The Editor:
As the adult child of a disabled parent, I paid attention to the accessibility of the new, temporary Cameron Branch of Burnaby Public Library in Lougheed Mall when it opened in late April 2024.
I was disappointed to discover that an elevator that connects the upper and lower levels of the mall, just outside the library's entrance, was out-of-service.
The handicap-designated parking stalls, closest to the library, are located on the upper level.
Consequently, a parent with an infant in a stroller, a senior using a walker, or anyone encumbered by a large bag of books has to walk to the other side of the mall to use the other elevator.
After six weeks, the elevator remains out-of-service.
The mall management advised me that a repair is waiting on parts that are hard to obtain.
I suggest the mall management needs to hire another elevator maintenance company with more creative service technicians capable of using OEM parts.
The public library is a significant new attractor of foot traffic to Lougheed Mall.
The mobility impaired patrons deserve more respect and better service.
- Derek Wilson, Port Moody
