Restaurant patios still need improving, say Calgarians with mobility issues

Around a month ago, Calgarian Peter Quaiattini expressed hope that while the city's extended patios were shut down due to COVID restrictions, they would be improved for people with mobility issues.

Quaiattini is blind, and he wanted the patios altered to accommodate those struggling to navigate the obstructed sidewalks.

But with the summer approaching, he said the problems aren't going away.

"I do know that there are people at the city who care and who are committed to accessibility," he said. "So why hasn't that commitment and awareness translated into tangible action?"

Quaiattini said that at this stage, sidewalk patios are not new — and the fixes are long overdue.

"There's no real big advancements," he said. "And we don't need to invent this here. Look to where it's been done elsewhere, and let's use that."

Loraine Fowlow, who uses a scooter, said many ramps still don't have enough room for people with mobility devices to manoeuvre. 

"If you haven't figured this out, let us help you," she said. "We can show you what the problems are and what the potential solutions are."

The city said accessibility is taken seriously and upgrades have been made, including new asphalt and plastic ramps. 

"We will continue to listen to the accessibility community and make changes as needed," reads a statement issued by the city.

"We will also be piloting different types of accessibility measures on the patio detours and will have the accessibility community provide input."

Quaiattini said that is encouraging, but he expects to be still lobbying for changes into next year.