Accessibility Advisory Committee championed inclusive downtown arena

If you haven’t noticed, there is a shiny new arena that is now part of the skyline of Edmonton that goes by the name of Rogers Place. The past few months have been quite busy for the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). We had been working hard to finalize details, touring the iconic arena and working with the media, The City of Edmonton and the Oilers Entertainment Group to highlight just how accessible Rogers Place is. Needless to say, it has been a tremendous experience. But what most people do not realize is that we had been putting in countless hours of hard work for the past four years on Rogers Place. We were approached and consulted with very early in the project as we all knew that this was a great opportunity to ensure our knowledge could be incorporated and implemented into a our new downtown arena to create an accessible and inclusive facility for all Edmontonians.

So what exactly did we work on? The short answer, darn near everything! The more detailed answer: stairways, ramp signage, washrooms, spectator seating areas, player benches on ice level, elevators, countertops, hearing loop devices and the drop off area for the Disabled Adults Transit Service on the north side of 104 Ave. That is just to name a few.

Zachary Weeks, Accessibility Advisory Committee Vice Chair
Zachary Weeks, Accessibility Advisory Committee Vice Chair

The experience was indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity. On the project as a whole, it was a very positive experience and a true pleasure to work with everyone involved, particularly the City of Edmonton staff, Oilers Entertainment Group and of course stakeholders in the disability community. We are excited to continue building this momentum and hard work to ensure that we are advised on all major city projects. We encourage developers and the City to continue working with the AAC to ensure that Edmonton is a city of inclusion. That means a city that can be accessed by all members of the public including those with disabilities, and our seniors. Stay in touch with us by seeking out our Accessibility Advisory Committee Facebook page and Twitter account @aacyeg.

The Accessibility Advisory Committee took a tour of the new Roger’s Place the first week it opened.
The Accessibility Advisory Committee took a tour of the new Roger’s Place the first week it opened.