Keeping the enemy at bay

While I was on my fabulous Harbour Hopper excursion, I happened to notice the new path up the side of Citadel Hill, culminating in an AWESOME set of steps.  I don't know which genius hatched this plan, but I suspect it was the same one who designed the new curb cuts at the entrance, photographed below:

In this case, the Citadel hierarchy created a steep path up the western side culminating in a set of imposing steps with enough concrete to build a replica of the Spanish Steps.  It could have included switchbacks, but that ancient solution seems to have escaped the modern engineers.

My Google Earth says the change of altitude from the parking lot to the road above is around 70 feet.  It would take a path 840 feet long to meet the standard ramp slope of 1 in 12.  Instead, the path is around 415 feet. making for a slope of about 1 in 6.  Is there room for an 840 foot path?  Gee, I dunno:  Here's one 836 feet long.  You decide.

I don't want to make too much of it,  but a big honking set of new steps is a constant reminder to people with disabilities of their precarious position.  It's not exactly Cornwallis or Robert E. Lee, but it's a symbol of exclusion.

You wonder what could possibly have been behind such a plan.  The gears in someone's brain are stuck in about 1955.  Authorities clearly never got the message that Canada's official 150th birthday theme is diversity and inclusion.

But disabled veterans, who can't even get into their own museum are used to this double standard.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation shares responsibility, for uncurious reporting.  So do the mayor and entire City Council, who promote Halifax as an "Inclusive and Accessible Community"

Some clueless designer decided that no wheelchair user would or could use the new path, despite ample evidence otherwise.  People with wheelchairs do all kinds of things, like climbing Mt.  Washington and waiting impatiently at the finish line for marathon runners.  And of course there are no standards to guide him (or her).  Soon to be remedied, we trust.

Maybe we should forgive the Citadel.  It is a fortress after all - keeping the enemy out is what they're all about.

But who's the enemy?