CAN Successes:
CAN receives feedback from community members through meetings, response to our newsletter, feedback from our website, and from people around town, or word of mouth. The feedback that we are receiving is extremely positive and people are glad to know that a group has been organized to look to the future and work to create all-inclusive communities.
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods has a Representative on TransLink’s Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee
TransLink’s Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee held their their first meeting in November. It was a workshop/orientation in which the nineteen members were introduced and they discussed meeting information. Heather McCain from Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods is on the committee and is excited by the seriousness of TransLink in wanting to make sure that this is an effective committee.
The role of the Users' Advisory Committee is to assist TransLink to ensure implementation of the Access Transit Plan and provide ongoing advice on all plans, programs, and other initiatives that TransLink funds. This includes:
Advising TransLink on matters which will enhance accessibility
Acting as TransLink's organizational conscience on accessibility issues
Assisting TransLink in setting priorities on accessibility issues
Providing comment on TransLink policies and strategy
CAN Part of Social Network Invited to Participate in '2040 Planning for People Transportation 2040 Dialogue'
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods was part of the ‘2040 Planning for People Transportation 2040 Dialogue: A Dialogue to Shape the Future of Transportation’. CAN had a representative who attended meetings, dialogues, and forums to help develop TransLink's 30 year transportation strategy. We worked to:
Identify the opportunities and challenges
Envision the potential issues
Craft strategies to address future transportation needs
CAN, among other organizations such as SPARC and Community Living, are part of a network that TransLink contacts when they need community based organizations to represent social interests. Our representative found the discussions very interesting and vast. The transportation network is amazingly complex. We were proud to offer our opinions on how to ensure that those with mobility difficulties are included in all future plans.
CAN Holds A Working Meeting with Coast Mountain Bus Company, Translink, and Staff from Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows
On November 20th Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods held a working meeting with Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC), TransLink, council members from Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, and members of the Engineering Department in both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. At this meeting we discussed the accessibility of the bus routes and bus stops in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, specifically the shuttle bus routes. CMBC asked CAN to create a list of bus stops which would be reviewed and considered to be made accessible. This list was created with the feedback from our members and we appreciated your help in letting us know what stops need to be made accessible.
This meeting was a great step forward for all present as it allowed all groups to meet each other and to understand the positions and perspectives of the various departments. CAN was proud to have a representative at the meeting. The Maple Ridge Engineering Department announced that they would work on a five year plan to improve the accessibility of our transit system. CAN would like to thank everyone who took time out of their very busy schedule to meet together so that we have a clear overview of who is involved, what their responsibilities are, and how we can work together to improve the system.
At the meeting CAN offered many examples of bus stops that should be marked as accessible. The bus stop at the top of our list was the one in front of Ridge Meadows Hospital on Laity Street. CAN is excited to announce that Coast Mountain Bus Company responded to our suggestion and has now labeled the stop in front of the Ridge Meadows Hospital as accessible. This is an example of CAN’s diligence, patience, and hard work paying off.
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods is now a Partner Member with BC Disability Sports
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods is pleased to have been asked to join BC Disability Sports as a Partner Member. BC Disability Sports is a leading non-profit organization promoting awareness of sport and recreation of British Columbians with disabilities. In partnership with the BC Games Society and host communities, BC Disability Sports manages the BC Disability Games, a multi-disability/multi-sport event that promotes and encourages physical activity and achievement. Other services and programs include Strength of Ability, Paralympic Pride and the BC Olympic/Paralympic Youth Leadership Academy. BC Disability Sports also serves as a central resource and referral centre in British Columbia. For more information go to www.disabilitysport.org
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods is honoured to have been asked to become a Partner Member of BC Disability Sports and we have gladly accepted.
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows is hosting the 2009 BC Disability Games and Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods looks forward to participating in an event that provides opportunities for persons with a disability to compete in an organized sport, recreation and cultural event that promotes personal excellence, physical fitness, and community pride.
CMBC's Policy Regarding Paid Taxis for Transit Users When Buses have Malfunctioning Ramps
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods has received a copy of the Coast Mountain Bus Company's Policy Regarding Getting a Paid Taxi for the Customers When the Ramp is Malfunctioning.
