City staff say they are working to improve accessibility for the three Ps: parking, pedestrians, and playgrounds.
Elements like barrier-free parking, improved walkways, and accessibility features are being encouraged for capital projects.
At Common Council last week, deputy commissioner Tim O’Reilly said an Ability NB presentation at the March 22 meeting helped staff implement more ideas to improve accessibility.
“A lot of these things are going to be the norm now,” O’Reilly said. “Incorporating them into capital designs, looking closer at our uptown streets for accessible parking spaces, and building on the work we’ve already done with our community partners.”
One design feature that will be common in new projects is Accessible Pedestrian Systems (APS), which include audible messaging to signal when it’s safe to cross, and include access ramps for smoother transitions to and from the sidewalk, and tactile warning surfaces to let people know they have reached the end of the sidewalk.
Councillor Donna Reardon said she sees improved crosswalk accessibility as a win for everyone.
“It’s one of the things we talk about the tide: it’s good for everyone, it lifts all boats,” Reardon said. “I’ll benefit from that, people with strollers benefit from that, everybody benefits.”
City staff has tapped the Saint John Advisory Committee to consult on a few upcoming projects including the Fundy Quay, and Loyalist Plaza.
They will also work with Ability NB on an accessibility audit for the tennis courts, parking lot and washrooms at Shamrock Park.
