The idea came up because there are a few other communities, such as Mahone Bay, that have done something similar, said Region of Queens Mayor David Dagley.
Dagley says some municipalities cut lines or change the surface for people who are visually impaired.
“There are lots of municipalities that treat these issues in different manners,” he said.
Council passed an amended motion to paint the sidewalk splays on Market Street and Bristol Avenue at the regular council meeting Aug. 8.
But it almost didn’t happen. Richard MacLellan, chief administrative officer for the Region of Queens Municipality, said staff had received a number of requests to consider painting sidewalk and driveway entrances in Liverpool. Painting the entrances would provide a visual cue, he added during the recent council meeting on Aug. 8.
“Staff, based on our review, are not recommending adoption of this practice,” said MacLellan.
Included in the discussion section of a recommendation report was that Region of Queens staff had looked into the “value of recommending an increase to service for the 2018-2019 budget respecting painting sidewalk and driveway entrances in Liverpool.”
The discussion says
Some places don’t paint curb cuts because of the possibility of the paint becoming slippery and therefore causing a hazard to people’s safety, prompting the staff recommendation not to go ahead, Dagley explained.
Councillors, however, felt that it was something important to do in the community.
Coun. Jack Fancy, who represents District 5, says he’s spoken with people in Mahone Bay. There had been problems with people tripping, but the visual markers have helped.
“I think it could be good,” Fancy said about the sidewalk splays being painted.
He went on to put a motion on the floor to move ahead with the project.
Coun. Brian Fralic, who represents District 3, is another proponent of the idea. He says the cutouts for driveways can be difficult for anyone to see.
“What we’re doing is we’re just
Fralic has also spoken with people in Mahone Bay and has been told the painted sidewalk splays are making a difference. He adds legislation surrounding disabilities is going to change.
“When we think of disabilities, we think of people in wheelchairs, but it’s not only that,” said Fralic. “It’s people with walkers, it’s people that have mobility issues of any kind, and the visually impaired, so it’s one step forward in helping that.”
He says it is a trial, and council will see if it makes a difference.
Coun. Gilbert Johnson, who represents District 7, said he would be in favour of the recommendation and talked about the possibility of it increasing foot traffic.
Coun. Susan MacLeod, from District 4, also said she would support the recommendation.
“This also applies to a safe community,” said MacLeod.
Dagley said during the meeting that the motion might not be clear enough. He said it could be amended to allow for further clarification, it could proceed
The motion ended up being amended with some word changes, and the amended motion was supported.
In a follow-up interview, Dagley said the region will move ahead with the plan in a way that’s safe for everyone.
“The Region of Queens meets all the specifications for the construction of any of these driveway crossings over sidewalks and intersections and things of that nature,” said Dagley. “We’re very particular to follow all the requirements.”
Did you know?
The next council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 22 at 9 a.m.
