Thanks again to Billy Goodkat for the heads up about the sidewalk stickers that are part of the City's marketing/activation campaign (and for the picture).  Billy's experience that the stickers were "slippery when wet" stickers led us to put a little PSA on our Facebook page, and the keen advocates on the City's Accessibility Committee brought it to the attention of the folks who can take action.

Our new Community Development Coordinator addressed it right away, and here is her response verbatim:

"Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’ve had some great feedback to this “animation/activation” initiative to some of the pedestrian spaces in the River District and are certainly concerned that the decals may pose a slipping issue.

When the decals were spec’d, the material was chosen using multiple criteria – ie., durability. I can confirm that NON-SLIP was a key criteria.    Have1.com,  who did the creative and installation has confirmed that the product used was Arlon DPF 8200 High Tac.  It is used in combination with a UL certified slip free laminate by Arlon. This product is what was agreed upon as a safe option for outdoor use and suggested by the seller.

I did a physical tour of the River District and visited each site in which these decals adhere, testing the slipperiness in each location including a test with the addition of water to the surface. There is a small change in the surface when the material is wet, which is the same for all outdoor surfaces in wet weather. 

We have followed up with Have1 regarding the material used raising the concerns of the public.  As an additional measure of safety, Have1 is undertaking modifications to the decals. There will be another material to be placed over top of the vinyl to increase the slip resistance while maintaining the colourful activation of the River District. The decals should be modified later today.

Thanks for raising this concern.  We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and to your awareness always of accessibility for all people.

Please feel free to reach out should you have any questions at all  Viveca Gravel   Community Development Coordinator City of Owen Sound   376-4440 ext. 1209