Disabled students at Vancouver Island University (VIU) have been denied four parking spots designated for them close to classes in building 345 from January 21st 2025 to at least the end of term in April as construction crews replace a retaining wall in the adjacent Malaspina Daycare and use their spots for heavy equipment.
This has exacerbated an already difficult entry into the building and routes to other areas of campus for those with physical limitations trying to attend classes easily and on time. “If you’re in a wheelchair, unless it’s electric and it has brakes, you’re not going to be able to make it safely down the hill to get to your classes if they’re in the lower areas.” said Tiegan McDevitt, a concerned student with a physical disability.
Excavation and construction around the campus daycare located just below building 345, commenced early in the 2026 Spring semester with construction equipment and workers’ vehicles parking in the four accessible spots. Three alternative parking spots were provided in the neighbouring lot down the hill, however, they were regular parking spots, rather than the extra-wide format expected.
McLean Mylymok, a VIU student in a wheelchair, said, “The alternative spots are unacceptable. The spaces are tiny, and there’s not enough room for my van to easily fit. The university absolutely needs to rethink this situation.”
Mylymok is one of 800 students on campus with disabilities, according to Accessability Services, who are concerned about being disadvantaged by the construction. He says the current displacement is one more obstacle disabled students face when being dropped off, picked up, or looking for limited parking.
“I think VIU should monitor the 345 lot more. On multiple occasions, there have been students who use the spots as a ‘drop off zone’ and it’s a big slap in the face,” said Mylymok.
While construction and upgrades to the daycare are important, McDevitt said there are other places to put the equipment, while still providing accessible parking for students.
“There’s a fire lane right beside the parking spots that is wide enough for all of the trucks as well as the excavator. It would be quite easy to section that off. The only thing that would need to change from how building 345 regularly operates is that students would have to go through the building to get to the rest of campus.”
Kyle Emmerson, a VIU student who uses a cane, feels the school could have done more to soften the impact on students. “I understand that the workers have got to do their thing. I’m not trying to get in their way or prevent them from being able to do their job, however, some advanced notice would have been nice. Also some indication as to how much longer it’s going to be.”
Mylymok adapted to the construction, but should he have to? “Luckily for me, my mom parks the van by the daycare entrance at the bottom of the parking lot. Yes, it’s a bit of a trek to building 345, but it’s doable.”
VIU Facilities was not available for comment.
