I think this is a great idea, however it doesn’t address the city’s slanted sidewalk policy. The idea “was” that slanting the side walk would allow water to run off the sidewalk, in theory making it safer to walk on in the winter. But as usual some genius forgot that it gets cold here and water plus cold makes equals ice. With the pitch they have applied to most of the side walks for drainage makes walking on frozen side walks deadly for able bodied people let alone anyone with a mobility issue. Add to this lousy sidewalk clearing, snow curbs and no traction material post clearing (unless you call the ankle twisting pea gravel they use at times “traction material”).

I draw contention with the city asking for addition to the building insurance, if the ramp is within code requirements, and on the proper side of the property line, the city should suck and egg. Ask the business owners to apply for a permit for a ramp, OK, but to assume these folks will follow the rules established by the bylaws (don’t hold your breath). We already have too many side walk sandwich boards in the downtown area that don’t have permits or insurance, and I don’t see the city fining these businesses for the bylaw violation. More than once I have seen folks trip into these damn things on the side walk (some from shear stupidity and some due to texting and walking).

I would like to see permenent access to buisnesses? Seamless entry is more socially benifitial. Persnally a buisness licence should not be issued if everyone cannot get into the buisness and move freely. I do not think the city insurance should help cover these temporary ramps. They do not show sustainability, only patching a problem. there needs to be a perment solution. If a buisness cooses to go with the temporay fix, I would hope Each buisness should surly be able to step up and at least buyvtheir own ramp.

Profesional, i think the insurance is b/c the ramp sits on the city-owned sidewalk when out, so someone tripping on it could potentially go after the city. However, your right that the slant on sidewalks is a real risk..slanted ice is WAY worse than flat ice. I hate the signs all over the sidewalks too. I move them when i see them b/c they should at least be on the sides of the walkway.

Just wish the city would make pedestrian access (and disabled access) a priority in all decision-making.

A good idea, backed by good people, but a permit is required?
Too many rules, too much red tape = fewer ramps.

Thanks to the well meaning folks who got this idea rolling.

metalman.

Great idea, only one question. How does a person “request” to have the ramp put out, knock on the window and signal? They can’t get to the store to ask (hence the need for the ramp) do they need to call ahead? Sounds like mobility challenges just got coupled with a lack of independence or choice. Correct me (and I know you will) if I am wrong but it seems that either someone that is able to walk in the business and “request” that a ramp be put out must be with the person, or they must only go on a very planned trip, no casual shopping or stopping. And I would think that the City would cover the insurance to make more of itself accessible to its citizens. Also, I cannot imagine in January picking up wood (twice per shopper) that has been walked on, most likely salted on the bottom and moving it in and out during the day. I admire that there was some possible alternative to inaccessible buildings, but is this really the best we can do? People with mobility issues are taxpayers, maybe a more permanent realistic solution could be had. Not like the sloped sidewalk traps that the city has built!