Cold weather brings new and old issues to light for wheelchair users in St. John’s

Sidewalks and accessible parking spaces are causing safety concerns and frustration for St. John’s residents with disabilities.

Caeleigh Hiscock
Kicker

Wheelchair users in St. John’s are voicing their concern about the useability of sidewalks and accessible parking spaces as the winter progresses.

Every year, the city of St. John’s receives calls and complaints about the accessibility of sidewalks. This year is no different, with one of the issues appearing being the timeliness of snow clearing.

“In terms of snow clearing, it could be better,” said Cassandra McGrath, a wheelchair user.

City of St. John’s spokesperson Jackie O’Brien says most sidewalks included in the city’s snow-clearing program will normally be cleared within five days of significant snowfall. But there are factors that can delay this process, such as additional snowfall or sudden changes in temperature.

About 175 kilometres of sidewalks are designated for both snow clearing and ice control. These sidewalks are completed in a priority order based on vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

O’Brien says that while a lack of snow clearing can cause frustration, it is a big effort and that patience is needed during these times.

While snow clearing is a significant issue regarding accessibility of sidewalks, it is not the only one.

McGrath says sidewalks pose an challenge to accessibility because of rough terrain and ramps that aren’t flush with the ground.

Kelda Farrell says the same. An unlevel curb in front of her house makes her wheelchair jostle, causing her discomfort.

Farrell’s mother, Angela, has reached out to the city of St. John’s on multiple occasions to have this issue resolved. She says the city has been unresponsive.

The city’s accessibility plan for 2024-2026 highlights the barrier of poor sidewalk conditions and the issues they can cause for people with disabilities. It states the city will remove sidewalk barriers through capital work projects and street rehabilitation projects.  

Parking

A snow-covered parking spot for people with disabilities in St. John’s. The city has an accessibility plan to improve access to parking spots and sidewalks. Caeleigh Hiscock/Kicker

The city of St. John’s establishes blue parking spaces for people with disabilities on the basis of traffic volume and demand. They are adjusted to accommodate special events or construction.

However, McGrath says that there are not enough accessible parking spaces in high-demand areas.

In recent years, O’Brien says the number of accessible spaces has increased – specifically downtown, with spaces being added near both the War Memorial and the Majestic Theatre last year.

The city keeps inventory of all accessible spaces it monitors and whether they are accompanied by an accessible ramp. O’Brien said the city’s goal is to have ramps near all accessible parking spaces.

The size of accessible parking spaces has also proven to be an issue for both McGrath and Farrell.

“I definitely think they need to be larger,” said McGrath, referring to the current size of most accessible parking spaces. “Accessible cars and vans with wheelchair ramps do exist. While there are some van spaces available, I think all accessible parking spaces should have space for a van so that all people with disabilities can use them.”

An accessible parking working group has been established by the city’s inclusion advisory committee. The city is working with this group to determine what needs to be improved and to ensure accessible parking is made properly.

If St. John’s residents believe a certain area requires more accessible spaces, they can report it to the city to be reviewed.

“It would be nice for everything to be accessible and for the regulations on what it means to be accessible to be better defined,” said Farrell.

While it acknowledges there are issues at times, the city of St. John’s says it is committed to being a more accessible, inclusive city. With the help of its accessibility plan, it says, it aims to remove barriers that limit accessibility.

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