In the heart of Kitchener, 64-year-old Chris Wilson faces a daily battle that underscores a poignant reality: for him, a parking spot is not just a convenience, it’s a lifeline. Wilson, who suffers from a severe respiratory condition requiring him to be on oxygen with only 15 percent lung function, describes his situation with stark clarity: “This apartment for me is a prison. My parking is my freedom.”
Living in close proximity to St Mary’s Hospital is crucial for Wilson, especially given his urgent health needs. “The reason I took this [apartment] was because I’m close to the hospital. I’m about six minutes by taxi to the hospital and I’ve had to have emergency runs,” he explains. The importance of having his vehicle nearby cannot be overstated, as his physical condition makes any additional strain potentially life-threatening.
However, recent changes at 250 Frederick Street, where Wilson resides, have put this essential access at risk. About a month ago, a new policy was introduced by the building’s management, hiking the monthly parking fee to $250—a cost prohibitive for Wilson, who is on a fixed income due to his inability to work. “A month ago I get a notice in the mail slot from the new superintendent that my parking is now $250 [monthly] and if you don’t pay it, you will not be allowed to park here anymore,” Wilson recounts, his frustration palpable.
This development has left Wilson, and others like him, in a precarious situation. With the increased fee not factored into his original rental agreement, and no room in his budget for such an unexpected expense, he finds himself circling the neighborhood for hours seeking a parking spot within a manageable distance from his apartment. Even when he succeeds, the journey from his car to his home is agonizing. “On a scale of one to ten on pain – I’d say it’s about an eight,” he admits.
Wilson has not taken these challenges lying down. He has reached out to the Kitchener By-law, the Ontario Landlord Tenant Board, and is seeking legal advice to address his situation. His efforts to communicate with the building management have been met with dismissal, leaving him to advocate not only for himself but for his neighbors who may be similarly affected.
Despite the building’s age exempting it from requirements to provide accessible parking, the City of Kitchener has stepped in to offer temporary on-street parking for tenants affected by the policy change. Yet, for Wilson, this is a half-measure that doesn’t fully address the daily challenges he faces.
Wilson’s resolve remains strong: “I can take a beating. I’ve been struggling all my life with my illness. I don’t like to see people being stepped on, especially people that are vulnerable,” he asserts. His story is a sobering reminder of how critical seemingly simple amenities like parking can be, and how their absence can significantly hinder the mobility and freedom of those who are already battling significant challenges.
