City staff are too often blocking city sidewalks with construction barricades and signs for motorists, Mayor Don Iveson said Monday, pushing for an explanation.
He submitted a formal inquiry, giving administration until January to describe its policy and the “values” it uses to determine what to block with signage, fencing and construction materials.
“I’ve had a lot of persistent concerns from people,” said Iveson, describing how either city officials or contractors will often leave signs and post fences that cut off access for pedestrians, especially those with limited mobility.
It’s to the point “where if you’re in a wheelchair, you couldn’t get by. If you’re on a bike, you’ve got to basically slow down and walk it passed these detours.”
Full Story (Edmonton Journal)
Iveson requests city investigate sidewalk obstruction methods
Pedestrian Rahul Deol says it wouldn’t be a bad idea for construction sites to make room for Edmontonians jaunting downtown.
On Monday, Mayor Don Iveson issued an inquiry into sidewalk and shared-use path obstructions, requesting administration determine if blockages can be mitigated.
Obstructions have become so commonplace that Deol has just become used to it.
“You can complain, but it’s just the way it is,” he said. “So I’ve learned to live with it.”
Iveson’s said many large city signs have collapsible bases that occasionally blow over on to sidewalks, adding the city could use signage that’s better.
Full Story (Metro Edmonton)