Candidate did not respond to our questions.
1. What do you feel is the #1 accessibility issue facing the city of London?
I believe strongly in proper paratransit. The London Transit Commission was not delivering on paratransit as council intended. One of the reasons I got onto the London Transit Commission was to get paratransit improvements back on track. We need to continue to deliver improved accessible transit to Londoners.
2. How will you commit to improving accessible housing opportunities in our city?
I fully support Middlesex London Housing’s plans to make investments for accessibility. For the first time in 50 years we have added to MLHU stock, and we need to continue investing in accessibility improvements as affordable housing availability grows.
3. How will you work to improve accessible transportation including conventional transit, Paratransit, taxis and ride sharing?
Please see my remarks in response to the first question.
1. What do you feel is the #1 accessibility issue facing the city of London?
Beyond being recognized and heard, I think the number one issue facing the city for those with accessibility issues, is housing that addresses their needs. We have some major housing gaps, and this is one area that has been disregarded by the city.
2. How will you commit to improving accessible housing opportunities in our city?
My goal if elected is to work with developers to encourage them to build 20% of all new housing as low income, subsidized, and affordable.
I would inforce the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Human Rights Code and ensure that “At least 15% of suites in newly constructed multi-unit residential apartment buildings must include specific barrier-free design features” to accommodate those with accessibility issues.
3. How will you work to improve accessible transportation including conventional transit, Paratransit, taxis and ride sharing?
I would like to explore existing bus stops and where possible have pullouts for the bus so that the bus comes up to the sidewalk. Bus stops must be cleared as soon as possible and seen as a snow clearing priority. Sidewalks must be cleared properly and continuously of snow, just like the city streets. I would go as far as putting the sidewalk clearing back onto residents like they do in other cities, this would allow better clearing and resource allocation for main roads and parks.
I would like better booking times for those utilizing the paratransit. Booking 3 days in advance is not reasonable, nor is limiting yourself to “ideally” 10-2:30pm. Brantford’s system allows you to book upto 9:30pm the day before, and operates Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We should be able to do that.
