Mayor Therrien Proclaims Friday as International Day of Persons With Disabilities in Peterborough

Mayor Diane Therrien has proclaimed Friday as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Peterborough.

This year’s theme, established by the United Nations, is ‘Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.’

In Ontario, about 2.6 million people live with a disability.

“Accessible communities benefit everyone,” said Therrien. “On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recognize the continued impacts that the pandemic has had on people with disabilities, and the importance of working together to ensure that everyone has access to vital supports and services, as well as removing barriers to full participation in our communities.”

The City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee uses this day to promote awareness of accessible spaces, facilities, programs and services. This year the committee is focusing on an online resource that highlights winter trail use in the City.

“Isolation has been a common experience throughout the pandemic, and it can be even more challenging as we head into the winter months. The City’s trail network provides an opportunity to get outdoors and spend time in nature this winter, which is good for our physical and mental health,” said Amanda Motyer, Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

The City maintains 42 kilometres of paved trails through parks and greenspaces during the winter. There are currently 9 sidewalk plows that maintain the paved trails, as well as over 400 km of sidewalks. Depending on the severity of weather conditions, it can take up to 48 hours for all sidewalk and trail routes to be cleared after a snowfall.

On Friday, the Council for Persons with Disabilities will host a vaccine passport clinic to assist people with obtaining their enhanced vaccine passport, either by downloading the QR code to a mobile device or providing a print copy. Residents are invited to book an appointment online or by calling 705-874-8661. This event will be held at 270 George St. N.

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