Arnprior Town Council convened a special session Thursday morning to address accessibility issues arising from staff interventions in sealing off the lower level beach parking lot.
The move, made earlier this summer, was part of a three-pronged initiative to address safety concerns at the park and its beaches, but has drawn wide-spread criticism from the community’s seniors.
A staff report recommending continuing with a barrier in place at the top of the incline to the lower beach parking lot was not even accepted as information.
Instead, elected representatives have authorized removal of the gated barrier by Labour Day of this year, with a new system of controls to be put in place by June 15th of 2022.
Councillors wish to see lower parking lot access restricted during weekends, holidays and special events between June and September, beefed up parking and tow-away signage along with two accessible parking spaces and enhanced bylaw enforcement to assure no vehicles are parked on the hill leading to the lower lot.
There is only one caveat.
Representatives instructed staff to see that their directions are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) before they are implemented.
