Residents of Altona will likely see an expansion of parking spaces for people with disabilities at a number of public locations in the near future.

Mayor Al Friesen says town council intends to act on the recommendations presented by Equal Access Altona in an effort to improve access to parking for the disabled.

"We've committed to implementing that at the park and at the Millennium Exhibition Centre and then over a period of time we will do a review and some public education and determine how to move forward from that point."

The Equal Access Altona committee is funded by the town and provides direction to council on improving accessibility for residents with mobility issues. It was behind the improvements that were made to sidewalks in town to make them more accessible for people with mobility issues. The group also advised town council on the installation of a crosswalk that will is scheduled to be installed this summer on Centre Avenue near Main Street.

Friesen says increasing the number of parking spaces for the individuals with and accessibility need would be one way to address the situation, but they also need to create several feet of buffer space which would be clearly marked.

"That way they would be able to get in and out of their vehicle in front or back safely and in a way that is more accessible. So, it's more than just additional parking spots, but rather, how those parking spots are laid out, and that requires the use of a buffer zone."

There is no set timeline on when the recommendations submitted by Equal Access Altona should be implemented. Friesen adds, however, it's very possible some of the changes to the parking spaces on public property could happen this year.