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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.