Last week, I posted a list of local candidates who are including and LISTENING to people with disabilities and PROMISING to help us.
Since today is Election Day, I’ll repost the list for those who missed it last week and those who didn’t vote early.
I’m happy to say that I have an addition to my list. One of the candidates reached out to me and responded.
Robert has experience with people with disabilities and our struggles with Para Transpo. Without sharing too much, members of Robert’s family consist of people with disabilities.
Robert Hill is also one of the only people to talk about Para Transpo on their website.
You can visit Robert Hill’s website at https://roberthill2022.ca/
As a PWD himself, he has first-hand experience of how bad Para Transpo service is. I’ve known John for many years. We’ve attended many city council meetings and discussed with OC Transpo officials.
Our meetings helped convince the city to implement an online booking system for Para Transpo users.
You can visit John Redins’s site at https://johnredins.com/
If I recall correctly, Erin Coffin reached out to me. Initially, we were going to chat using Zoom, but I had difficulty communicating. Erin was more than happy to talk through email and, more recently, social media. I should also mention that Erin Coffin was the ONLY candidate to take a trip on Para Transpo. She joined Sally Thomas on Para Transpo while Sally did some errands.
I think that’s amazing, and more candidates SHOULD experience Para Transpo. Based on my conversations with Erin, I see that she cares about Kanata South, the city itself, and improving Para Transpo.
I should also mention that Erin Coffin talks about Para Transpo on her website.
You can visit Erin Coffin’s site at https://www.erincoffin.ca/platform
She did reach out to me, wanting to talk face-to-face, but it didn’t happen due to me. We often talk about Para Transpo and accessibility on social media.
Miranda Grey’s site is located at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirgray/
Again, I’ve known Ariel for several years. Through social media, she has learned about Para Transpo users' challenges and the lack of wheelchair accessibility both in Somerset and city-wide. In our brief conversations, it’s clear that she wants to help improve Para Transpo and have our voices heard.
Ariel Troster mentions on her website about wanting safe streets for people, including people with disabilities.
You can visit Ariel Troster’s site at https://www.arieltroster.com/vision
I admit I have a soft spot for Catherine McKenney, and I know I’m not the only PWD to say that. For eight years, I’ve had the pleasure of having Catherine McKenney as my city councillor.
During those eight years, we’ve chatted many, many times through social media. We’ve discussed Para Transpo, wheelchair accessibility, bumpy, narrow sidewalks, bike lanes, and more.
THAT, by itself, is what a mayor SHOULD be and NEEDS to be. A mayor should be willing to listen and share ideas.
Catherine and I have sat at the round table during council meetings. When it was my turn to talk, Catherine was one of the few who listened. They may not have fully understood my voice, but they listened.
I also remember that on one of those occasions, after my time was up, they mentioned that I had a column in (the Centretown BUZZ) where I wrote about people with disabilities and our challenges. Catherine suggested that everyone read it to understand PWD better.
Another quick story I’ll share is, one day, the road outside my building was being repaved. Due to this work, the sidewalk was no longer usable for PWD. The curb was much too high.
Before heading out on Para Transpo, I messaged Catherine McKenney to inform them. They responded and quickly had a ramp in place.
For some, putting a ramp somewhere means very little; just ask certain small business owners. To a PWD, installing a ramp means the world to us. It means that we matter and that PWD are included.
Speaking of accessibility, during this election, adding bike lanes has been a hot topic. I just want to remind everyone that people with disabilities often use bike lanes, even during winter. Most sidewalks are too bumpy and narrow. Roads are also rough, which can be painful if you’re on Para Transpo.
More bike lanes would mean that some PWD could get around without needing Para Transpo.
It’s important to note that not all PWD can use bike lanes, and there will always be a need for Para Transpo and wheelchair-accessible taxis.
You can visit Catherine McKenney’s site at https://www.mckenney2022.ca/
In the interest of fairness, I reached out to Mark Sutcliffe on several occasions, but he didn’t respond.
To the candidates, I wish you good luck tonight. As a Mayoral Candidate in 2018, I know firsthand how stressful this can be. Also, to those candidates who don’t get elected, you can still be a voice for people with disabilities in Ottawa.
You can join us at council meetings, reach out to other members of the local PWD community on Social Media and me, or treat us to a drink somewhere.
People with disabilities need all the help we can get regarding being included and listened to in Ottawa. As our population ages, there will be an increase in the number of people with disabilities, both visible and non-visible.
PLEASE get out to vote today. Your voice matters.
