What are the candidates’ position on Open Air? Bill Petruniak

Sometimes they play favourites and don’t answer my questions. But I’m continuing the tradition I started in 2014. For now, I’m only asking about Open Air and will set aside a page just for their Open Air answers – IF they answer.

the burg watch: As you know, Open Air remains a contentious issue, especially because of Councillor Crain’s motion to not revisit it until the end of this term. Will you remove barriers that deny people with disabilities equal access to the community when streets are closed during Open Air weekends?

Bill Petruniak: I sent a proposal to council last year as a compromise solution. They did not respond. The reason given is that they could not discuss Open Air until 2027.

I proposed to open up Dalhousie street for one way traffic from North to South and only block off the east vehicle lane. This would allow more parking, access to at least a couple of handicap parking spaces, and make it possible for people who are physically challenged to be dropped off right at Richmond and Dalhousie. I offered to pay for all signage and to even make the sign posts. No reply. This would not satisfy all AODA requirements but at least it would be a start. I asked that a dialogue be started regarding making Richmond more accessible during Open Air but no response either. None of them seem to care. May 25.

Answers and questions back from other candidates will be posted in future posts.

Candidates that haven’t answered to date:
Frank Cerasa