INUVIK - A fundraising wheelchair challenge has left some people concerned about accessibility for people with mobility issues in Inuvik.

The fundraiser was held on June 15 for Chris Schab. The challenge was supposed to be simple: perform an everyday task like checking for hotel room rates, or signing the guest register at the Town Office.

Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Floyd Roland was the first person to take the wheels on ice challenge on June 15. His task was to get to the SAM school front door from across the street at the Post Office. Assisting Roland are Linden Lokos, left, and Andy Robertson. Dez Loreen/NNSL photosTwiss

Some of the participants found the tasks difficult and wonder what can be done to help those who need to be in wheelchairs.

Beaufort Delta math and science consultant Reg Carpenter had the task of finding a book that had Inuvik in it at the Centennial Library.

Carpenter said the first obstacle was trying to manoeuvre the wheelchair down the hill in front of the library.

"The slope is steep and I had to brake and turn into the library, which was tough," said Carpenter.

"I found the challenge to be very difficult."

Carpenter said he thinks Inuvik has a real problem with wheelchair access in many places.

"I think there is a real problem here," he said.

"Trying to get into the library itself was a challenge because there is no push button to open the door."

Carpenter thinks that all public buildings should have access for the handicapped.

"Every door should have a button for easier opening," he said.

"It makes it much easier for those who don't have the strength to open heavy doors."

Carpenter added that other businesses and organizations can learn from those places in town that are equipped with devices that make accessibility easier for the disabled.

"Inuvik needs to be handicapped conscious about what is out there," said Carpenter.

"This challenge opened my eyes up big time."

Carpenter added that since he has been an avid weightlifter for many years, he had added strength that might be lacking in a person who is disabled.

"I can only imagine how hard it is for someone to manipulate the wheels to turn," said Carpenter.

He added that the challenge is good, not just for fundraising, but to make people aware of the situation in Inuvik.

"It must be hard navigating a town that isn't set up for handicapped people," he said.

Mike Orbell's challenge had him crossing the street from Samuel Hearne secondary school to the Town Office.

Orbell said getting down the incline from the school was challenging by itself.

"That gravel ramp was really hard; the parking lot was tough as well," said Orbell.

"I couldn't have done it without the full power of my arms."

Orbell said the Town Office ramp is already on an incline, from the fire department driveway.

"The ramp is made of stickler grating and the platform is grating as well. My wheels were always falling through," said Orbell.

When asked if he thought Inuvik had mobility issues, his response was quick and decisive.

"Definitely," he said.

"I think some of the buildings should be brought up to code."

Orbell said the event showed him what it would be like to live in Inuvik if he was in a wheelchair.

"It opened my eyes and it makes you see how limited the North is."