Greater Victoria's worst sidewalk crowned
A narrow band of concrete running alongside Lansdowne Road in Saanich has been crowned the worst sidewalk in Greater Victoria.
It was crowned the ignominious title by a group called Walk On, Victoria, in a contest based on photos submitted by the public.
“It’s so dangerous for a pedestrian’” said Natasha Moroz, who organized the second annual contest.
“There’s no way you’re walking on that without feeling like you’re walking on a plank,” Moroz said Wednesday.
The strip of sidewalk in question is across the street from Camosun College, and is barely a foot wide.
It’s a lighthearted contest, but has a serious objective.
“The ultimate goal is to bring some attention to pedestrian infrastructure that frankly just needs attention,” said Moroz.
The dubious distinction of second-worst sidewalk in the region goes to a slab of concrete on Oak Bay’s Granite Street – that comes complete with three stairs.
Second place in the Greater Victoria worst sidewalk contest went to this sidewalk/staircase in Oak Bay. (CTV)
Of course, the two suspect sidewalks are hardly the only subpar ones in the capital region.
Kate Grafton is a disability advocate with the Action Committee of People with Disabilities. She says problem sidewalks are everywhere and impact people with mobility issues — including herself — in a major way.
“It impacts my socialization, my ability to be in the community, to be a vital member of the community,” said Grafton Wednesday.
Grafton points to a patch of pavement on Douglas Street in downtown Victoria that's too narrow and bordered by stairs. It’s on her route to work.
“I’m scared every single day, every single day,” she said, describing the process of navigating it in her wheelchair.
Oak Bay’s mayor, Kevin Murdoch, says the municipality is assessing all its 100-plus kilometres of sidewalks, with an eye to accessibility, and appreciates the goal of the contest.
“It touches on sort of the broader issue that we have, which is upgrading all of our sidewalks to meet those needs,” said Murdoch.
Both Oak Bay and Saanich’s mayors tell CTV News because the sidewalks in question have accessible sidewalks across the street, fixing them won’t likely be a priority — but pledge that making their communities more pedestrian friendly is.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
OPINION No reunion between Prince Harry and the King signifies a setback for royal unity
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks
A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America announced after 114 years that it will change its name and will become Scouting America in an effort to emphasize inclusion as it works to move past the turmoil of bankruptcy and a flood of sexual abuse claims.