Kelowna man faces mobility chair nightmare

For one Kelowna man, and many other Okanagan residents, it’s a piece of equipment that’s crucial for maintaining mobility and independence.

Doug Klassen has been waiting about six months for a new power wheelchair, but it seems he’s facing many delays, after a provincial supplier went under.

“It’s just frustrating,” said Klassen. “I shouldn’t have to worry about things like how I’m going to get to dialysis tomorrow because my wheelchair isn’t working.”

Klassen said his wheelchair is no longer roadworthy.

The company that went bankrupt supplies wheelchairs for Ministry of Social Development and Innovation clients across the B.C. Southern Interior, meaning many are possibly in the same boat.

While the ministry told Global Okanagan they can’t comment on individual cases due to privacy, a spokesperson said the supplier is still responsible for completing work approved to them.

“It seems like I’m the little guy that’s getting swept under the carpet all the time,” Klassen said.