In Canada, snow is a fact of life. For disabled people, it can also be a seasonal lockdown.
From blocked curb cuts to sidewalks that turn into frozen obstacle courses, snow—and the way it’s managed—can turn even the most “accessible” environment into a no-go zone. And the worst part? It’s rarely treated like a real access issue.
Sidewalks That Just… Stop
Outside of downtown cores, many Canadian cities shift the responsibility of sidewalk clearing to individual homeowners. For example, in Toronto, property owners have up to 24 hours after a snowfall to clear the sidewalk in front of their home. But not every city or town follows the same rule, and in some areas, sidewalks aren’t maintained by anyone at all.
Even worse? In many places, whether rural roads, small towns, or even within major cities, sidewalks simply don’t exist. Entire residential blocks, industrial zones, or aging developments were built without pedestrian infrastructure. If you’re disabled, a senior, or a parent pushing a stroller, this often means using the road just to get around, which can be dangerous at the best of times, and deadly during snow season.
“Sidewalks are treated like optional infrastructure the moment you leave the downtown core. And if you’re disabled, that turns independence into an obstacle course, or a total trap.”
Even when sidewalks do exist, that doesn’t mean they’re safe. Many are angled toward the road for drainage, making it hard to maintain direction and control when using a manual wheelchair, a walker, or even pushing a stroller. On icy or slushy surfaces, that slight slope becomes a full-on hazard, increasing the risk of drifting into the road.
Add to that: frost heave, cracked pavement, and snow buildup, and what should be a path of freedom becomes a corridor of obstacles.
“There’s a difference between having a sidewalk and having a safe sidewalk. Most of the ones I’ve used feel like punishment for daring to leave my house in winter.”
Curb Cuts Become Snow Dumps
In parking lots and along streets, curb cuts and accessible ramps are often treated as snow storage space, by plows, building maintenance, or even city crews. What should be a lifeline becomes a wall.
This creates:
- No safe place to cross the road or get onto sidewalks
- Unusable ramps, especially for wheelchair users, cane users, and parents with strollers
- Trapped pedestrians waiting for someone to notice
Even in Ontario, where AODA sets public space standards, these issues are often ignored unless someone files a complaint and is able to prove harm.
Parking Lots: Slush Traps and Spin-Outs
Accessible parking doesn’t mean much when:
- The space is filled with wet, heavy slush
- The access aisle is buried or frozen over
- There’s no salt or sanding, turning a basic transfer into a fall risk
Wheelchair users may end up with wet sleeves, soaked coats, or frozen handrims. Blind cane users risk the tip of their cane being misled by slush, while service dog teams may need to boot their dogs to protect against salt burns and frostbite.
“I’ve made it into a store, only to be trapped inside because the slush froze into a barrier while I was shopping.”
Access Ends at the Edge of Town
This isn’t just a city issue. In rural and small-town areas, the barriers are the same, but the resources are fewer.
- No public transit, or what exists is not accessible
- Wheelchair-accessible taxis are rare to nonexistent
- Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft often don’t serve rural areas
- Medical or accessible transport may only serve retirement facilities, not the general disabled public
Snowplows prioritize main roads. Sidewalks, when they exist, are cleared last, if at all. And snowbanks from plows can trap people for days.
“If you miss the one paratransit ride a week, you don’t go. And if the snowplow hasn’t come, you can’t even get to the end of your driveway to try.”
The result is isolation. Access disappears. Community disappears. And your freedom? That vanishes under the snow, too.
“Accessibility doesn’t melt away just because snow shows up. But my independence often does.”
What This Means: Winter Isn’t Just Cold, It’s a Barrier
Snow isn’t just a seasonal nuisance for disabled Canadians, it’s a barrier that limits independence, isolates communities, and threatens safety. From uneven sidewalks sloping into busy roads, to snowbanks blocking curb cuts, to rural areas left without any accessible transit or cleared paths, winter often means a forced retreat from public life.
The truth is that accessibility doesn’t take a winter break. Our laws, policies, and community efforts need to reflect that reality — ensuring snow removal and infrastructure prioritizes safety and independence for all, regardless of ability or location.
What You Can Do
- If you’re a homeowner, clear your sidewalks promptly and fully, including curb ramps.
- If you manage a business or property, keep accessible parking and ramps free of snow and ice.
- Advocate to your local city council for disability-informed snow removal policies, especially in suburban and rural areas.
- Share stories and raise awareness about these barriers so the conversation doesn’t stop when the snow melts.
Winter challenges don’t disappear with spring. But together, by centering the voices of disabled Canadians and demanding inclusive design, we can make access a year-round reality.