By: Thama Cherilus
During the Montréal municipal election campaign, we invited all parties to participate in CNIB's Accessible Neighbourhoods campaign to learn about accessibility issues and explore possible solutions to take advantage of the renovation of Sainte-Catherine Street East to make it the largest accessible pedestrian street and a model for others to follow.
Six candidates from the Ville-Marie borough responded to the call:
- Jean-François Kacou, mayoral candidate for Futur Montréal
- Kathlen Jean, city councillor candidate for the Sainte-Marie district, Futur Montréal
- Chris McCray, city councillor candidate for the Ste-Marie district, Projet Montréal
- Robert Beaudry, city councillor for the Saint-Jacques district, Projet Montréal.
- Jean-Pierre Khouzam, city councillor candidate for the Saint-Jacques district, Futur Montréal
- Cosimo La Rosa, city councillor candidate for Peter-McGill district, Futur Montréal
- Shalom Foly, campaign manager, Futur Montréal
Attendees wore blindfolds or simulation glasses and accompanied CNIB staff members, Eitel and Najla, down the Sainte-Catherine Street East pedestrian street. They were able to see firsthand the environmental barriers on sidewalks, such as terraces, garbage cans, and posters.
Among the possible solutions presented to the group was the importance of a straight, obstacle-free walking corridor, tactile indicators, and audible traffic signals.
Thanks to the financial support of the Chambre des notaires du Québec, CNIB can continue our efforts to raise awareness about safe and accessible travel for people who are blind or have low vision in Montréal and other regions.