'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
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday 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.
Actor Bernard Hill, of 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings,' has died at 79
Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' and went down with the ship as the captain in 'Titanic,' has died.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
A Holocaust survivor will mark that history differently after the horrors of Oct. 7
This year's Holocaust Remembrance Day, which begins on Sunday evening in Israel, carries a heavier weight than usual for many Jews around the world.
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit.
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.