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Commission members press for expanded sidewalks and repairs to improve senior mobility
Summary
Commissioners discussed sidewalk gaps, trip hazards from tree roots and the city capital budget, urging greater investment to connect neighborhoods to parks and community facilities used by seniors.
Several commissioners raised sidewalk safety and connectivity as a priority, saying broken or missing sidewalks and unconnected street segments limit seniors’ ability to walk to parks and community events.
One commissioner described a trip hazard from a tree root that took three years to repair after a city report and said repairs are important to prevent falls. Another member said sidewalks leading to Silver Springs—the city’s most used park on the Stow Road and Yonge Road sides—remain disconnected and recommended increasing the capital budget for sidewalks.
Council-affiliated participants described the complexity and cost of sidewalk construction: adding sidewalks in older residential areas often requires storm‑sewer work rather than only paving. Commissioners said they support funding increases and suggested a dedicated sidewalk planning group or commission to identify priority segments, review tree root conflicts and coordinate fixes.
Members noted the city has pursued sidewalks on several corridors and that a previous capital budget increase allocated additional funds to sidewalks, but stressed continued advocacy is required. The commission agreed the subject should remain a priority in communications with council and during capital budget planning.