CAN Consulting with Groups Throughout Canada and the World on Accessibility Questions Via Our Web Site
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods has people from across the world visiting our web site. We have often had requests from groups or individuals who want more information on Accessibility Designs and Standards. We are proud that our organization has such a web presence. We have been able to help people from the Sunshine Coast, the Interior, Vancouver Island, Ontario, Calgary, Oregon, Seattle, and Japan, to name a few.
Questions vary from asking what the design standards in the respective cities are to questions about what Universal Design is and where to get more information. We had the pleasure of meeting with a professor from the University of Nagoya in Japan who came to Vancouver to discuss Universal Design and how the Lower Mainland is working to improve the standards.
We have enjoyed educating people about accessibility and we are excited by the level of interest our web site, our organization, and our goals receive.
Here are some examples of requests from people:
• A contractor from Grand Prairie, Alberta who is doing a project in Dawson Creek and needed to know about universal design, specifically for a footbridge. He was having troubles finding information about pathway accessibility when he came across our web site and phoned us. We had the proper document to give him (from the ADA) and e-mailed him immediately. He thanked us for the help and asked for any other documents we have pertaining to universal design as he may need it in the future. We appreciate contractors like Mr. Anderson who continued to dig to get the answers to make sure that his finished project is accessible for all.
• A researcher who has been hired by the City of Abbotsford and Spirit BC to develop a tool that could be used to improve accessibility for residents of Abbotsford. She is working on two projects: an evaluation of the transportation services, and choosing a a central location in Abbotsford to evaluate for accessibility. The evaluation of the central location was done by physically walking the route and observing the side walks, traffic lights, bus stops, curb cuts, signage, etc., and reporting back with recommendations for improvements. CAN was able to supply her with a document that we created for Maple Ridge which lists important accessibility issues for the downtown core. She was very thankful and said that if gave them direction and helped them understand the issues. Ms. Urquhart also requested permission to reference the universal design information on CAN’s web site in her report. We, of course, gave her permission and were glad to do so.
• A student from SFU who was doing a report on SFU dorm housing. The student searched the internet for information on accessibility and came upon our web site. They were very pleased with the input we were able to provide them and we were glad to help promote education and understanding about accessibility.
• An organization located on the Sunshine Coast contacted us to ask about creating an accessible trail. They were looking for guidelines on the internet when they came upon our web site. We helped the Sunshine Coast organization by leading them to documents with guidelines. They appreciated our help and we were glad to help any organization that considers accessibility an important goal to meet.
• A reporter in Ontario contacted us because she was wanting to do a story about Power Soccer. She saw the listing for Power Soccer on our site and has interviewed one of the Maple Ridge players for Kids on Wheels, a magazine for children who use wheelchairs.
• A professor from Nagoya University contacted CAN to ask about what was being done in the Lower Mainland to prepare the Paralympics. We were able to meet with the professor when she visited Vancouver in September. We demonstrated what a person with a mobility impairment or disability deals with and why accessibility is so important. She has kept in touch and hopes to have another meeting with us when she returns in December.
Working with Translink to Improve the 701 Route
CAN was proud that Translink listened to the concerns of the residents, and our organization, and that they are working to make sure more new buses are used on the 701 route so that there less of a chance of the ramp not operating. We also appreciate that they supplied us with a copy of their taxi policy regarding passengers who are stranded because of a malfunctioning ramp. This policy is available on our web site and it is suggested that transit users with mobility devices print the policy and carry it with them in case a driver says they are not aware of the policy. Translink has notified all drivers of the policy. Please help make people aware of the policy as there is now no excuse for a transit user to be left behind.
In addition to the promise of new buses and the policy regarding taxis as back-up in case of a malfunctioning ramp, Translink has increased the frequency of the 701. In 2008 the 701 will begin to run every fifteen minutes. We applaud this improvement. Another exciting improvement to come in 2008 is the new Maple Ridge Town Centre Transit Exchange. The current Transit Exchange near Haney Place Mall is besieged with barriers to people with various disabilities. Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods consulted with Translink and Aplin Martin Consulting to help design a barrier free transit hub. We are excited to see our hard work jump off the page and become a user friendly transit area in 2008. We are excited by these improvements by Translink and by their continuing to involve CAN in the planning process. We appreciate them taking the concerns of our members to heart and working with us to improve the service.
Translink has shown great strides in working to improve the accessibility of the 701 and we truly appreciate it.
