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Inside NEWS

A Manotick woman has been recognized for her accomplishments in the field of accounting as well as in her community. – Page 3

CITY HALL NEWS LAURA MUELLER/METROLAND

Grannies storm Parliament Hill Despite rainy weather, Christine Scott was one of approximately 100 supporters of grandmother-to-grandmother campaigns gathered on Parliament Hill on Nov. 1 to rally for a bill to amend Canada’s access to medication legislation. See story on page 13.

Rideau Carleton Raceway has been entertaining and thrilling residents of Ottawa and eastern Ontario for the past 50 years. – Page 5

COMMUNITY

The Homes for the Holidays Tour features many fascinating homes, including the South Korean ambassador’s residence. – Page 20

Rural Para Transpo service hits a bump Emma Jackson and Laura Mueller emma.jackson@metroland.com

EMC news - Six months after making sweeping changes to how disabled people get around by transit in the rural area, many people are wellserved, but some are being left at the curb. Para Transpo partnered with three rural community support service agencies in April to provide trips within rural areas, but in the process cut out people who can’t transfer out of their wheelchairs or scooters into a vehicle. The problem has led at least one Ottawa resident to speculate about filing a human rights complaint, according to Kanata North Coun. Marianne Wilkinson. Wilkinson referenced the spectre of a human rights case during a transit commission meeting on Oct. 17 “They haven’t sent it in yet, but I have been told by someone that they’re considering it,

in that people are giving differential services … based on where they live,” Wilkinson said. Jennifer Lockyer, transportation manager for Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS), said there’s a gap in the system now that Para Transpo has stopped doing rural-to-rural trips, because the community support services don’t have wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Lockyer said the agreement signed six months ago between the three community support services and OC Transpo provided funding for the agencies in east, west and rural Ottawa to increase transit service for seniors and adults with physical disabilities. However, Lockyer said it was clear the agencies can only serve residents who can transfer independently in and out of vehicles. “That very much was laid out that we can’t provide trans-

portation right now for people in wheelchairs because we don’t have the equipment or the expertise,” Lockyer said. But after the agencies took over rural-to-rural transportation on April 1, Para Transpo stopped providing rural-to-rural trips altogether.

I’m really concerned that they won’t take them to any rural location in Ottawa ... I just don’t know how they’re getting there. COUN. MARIANNE WILKINSON

Now, rural residents who can’t transfer out of their wheelchair or scooter can only get to appointments using an accessible taxi. Para Transpo offers taxi discount

coupons for its passengers, but the trips are sometimes more expensive than regular Para Transpo service. “We weren’t under the impression (the agreement) was going to replace (Para Transpo), but it kind of did in the end. Para Transpo announced after the fact that they weren’t going to continue their rural-to-rural trips,” Lockyer said. Pat Scrimgeour, manager of transit service planning and reporting, said OC Transpo and the community support service agencies have been discussing ways to provide rural-to-rural transportation for the affected passengers, but said a possible human rights case is not something driving those talks. “We don’t know anything about a human rights claim at all,” Scrimgeour said. Wilkinson said she is glad OC Transpo is looking at the problem, because she agrees the restrictions amount to a

human rights issue. “I’m really concerned that they won’t take them to any rural location in Ottawa,” Wilkinson said. “I just don’t know how they’re getting there.” Para Transpo is not required to offer the service, Scrimgeour said. “We’re looking into how best to accommodate those peoples’ travel needs, but there is no obligation,” he said. “The policy decision taken by the (transit) commission is that Para Transpo service is provided for those trips between rural areas and urban areas.” LEFT BEHIND

Last year, there were fewer than 120 Para Transpo trips made by 19 customers who must remain in their wheelchair or scooter during the trip between two rural locations, Scrimgeour said. See PARA TRANSPO, page 2

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