Letter: A City's Identity is Built By Its Actions, Not Branding & Marketing
David Mossy reiterates concerns about accessibility and the impact of unsafe infrastructure and dangerous obstacles, and questions the City of Owen Sound's priorities.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor,
I am writing in support of Deborah Boekestein’s concerns about the dangers and accessibility barriers wheelchair users face in Owen Sound, shared in this recent letter.
As a parent of a child who uses a wheelchair, I see firsthand how poor accessibility limits independence and safety. My stepson, Charlie, constantly encounters obstacles that make it difficult for him to move freely in public spaces. No one should have to avoid parts of their community simply because the infrastructure is unsafe.
In Ontario, accessibility standards for curbs and sidewalks are governed by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The AODA states that newly constructed or redeveloped sidewalks and walkways must serve a functional purpose and be accessible.
However, some of Owen Sound’s curbs and crosswalks remain dangerous, violating these standards and denying residents their basic human rights.
Wheelchair users, seniors, and others with mobility challenges face severe safety risks due to poorly designed curbs. When sidewalks and crosswalks are not accessible, individuals are forced to navigate unsafe routes or avoid crossing streets altogether. This is unacceptable, especially in areas near retirement homes, medical facilities, and shopping centers, where accessibility is crucial.
Instead of prioritizing essential infrastructure improvements, Owen Sound had spent a lot of money on rebranding, changing "Downtown Owen Sound" to "The River District" while ignoring its responsibility to ensure all residents can move safely through their city. A city’s identity is not built through branding; it is built through its actions, and right now, Owen Sound is failing in its municipal accountability to address these urgent accessibility problems.
Additionally, the city’s decision to disband the Accessibility Advisory Committee has further silenced those most affected. This committee provided a critical avenue for addressing these issues, and without it, residents have no formal way to advocate for necessary improvements. Why was this committee eliminated, and why is the city allowing so many people to suffer as a result?
The Ontario Accessibility Laws document acknowledges that accessibility is an ongoing process requiring the commitment of all levels of government. Yet, Owen Sound is failing to meet this responsibility. The barriers that exist today should have been addressed when infrastructure was last updated, yet residents continue to face unnecessary and dangerous obstacles.
This issue does not only affect wheelchair users—it impacts seniors, parents with strollers, and anyone with mobility challenges. The city’s neglect puts lives at risk. Failing to address these hazards means forcing vulnerable residents into unsafe conditions every day.
I urge you to reassess Owen Sound’s curbs, sidewalks, and crosswalks with accessibility as a priority. It is time for meaningful action to ensure that every resident—regardless of ability—can move safely and independently through their own community.
Thank you,
David Mossy
Bognor
Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.