CAN is Asked for Information on Accessibility Guidelines from Maple Ridge Municipal Staff
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods received a call from the municipality of Maple Ridge. A new wooden bridge is being constructed in Maple Ridge park and we were contacted to answer some questions regarding the accessibility of wooden slats, and the allowed width of the gaps on the bridge. We were also able to suggest that slip resistance cover be used to prevent falls. We truly appreciated the municipal staff contacting us before a project was done to confer regarding accessibility guidelines. We have forwarded a document to the municipal employees that comes from the American Disability Association. This document is quite detailed (it is over 40 pages) and specific regarding outdoor accessibility guidelines. It is unfortunate that Canada does not have written guidelines so for now we will continue to pass on the ADA approved document. The municipal employees thanked us for the document and followed up with some questions regarding the material within the document. We are proud to know that our organization is contacted and that the employees treat our ideas and suggestions with respect and appreciation. This is a true sign that our continued efforts to ensure improved accessibility is working.
Community Feedback
CAN receives feedback from community members through monthly meetings, response to monthly newsletter, feedback from our website, and from people around town, or word of mouth. The feedback that we are receiving is extremely positive and people are glad to know that a group has been organized to look to the future and work to create all-inclusive communities.
2006 UN World Urban Forum
Founder/President Heather McCain participated in a project advisory committee which advised on the creation of an event for the 2006 UN World Urban Forum called "Accessible Urban Design: A Facilitated Discussion on Inclusive Communities".
The event was a success. The room was filled beyond capacity with people from around the world interested in making communities more accessible. The three topics discussed were Transportation and Infrastructure, Housing and Independent Living, and Participation. There were many comments about the need for people to realize that productive people are being trapped by their environment. Participants from India, Germany, Sweden, USA, Singapore, Hungary, and across Canada all stressed the need for current "standards" to be improved. It was an event that allowed people from different parts of the world to see how their communities were accessible, what needs to be worked on, and what has or hasn't worked for people in other communities. The event started a dialogue that SPARC BC, the organizers of the event, hopes will continue and create positive change. For more information about SPARC BC go to www.sparc.bc.ca
Founder Heather McCain interviewed on CBC Radio 690
Heather was interviewed on CBC Radio Thursday, June 22nd, and spoke of the need for universal access. Heather emphasized the need for implementing the policies already in place and expanding on the already created minimum standards. Heather also spoke about the need for people to realize that accessibility, or "universal accessibility" is about more than just the user group of those with wheelchairs.
CBC Radio 690 was intrigued by Heather's statements and expressed interest in having her back again to speak at a later date. The interview raised awareness about accessibility and advertised the presence of Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods.
Funding for Adaptive Sports Program
CAN has secured funding for both adaptive sports: Power Soccer and Adaptive Boccia. Power Soccer is soccer played by those who use power wheelchairs. Adaptive Boccia is for people with disabilities, limited grip or mobility, and which is played indoors on a gym floor with lighter, easier to grip, Boccia balls. For more information visit our Adaptive Sports page.
CAN would like to thank the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Rick Hansen Foundation for putting on the annual Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event. Each year half of the money raised from the event is brought back to the community for "quality of life" projects. This year the adaptive sports program was approved as the recipient of the funds raised during last year’s event.
We look forward to the 2009 BC Disability Games which will be held in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, in which both of these sports are played.
Working with the ACT to Lower Special Needs Seating Price
The Art Centre Theatre in Maple Ridge raised the prices of the special needs seating when they created a pricing tier system. CAN discussed the issue with the ACT and explained that since those in the special needs seating are unable to choose where they sit in the theatre this practice was unfair. Being responsive to the CAN’s concerns, and those of their patrons, the remedied this as soon as it was brought to their attention and apologized for the situation. It was an oversight, and the proper information has been added in their computer system. Now if there are two prices then those in the special needs seating will pay the lower price. If there are three prices those in the special needs seating will pay the middle price.
Translink Heeds CAN's Suggestions for Accessibility and Safety at the New Transit Exchange/Bus Loop
(to be built in 2008)
Translink is building a new transit exchange (bus loop) in Maple Ridge. They held an open house on September 14th to gather feedback from community members about the proposed plans. Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods communicated the need for accessibility. We wrote several e-mails to Shirley Samujh, the Community Relations Coordinator. She was quick with her responses to our concerns and assured us that Translink would take our concerns into account when creating the final plans.
