibility concerns: who determined there were accessibility concerns at the Amherstburg branch? what criteria was used? What specifically are the accessibility concerns?

Mr. Craig acknowledged that he thought what I was referencing was included in the covering letter and not the report:

‘…the space review doesn’t speak to other ongoing concerns with the current facility, not least of which are it’s accessibility and aging structural features.’

Mr. Craig further stated that he should have qualified that by noting that the library does meet the appropriate standards BUT contemporary library design shies away from multi-floor facilities because of the inherent difficulties with access. Even in the case of a branch like Amherstburg where we have an elevator in place, given the choice between an elevator and having everything on one floor, the best option is always a single floor (emphasis added). The concern is always with the reliability of the elevator.

Following the February 24, 2025 presentation to Amherstburg council by Mr. Bachetti and Mr. Craig, Councillor McArthur commented about the design of physical spaces to promote flexible, welcoming branches that are accessible and modern. He also mentioned having a beautiful building and shared his thoughts about how it’s not as modern or as accessible as it otherwise might be ideal. Finally, he asked Mr. Craig for his thoughts on that. Mr. Craig’s response pertained to a more modern space, modern library design and outdated architecture, outdated hardware and equipment.

Councillor Allaire stated, “so we’re trying to improve accessibility for our town, but our elevator seems to be out quite often at our library” and asked Mr. Craig if he knew how often it was down. Mr. Craig stated that he did not have the numbers in front of him, but he thought it was more regular than they would like; he added that he thought that was kind of inherent with any elevator. Councillor Allaire acknowledged that he was saying what they were lacking was space and the needs of a modern one level and Mr. Craig agreed that it was the size of the space.

Repeating Request For Patio Policy

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While council will discuss temporary patio user fees at its February 24, 2025 meeting, it has yet to enact a patio policy, despite my emailing council and/or delegating about it seven times to ensure AODA compliance. I even provided resources.

So, for an eighth time, I’ve emailed council but this time I reminded them of their promises by Mayor Prue during the January 27, 2025 council meeting:

“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.”

I also quote the Municipal Act, section 14 (1):

A by-law is without effect to the extent of any conflict with,
(a) a provincial or federal Act or a regulation made under such an Act; or
(b) an instrument of a legislative nature, including an order, licence or approval, made or issued under a provincial or federal Act or regulation.  2001, c. 25, s. 14.

I also reminded them about Prue’s October 15, 2024 comment: “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 that this is 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. So I, will not be supporting the motion.”

I advised them that many municipalities have enacted patio policies that include AODA compliance and barrier removal and asked, will you keep your promises to do the same?

This council has proven how business friendly it is. Making a strong commitment to removing barriers and being AODA compliant is long overdue.

Michael Prue Then And Now – The AODA

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Almost twenty years ago Michael Prue voted in favour of the AODA. In 2022, one of Prue’s campaign priorities was, ‘Ensure all town buildings are accessible to facilitate an open and inclusive municipality.’ Then in 2023 he declared in this town we have not brought it into force, while he also was quoted as saying the first dog park opening in Amherstburg, ‘reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive community for all residents, including our beloved canine companions.’

Then-MPP Michael Prue stood in the legislature on May 10, 2005 to vote in favour of Bill 118, the AODA. Watch the moment at 4:26 into the video.

Mayor Micheal Prue declared we have not brought it into force during a May 23, 2023 Amherstburg Council Meeting. Listen to the audio.

Unofficial transcript:

2025 we’re going to have to make everything accessible in this town, that’s the law. I was in the legislature 20 something years ago, and I spoke to this issue when the bill was presented in the legislature, and I scoffed at them. I scoffed at the liberals who were standing up waving this piece of paper around, saying we’re going to be accessible, because it could take 25 years to bring it into force. Well, in this town, we have not brought it into force. 

Related: Prue on the Gordon House inaccessibility.

Open Air Opinion

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The Windsor Star published my letter to the editor about Open Air on December 22, in response to a December 5 article, but it altered and deleted some content.

The article, Amherstburg keeps ‘controversial’ Open Air festival at 14 weekends mentioned that the administrative report “pointed to some businesses and demographics — particularly seniors and those with limited mobility — being heavily impacted by the festival, something highlighted by Pouget and Coun. Molly Allaire.”

The only impact I found mentioned in the report is the economic impact with a separate appendix that lists the economic impact; Total Visitors’ Spending $4,286,991

Comments deleted:

  • the part where I stated that I couldn’t find any mention in the report of seniors and ‘those with limited mobility’ being heavily impacted, nor could I find it being highlighted by Allaire; it was only Councillor Pouget that addressed the accessibility issue.
  • The number one complaint in the residents’ survey was accessibility so it’s pointless to tout closed streets as a family event if children with disabilities are excluded from accessing play areas.
  • Members of council that campaigned in favour of Open Air refuse to change their positions despite the negative impacts on some residents and businesses. I disagree with Mayor Prue that ‘this is a great thing that is happening in the town.’ Prue has bragged that he was in the legislature when the AODA was passed but declared last year that in this town we have not brought it into force. What are we waiting for?

