PG sidewalk accessibility for construction sites gets reviewed

Prince George City Council has approved a review on how the City permits sidewalk closures for work zones.

Chris Gobbi with the Advisory Committee for Accessibility gave a presentation at tonight’s (Monday) council meeting asking for the City to review their policies to ensure pedestrian safety around work zones.

“I’ve been a member of the committee for about five years, chair for the last two. This issue has been raised multiple times in the committee, both by committee members as well as members of the public. Recently it has come up again,” said Gobbi.

Gobbi said the committee went and took photos around the city showcasing the different construction projects in the area, and how they dealt with sidewalk closures, adding some were well done, and others were not.

Manager of Transportation Dave Bradshaw said some construction permits specifically mention sidewalks, and others do not, and if they have issues they try to work with contractors to remedy them.

Councillor Brian Skakun suggested finding a way to collaborate with the committee going forward to get a better understanding of what could be done to fix the problem.

“I know we get a lot of feedback from them after the fact, but when these large projects come, get feedback from them prior to issuing building permits. Because they are the real key going forward.”

Skakun added that the report for the council would probably take several months to get any recommendations.

Councillor Susan Scott brought up the importance of the committee, as well as the review, by noting that some residents are dependant on the city’s sidewalks.

“Some have visual acuity issues, some have mobility issues. And we have a great many seniors in our community who don’t drive and are dependant on transversing parts of our city on foot,” said Scott.

City Manager Walter Babicz clarified that the resolution for this issue would cover both public and private construction projects in the city.

The council meeting also delved into the Integrated Storm Management Plan, which was brought up back in 2012, could see storm drains being updated around PG, and could potentially cost the city an extra $5 million annually, on top of the already in place $4 million a year cost.

The Agriplex project update was also discussed, which saw an extra $100,000 being added to the $200,000 project from the Community Works Fund to get it ready for the 2022 BC Summer Games.