As an outcome of Spruce Grove City Council’s Strategic Planning Retreat, Council has re-confirmed their commitment to building an inclusive community and is supporting several initiatives to enhance accessibility in municipally owned spaces.

These initiatives include:

• Allocating resources for two accessible playgrounds as part of the Re-Imagined Central Park project.
• Formulating accessibility criteria and standards for neighbourhood parks.
• Exploring the creation of a policy addressing accessibility in municipal facilities and amenities.
• Exploring the Canadian Tire Jump Start Accessibility grant to enhance Jubilee Park, complementing the Liberty Swing.
• Investing in accessible and inclusive features and elements in municipal facilities and amenities to ensure widespread community impact, such as the Civic Centre and Central Park.
• Engaging with local experts and those with lived experience to help inform decisions around creating accessible and inclusive municipal spaces.
• Implementing free rides on Spruce Grove Transit for the attendants of individuals who require support when accompanying the person who needs assistance (effective end of February 2024).
• Continuing to investigate ways to improve accessibility in existing amenities, such as recent renovations to City Hall.

“We recognize the importance of having a community that is inclusive and accessible to residents and visitors of many ages, backgrounds and abilities,” said Mayor Jeff Acker, “and as outlined in Council’s Strategic Plan, we are committed to reducing barriers and improving access to City facilities, programs and services. This investment in City-owned playgrounds ensures that we are making a substantial and meaningful impact on accessibility throughout the entire community.”

The City also recognizes the importance of school playgrounds, and while the City does not make contributions to non-municipal public assets, it will commit to advocating to the Government of Alberta to mandate and fund accessible school playgrounds through an upcoming Alberta Municipalities resolution.

Additionally, the City is conducting a comprehensive review of our indoor and outdoor amenities, with a particular focus on enhancing accessibility to help guide us in planning and improving existing amenities.