When Shoveling Becomes a Community Obligation

It seems that not long after I blogged about safety in shoveling snow, Toronto received a massive snow storm again on Wednesday. This storm brought particular beauty to the city, with the cold winter maintaining snow on trees and shrubs that remains as of this evening. There is a certain serenity in Toronto after a fresh coat of winter white, particularly after several days of gloomy weather.

One observation for me after this snow storm is the bounty of houses and businesses in the downtown area that did not bother to shovel their pathways. I am not talking about small easements with no clear owner or businesses that have closed down. I am speaking of major restaurants and shops that get non-stop foot traffic.

I live across from an assisted living home with numerous people that are wheelchair bound. When I see businesses that do not bother to shovel, I am truly saddened-and aggrevated. If not for those fortunate to be able to walk, how are people in wheelchairs and assisted walking intruments supposed to have access to pathways. What do they do? Do they just stay home because some people are too lazy to shovel?

Another case in point is my own apartment building. The property management company has about 500 units. Did they bother shoveling the sidewalk in front of them or even the driveway? Not a chance.

I very rarely get angry, but this is one area in which we need to step up to the plate. We need to honour and respect people in our own community that have mobility issues. Come on Toronto, shovel for a change.

Photo from Scan the Van

TAGS: Mobility, Shoveling, Snow, Toronto