COVID-19 has interrupted lives and plans around the world, including here in Powell River.
For one couple whose son has been affected by three strokes, beginning when he was just 39, it has had an impact on their planned campaign to increase awareness regarding accessibility in this community.
Dave and Margaret Hodgins are “ready to get back on board with our advocating for improved accessibility.”
Their son Michael, now 47, now lives in Willingdon Creek Village Residence, and had worked at Rocky Mountain Pizza and Bakery as a certified baker.
“He had some health issues related to treatment for a non-cancerous brain tumor prior to his first stroke,” said Dave. “The most recent one two years ago affected his brain stem and he is now mobility and verbally impaired.”
Margaret added, “Until we started living the life of a family with a member with a disability, we would see the handyDART going around town and thought mobility issues were being addressed. Powell River advertises itself as an accessible community.”
Once they began the journey with Michael, the pitfalls, “both literally and figuratively” became obvious.
Initially they borrowed a wheelchair van to bring their son out into the community, but last fall they were able to purchase a secondhand van of their own.
“We were getting him out more when COVID-19 happened and everything went into lockdown,” said Margaret.
“Most handicapped parking stalls in Powell River are designed for side loading, and vehicles with that capacity cost about 30 per cent more than rear-loading vehicles,” said Dave.
Trying to get to businesses along Marine Avenue is difficult, according to Dave, so the couple was avoiding that part of the city.
“Last December he wanted to buy Christmas presents and he couldn’t get in the doors of three stores,” said Margaret.
Michael had used handyDART to attend Powell River Stroke Recovery Club meetings at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 on Alexander Street. Those have been discontinued.
Margaret said the latest a handyDART vehicle can be reserved is 5 pm, which eliminates the ability to attend any evening events.
The Hodgins have addressed qathet Regional District and City of Powell River about transportation and accessibility issues in the area.
“We’ve tried to work with the city and BC Transit, and have had numerous meetings with representatives,” Dave explained, “but everything stopped with the pandemic.”
The Hodgins say there are three separate issues that need more focus: transportation, access to city parks and building design.
They recently made a presentation to The Rotary Club of Powell River, which is holding meetings via Zoom during the pandemic. The club struck a committee to see what Rotary can do to assist with accessibility at Willingdon Beach.
“We have developed much of the beach, including the original campsite, water park and pavilion,” said member David Duke. “I and others are prepared to look into how our club can help.”
Dave praised support they have received from the stroke club, leisure activity staff at Willingdon Creek and Senior Citizens Association Branch 49.
“We need to prevent isolating people,” said Margaret, “and the way to do that is through more awareness of the problems.”
