A pilot project in Old Strathcona has concluded and organizers say the preliminary results have been overwhelmingly positive.
In October, colourful, temporary ramps were distributed to several businesses on Whyte Avenue as part of a project called Incline to Include. The ramps are meant to bridge the gap many have leading to their entrance.
Zachary Weeks, a member of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, said businesses seemed to like the ramps.
“The businesses received a lot of feedback in terms of being more accessible, not only for Edmontonians with disabilities but young parents with strollers as well,” he said.
Weeks said that the only negative comments received were related to whether the ramps would be usable in the winter.
“With the great weather, we haven’t really been able to test them in the snow winter conditions,” he acknowledged.
No changes are expected to be made to the ramps themselves, but there is discussion about changing some of the colours of the ramps to greater assist those with visual challenges.
Weeks said he would like a blanket policy for businesses in the city to have accessibility ramps, saying it would be a step towards greater inclusion, but in the meanwhile, he is pleased with the pilot project.
“Our goal is that these ramps will be around year-round,” he said.
Businesses that are interested in continuing to use the ramps must apply now to the city for a permit.
A full report on the project is expected next year.
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