Handicapped parking fail: wheelchair user calling for courtesy during busy holiday season

CALGARY – Getting around in a wheelchair has been a difficult adjustment for Brynn Wice.

“I was in an ATV accident in August 2014 and was paralyzed from my ribs down. So this has been my journey ever since. It’s been life changing, but you make the best of it,” said Wice.

Many have helped her in the process, but there are inevitable bumps along the way. Last week, on a visit to the South Health Campus in Calgary, she found a vehicle – with no handicap marking – squeezed between two handicapped parking stalls, including hers.

“I came out and I actually couldn’t believe my eyes. I was like, ‘What? What’s going on?’ About two feet away there was like a hundred parking spots.”

While it’s an extreme example, Wice said she often has to wait for others to return to their cars so she can get into hers.

“We have to open our doors all the way and walkers and wheelchairs can’t just squeeze in between vehicles,” said Wice. “You run into great people and you run into not so great people… and that’s year round.”

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READ MORE: Cop gives himself a ticket after accidentally parking in handicapped spot

The holiday season, however, can be one of the most trying times of the year for just about anyone to find parking.

At CrossIron Mills, they see about a 25 per cent increase in shoppers this time of year.

“In the month of December, it’s over a million people coming to the shopping centre, which is significantly more than other months,” said General Manager James Moller. “We have 6,500 parking stalls here at CrossIron but that is usually not enough on those busy, busy days – so we ask for people to be patient.”

WATCH: Last minute holiday shopping mayhem

Off-duty police officers help with traffic control, but the occasional standoff for a coveted close-to-the-door parking stall is inevitable.

“I went around the parking lot a couple times and then I just  watched for a car leaving,” said shopper Merv Barr. “There are some people who just don’t know what courtesy is. I say life’s too for it to be about that.”

Where space or courtesy may be lacking, Wice is finding clever solutions.

“I did finish all my Christmas shopping in October so I wouldn’t have to come to the malls in December.”