New "Smart Speakers" controlled by fobs and an App called Key2Access have been installed at some downtown intersections

By Lara Fominoff

City trial project aims to assist those with visual impairments

Oct 24, 2019 | 11:49 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge is taking part in a one-year trial project with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the developers of an App called “Key2Access”- to offer a safer way for those who are visually impaired to cross several busy downtown intersections.

Road Infrastructure Manager Richard Brummund says two of the three intersections were updated two months ago, while the last one was completed just a few days ago.

“CNIB and Key2Access approached us about eight months ago I’ll say, and they offered up a trial for a reasonable price, and so we said ‘yes, we’re in.’ It kind of aligned with the Mobility and Accessibility Master Plan that we’re doing, so this was a great idea.”

The local CNIB group is now giving the city feedback on the effectiveness of the fob and the App. Over the next year the pros, cons, and usage will be monitored to see if it’s a viable option for improving accessibility in other intersections throughout the city.

All the modified intersections are along 4 Ave. S., at the intersections of 7 and 8 St. S. and at Stafford Drive.

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While 10 special fobs have already been handed out, the App can be downloaded by anyone who might need it. It’s available for free at the App store on any Smart Phone.

“The App actually changes the light and/or gives you a signal of where you’re at and also when you can walk across the street,” Brummund explains.

It can also tell the user their location, and which street or avenue they have triggered. A speaker chirping will sound, and a voice will give the person crossing a countdown.

Cost of the project is about $6,000 so far, but it’s not clear yet how much it might be in the future.

Several years ago, the City installed chirping speakers at other intersections that would sound off for several seconds and to tell citizens to cross.

More information will soon be available on the city’s website on the project and to allow for feedback from the public.