qathet Regional District’s directors are interested in a discussion among local governments regarding accessibility.
At the March 11 committee of the whole meeting, Dave Hodgins and his wife Margaret appeared as a delegation regarding accessibility. Dave said his son had a stroke three years ago, which put the family’s world into a tailspin. He said their biggest issue has been accessibility in the community. He said he’d been in front of the regional board with regard to transit, and with COVID-19 he backed off advocacy because of concern for the pandemic, but he and his wife Margaret have returned to advocacy.
“Our issue is trying to take our son somewhere to enjoy the outdoors,” said Dave. “We have a fantastic community here with tonnes of amenities but we can’t get anyone in a wheelchair to them.”
Dave said a letter he sent to the regional district focuses on City of Powell River but the regional district shares as much responsibility for recreational accessibility for people with mobility issues.
He said he recently had knee surgery and trying to push a walker around Haywire Bay was an exercise and trying to push a wheelchair is even tougher. The washrooms were not accessible, he added. Shelter Point on Texada Island is not accessible, either, according to Dave.
He said when they took their son Christmas shopping in local stores they couldn’t get down the aisles. Doorways present problems for a wheelchair, he added.
“What I’ve been advocating the last little while is hopefully a joint committee,” said Dave. “I’m hoping someone forms an advisory committee. I’ve sat on many and I’ve seen some good results.
“We need to start looking at the future. We need to look at how we do this. We’re not looking at big bucks. In some cases, it’s easy hanging fruit we can grasp. For example, if you want to operate in the city or the regional district, please make sure people, not just the ones who can walk, can get into the establishment.”
Dave said regarding bus stops, there are stickers posted saying they are wheelchair accessible, but he challenges anyone to take his son in a wheelchair and put him on a bus.
“We need to start looking at that type of infrastructure,” said Dave. “It’s going to mean applying for grants and doing some legwork.”
He mentioned Inland Lake, and the 13-kilometre-long trail built with volunteers and grants for wheelchair accessibility.
“It’s a shame it’s no longer that way,” said Dave. “We need the community to get together to look at how we improve. I would like your support in forming this committee.”
Margaret said they understand fully that what has happened in the past can’t be remedied but if there can be planning, taking small steps forward, it may make getting about easier and add a little more pleasure in life.
Committee of the whole chair Sandy McCormick said she has applauded the Hodgins’ advocacy regarding transportation and accessibility for a long time.
“I know the regional district does take accessibility quite seriously,” said McCormick. She added that there have been upgrades to Shelter Point Park, making it more accessible.
New buildings built to code
Manager of operational services Patrick Devereaux said every time the regional district has done renovations during the past few years it has tried to upgrade facilities to accommodate people with mobility issues. All new buildings are built to the new code and follow the new provincial rules for accessibility.
“I know there are a lot of issues and there is stuff we would like to do that we get to when we can,” said Devereaux.
The ground itself in the parks remains problematic for people with mobility issues because the region is situated in the coast mountains, according to Devereaux.
“They are steep, rocky places and it’s tough to build access to all points, but we’re working on it,” said Devereaux.
City director George Doubt said he thought the suggestion of having an advisory committee was a good one and he’d like to see it go forward. McCormick said she agreed, and that having an accessibility advisory committee was a great idea.
Chief administrative officer Al Radke recommended the matter go to the next C3 meeting, which is a government-to-government-to-government assembly consisting of qathet Regional District, City of Powell River and Tla’amin Nation.
“It’s a great idea but we need to find the right starting point,” said Radke. “Perhaps the C3 would be it.”
The committee carried a motion to have the matter included in the next C3 agenda.
