Winter, snow adds challenges for Calgarians with mobility concerns

With snow and ice covering Calgary’s streets and sidewalks, it can be a challenge to find secure footing — but for someone with mobility issues, those challenges are amplified.

Unable to walk and with limited use of his hands and arms, Calgary resident Dan Pederson is reliant on his mobility device to get around.

From making his way to work or shopping for groceries, or even just visiting friends, his day planning starts early now that winter weather has arrived.

“If this sidewalk is blocked off, how am I going to get to the next one,” he says. “And what do I do in the event that the next one is also not shoveled. Life is like playing chess at that time because you’re always trying to think two or three moves ahead.”

Pederson’s device is battery operated with a limited lifespan — if it dies, he’s in trouble.

“Instant panic,” he says. “It can be literally terrifying, especially in winter conditions.”

“It’s not like I can walk around to fight off the cold to warm myself up.”

Pederson often needs to deviate from his regular path when encountering barriers created by snowpacks. He says this makes his commutes much longer in colder conditions.

“If I’ve got to climb over a foot-and-a-half of snow to even get to the bus stop, it’s not happening,” he says.

WATCH: Calgarians lend helping hand with snow removal

Chris McGeachy, spokesperson for City of Calgary Mobility, acknowledges the concerns that people like Dan have, and says the city targets snow removal on a priority basis.

“Once we get past that 36 hour mark of snowfall ending, that’s where we get into the residential areas and start doing work on windrows at priority locations,” he says.

“We address some of these challenges and hope we make things better for people with those challenges.”

The city says crews are on standby 24 hours a day and ready to respond to snowfall throughout the winter. City crews prioritize bus routes and major routes first, before moving on to minor roadways.

The city also reminds residents that snow removal from sidewalks bordering homes or businesses is the responsibility of the “adjacent property owner,” and says sidewalks should be cleared of snow within 24 hours after a snowfall ends.

Crews do not have approval to remove snow on most residential streets, but they are monitored and crews will level ruts and apply materials as needed. The city also does not remove snow from back alleys and laneways.

Pederson says he enjoys getting out, even in the winter, and he appreciates the efforts of neighbours and strangers who help in on his way.

“Social interaction is a vital part of life and general health, not just for folks with disabilities like myself, but for everyone,” says Pederson.