How about looking after accessibility?

I am a 73-year-old woman with mobility issues and I use a cane. I don’t drive. I went for some tests at the MUHC this week.

When I got to Côte-Vertu métro station, I discovered that the elevator was being repaired. There was only one escalator working. The other one has been broken since I can’t remember when. There were three people with canes and one with a baby stroller.

There is no money to repair the elevator, but Montreal installed granite stumps on the mountain. There is no money to install new escalators, but we had Formula E races.

I got off at Vendome. By this time, we were four with canes, one with a stroller and three babies in arms and carriers. We all walked up and down 20 steps until we got to the one elevator access to the hospital. There is only one elevator, but the Jacques Cartier Bridge is lit up.

When we finally got to the hospital, I noticed that some concrete had worn away and train tracks were exposed. It’s an interesting experience to use a wheelchair, cane or walker when there are ruts in the road. There were, however, giant puppets and light shows in the downtown area.

I have a good sense of humour, but watching a man push his mother in a wheelchair across the unshaded pathway to the hospital made me sad. I wonder if the mayor or any city councillors have gone from the West Island to the hospital using a wheelchair, walker, cane or carrying a baby and has had to rely on public transportation? I suspect not. I’m extending that invitation to each of them. Marilyn Golden, Pierrefonds