Vendme wheelchair access 'technically impossible' for now

Montreal's transit corporation (STM) says the newVendme metro station may eventually be more accessiblebut, for now, officials say that providing a wheelchair-friendly entrance is impossible.

TheSTMis planning to re-design the crucial transit hubas the McGillsuperhospital nears completion.

The station is expected to see a major increase in traffic once the new hospital, which islocated right next door, isfinished.The station does not currently have an elevator or escalator.

Amlie Rgis, spokeswoman for theSTM, said it's simply impossible to build an elevator to allow wheelchair access at theVendme metro station.

Its an engineering issue. Its not only a financial issue. The way that the station was made, its technically impossible to build an elevator," she said.

Disabled rights advocate LaurentMorissettesaid this will make life difficult for patients who have to go to the hospital.

"If they cannot access itsecurelywith the elevators ...it causes problems,"Morissettesaid.

Rgissaidit's possible a second, more accessible,entrance could be built, but that wouldbe expensive.

"It's a lot of money to build a second entrance,"Rgissaid.

She said the STM is in the middle of discussions with the Quebec government to find out if that funding is available.

The McGill University Health Centresaida feasibility study on a second entrance is almost complete and will be submitted to the government for approval.