Accessibility in 100 Mile House, and most communities in the province, is an issue for folks with mobility challenges at the best of times (summer).
This is because some people don’t seem to understand the fact that handicap parking stalls are wider and closer to a store or institution for a reason.
They are there so people with mobility challenges can do business, make medical appointments and fill prescriptions as easily as possible.
For the most part, local residents are pretty good about leaving these choice parking spots for those who need them the most, but there are some who just don’t seem to get it… you know who you are.
During our South Cariboo winters, accessibility for our friends and neighbours,
who need the assistance of canes, walkers, wheelchairs and scooters, goes from frustration with unthinking drivers to dealing with treacherous footing.
It is during these icy conditions that we need some compassion, understanding, vigilance and acts of responsibility from both our municipal government and local business owners.
For a better understanding of mobility issues during the winter months, see the front-page story in this edition.
Clearly, people are having trouble getting to important daily appointments because sidewalks and handicap parking stalls are not being cleared of snow and ice.
Some of these areas are the responsibility of the district work crews and they should be notified about the problems so they can get out and clear the pathways.
That way our mobility-challenged citizens can go about their business in a safe manner and without the fear of falling and risking injury.
People only need to call the office at 250-395-2434 to register a concern, and if the task isn’t completed prudently, then there are elected officials who need to hear about it.
Some of these sidewalks and handicap parking stalls are on private property and it’s up to the business owners to take the ice and snow away. These owners are the people who need to hear about the problems.
With a little due diligence, our community will not only be safer for our residents, but it will also attract newcomers to our area.