Councillor Crain’s Accessibility Commitment

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Following the 2022 election, I asked Crain the following questions. He answered. Then at some point he blocked me. I asked him why but didn’t get an answer. Actions do speak louder than words because he hasn’t always remained ‘available to address concerns any resident faces in the Town of Amherstburg.’

of the accessibility information the town provided to you for your campaign, which did you read?

I read all election material provided by the Town throughout my campaign, including any information pertaining to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

what trainings have you participated in for accessibility legislation, for example, as an employee, volunteer, etc.?

Both the Town of Amherstburg and the County of Essex members of Council have received training on accessibility. I have also been advised that Administration will be doing a special session on accessibility in the first quarter of 2023.

how will you fulfill the obligation to remove barriers?

  • Continue an open dialogue with the Town’s Accessibility Advisory Committee.
  • 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.

The Impact of Open Air Events On Vulnerable Groups

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Letter to the editor in response to the November 27 RTT articles.

Some of the comments during the delegation, committee and council meetings are appalling.

Carolyn Davies claimed that people can get out and enjoy the event and not be at home isolating from each other, something she said has positive mental health benefits. However, seniors and people with disabilities who can’t equally participate remain socially isolated, which can negatively impact their mental health and well-being. 

Although Ms. Davies mentioned that Open Air has been positive for her bed and breakfast, since she confirmed she has no accessible rooms, again, people with disabilities can’t equally participate. 

The suggestions that businesses should get creative or just adapt are dismissive and disrespectful; the negative impacts should not be minimalized.

Councillor 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.

Deputy Mayor Gibb said it is heartbreaking for him to see council unable to “get away from these entrenched positions” but it’s within his power to change his position. For me, it’s heartbreaking to see barriers in the community perpetuated and not removed so everyone in the community can equally participate in all aspects of community life.

As for the surveys, the number one complaint in the 2023 residents’ survey was accessibility, another concern that was overlooked and will continue every year for fourteen weekends until ingrained attitudes change. No one should claim we are an inclusive community if seniors and people with disabilities remain marginalized.

So much of the enthusiasm seems to be based on what are deemed to be positive impacts while disregarding the negative effects: it’s good for businesses, but not those that endure financial hardships; it’s good for people, but not if they are denied equal opportunities; and it’s good for the economy, but only for the businesses that profit.  

Instead of dismissing the so-called ‘naysayers’ that can’t share the hype, council should have drawn up an action plan to alleviate the hardships, exclusion and isolation that Open Air generates. 

Council’s Role in Accessibility: A Call for Action

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Concerns that customers of the Salty Dog were impeding sidewalks, including people using assistive devices, were raised at the October 15 council meeting.

Following the meeting, I emailed council members: some of your comments during the October 15 meeting are concerning: 

  • ‘it’s good for the residents,’ 
  • it’s in the best interest of the town,’
  • ‘it’s AODA compliant because there are no trip hazards’,
  • ‘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?’
  • ‘It’s two parking spots, or maybe a little bit more, there’s definitely not a parking issue downtown.’ 

there are barriers at the Salty Dog patio and there are trip hazards so if barriers exclude people with disabilities then it’s not good for the residents and it’s not in the best interest of the town. i’ve asked council to create a patio policy to ensure all patios are AODA compliant and i still encourage you to create one.

also, as i’ve pointed out a few times, businesses with barriers may face human rights complaints. in fact, two downtown businesses are currently facing human rights complaints.

thank you Councillor Pouget for acknowledging the right of people with disabilities to equally participate in our community.

As usual, Councillor Pouget was the only one to respond; she thanked me for promoting all accessibility issues in our Town and said she’d do whatever she could to help.

November 4, I emailed a follow up to council and shared one resource: since you’ve not yet enacted a patio policy, like other municipalities, i still urge you to do so. there is an abundance of best practices in other municipalities, along with the AODA standards to address barriers that continue to exist. why are you not addressing them?

for example, at a minimum, the Ontario Traffic Council’s Restaurant Patio Guidelines within the Right of Way ‘was created for the benefit of those road authorities who have not developed their own guidelines and as a supplementary resource to those road authorities who have developed their guidelines but are seeking additional guidance on the topics outlined herein.’

‘The intention of applying these guidelines is to ensure that universal accessibility, public safety and the streetscape experience are enhanced and not negatively impacted by the introduction of a patio within the road authorities’ right-of-way.’

7.1 Accessible Routes

Accessible routes must be provided through the patio area, as follows:

1)  The pedestrian clearway requires 1.8 metres of space on most sidewalks, with wider sidewalks with higher pedestrian volumes requiring 2.5 metres.
2)  To ensure the patio area does not impose a change in the direction of the pedestrian clearway of more than 20 degrees, the patio operator should use a tape measure and something to mark measurement points (pylons, chalk marks, etc.) to verify that this requirement is being adhered to
3)  The patio operator must provide accessible access to the patio with a minimum width of 1.8 metres.
4)  Accessible access can be achieved through two methods, installation of a temporary platform or a temporary accessibility ramp. It is the patio operator’s responsibility to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) at all times.
5)  The patio operator:
i)  Must not place patio materials in the pedestrian clearway.
ii) Must ensure the patio’s perimeter fencing has a solid base that is detectable for someone using a white cane.
iii)  Must not use the pedestrian clearway to queue patrons awaiting their reservation or table.
iv)  Must not place A-frame signs or other obstacles in the pedestrian clearway.