As is my custom, last week I made a visit to the liquor store on Clyde street. Exiting with my purchase, I decided to wheel up to Roots, where a Beaver Canoe tee shirt caught my eye. Halfway up the west side of Queen I ran into a 'Sidewalk Closed' sign with no accommodations like a temporary crosswalk (white lines). I retreated to Clyde St., and tried Birmingham instead, Same result - no crosswalk, although it is possible to descend onto the street via a parking ramp. I note that the south side of Spring Garden is also 'Sidewalk Closed', making about 160 meters without pedestrian access. (yellow line)
You wouldn't have any reason to know that the upcoming Built Environment Standards of the Accessibility Directorate include:
It is in the Recommendations to the Government of Nova Scotia on Accessibility Standards in the Built Environment: Phase 1, submitted to the Minister of Justice on October 26, 2020.
In construction zones that affect pedestrian ways, appropriate and accessible signage and safe rerouting shall be provided, as per the CSA B-651 Standard as amended from time to time.
It is in the Recommendations to the Government of Nova Scotia on Accessibility Standards in the Built Environment: Phase 1, submitted to the Minister of Justice on October 26, 2020.
This diagram from HRM leads me to guess that at least 10,000 pedestrians (probably more like 30,000) pass up and down Spring Garden and by the still(!!!) inaccessible Jennifer's each weekday.
In this PDF are many examples of safe alternatives to closure. Some pictures:
Since construction began November 24,2020, more than six million pedestrians have been inconvenienced and endangered by the closed sidewalk, which is evidently allowed to the developers without charge.
Meanwhile, Clyde Street has some of the worst sidewalks and curb cuts in the western hemisphere. I think Micco and Westwood ought to compensate us for the nuisance of rerouting. $0.10/pedestrian inconvenience would make $600,000 available for Clyde St. improvements.
Actually, you should do it anyway so pedestrians can visit the Cannabis Store without further endangering their health.
You may remember that ten years ago there was a dispute about the Chickenburger on Queen. Mickey MacDonald then wrote to me "I appreciate and applaud your convictions to help the city be more accessible, kudos to you." so he should be amenable. In fact, I'm a bit surprised that he has taken pedestrian safety so lightly.
Danny Chedraw is a stand up guy and unlikely to have an objection.
Pedestrians should come first.
Gus Reed
1 comment:
All points well taken! Thanks. Maybe this is worth an op ed in the herald.
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