With one-third of Quebecers aged 15 and over reporting that they live with a temporary or permanent disability, Projet Montréal leader Valérie Plante unveiled the concrete measures her team will put in place to make Montreal a model of universal accessibility and to fight against ableism throughout the city, particularly in the areas of commerce, housing, public transit and snow removal.
Universal accessibility has been a priority for Projet Montréal during its first mandate and this file will move into high gear . Projects to install elevators in metro stations have been accelerated, several universally accessible parks have been developed, a major universal accessibility plank has been launched at the city, and ableism has been recognized in the Montreal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities as a form of discrimination against which city is fighting. Over the next four years, Projet Montréal will go even further to make Montreal a city for everyone. We propose:
- Offering a delivery service, in collaboration with the Merchants' Associations, for people living with disabilities;
- Offering a directory of universally accessible businesses, public places and services, in collaboration with the community sector;
- Ensuring that universally accessible units in city-subsidized social and community housing projects are better communicated to people in need;
- Shortening the processing time for files under the Home Adaptation Program (HAP), which was already improved during Projet Montréal's first mandate;
- Continuing the deployment of universal accessibility measures in metro stations. No less than 14 additional stations will be equipped with elevators within 4 years. Projet Montréal is committed to starting work in 11 other stations, for a total of 41 universally accessible stations by 2027. Quebec will be called upon to contribute financially to these important projects in order to accelerate the pace of completion;
- Improving our snow removal operations to better ensure universal accessibility, notably by prioritizing drop-offs and reserved parking spaces for people living with disabilities;
- Extending the Door to Sidewalk snow removal program to all 19 boroughs by increasing the budget allocated to the boroughs from $10,000 to $15,000.
Quotes
"To enable all Montrealers to reach their full potential, we must ensure that every citizen has access to inclusive, safe and barrier-free living environments. We have worked tirelessly to provide Montrealers with a more accessible and inclusive city and universal accessibility will continue to be a priority for Projet Montréal over the next four years. We are determined to take concrete action to improve the city's architectural and urban accessibility, and to ensure that everyone has equal access to programs, services, employment and communications" - Valérie Plante, leader of Projet Montréal.
"During its first mandate, Projet Montréal demonstrated a real commitment to fighting discrimination based on disability. In the next mandate, we will go even further to eliminate the remaining barriers and offer an ever more inclusive city to Montrealers. Our ambitious actions will improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities, but also for seniors and parents with young children, who all benefit from universal accessibility measures. - Laurence Parent, Borough Councillor Candidate for the De Lorimier district.
