Editor:
People living with disabilities are being discriminated against by the Town of Banff regarding the location and access for the proposed sewer bridge.
It appears that due diligence was not done by our elected officials prior to voting, leaving a lot of major issues unresolved. This is yet another example of why public participation should have been done prior to our mayor and council voting behind closed doors on this multi-million dollar project.
For many people in Banff, the town provides an abundance of opportunities and experiences free of limitations imposed upon them by the built environment. But for Banff residents and visitors with disabilities, the sewer bridge imposes numerous obstacles.
Based on the human rights principles of respect, dignity and inclusion, those who design and build public projects have a responsibility to provide their services to the public in a manner that does not discriminate. This is stated in the Human Rights Commission Act (HRCM). Because this sewer bridge will be located in two residential neighbourhoods, there is no infrastructure to support pedestrians with special needs.
Safety/access issues include:
1. No handicapped parking planned on either side of the bridge. No handicapped parking on Buffalo or Muskrat Street or Glen Avenue;
2. Buffalo Street has only one sidewalk – a wheelchair fills it up. Are others to walk on the road?
3. Buffalo Street is a very busy street for users to cross safely;
4. Distance from Buffalo Street to the start of the bridge – users will be taken off the road, down a secluded, poorly lit and heavily treed pathway, increasing risk of personal safety;
5. Glen Avenue – busy, narrow two way street. No sidewalks.
The CPA (Canadian Paraplegic Association) has made the Town aware of its concerns and feelings of discrimination. There are no resolutions due to where the proposed sewer/bridge location will be.
How is this discrimination acceptable in Banff National Park? Is this the way our mayor, town council and town administration want to present our beautiful town to the world? With construction projects that are discriminatory to anyone living with disabilities?
Before construction begins, these issues need to be addressed.
Peggy Smith,
Banff
