Sidewalk Improvements Ongoing

Pedestrian safety is important to you, and a priority for the Township.

As part of our projects in 2022, we are installing Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI) along our sidewalks and crossings within subdivisions. The 2022 Budget has $395,000 dedicated to this accessibility improvement project, which includes $20,000 for a new sidewalk.

A TWSI looks like a flat metal plate with raised bumps. You can feel the bumps under your feet or with an assistive cane, alerting of possible hazards. These accessibility features help people with low vision or blindness.

Timeline for installation of TWSI:

• June and July — installation at sidewalks throughout Embrun and Russell
• August and September — installation at the new sidewalk between Hybrid Street and Olympic Street in Embrun
• September and October — installation at all subdivision trail crossings

You may notice the TWSI leave orange stains along the sidewalks, caused by the cast iron material. The stains will eventually disappear, and the colour of the cast iron will darken, making the TWSI easier to see on our sidewalks!

For questions about Tactile Walking Surface Indicators, please contact the Infrastructure Department.