Advocates calling on the city to enforce accessibility policies in construction zones
Summer in Winnipeg is often paired with plenty of construction work, but some sites in the city are making it difficult for people with mobility challenges.
Barricades and broken concrete are blocking a portion of the sidewalk along Portage Avenue in the St. James area. For Allen Mankewich, who uses a wheelchair, the barricades are nearly impossible to get around.
“They have a ramp to get up to the bus stop over there I noticed, which is nice, but then half the sidewalks are blocked off by construction debris and signage, so it seems like they’re taking some steps, but completely missing the boat on other steps,” Mankewich told CTV News.
The City of Winnipeg’s Manual for Temporary Traffic Control on city streets states, “When pedestrians are not removed from a work area, a temporary path must be maintained where possible.”
It also notes the temporary pedestrian path must be accessible and separated from vehicle traffic, and temporary curb ramps should be used to maintain accessibility for those with mobility issues.
“A manual is good, but if it’s not being enforced, it’s simply nice words on paper which doesn’t really help anybody,” Mankewich said.
The Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities said some people with mobility issues may not have another mode of transportation, and blocking sidewalks and intersections without a temporary path can restrict them from accessing goods and services.
“When you create projects that literally put a physical barrier in front of them, and you’re not supposed to go into a construction zone for safety reasons, it can really create some unintentional exclusion,” said chairperson Whitney Hodgins.
In a statement to CTV News, a city spokesperson said contractors are required to comply with the temporary traffic control manual to the extent feasible, and said the city makes efforts to ensure compliance.
“The City assigns a Contract Administrator to oversee all aspects of a construction project including traffic management and access,” said the spokesperson in an email.
“As a reminder, the public can contact 311 who will forward the issue to be addressed by the contract administrator.”
Hodgins said accessibility policies are in place because construction companies are supposed to follow them.
“When they don’t, it does become a bit of an issue because now it’s up to the people living with disabilities to say something,” said Hodgins.
In the past, Mankewich said when he’s reported accessibility issues in construction zones, the city referred him to the private contractor in charge of the project.
“Maybe we should be looking at doing some of this work in house where we know the reporting process is with the city.”
The Portage Avenue construction work is scheduled to be complete by the end of July.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
They were from different countries and barely spoke each other's languages. More than 20 years later, they're still happily in love
He decided to spend Christmas somewhere that wouldn't involve snowstorm disasters. She was spending the holidays with family, travelling for the first time outside of her native country of Venezuela. 23 years later, they're still in love.
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say
A man who doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump is on trial has died, police said.
Verdun Airbnb listing taken down amid complaints, fines and frustration from neighbours
An Airbnb in Montreal's Verdun borough was the source of much frustration from neighbours who say there were constant parties at the location. It has been taken down from the app, but housing advocates remain upset about short-term rentals.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
12 students and teacher killed in Columbine school shooting remembered at 25th anniversary vigil
Thirteen victims of the Columbine High School shooting were remembered during a vigil Friday on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the shooting that was the worst the nation had seen at the time.
Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza city of Rafah kills at least 9 Palestinians, including 6 children
An Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza's southernmost city killed at least nine people, six of them children, hospital authorities said Saturday, as Israel pursued its nearly seven-month offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Iraq investigates a blast at a base of Iran-allied militias that killed 1. U.S. denies involvement
Iraqi authorities said Saturday that they were investigating an explosion that struck a base belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-allied militias, killing one person and injuring eight.
The House is on the brink of approving aid for Ukraine and Israel after months of struggle
The House is preparing in a rare Saturday session to approve US$95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies.