Loading zone coming for Winnipeg couple

A loading zone has been approved in front of the West End home of a Winnipeg couple who made a video showing the public how difficult it can be to get from a car to a wheelchair in a Winnipeg winter.

Mitch Krohn uses a wheelchair, after a stroke last December. He and his wife Megan posted the video to social media three days ago.

The loading zone is in effect from 7 in the morning until 9 at night. They won't be able to park in that spot during the loading zone hours, but Megan says they decided the most important thing is to have access to a place they can safely unload Mitch and his wheelchair.

Megan says it should be up in 4 to 6 weeks for the loading zone to be installed, but in the video she mentioned it initially could've taken up to a year. She says city councillor Cindy Gilroy worked hard for her, and thinks publicity also helped get the ball rolling.

Gilroy, the councillor for Daniel McIntyre, says a work order has been issued.

Now that it's a part of their lives, Megan says she notices accessibility issues now, when she may have overlooked them before. She says she sees barriers to accessibility everywhere she goes now, but she also sees opportunities.

"Opportunities to help make people aware of this, let people know, you know, 'if this was just smoothed out a little bit here this would be more accessible for folks who are in wheelchairs or in scooters or have mobility issues," she says.

Megan says she wants to stay involved in the accessibility conversation. She says they've had "so much" positive response to their Facebook post. She believes accessibility needs to be a top priority, not just for them, but for everyone.

"There are a lot of people in Manitoba and all across Canada who are dealing with issues of accessibility, and everybody wants the same thing: you just want to live a normal life," says Megan.

Mitch says on Facebook the loading zone is a big step for them, but there's more of a discussion that needs to be had about disability and accessibility.

Gilroy says the city has an Access Advisory Committee that looks at such issues in Winnipeg. Gilroy says, unfortunately, those who aren't personally confronted with it sometimes need a reminder about making things more accessible. Gilroy recommends calling your councillor if you're having any issues.