'My parking is my freedom': Kitchener resident barred from garage despite illness
For Kitchener resident Chris Wilson, indoor parking is much more than a convenient place to leave his vehicle.
“This apartment for me is a prison. My parking is my freedom," said Wilson.
The proximity of his vehicle, taking on a greater importance due to his physical condition.
The 64-year-old is on oxygen, with just 15 per cent lung function and patiently waiting on the lung transplant list.
“This is not jewelry. This is life support.” Said Wilson pointing to his breathing apparatus and oxygen tanks.
Wilson said he chose 250 Frederick Street because of its proximity to the hospital.
“The reason I took this [apartment] was because I'm close to the St Mary's Hospital. I'm about six minutes by taxi to the hospital and I've had to have emergency runs.”
Wilson said he has been denied access to underground parking at 250 Frederick Street, like many others.
“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," said Wilson.
According to Wilson, he has been paying for parking as part of his rental agreement.
“I’m trying to figure it out, okay wait a minute? I don’t have $250,” he said.
Wilson can’t work and is on a fixed income and said easy access to his vehicle is essential.
“Without it, I can’t survive here in this apartment. I'm basically locked out of my apartment if I don't have parking.”
Wilson said he circles the neighborhood for hours waiting for a parking spot within 100 metres of the building.
Even when he finds a spot close by, he said getting to and from the building, is a major challenge.
“On a scale of one to ten on pain – I’d say it’s about an eight,” he admitted.
When attempting to ask building management for help, Wilson said he was rebuffed.
“His direct words were, ‘I'm just the messenger. I'll give your paperwork to the owners.’”
Wilson said he has contacted Kitchener By-law, the Ontario Landlord Tenant Board and is seeking legal help.
Due to the buildings age, it is not required to have accessible parking. The City of Kitchener said they are providing temporary on street parking for tenants who no longer have access.
Wilson said despite his poor health, he will continue to advocate for his neighbours.
“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 and especially people that are vulnerable,” said Wilson.
CTV spoke with the superintendent at 250 Frederick Street on site Tuesday. He said people have been denied use of the underground garage because they do not have parking in their rental agreement.
Many of the residents we spoke with dispute this claim.
We asked the superintendent for contact information for the owners of the building but they were not provided.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
BREAKING 15-year-old boy stabbed Thursday in Nepean dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
Mexican authorities say thieves killed 2 Australians and an American to steal their truck
Thieves killed two Australians and an American on a surfing trip to Mexico in order to steal their truck, particularly because they wanted the tires, authorities said Sunday.