City facilities to be inspected to identify any concerns with accessibility

May 30, 2018 | 3:52 PM

The city is working on accessibility at its buildings. This summer, 43 city facilities will be inspected, and they will be looking for any accessibility concerns.

“There are things that those of us who don’t have mobility issues take for granted,” said Karen McGriskin, Manager of Sport Development, Wellness and Culture with the City of Grande Prairie.

Accessibility issues can include a wide variety of things like a ramp to the main door for strollers or wheelchairs, wide enough aisles in stores, entrance push buttons, and more.

Building code and accessibility priorities that are identified through the inspections for city facilities will be referred to the 2019-2022 budget process.

By making accessibility a priority at its facilities, the city is hoping to lead by example, according to McGriskin.

“We hope to engage the Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce and put together a marketing strategy around accessibility actions in Grande Prairie and maybe help local businesses become more informed and aware. Maybe there’s accessibility issues to their business that is preventing people from coming in,” she said.

“Efforts through this whole initiative are going to promote better accessibility to local businesses and city facilities. It will result in improved conditions, independence and quality of life for all residents with disabilities and visitors to Grande Prairie.”

w/ files from Justine Kelsie

by Sheena Roszell