Milton council to discuss accessible trick-or-treating initiative

Insauga.com
Feb. 1, 2022
Lucy Mazzucco

A notice of motion to discuss this initiative is being brought forward by Councillor Rick Di Lorenzo and seconded by Councillor Sameera Ali.

At a meeting next week, council will be discussing Treat Accessibly, a grassroots movement that began in 2017 by the Padulo family to make trick-or-treating accessible and inclusive for all families across Canada.

According to the notice of motion, by some estimates, 400,000 children in Canada identify with having a disability that may prevent these children from trick-or-treating.

With the Town of Milton’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, the notice of motion being brought forth by Councillor Di Lorenzo recommends that the Town be mindful of annual Halloween festivities and that they promote awareness of the Treat Accessibly initiative on an annual basis.

The initiative has recommended various ways that communities throughout North America and households in Milton can distribute items in a safe and accessible way on Halloween.

In a letter to Councillor Di Lorenzo, the initiative asks for the opportunity to share the story of Regional Councillor Linda Jackson of Vaughan, who drafted and helped pass the resolution in the City of Vaughan to champion Treat Accessibly.

“Our hopes, for the Milton Region, is to coordinate similar action with you, as soon as possible, Councillor Rick Di Lorenzo. And to get your perspective on the best approach to this action in a virtual meeting,” reads the letter.

Di Lorenzo’s notice of motion recommends that this resolution be shared with the Town of Milton’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, Halton Region Council, Halton Region lower-tier municipalities and all Halton Region-area Members of Provincial Parliament and Members of Parliament.

This initiative is set to be introduced at an upcoming council meeting on Feb. 7 and will be considered on Feb. 28.