Translink held a second open house on November 17th at Haney Place Mall. This open house showed the plans for the new transit exchange and had several handouts. One of the handouts listed what Translink had learned during the first open house. Two of the items listed concern accessibility and show that Translink took our comments seriously, and plan to implement our suggestions. The two items are:
"Safety and Security: The proposed bus loop will improve overall road and transit operational safety by eliminating the need to cross the street for bus to bus transfer. The improved lighting and installation of a public telephone will improve security."
"Wheelchair Access: Wheelchair letdowns to and from the transit exchange will be improved. The sidewalk surface will improve rider comfort for wheelchair users."
We are pleased to see that Translink has listened to CAN’s concerns and has realized their importance. The elimination of the need to cross the street is very important for safety, and is especially important for people who are blind or who have visual impairments. For those with visual impairments crossing the street can be dangerous and the elimination of the need to cross the street creates a safer, and more comfortable, environment.
We were very pleased to see that they have committed to improving the letdowns (curb cuts) which are important for transit users with strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, carts, and other mobility devices. The addition of information concerning the sidewalk surface is also very important and we appreciate their listening to our suggestions.
The projected completion date for the new transit exchange is 2008. We will continue to offer our feedback throughout their implementation process.
Publicity of CAN's Concerns Gets Translink's Attention
There was an article written in The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Times concerning the communication between Translink and their customers. This article contained quotes from CAN president Heather McCain. The Vancouver Sun created a smaller version of this article and placed it in the community section of their paper. The appearance of this article in the Vancouver Sun elicited a response from Hansel Wang of Translink. Hansel Wang’s title is ‘Engineer Program Manager, Transportation Engineering, Road and Infrastructure Planning’. Mr. Wang was most keen to help CAN in anyway possible. The various concerns of CAN and it’s members were discussed. Mr. Wang’s assistance helped us to avoid being referred to more voice mails and more departments, and instead pointed us to the direct person to contact concerning the matters of bus stop accessibility.
While speaking to Mr. Wang we learned that Translink is currently creating a new design for the bus stops. We mentioned the need for a more visible decal, preferably a reflective band around the pole at eye-level from the seating area of a bus. He was very responsive to this idea explaining that it was not something they had previously considered because they had not received complaints concerning the small decals in the right hand corner of the top of the bus stop sign. We hope that he not only takes our suggestion into consideration but utilities them when the new bus stop design is finalized later this year.
Report on Shuttle Bus and Bus Stop Accessibility
CAN created a bus stop report to explain the current situation in regards to accessibility of the new shuttle buses. We reviewed various bus stops that should be accessible, such as the stops in front of the hospital, in front of the seniors’ centre, and the bus stops at Maple Meadows which are not currently marked as accessible. While doing the research to create this report it was discovered that CMB has replaced many of the bus stops signs with new signs to indicate that the stops now service shuttle buses. The new bus stop signs do not have the accessible decal in the top right hand corner, even on bus stops that were previously marked as accessible, and which remain accessible. The decal seems to have been overlooked when the new signs went up. This poses a problem as now passengers on the bus, and the drivers, are unable to know for sure which stops are accessible or not. We were not pleased to notice that the decals had been overlooked. This report has been passed on to the Mayor of Maple Ridge, and the Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility Issues (MACAI). CAN will work with MACAI to ensure that the concerns of the residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are heard by the Coast Mountain Bus Company and Translink.
CAN Meets with Staff from Maple Ridge to Discuss Accessibility
The president of Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods met with Mike Murray, General Manager: Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services, and Maple Ridge’s Mayor Gordy Robson to discuss accessibility issues. Mayor Robson had asked CAN to create a list of ways to make downtown more accessible. During the meeting with Mr. Murray and the mayor we discussed the list that CAN compiled to create a more accessible downtown core. We went through the list and we feel confident that Mr. Murray and Mr. Robson have taken the concerns to heart. It was the mayor who requested the meeting and we are encouraged by his obvious awareness of accessibility issues. The compilation of this list includes issues for those with visual and hearing impairments, mobility devices and strollers, and the comfort of anyone using the downtown area.
The report on the accessibility of shuttle bus stops was taken to a meeting with Mike Murray and Mayor Robson. Mr. Murray and Mr. Robson were not aware of the situation and were interested to learn about it. They outlined ideas and steps which would assure CMB that the municipality of Maple Ridge wants to work with them to insure the most effective, and accessible, service possible.
