Ross Auvigne, 75, is confined to a wheelchair after receiving a terminal stomach cancer diagnosis. He therefore likes his trips to his neighbourhood food store with the time he has left. Unfortunately, the state of the sidewalks and roadways makes it hazardous for him to travel on them.
According to Auvigne, he is concerned for his personal safety as well as the residents’.
“These chairs don’t have very excellent suspension since the sidewalks are so uneven, but they do on other occasions.
“This specific chair tries to fling me out and forward,” declared Auvigne.
For the past two years, Auvigne has invited the West Kelowna City Council to go with him to the store. Even more, he promised to purchase them a chocolate bar if they showed up.
That challenge was accepted today by Mayor Gordon Milsom and 35 other people. Even a motorised wheelchair was provided for the West Kelowna mayor so he could fully enjoy the event.
Auvigne stated, “I love it, and the more support we get, the more attention we’ll get from the Mr. Mayor.
I’m grateful that Ross challenged me to join him on a chair. It’s probably the only way to actually understand what it’s like to cross incomplete sidewalks and a road without a sidewalk, according to Milsom.
The mayor even had to request a police escort upon heading back to keep the group safe.
According to Milsom, the city was already aware of that area, according to Global News.
I am aware that the road Ross frequently uses is on our list, and we will complete it.
Sadly, Auvigne won’t notice any changes as he’ll be leaving his senior residence and entering hospice the following month. And while he may not see the change he hopes for, his voice remains loud enough for change to happen, even after he is gone..
West Kelowna senior asks mayor to “roll with” him in demonstrating the city’s bad road conditions.
About Author
