Sidewalk and Park Accessibility Amendment

Councillor Maloney?

Go ahead. Thank you. Can I be taken to an amendment queue? I forgot one. Okay, we'll just add you. One second. Go right ahead. This one, I'll read it out, that council directs staff to report back... to Council on the opportunity to accelerate and expand the delivery of sidewalk rehabilitation wherever accessibility improvements are needed, as well as accessibility improvements of park buildings and infrastructure through the addition or reallocation of funding in the capital plan mid-term update in 2028. As part of our commitment to advance policies and measures that create a more inclusive city, we should prioritise accessibility improvements where we can. And sidewalks are the first obstacle for accessibility for many seniors, but also for persons with disabilities. This is a question of whether someone can safely go outside every day or not. So it has an important impact for many Vancouver residents. And the plan foresees 30 kilometres of sidewalk rehabilitation. I'd like staff to consider how we can do more during the midterm update of the capital budget. More inclusive spaces are also facilitated by more accessible bathrooms in parks. Accessibility improvements for park infrastructure should also be reviewed. Currently, two to four sites are included for the capital budget for $1 million. We can definitely do more than that and prioritise reconsidering this budget line as part of our mid-term update in 2028. Thanks very much. Can I get a seconder? Council or okay advancing. Councillor Domonato. Oh, sorry. I couldn't get myself on the queue. But I just wanted to note. Sorry. I just want to put the amendment. I just want to note for the benefit of council is that there's 104 million in this capital plan allocated for sidewalks. And so I think that's just really important to bear in mind given the amendment. But I just wanted to flag that. Thank you. Else or? Yeah, I just was going to speak in support of the amendment. I think it's, I appreciate that there's 104 million set aside, but I think, you know, we both sit on the people with the Disabilities Advisory Committee and we know that this is a priority for them, for that committee. And also, you know, I think it saves the city. potentially in the long run for any potential lawsuits that come out if people are tripping and falling or hurting themselves on our sidewalks. And I know that this is prioritized. I know engineering is doing their best, but there's some lag, so I'll support this.