Paralympic Gold Medallist Urges Action for Safer Sidewalks in Montreal
Senator Chantal Petitclerc, a 14-time Paralympic gold medallist, is calling for immediate action following a recent incident where she fell off a sidewalk in Montreal while out trick-or-treating with her family and friends on Halloween.
The mishap occurred due to an uneven sidewalk that caused Petitclerc to sustain a major bruise after falling from her wheelchair. She highlighted the prevalent issues with Montreal’s sidewalks, including cracks, potholes, and overall poor accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility.
Expressing concern that such accidents could happen to anyone with mobility challenges, Petitclerc emphasized the need to address the safety and accessibility of Montreal’s infrastructure more effectively.
Advocates, including Steven Laperriere from RAPLIQ, stressed the importance of prioritizing sidewalk repairs, especially with winter approaching, which could further escalate risks for individuals with disabilities due to hidden hazards under snow.
Petitclerc underscored the necessity for the city to involve people with disabilities in all decision-making processes related to infrastructure development and urged for a comprehensive evaluation and repair of sidewalks within a reasonable timeframe.
Beyond sidewalk accessibility, Petitclerc also highlighted challenges related to voting access and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the need for broader systemic improvements.
In response to the incident, the City of Montreal stated its commitment to ensuring sidewalk safety and urged the public to report any safety concerns promptly.
Laperriere emphasized the importance of prioritizing accessibility as a fundamental civic duty, urging the city to proactively address the needs of citizens with disabilities.
