Cambridge dad shovels accessible parking spots to help his son

Devin Sisak says he cleared municipal accessible parking spots himself after they were left uncleared this winter so his 13-year-old son, who uses a wheelchair, could get out; local councillors have raised concerns and Cambridge council will vote on a motion to review snow removal and accessibility.

Walking and moving through large amounts of snow is difficult for many people, and for someone using a wheelchair it can be nearly impossible. This winter, some Cambridge residents reported inadequate snow clearing and salting, especially around municipal accessible parking spots downtown. Devin Sisak, founder of Barrier-Free Cambridge, says his 13-year-old son, Holden, was often unable to leave the house because accessible spots near city hall were covered with snow. After contacting city accessibility staff and finding the spots still uncleared weeks later, Sisak says he brought shovels and cleared the accessible spaces himself so he and his son could use them. Key facts: - Holden is 13 and uses a wheelchair; Sisak says heavy and persistent snowfall kept him inside on multiple occasions. - On Jan. 26 Sisak reported accessible parking spots near Cambridge city hall were covered in snow and one was used for snow storage; he says the spots remained full of snow three weeks later. - Ward 3 Councillor Corey Kimpson inspected the sites after residents tagged her on social media, took photos, reported them to city staff, and the spots were cleared shortly afterward. - Cambridge city council is scheduled to vote on a motion to improve snow removal; if passed, staff must report in March on Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards, challenges this season, and options to enhance service levels. - The city says a contractor clears municipal lots within 24 hours after snowfall when accumulation exceeds five centimetres and noted crews may need to return if vehicles occupy spaces. Summary: The incident brought local attention to how winter maintenance affects people who rely on mobility devices and to the need for prioritized clearing of accessible spaces. Cambridge council will vote on a motion that, if approved, requires a staff report in March outlining standards, season challenges, and potential service changes; councillors have also proposed amendments to focus specifically on accessible spots and walkways.