ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — At a committee of the whole meeting on Wednesday, St. John’s city council heard a number of recommendations from the city’s inclusion advisory committee about how to make the downtown pedestrian mall more accessible.
“The pedestrian mall, as we all know, was done rather quickly and there was, in my opinion, some oversights,” said Coun. Debbie Hanlon.
Council had requested the feedback from the inclusion advisory committee in order to make improvements for next year.
Coun. Deanne Stapleton, council's representative on the committee, read the recommendations.
“Recommendations include considering implications for those with vision loss such as wayfinding, indication of an upcoming ramp and obstacles on sidewalks; ensuring ramps meet code, are slip-resistant and lead to a deck that can be manoeuvred by a wheelchair; access to accessible washrooms for pedestrian mall users; accessible parking located inside the mall was hazardous; and a need for inclusion education amongst business and security staff in the area,” said Stapleton.
St. John’s city council unanimously agreed to review the recommendations and share them with all relevant parties.
“I don’t think it’s anything special they’re asking for — just to be treated fairly like everyone else,” said Hanlon.
