Ontario voters with disabilities face barriers in winter election: advocates [Video]

Liisa Nisula, an East York resident, struggles with snow-covered sidewalks in the Danforth-Coxwell area in Toronto, Thursday, February 20, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Eduardo Lima

As Ontarians head to the polls in a rare winter election, disability advocates say additional barriers created by snowy and icy conditions could have been avoided and are calling on the province to make voting more accessible.

Back-to-back snowstorms hit many parts of the province this month and some cities are still working to clear the snow and ice accumulated on streets and sidewalks. David Lepofsky, chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, said calling a snap election during the winter created an accessibility issue for voters with disabilities.

“Just one mountain of snow piled up in the way can be an insurmountable barrier for people like me who are blind,” said Lepofsky. “It could have been completely avoided, which would be completely …