Request #

IR-24-11

In IR-24-006, the City defines accessibility as:

“Universal access refers to creating environments, programs and services that respond to the needs of the widest population range possible, enabling persons with varying abilities and ages to participate in the community on an equitable basis.”

And when designing playgrounds, the City defines inclusivity as:

“Equitable access to diverse play opportunities by removing physical and social barriers to participation. This includes providing various types of play equipment that enable children to challenge themselves at different level, to enjoy quality play experiences to have fun playing together.”

While Alberta does not have specific legislation like the “Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act” which includes statements like:

“Under the Design of Public Spaces Standard of the AODA, cities and other organizations building or redeveloping outdoor play spaces, such as playgrounds or parks, must make those spaces accessible to children and caregivers with disabilities.” And “The ground surface on the way to accessible playgrounds must be firm and stable so that canes, crutches, or the wheels of mobility devices will not sink into it. Surfaces must also be level, without slopes. In addition, surfaces under playgrounds must be built to prevent injury on impact. Moreover, playgrounds must have clearance so that children and caregivers with disabilities can move to, through, and around the spaces.
Furthermore, play spaces must incorporate accessibility features, such as sensory and active play components for children and caregivers with various disabilities, into their design.”
Alberta does have the Alberta Human Rights Act which states: “Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to services, goods and facilities, without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability.”

In light of the prevailing legal sentiment that all municipal services must be provided to all residents of our community irrespective of their “ability”, does the current City definition of “Accessibility” and “Inclusivity” fully comply with the letter and intent of the legal environment in which St. Albert resides? If so, on what legal grounds is St. Albert able to construct non accessible playgrounds? If not, what steps would be necessary to create a reasonable, affordable plan to make St. Albert playgrounds accessible?

RESPONSE:

The City of St. Albert believes in the advancement of a fair and equitable society that promotes respect for all citizens, strengthens the community, reduces causes of disadvantage and inequality and ensures that all citizens in St. Albert thrive and enjoy the best quality of life possible. The City’s Diversity and Inclusion Declaration reflects this belief:

The First Nations and Métis peoples referred to the valley where St. Albert sits as Payhonin, meaning A Gathering Place.

The City of St. Albert embraces diversity and is proud to be an inclusive and accessible gathering place of people.

As a City, we will work hard so that all residents and visitors are valued and included.

We will do our best to make sure that the decisions we make are in the best interest of everyone.

We want everyone to know that they are welcomed in St. Albert; it’s okay to be yourself.

We believe our city is a better place when we use everyday opportunities to be welcoming and inclusive.

Be curious. Be kind. We all need to know we belong.

A fully accessible playground is defined by the City as usable by people with physical or sensory disabilities, such as mobility, hearing, or visual impairment. Accessible parks incorporate a variety of play and typically include rubber or wood fibre surfacing, as opposed to sand. City Administration is in the process of developing an “Accessible and Inclusive Playground Strategy”, which is scheduled to be presented to Council by June 30, 2025, which will take into consideration the addition of accessible playgrounds throughout St. Albert.

A further response has been provided to Council which will remain confidential in accordance with section 27(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.A.2000, cF-25, as amended.

Requested by Fmr. Councillor Brodhead on June 4, 2024

Administrative Response

A backgrounder report was prepared by Legal & Legislative Services for Council's review.

Confidential Response

Information Requests can sometimes only be answered using confidential details related to the City's operations or those of a partner. The response to this question has been withheld with the following explanation:

A response has been provided to Council which will remain confidential in accordance with s. 27(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.A.2000, cF-25, as amended”.

Return to Requests