Accessibility is a human rights issue.
Having accessible infrastructure does not exclude able-bodied individuals from its use. Good design isn't about ‘accommodating the disabled’ and rather useable access for all.
Housing:
Transportation:
Consultation:
Inclusion:
Housing:
- Renew the commercial (or) ground-entry townhome standard in apartment housing zones to provide for ground-floor level-entry and single-story accessible homes.
- There is a severe shortage of such accessible housing: See article.
- Exemption to FAR and lot coverage ratios for accessible additions or renovations, as well as elevators.
- Lobby for renewed cooling and heating standards at UBCM to ensure that installation is a public right in both stratified and rental property.
Transportation:
- Continued and expanded funding for Handydart and other on-demand transit options.
- Expanded accessible parking standards for public facilities, such as the Rutland YMCA. Exploring design guidelines for accessible street parking in urban centres.
- Level boarding design standards for transit access at all permanent stops.
- Continuous sidewalk design standards for non-arterial crossings, as well as capital investments in sidewalk repair or installation.
- Improved low-grade ramp curbing standards for arterial crossings.
- Expansion of all-ages-and-abilities active transportation corridors with safe routes to school and commercial centres.
Consultation:
- Expanded policy focus for the City's Accessibility Advisory Committee.
- Allow public comment and open discourse from members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Inclusion:
- Alongside elected officials like SD23 trustees Wayne Broughton & Val Johnston, Councillor Loyal Wooldridge, and many local residents, I have been happy to attend Pride every year. I will continue to do so, whether or not I am elected this October.
