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»V iV Page A4 ♦ THE CANADIAN STATESMAN ♦ May 10,2006 durtiamregion.com Municipality gets ball rolling at work on problem intersection Residential protest sparks quick action BY JENNIFER STONE Staff Writer CLARINGTON -- A protest over accessibility issues at Baseline Road and Liberty Street has led to quick work by Municipal officials to ensure disabled people living near the intersection are once again able to cross the street. A group of residents who live near the intersection had begun a protest in March, complaining that the combination of poor sidewalk conditions and a short walk signal made it impossible for them to get to the west side of the street. The intersection is "an example of the comers throughout Bowmanville that are so poorly designed, disabled people cannot cross (the street) safely," said Wilma Paul, one of the organizers of the protest. Though she received assurance from Municipal officials last week that problems with the intersection would be dealt with almost immediately, Ms. Paul was at Clarington's General Purpose and Administration Administration committee Monday, complaining of inaction when it came to accessibility issues. "I feel a lot more could be done for us. Anything that's been said has been falling on deaf ears, and we really have not found much help from anyone," she said, referring to both council and staff. But councillors say the Municipal response to her concern was swift. ' "It was roughly six weeks ago that you brought this to Councillor (Pat) Pingle's attention ... Would you not agree that six weeks is pretty dog-gone quick" to have received assurances that the comer would be. fixed almost immediately, asked Coun. Adrian Foster. Foster. Ms. Paul said she had not seen results, but Coun. Foster disagreed. "In this case, the results are that the situation in its entirety is being addressed," he said, noting Engineering Engineering Director Tony Cânnella had worked with the Region, which is actually responsible for the intersection, intersection, to ensure the work gets done quickly. "Mr. Cânnella and his staff have done a terrific job. Those are results right there: you came to us with a problem and it's being resolved very quickly." Work will be done to make all four quadrants of the intersection more accessible, as well as increase the green light time, said Mr. Cannella. He said, barring issues with some utility-related equipment, the work could be done within a month. Liberty Street is in the Region's forecast for reconstruction in 2008, so the work will be temporary and accessibility will be considered when the street is redone, noted Mr. Cannella. Cannella. Ms. Paul also challenged Mayor John Mutton to gain first-hand experience of what she and others live with on a daily basis, noting there are a variety of areas of concem. "We, the disabled and handicapped of the town of Bowmanville challenge you to two hours in the real world of the disabled," she said, adding adding a wheelchair would be made available. But, the mayor declined Ms.. Paul's invitation, saying saying he feels the Municipality's Accessibility Advisory Committee, which Ms. Paul had been invited to join, is the voice of the disabled locally. "I'm not taking her up on her challenge, but when the Accessibility Advisory Committee have another accessibility day, I'm going to be right there," he; said, referring to a.challenge the committee held just over a year ago. On that day, able-bodied individuals, including Town officials and the media, were invited to attempt to do everyday errands in-the downtown while confiried to'a wheelchair or with some other equipment.aimed at simulating a disability. ■ "I totally understand the issue, and I will work with the Accessibility Advisory Committee as the spokes- people for the disabled in Clarington, because they , are the true champions,".he said. .vv V ■en Hojtse..^ • May 13, 2006,1:00 tO&OO / \a4 -tv f Horse Show / Graft fi|. Basket Sale 9:00 Junior School, JK;- Co-ed Day School (.Kindergarten is full days every Senior School, Grades 7-1 Day / Boarding - Girls Onfy for more information contact: www.bethanyhills.on.ca ; info 1 @bethanyhills.on.ca .. 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