New in Canada (Toronto), any tips?

[Crica73]

Hi, I just moved to Canada, Toronto (downtown) and would appreciate any tips or suggestions, specially regarding the cold weather (I'm from Brazil), like what to wear or how to hang around when it snows. Any tips on transportation, cool accessible places, accessible gym, where to fix my wheelchair when needed, or where to buy wheelchair parts and accessories. Anything will be very helpful. Thank you!

Cris

[Tetracyclone]

The people in this organization are a great help:

https://sciontario.org/

Last I knew this member worked for them, but he has not posted sine last April. He is an expert on winters.

https://www.carecure.net/forum/member.php?333510-Jimmay

[Crica73]

Will look at it, thank you!

[CowboyCrip]

Hi Circa,

Welcome to Canada.

As Tetracyclone said SCIO is the organization that can best direct you. They are at Eglinton and Laird in Toronto. Call and ask to speak with a resource person.

You will probably want to apply for TTC WheelTrans. Para transit that will take you anywhere you need in Toronto for the price of a bus fair ($3.50 I think?). We also have accessible Uber. Download the app and swipe right to UberWAV to call a wheelchair van. Normal rates.

Motion is the largest player in town for wheelchairs and repairs. They were once industry leaders. They are horrible now. Avoid if you can. For advanced power seating (tilt, recline, etc.) They have sole contract for Ontario. I recommend Med+ (Or MedPlus?) on Midwest in Scarborough. They do repairs in hours or days what Motion takes weeks to do.

Winter sucks. Polar fleece is your friend. Thin yet warm. Get a quality waterproof, windproof, warm jacket. Dress in layers. Thermal underwear. Store called "Marks" is great to get outfitted from top to bottom for Winter clothing at reasonable pricing.

[Crica73]

Thanks a lot! So far, I've been able to use Firefly to get around, but don't know how it will be when it comes to negative temperarures and snow. Will look for WheelTrans and Uber. I'm also trying to figure out what can I do using The Path. Already got a warm and all proof jacket, just don't know what to do with the legs. Again, many thanks!

Cris

[SCI-Nurse]

Already got a warm and all proof jacket, just don't know what to do with the legs. Again, many thanks!

Cris

Check out various brands/models of wheelchair leg cozies. Here is an example, made in Canada:

https://koolwaysports.com/product/kool-kozy-legs/

(KLD)

[Crica73]

Will check it out, thank you!

[HockeyFan]

These winter-lined jeans might help. I have these (in mens) and they're very helpful. Shipping from the UK can get expensive, but when ordering from North America we don't pay the VAT so that's helpful.

[Tetracyclone]

https://izadaptive.com/

Is a Toronto producer of fashionable clothing for wheelers. They currently have a 20% discount coupon on the site.

[Yadier]

If you want to go outside the City, VIA Rail is accessible. A favorite day trip is to the beach at Cobourg. It's about an hour east of Toronto.
Also, when you fly into Pearson Airport you can take the accessible ''UP Train'' downtown to Union Station.