KENILWORTH – Council here wants to address concerns raised regarding audible signals at traffic lights in Mount Forest, but is not convinced a phone app is the way to go.
On Oct. 7 Wellington North councillors looked at Wellington County’s recent accessibility advisory committee minutes in which it was suggested Key2Access technology might provide a solution. The company is working with CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) and placing a strong focus on corporate and community partnerships as an effective and sustainable way to increase accessibility in the community.
Key2Access is working to improve pedestrian accessibility at intersections by allowing pedestrians to wirelessly request a street crossing by using the Key2Access mobile app or fob.
The app requires a “smart receiver” installed in the intersections existing infrastructure.
Mayor Andy Lennox said the township has had some challenges “on the usefulness of the audible signals to those who need them the most.”
He said the accessibility advisory committee was asked what might be the standard for the future.
The mayor said the township’s concern was that it had already invested in audible signals, but they did not seem to be doing the job required.
Lennox said, “What was suggested to use was a smart phone app which could be useful.”
Yet he questioned how useful such an app would work for those with disabilities.
“We’ve invested in our existing signals, but residents are saying they are not doing the job.”
Councillor Dan Yake stated “obviously the ones we put in at the time which we thought were acceptable and appropriate – are not.”
“I’m concerned we might take an approach which is too complicated.”
He said “my concern if we get too much technology wrapped up in this, it is just going to defeat the purpose.
“People with disabilities have so many challenges. We need something which is the most user-friendly to deal with.”
Yake said, “try going to Arthur or Mount Forest, closing your eyes, and trying to cross the street.”
Even if the technology were available to local residents, Lennox asked what options exist for visitors to the community and what their expectations would be.
Yake agreed it was difficult to figure out.
Lennox noted he was recently approached by someone in need of the service.
Yake said one of the problems is created by the traffic.
Both Arthur and Mount Forest are located on busy highways with considerable truck traffic that is very loud.
Yake noted he was recently in a community in British Columbia which had audible signals very similar to Mount Forest.
“You could hear them as clear as a bell, but there was no heavy traffic.”
Lennox added “my feeling is that while we want to address this, we also want to get it right.”
