Council here is taking measures to ensure steps and sidewalks will be more visible.
The town will be outlining steps and sidewalks on town property in contrasting colours for accessibility and safety.
Correspondence from Wellington County’s joint accessibility advisory committee outlined concerns for people with low vision in relation to store fronts in Harriston, Clifford, and Palmerston – specifically not always being able to see where steps end and sidewalk begins.
The public works committee favoured painting a colour contrast to outline the steps.
Deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen said the move is in reference to steps from storefronts that come out over town sidewalks – especially on the main streets, but not exclusively in those locations. She believes it is more prevalent in Harriston than in Palmerston or Clifford.
The repainting would be done by the town to ensure the marking is consistent, she said.
Painting would be along the top and side edges.
Councillor David Turton asked if this is something that requires specific motions each time it is done, or should it just be included as part of ongoing maintenance.
Mayor David Anderson said “with the new accessibility laws, it is something that should be ongoing.”
He said Minto is showing due diligence by proceeding.
