Door openers to be installed

A physically challenged senior at the Jane Street apartments in Bolton will soon get his wish - automatic doors to the building.

Manfred Bones, 96, said while his health is good, he uses a walker and scooter to get around town.

The heavy glass doors at the Bolton complex have made life difficult for him. He said he has to "stagger to the door, hold it open and bend down, and place a wedge under the door, driving it in with my foot." He has to repeat this procedure on another set of doors. When he returns from his outing or shopping, he has to repeat the process.

"This is a disgraceful way to treat a senior," he said, adding he's been fighting the "powers that be for the past five years on this issue.

Peel Living wasn't ignoring Bones's requests or situation. Property manager Bruno Colavecchia is waiting for quotes from three contractors to have 3 automatic door openers installed - two for the main doors and one by the parking lot. Once the quotes are received, the work will be awarded. Hopes are work can begin within three weeks of approvals.

Councillor Annette Groves, who sits on the board of Peel Living, said they're pushing to have them installed before Christmas, but it may be early in the new year before work is completed.