City trials new accessibility technology for the visually impaired

The City has formed a partnership with CNIB\Keys2Access on a one year trial project to assist the visually impaired navigate our traffic lights in the downtown area.

To date we have 8 fobs that are being tested by residents but anyone can download the Keys2Access app on their smartphone for free.

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With Key2Access wireless technology, users do not even need to make it to pedestrian button on the pole: they can request to cross directly from their cellphone or from a small Key2Access fob.

The technology has been installed at the following intersections:

- 4 Avenue South and 7 Street South

- 4 Avenue South and 8 Street South

- 4 Avenue South and Stafford Drive South

The technology actually triggers the traffic light audio and gives the user an audible signal of where they’re at and also lets the user know when they can walk across the street. It can also tell the user their location and which street or avenue they have triggered. A speaker will make a chirp sound, and a voice will give the person a crossing countdown.

The cost of the pilot project is roughly $6,000.

Keys2Access technology has been officially endorsed by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.