Pushing the Limits: Colin Mathieson on Winnipeg's Journey Towards True Accessibility

Colin Mathieson Champions Accessibility Through Sport and Advocacy in Winnipeg

Winnipeg, Manitoba — For four-time Paralympian and veteran wheelchair athlete Colin Mathieson, a lifelong commitment to speed, perseverance, and inclusion has shaped not only his career but also his advocacy for a more accessible city. In a recent interview for Breaking Barriers for Inclusive Manitoba with host Jenny Sakobak, Mathieson reflected on his athletic journey and the systemic changes needed to create a more equitable society. His story highlights both the inspiring potential of adaptive sport and the urgent need for improved accessibility across Winnipeg.

Mathieson's passion for wheelchair racing began at age six, after a chance meeting with Rick Hansen during his Man in Motion World Tour in 1984–85. “He was just the best possible inspiration to have growing up,” Mathieson recalled. That early encounter sparked a lifelong dedication to sport. In Winnipeg, he discovered a welcoming wheelchair racing community, complete with experienced coaches and peers. Throughout his career, Mathieson estimates he used between 15 to 20 custom-built racing wheelchairs—each valued between $10,000 and $20,000 today. These costs underscore the financial barriers often faced by athletes with disabilities and highlight the importance of sponsorships such as his early support from McGowan Design Group.

Accessibility Challenges in an Aging City

While the international stage gave Mathieson a glimpse of what fully accessible environments can look like, it also sharpened his understanding of the daily obstacles in a city like Winnipeg. “The environment really does shape the individual, not the other way around,” he said.

Winnipeg, like many older Canadian cities, is marked by aging infrastructure that predates universal design principles. While some public buildings have been retrofitted, many remain inaccessible. Seasonal challenges further complicate mobility: Winnipeg's long winters often mean poorly cleared sidewalks, which can significantly limit independence and access for wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges. Mathieson noted that he relies more heavily on his vehicle between October and April, a workaround that is not available to all.

“When sidewalks are cleared, everyone benefits,” he explained, pointing to the broader social value of accessible public spaces. Improved snow clearing not only helps those with disabilities, but also benefits seniors, parents with strollers, and anyone navigating the city on foot.

Progress and Proactive Design

Despite these issues, Mathieson acknowledged progress. He praised the City of Winnipeg for embedding accessibility into the design process from the beginning, rather than treating it as an afterthought. Employing universal design consultants as part of city staff, rather than simply hiring them as external advisors, has been a major step forward.

“Having the right people at the table from day one—that’s a huge, huge benefit,” he said. This kind of proactive planning has a measurable impact. According to Statistics Canada’s 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, 20.3% of Canadians aged 15 and older have at least one disability. In Manitoba, that translates to more than 200,000 people. Designing an accessible city benefits not just a minority group, but a significant portion of the population.

Mathieson also emphasized that accessibility is a growing concern for everyone. “Everyone’s temporarily able-bodied,” he noted, highlighting the inevitable changes that come with aging. As the Baby Boomer generation ages and faces its own mobility challenges, demand for accessible infrastructure will continue to rise. “They’re dictating what the world looks like now,” he said.

A Philosophy of Resilience

For Mathieson, the message is simple: “Don’t let anything stop you.” His advice to anyone facing barriers—physical or otherwise—is to find their passion and pursue it fully. “Once you find that thing, it’s so much easier to go all in,” he said. His philosophy, shaped by decades of athletic competition and advocacy, offers a blueprint for building not just personal resilience but also a more inclusive community.

The Breaking Barriers for Inclusive Manitoba series, in partnership with Accessibility Manitoba, continues to shine a light on stories like Mathieson’s. By raising awareness and driving policy discussions, the series aims to make Winnipeg a city where every resident, regardless of ability, can live fully and participate equally. As Mathieson’s story illustrates, accessibility is not just a policy goal—it is a shared responsibility and a collective opportunity to build a better future.