COLD LAKE - During the Feb. 25 regular City of Cold Lake council meeting, a delegation consisting of Wendy Ballachay and Rev. Jeremy Willment addressed council regarding provincial legislation that had raised concerns among owners of GIO all-season mobility scooters.
Ballachay began by expressing concerns over the provincial legislation that appears to prohibit the use of GIO scooters on public roads. She clarified that while this caused significant alarm among residents who thought the City of Cold Lake had put the rules in place, it was later confirmed that no municipal bylaw had been passed on the issue.
"We are deeply concerned about provincial legislation that prohibits GIO all-season scooters from being on our streets,” said Ballachay.
Ballachay stressed the importance of all-season mobility scooters for individuals with disabilities, highlighting the relief it has provided her husband.
Rev. Jeremy Willment, also a GIO owner, shared his personal experience with the GIO scooter, explaining how it allowed him to continue serving the community despite his legal blindness.
"I am not able to drive anymore because my numbers say that I'm legally blind," he explained. "That doesn't mean I can't see. And finding the mobility scooter, the GIO, has made it so that I am able to still function as a clergyman in this community."
Willment spoke about the emotional and practical importance of the mobility scooter, stating, "For me, if this is taken away, I become a prisoner again. Because I can't get out of my home, I can't walk around even though I look healthy. I have neuropathy. My arms, my hands, my feet freeze."
The delegation urged council to reconsider the legislation, as Ballachay warned it disproportionately affects residents with disabilities.
Mayor Craig Copeland clarified that no official bylaw had been passed, stating council was simply inquiring about the situation from a provincial perspective. He explained that the province sets the standards for mobility vehicles on public roads, not the municipality.
CAO Kevin Nagoya explained that the City had reached out to the provincial government to understand the legal status of GIO scooters, which fall under the category of "miniature vehicles" in the Highway Traffic Act. "The province has said that it's going to follow the miniature vehicle rules. We cannot supersede the province's legislation," he stated.
Copeland reiterated the province's position and explained that municipalities could potentially enter a pilot project to allow such vehicles on designated roadways, but this would require additional conditions, such as insurance and competency tests.
"We cannot supersede the province's legislation. We are a creature of the province," Nagoya affirmed.
Willment concluded his remarks by appealing to the council's sense of fairness and consideration for those with disabilities, urging them to take into account the impact these mobility scooters had on the lives of many Cold Lake residents.
"We want to have our independence, and we want to be viable in the community," he said.
Council suggested residents reach out to Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr to see if legislation could be introduced to allow such vehicles on public roads as a pilot project.
Copeland said the municipality needs clarification from the province, and if there’s enough support, council will debate whether to proceed with the pilot, noting that it would come with certain conditions.
Nagoya said the City is concerned about the resources and staffing needed to operate a pilot program, such as registering and inspecting vehicles. He questioned whether it would be necessary to invest in building a program, especially when the province has already decided, and pointed out that if there’s ever an accident, it could lead to legal consequences for the municipality.
Copeland encouraged residents to work with the MLA at the provincial level to address concerns about scooter classification, stating municipalities cannot make changes without provincial support.
Coun. Chris Vining explained that the pilot project offered by the province isn’t just for specific vehicles like golf carts, but opens the door to a range of vehicles, some weighing up to 3,000 pounds and reaching speeds of 40 km/h.
He pointed out challenges such as restrictions on roads with speed limits above 50 km/h and the prohibition of use on sidewalks and trails. Vining also pointed out issues with winter conditions and safety concerns, especially without licensing and insurance.
He stressed that the pilot project would not solve all underlying problems, and it was more complicated than simply changing the rules.
Council committed to keeping the conversation going and exploring potential solutions, including discussing the pilot project at a future meeting.
