People with mobility issues struggle to navigate sidewalks as cities rush to clear snow
When Liisa Nisula ventured out of her home in east Toronto for a medical appointment, she was faced with a daunting challenge. The snow-covered sidewalks were so impassable for her walker that she had no choice but to navigate the streets with caution.
“I was using the road and preparing myself for a potential altercation with drivers,” she recalled. The treacherous journey only got easier once she reached St. Michael’s Hospital in the downtown core, where the sidewalks had been diligently plowed and cleared.
Neil Thomas, a 62-year-old man who is temporarily homeless and staying at a shelter, also faced difficulties navigating the snowy streets with his walking stick. “It was very rough,” he admitted, highlighting the importance of having proper footwear for traction on icy surfaces. Thomas was en route to the hospital’s fracture clinic for a checkup after slipping on ice and breaking his shoulder weeks earlier.
In Montreal, MaryAnn Davis, a 58-year-old volunteer in palliative care, found herself stranded at home due to the uncleared sidewalks. “I’ve developed balance problems and I can’t walk if the ground is uneven – even with a cane,” she lamented. The back-to-back snowstorms in Ontario and Quebec had left many individuals like Davis struggling to navigate their surroundings.
The cities of Toronto and Montreal are facing a monumental task of clearing the record amounts of snow that have accumulated in recent days. It is estimated that it will take weeks for the snow to be fully cleared in Toronto, and at least a week in Montreal. Barbara Gray, Toronto’s general manager of transportation services, emphasized the city’s commitment to prioritizing accessibility for pedestrians, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Rabia Khedr, national director of Disability Without Poverty, highlighted the significant barriers that the snow pileup poses for individuals with mobility disabilities. She stressed the importance of clearing driveways and walkways to ensure that individuals using scooters or wheelchairs can move around freely.
Dorothy Quon, vice-president for community care at WoodGreen, expressed concerns about the impact of the snowstorms on vulnerable populations. She emphasized the importance of community support and encouraged individuals to reach out to local services for assistance. Quon also urged neighbors to check in on seniors and others who may be struggling to cope with the aftermath of the snowstorms.
As the cities work tirelessly to clear the snow-covered streets and sidewalks, it is crucial for communities to come together and support one another during these challenging times. By extending a helping hand to those in need, we can ensure that everyone has the support and resources they need to navigate the winter weather safely.
