A Wheatley, Ont. woman is calling for better enforcement of accessible parking regulations after alleging employees at a Leamington gas station have been using a designated accessible parking space for months. Joni Lariviere, who lives with a disability, said she first became concerned when she arrived at the Mobil gas station on Talbot Street East and found the accessible parking spot occupied. “I was trying to come into the store to get a pop and a snack and noticed that somebody was in the accessible parking spot,” Lariviere said. “And when I drive by every day, I have noticed vehicles parked in that spot. And when I learned that it was employees, I went to talk to the store about it.” Lariviere said she raised her concerns with the store and later contacted corporate representatives, the Better Business Bureau, police, and municipal bylaw officials after she says the issue continued. “This is every day … for months,” she told CTV News. The complaint comes during National AccessAbility Week, which highlights accessibility issues and barriers faced by people with disabilities. Lariviere said accessible parking spaces play a critical role in allowing people with mobility challenges to access businesses and services. “It’s very important because on better days, it’s one thing,” she explained. “But when I’m having bad days and have a hard time with walking and distance, that accessible parking spot really means the big difference to me in terms of being close to the store that I’m going into, to get what I need without having a lot of pain.” She said the situation has affected her ability to access the business. “A lot. I can’t park there because the staff is taking up that spot,” Lariviere said. Lariviere said she decided to continue pursuing the matter because she believes accessible parking spaces should remain available for customers who need them. “Because I want them to know that it’s not okay,” she said. “They need to not park there and they need to stop and leave it for the customers who have accessibility issues.” In a statement to CTV News, the Municipality of Leamington said it recognizes the importance of accessible parking spaces and takes concerns regarding their misuse seriously. “The Municipality of Leamington recognizes that accessible parking spaces are essential for residents and visitors with disabilities and is committed to supporting an inclusive, barrier-free community,” the statement said. The municipality confirmed it is aware of the complaint and is investigating the matter. “Residents who have concerns regarding the misuse of an accessible parking space may report the matter to the Municipality’s By-law Enforcement Division or the Ontario Provincial Police for investigation,” the statement said. “The Municipality is aware of the complaint referenced and is investigating the matter. Enforcement actions are governed by applicable legislation and municipal by-laws. Out of respect for privacy and enforcement processes, the Municipality does not comment on specific complaints or investigations.” CTV News attended the gas station while gathering information for this story and observed a vehicle parked in the designated accessible parking space. An individual was later seen entering the business through an employee entrance before returning and moving the vehicle to another parking space. CTV News contacted both the Leamington Mobil station and ExxonMobil seeking comment on Lariviere’s concerns and the observations made during the visit. No response had been received by publication time. Lariviere said she hopes the issue serves as a reminder to businesses and the public about the importance of respecting accessible parking spaces. “I would want them to make sure that their staff is also adhering to my concern,” she said. “You need to leave it for customers visiting your establishment to be able to have access to your store.”
