Airdrie adopts ‘Bronson’s Policy,’ setting new playground accessibility standards
Airdrie city council has adopted accessibility standards for new and replacement City playgrounds, with administration projecting the changes could add about $2.5 million to the city’s 10-year playground capital plan.
Council approved the Accessible and Inclusive Playgrounds Policy on Tuesday without opposition, adding a provision allowing it to also be cited as Bronson’s Policy.
The policy work began with a July 2025 notice of motion co-sponsored by then-councillors Heather Spearman and Tina Petrow.
At the time, Spearman thanked Kayla McPhail and Shelby Perrotta for their advocacy and described Bronson as “a big inspiration in all of this.”
Bronson had cerebral palsy and used a wheelchair.
When the completed policy returned to council Tuesday, Mayor Heather Spearman said Bronson had passed away Saturday night.
She said Bronson’s mother had asked whether the policy could carry his name.
Council’s 2025 direction also called for targeted engagement with residents directly affected by playground barriers, including people with disabilities and parents of children with diverse mobility and sensory needs.
The City’s engagement summary lists loose surfacing, curbs, steep inclines, elevated structures and a lack of barrier-free connections to parking, pathways or sidewalks among the concerns raised.
