Though it's always been an issue the city has taken seriously, accessibility issues have become a hot topic of discussion in Toronto's municipal election.
The first person to make the issue a campaign discussion is J.P. Pamplena, a blind public relations agent who is running for mayor.
He blasted Habitat for Humanity -- a charitable organization that builds home for disadvantaged people -- for not including him in their mayor's debate in May.
He sent out a news release at the time, saying he was "all fired up at the way the disabled are constantly denied opportunities and their issues overlooked."
Since then, the issue has come up again and again.
Most recently, CityTV reporter Tara Weber announced she was leaving Toronto for a city that is more wheelchair friendly.
Before she left town, she expressed her frustration in a letter to Mayor David Miller and the five leading mayoral contenders.
"I've lived in various places throughout Canada and can honestly say Toronto is one of the least accessible," the letter says.
She also says she's grateful she can drive, because Toronto's public transit system has proved rather useless to her and everyone else who is bound to a wheelchair.
Ontario has promised to make the province accessibly by 2025, pushing Toronto to make plans for a fully-accessible TTC by 2024. It's an expensive venture for sure but can we afford to keep our disabled neighbours at bay for another 14 years?
This time it's Variety Village that will make sure the issue is taken seriously by candidates. The organization is hosting a mayor's debate this Thursday, September 16, that will reflect on the following question:
"Where do people with disabilities fit into the City of Toronto?"
Perhaps the question should be, "How will Toronto make accessibility issues a priority over the next four years?"
Have your say. Come out and ask questions of the candidates on Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Variety Village, 3701 Danforth Ave. (just east of Birchmount Rd.)
And don't worry about the TTC. There's ample parking on site.
Sandie Benitah is a Toronto journalist who has covered municipal politics for the CTV Toronto website and other publications. She is covering the issues of this election for CTV Toronto and CP24's websites.