The meeting went very well and in the end we were pleased with what was said. While no promises were made we know that our concerns have been heard, and this is a very important first step.
Information Booth at Seniors' Centre
CAN set up an information booth at the Ridge Meadows Seniors’ Centre to educate patrons about Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods (CAN). We received great response and support from seniors, as well as suggestions about accessibility issues.
CAN Gets Answers Regarding Confusing Parking Policy at the Ridge Meadows Hospital
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods was able to get a verbal response to a situation that many local citizens were not getting a straight answer about. The Ridge Meadows Hospital has designated handicapped parking spots. The parking lot is a paid parking lot. The confusion surrounding this subject concerned whether those with the SPARC placard have to pay for parking while parked in the designated handicap spots. Some people have been told that those with the SPARC placards do not have to pay for parking anywhere on site. There was a poster in the rehab department of the hospital notifying people that “Persons with disabilities coming to Ridge Meadows Hospital may park anywhere onsite, in any parking stall free of charge. Your approved identification placard must be clearly visible in your vehicle to avoid ticketing.” People were upset that they were not told about the free parking until after they paid for their ticket. We hoped to clarify the matter, and if the parking was indeed free for those with the SPARC placard we hoped that the FHA would post signs at the parking machines to notify people.
After many phone calls to many different departments and people in the Fraser Health Authority, we were able to get an answer concerning the question of whether those with the SPARC placards have to pay for parking at the Ridge Meadows Hospital. Don MacAlistar, the Director of Protection Services for the Fraser Health Authority (FHA), was apprised of the confusion surrounding this situation and looked into it for CAN.
After looking into the situation Don MacAlistar explained that there is no written policy concerning free parking for those with SPARC placards. FHA’s written policy says that every person who parks in a FHA parking lot must pay for the duration of their visit. Mr. MacAlistar said that while there is no policy, written or otherwise, concerning this matter it is understood that "if a person with a disability is unable to purchase tickets their nonpayment will not be enforced". In other words while the FHA expects all visitors to pay for their parking they do understand that some people with disabilities are unable to use the ticket machines. If these people park without a ticket, due to their inability to get a ticket from the machine, their nonpayment will not be penalized. Mr. MacAlistar said that while there is no written policy but there is leniency towards those with disabilities.
While it is nice of the FHA to give us an answer concerning this question it is not an answer that is available in writing, or which is considered a 'policy'. When suggested to Mr. MacAlistar that it is hard to communicate a non-written, non-policy, to those who are confused about the matter he said that the above quote could be used in writing for the purposes of CAN newsletter and web site, but that it would not be available in writing from the FHA.
While this is not the most satisfactory conclusion to this question, it is an answer, and we now have a person to go to if the problem of a ticket occurs. Mr. MacAlistar stated that if anyone who was unable to purchase a ticket due to their disability, and who had the proper SPARC placard, was ticketed that they are to phone him and he will have the ticket reversed. His phone number is (604) 587-3770.
Mr. MacAlistar did apologize for the confusion and the inconsistent messages from the various departments. He assured CAN that the matter would be looked into and that the various departments would be told what the non-written, non-policy is. Please help others with the SPARC placard know what the FHA’s stance is on parking. Since the FHA will not advertise that they are forgiving in parking matters for those with the SPARC placard who are unable to pay due to their disabilities it is up to us to spread the word. If you know of anyone who has a problem with parking, or a ticket please let us know about it.
CAN's Website Page Listing Support Groups Continues to Grow
CAN has been able to triple the amount of listings for the support group section of the web site within the month of March. We continue to get new listings through word of mouth. People who run the support groups have contacted us to let us know that they appreciate the service. People who are interested in knowing what support groups are available in the two communities have also contacted us to let us know that they appreciate being able to easily access community information.
CAN is Invited to Tour Westview Secondary School to See Accessibility
CAN was invited to have a tour at Westview Secondary School earlier this month as a member had brought concerns of accessibility to the attention of those attending the January meeting. The tour was conducted by a special needs teacher, and the principal introduced herself and expressed her wish to help in anyway possible. After the tour of the school was completed CAN was satisfied with the accessibility of the school. The accessibility concerns previously brought to CAN were more to do with miscommunication than physical barriers. We, at CAN, are quite impressed with the accessibility of Westview and with the various classroom equipment that they supply to students with special needs. We were happy to discover that this issue was was able to be cleared up through proper communication between the various parties.
