Town lauds Alex for contributions

By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNews Now.com



He¹s only been in town about a year, but he¹s leaving behind a few changes that will make life in Middleton a little more accessible for some residents.

Alex Dumaresq, a municipal intern, is just finishing his work term for the Town of Middleton. He leaves at the end of February to start his new job at the office of the Ombudsman, in Halifax.

Over the past year, Dumaresq has made a number of friends in Middleton, and recently became a member of the town¹s volunteer fire brigade.

During the last regular meeting of the town council, the council presented him with a plaque in appreciation for his work over the past year. They also approved a collection of policy changes that he has been working on to improve accessibility in the Town of Middleton.

"I'm really proud of this work. These changes will make a real difference in people's lives," he said. "I think the changes will make the town better for everyone."

He added that some of the policy changes came about after a resident complained about the inadequate wheelchair accessible parking spaces in town.

"They were too narrow to accomodate a wheelchair," he said. "So the changes to the parking spaces are based on recommendations given by the Canadian Paraplegic Association¹s standards."

Larger barrier-free parking spaces will be made by the town during the next regular scheduled line-painting maintenance . Also curb cuts will be redesigned to allow wheelchairs and strollers easier access to roads and sidewalks.

The town is also offering incentives to any local business that wants to make changes to improve accessibilty to their space. A rebate will be offered on building permits for businesses that renovate existing buildings to provide wheelchair accessible services.

Another change that Dumaresq said he is pleased with is the addition of a web resource for the Town¹s website. The 'Barrier Free Resource Centre' outlines the steps the town has taken to improve accessibility and offers links to organizations and advocacy groups for people with disabilities.

Dumaresq said he is looking forward to his new job, but adds he will miss Middleton.

"I¹m going to miss the sense of community - it¹s not like that in Halifax. And I¹m going to miss all of the trails," he said. "My apartment is next to the town pool, and last summer it was like having my own swimming pool. I'm really going to miss that."