Heavy snowfall causes accessibility concerns for Calgarians with mobility issues
With as much as 40 centimetres of snow over the past 48 hours and more on the way, people with mobility issues are facing significant challenges getting around Calgary.
While crews are working to keep platforms clear, in many places curb cuts through intersections are impassible for those using wheelchairs or walkers.
"Do you have to go through an intersection? Do you have to wait until snow has been cleared? Can you even get down in that day? You really have to plan that out," explained Sean Crump, accessibility advocate and founder of Included by Design.
"Is it worth going to A, B and C not knowing what navigation may look like?"
The City of Calgary says it has roughly 1,250 priority transit access sites that crews have been working on clearing since Sunday, but the problem for many is how easily the good work can be undone - a passing plow or even stopping just a couple of shovel sweeps too soon.
"Just finish clearing the snow. Make sure the corners of the streets have ramps cleared," said Joanne Dorn with Cerebral Palsy Alberta.
"You know you're already out there freezing, so two more seconds just to make it a little wider, it's going to mean so much to more to that person that comes along after that needs that access to the street.
"You never want to be the guy that always needs help, or you never want to be the guy that gets stuck in the snow, it's kind of like being the guy that falls down in front of everybody. There's a level of embarrassment."
Calgary's bylaws related to clearing of snow and ice give property owners/occupants 24 hours after a snowfall ends to clear snow and ice from the sidewalks bordering their property.
The City of Calgary is also required to clear sidewalks bordering and on city property within 24 hours of a snowfall ending.
If you spot a sidewalk that needs clearing you can contact 311.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.