The Inclusion Advisory Committee stands with the citizens of St. John’s who are gravely concerned by the recent council decision to leave sidewalk snow clearing unchanged. We greatly appreciate all efforts by local activists and social justice groups who have forced attention on the issue, as we, too, believe that the health and safety of all depend on clear, functional sidewalks.
Mobility and use of city streets throughout the year are human rights — ones that many are denied in the winter months because of inaccessible sidewalks. Many citizens in St. John’s are significantly affected by problematic or absent snowclearing practices on sidewalks. Those citizens who are represented by the Inclusion Advisory Committee are disproportionately affected.
If we truly want an accessible, inclusive city, then we need to begin investing in and reimagining snowclearing now.
From December through April, sidewalks are not fit for use by those who use mobility aids, those with strollers and small children, those with vision loss, those with balance issues, just to name a few. Deaf people in particular rely on clear sidewalks as they cannot hear traffic as it goes by. Even citizens well-equipped to navigate the icy terrain of sidewalks are pushed into the road when a snowbank blocks access to an intersection or only a sliver of sidewalk is cleared — not enough to walk safely. We also know that many of those represented by the Inclusion Advisory Committee do not have access to cars, for various reasons. Consequently, walking is the only form of transportation that is used. Safety of pedestrians must be paramount.
The Inclusion Advisory Committee outlined these exact issues to the city during the public engagement process that happened over the summer. We encouraged our communities to participate with a firm belief that the contribution of our voices would lead to real, practical change. We are very concerned that the recommendations given to council insisted on more of the existing practices, without articulation as to how snowclearing might be done differently. The recommendations did not reflect the learning gleaned from the 3,000 participants in the engagement process. This learning did not only advocate for better financial investment, but pointed to particular issues that if addressed, could lead to greater sidewalk accessibility. We are therefore left asking, what is the relationship between public engagement, other city departments and council decision-making?
A common chorus these days is that we are unable to act or invest because of the impact of the pandemic on budgets and capacity. There is no doubt that the city, like many of us, has experienced significant hardship this year. The Inclusion Advisory Committee believes that the pandemic is a key reason why we must invest in outdoor infrastructure that allows participation by all. As we look with trepidation towards what future months may hold for our health and safety, access to outdoor activities remains foundational to maintaining physical, mental and emotional wellness.
If we truly want an accessible, inclusive city, then we need to begin investing in and reimagining snowclearing now. This is a long-term project which we certainly won’t fix within the next year, but in order to see change in a decade, we need to begin acting today. The safety and well-being of the citizens of St. John’s depend on it.
The conversation is not yet over — the vote by council means that sidewalk snowclearing will be discussed within the context of the budget. Budget consultations are upcoming, and we encourage everyone to continue to make their voices heard through these and other channels. The Inclusion Advisory Committee will continue to advocate on behalf of marginalized communities.
In solidarity,
Taylor Stocks, chair
Inclusion Advisory Committee — City of St. John’s
